Michael Winn Levinsohn
Napa, CA
Licensed for 31 years
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Criminal Defense
Language
English
About
For 30 years, Michael Levinsohn has been defending the unjustly accused of central and Southern California. After being a Deputy Public Defender for two years, Michael became a Private Criminal Defense Attorney in 1992. His litigation skills in the courtroom are legendary—for two consecutive years, he was nominated a Top 100 Trial Lawyer. But what really sets Michael apart as a criminal defense attorney is his loyalty and unflinching dedication to defending his clients.Michael has defended clients in over 60 jury trials, and won well over 50 percent of them, including trials for rape, sex assault, domestic violence, narcotics sales, marijuana sales, money laundering, theft, DUI, assault, and battery. He has also represented hundreds of marijuana growers, transporters, and dispensary owners here in California. While Michael defends individuals in all types of criminal cases in both California state and federal court, he specializes in high-stakes cases that involve serious felonies.
Practices Areas
Criminal Defense
Language
English
Contact
Reviews
Michael’s years of experience with the judicial system was very apparent, he was able to maneuver through the case with ease, he won motions he submitted and ultimately was able to negotiate my case no jail time and community service. I am hoping to use his services with my expungement . Michael was always available to speak with me he explained the ins and outs of the case and made every effort to fight on my behalf. Having a lawyer that is knowledgeable and capable of taking a case all the way to trial is a must, he did not back down to the idea of taking the case to trial if necessary, this I believe was one of his assets along with a vast knowledge for the legal system. He made no promise and was very honest, this type of integrity is difficult to find in a criminal lawyer.
I hired Michael when my children were suddenly removed from my custody by LA County DCFS on extremely tenuous grounds. Due to Michael's tireless efforts, I was able to get them back at the earliest possible moment, at the initial detention hearing. I have since been told that this rarely happens. Once DCFS gets their claws into your family, it can take months to get your children back. The trial was then set for two months after the detention hearing. During those 2 months, Michael was constantly in touch and working to secure a dismissal at the trial. I was always kept fully informed about my case and any possible outcomes/potential difficulties. This gave me peace of mind during an extremely stressful time. The case was dismissed with prejudice at the trial hearing, meaning that DCFS could no longer legally harass my family. I would recommend Michael to anyone battling with DCFS. He should be on the emergency number list for anyone with kids. My experience has shown that DCFS can show up unexpectedly at *anyone's* door. If they are not handled correctly, the situation can quickly turn into a nightmare.
Not only is he always available to answer all my legal questions fully but he got my case completely dismissed without me having to be there. As a nursing mother facing jail time, he is my hero! Now Mommy can stay home and focus on what matters, my babies. Although I only recently hired Michael, I have been calling on him for legal advice in various situations for over four years prior. Never did he ask for a dime or turn his back on me. What a blessing this man is! Thank you doesn't seem like enough. His knowledge and care are insurmountable and I've been through quite a few lawyers! Thank you so very much, Michael!
I was charged with felony drug convictions with multiple priors. I was looking at doing serious time for a nonviolent drug offense. It was a long road but at the end of the jury trial the jurors couldn't come up with an verdict twice resulting in no conviction. This is where the litigating experience is needed which tons of attys cannot do well. He will argue/litigate/fight/represent to the death for you.
I was charged with multiple felony counts.I had retained Michael Levinshon and watched him turn 11 felony counts into a full dismissal. I fully trusted his knowledge of the law and his ability to prevail even during the hardest situations. He is an amazing attorney, and without his representation I'm not sure what my outcome may have been. He delivered what he promised!
Unbelievably great lawyer! It was amazing to watch, he crushed in the court room. It was like watching a perfectly orchestrated play. Word of advice to anyone seeking lawyer for ANY criminal case, ESPECIALLY medical marijuana defense contact this guy.
medical marijuana case. he gave me a fair price and kept me informed. these things are very stressful and having a great lawyer makes all the difference! i would recommend Mr Levinsohn to my closest friend and relatives.
I was referred by SF attorney that Mr Levinsohn worked with. Mr Levinsohn kept on calling and calling so I thought he was on top of his game. Once he got my money he wanted to charge again for trial ( I hired him specifically for trial, it’s on our agreement) Then he tried to charge 5k for different dismissed case saying he would make it go away forever. Hmm dismissed means it went away?,!? He made me to hire a private investigator to do his job, thank god the investigator was so good. My case was weak case for DA and DA tried so hard to make me accept the plea deal. It was postponed probably 7 times and eventually got dropped. Mr Levinsohn was really hard to communicate calmly, all he wants is money money. I found him unkind, lazy and rude. If I could turn back the time I would never hire him again. He still owes me money from PI investigation but I’m so sure I’ll never see that money again. I totally wasted all my money on him. I wouldn’t recommend this lawyer.
I would not hire this attorney who was referred to me. He stared off really kind and nice however, it turned a different way. I ended up having to hire an actual experienced federal attorney. I highly recommend that YOU do your research on this attorney. Ask specifically how many federal cases, and general cases he has had an entire career, ask about his knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws. He charged me a flat rate of $25K to be my attorney which I have now found out was EXTREMELY high for his years of actual experience (# of cases, #of trials won, appeals, the list goes on). I I asked for an itmeized statement which in return was a joke (I wish I could post) it was literally a numbered document he made and said he was charging $600/hr (this hourly rate was never discussed). He also charged 2hrs for creating a document that a middle student could create. I would STAY AWAY from this attorney and always get a second opinion for local bay area attonrey's who are notable and high profile.
Michael’s years of experience with the judicial system was very apparent, he was able to maneuver through the case with ease, he won motions he submitted and ultimately was able to negotiate my case no jail time and community service. I am hoping to use his services with my expungement . Michael was always available to speak with me he explained the ins and outs of the case and made every effort to fight on my behalf. Having a lawyer that is knowledgeable and capable of taking a case all the way to trial is a must, he did not back down to the idea of taking the case to trial if necessary, this I believe was one of his assets along with a vast knowledge for the legal system. He made no promise and was very honest, this type of integrity is difficult to find in a criminal lawyer.
I hired Michael when my children were suddenly removed from my custody by LA County DCFS on extremely tenuous grounds. Due to Michael's tireless efforts, I was able to get them back at the earliest possible moment, at the initial detention hearing. I have since been told that this rarely happens. Once DCFS gets their claws into your family, it can take months to get your children back. The trial was then set for two months after the detention hearing. During those 2 months, Michael was constantly in touch and working to secure a dismissal at the trial. I was always kept fully informed about my case and any possible outcomes/potential difficulties. This gave me peace of mind during an extremely stressful time. The case was dismissed with prejudice at the trial hearing, meaning that DCFS could no longer legally harass my family. I would recommend Michael to anyone battling with DCFS. He should be on the emergency number list for anyone with kids. My experience has shown that DCFS can show up unexpectedly at *anyone's* door. If they are not handled correctly, the situation can quickly turn into a nightmare.
Not only is he always available to answer all my legal questions fully but he got my case completely dismissed without me having to be there. As a nursing mother facing jail time, he is my hero! Now Mommy can stay home and focus on what matters, my babies. Although I only recently hired Michael, I have been calling on him for legal advice in various situations for over four years prior. Never did he ask for a dime or turn his back on me. What a blessing this man is! Thank you doesn't seem like enough. His knowledge and care are insurmountable and I've been through quite a few lawyers! Thank you so very much, Michael!
I was charged with felony drug convictions with multiple priors. I was looking at doing serious time for a nonviolent drug offense. It was a long road but at the end of the jury trial the jurors couldn't come up with an verdict twice resulting in no conviction. This is where the litigating experience is needed which tons of attys cannot do well. He will argue/litigate/fight/represent to the death for you.
I was charged with multiple felony counts.I had retained Michael Levinshon and watched him turn 11 felony counts into a full dismissal. I fully trusted his knowledge of the law and his ability to prevail even during the hardest situations. He is an amazing attorney, and without his representation I'm not sure what my outcome may have been. He delivered what he promised!
Unbelievably great lawyer! It was amazing to watch, he crushed in the court room. It was like watching a perfectly orchestrated play. Word of advice to anyone seeking lawyer for ANY criminal case, ESPECIALLY medical marijuana defense contact this guy.
medical marijuana case. he gave me a fair price and kept me informed. these things are very stressful and having a great lawyer makes all the difference! i would recommend Mr Levinsohn to my closest friend and relatives.
I was referred by SF attorney that Mr Levinsohn worked with. Mr Levinsohn kept on calling and calling so I thought he was on top of his game. Once he got my money he wanted to charge again for trial ( I hired him specifically for trial, it’s on our agreement) Then he tried to charge 5k for different dismissed case saying he would make it go away forever. Hmm dismissed means it went away?,!? He made me to hire a private investigator to do his job, thank god the investigator was so good. My case was weak case for DA and DA tried so hard to make me accept the plea deal. It was postponed probably 7 times and eventually got dropped. Mr Levinsohn was really hard to communicate calmly, all he wants is money money. I found him unkind, lazy and rude. If I could turn back the time I would never hire him again. He still owes me money from PI investigation but I’m so sure I’ll never see that money again. I totally wasted all my money on him. I wouldn’t recommend this lawyer.
I would not hire this attorney who was referred to me. He stared off really kind and nice however, it turned a different way. I ended up having to hire an actual experienced federal attorney. I highly recommend that YOU do your research on this attorney. Ask specifically how many federal cases, and general cases he has had an entire career, ask about his knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws. He charged me a flat rate of $25K to be my attorney which I have now found out was EXTREMELY high for his years of actual experience (# of cases, #of trials won, appeals, the list goes on). I I asked for an itmeized statement which in return was a joke (I wish I could post) it was literally a numbered document he made and said he was charging $600/hr (this hourly rate was never discussed). He also charged 2hrs for creating a document that a middle student could create. I would STAY AWAY from this attorney and always get a second opinion for local bay area attonrey's who are notable and high profile.