WILLIAM C. MAKLER
Top-Rated Santa Barbara Criminal & DUI Defense Attorney
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Cases Handled
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5-Star Reviews
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Years Experience
Santa Barbara Criminal Defense Attorney
Practice Areas
DUI & Drunk Driving
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges result when an individual is suspected by the police of having driven a vehicle with too much alcohol and/or drugs in his or her system.
Drug Possession
Being accused of selling drugs or possessing drugs for sale can lead to drastic consequences, including fines, jail time & possibly a permanent criminal record.
Theft Crimes
Theft Charges come in many forms (for example, Petty, Grand, Auto, Embezzlement). When charged with a theft crime, the consequences can be lifelong.
Assault & Battery
An assault or a battery charge can vary widely in possible consequences, some of which are severe, like a strike under the Three Strikes Law and prison time.
Clear Your Record
There are a variety of ways through which you may be able to reduce the negative effects of many criminal convictions, arrests, and juvenile adjudications.
Domestic Violence
If convicted of domestic violence, you may face incarceration, probation, batterer’s treatment classes, fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record.
Are You Facing Criminal Charges in Santa Barbara County?
If you have been arrested for any criminal charge (including DUI), you should speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer right away. Santa Barbara Lawyer William C. Makler has provided thousands of individuals thoughtful, effective and reasonably-priced criminal defense services for 27 years. He is available around the clock to answer questions of persons facing criminal charges of all types in Santa Barbara.
Call us now at (805) 892-4922 for a free, no obligation consultation, or message us and Mr. Makler will get back to you as soon as possible, frequently within a few minutes. There is NO charge for the initial consultation. All the information you provide will be kept entirely confidential. There is absolutely nothing to lose by calling or emailing right away. In fact, your freedom may depend on it.
I was referred to the Law Offices of William Makler by a friend and feel that I would be doing a disservice by not referring him to others.
Right away, Bill helped set my mind at ease about my case and I knew I was in good hands. He assisted me and remained in contact every step of the way, until my case was resolved. Most importantly, he helped achieve the best possible outcome I could have hoped for.
I cannot fail to mention the extremely helpful, friendly staff that work with Bill. They always answered my phone calls and were willing to assist with any questions or concerns I had.
I am so glad that I went with Bill as my lawyer and cannot recommend him and his team highly enough.
Right away, Bill helped set my mind at ease about my case and I knew I was in good hands. He assisted me and remained in contact every step of the way, until my case was resolved. Most importantly, he helped achieve the best possible outcome I could have hoped for.
I cannot fail to mention the extremely helpful, friendly staff that work with Bill. They always answered my phone calls and were willing to assist with any questions or concerns I had.
I am so glad that I went with Bill as my lawyer and cannot recommend him and his team highly enough.
Bill and his staff perform excellent work. If you ever find yourself facing the unfortunate reality of requiring a criminal defense attorney, don't look any further.
I found myself in a situation earlier this year that necessitated hiring legal counsel. After having been arrested for a violent felony (which was neither truly felonious or particularly violent, but was being perceived as such), I had no choice but to call for help. And I had no idea where to look.
After several free consultations with various criminal defense attorneys in the Santa Barbara area, I became discouraged by their lack of transparency in not only their fee structure, but also their methodology in "consulting". Their consultations were essentially a sales pitch comprised of scare tactics to persuade prospective clients into retaining their services for tens of thousands of dollars. One local firm even indicated I would be remanded into custody at my first court date if I *don't* hire them. Bullshit. Some of these people are bigger criminals than the criminals they defend.
I should've just started by calling Bill Makler. He was quick to respond, he was extremely open and transparent about his fee structure, and took the time to explain what I should expect depending on variable outcomes and contingencies. In other words: no surprises, no games, no bullshit. The same cannot be said for many of his local competitors in SB.
Bill Makler and his team get their work done. If you end up needing to retain counsel, hire Bill - ask the pertinent questions, take his advice, and let him do the work. If you're looking to be coddled during your time being put through the wringer, hire a therapist. If you want a competent and intelligent lawyer that will get you the best possible outcome of your criminal case, call Mr. Makler.
What was the outcome of my "violent felony" arrest just a few short months ago?
As of the date of this writing, the case is completely dismissed.
I found myself in a situation earlier this year that necessitated hiring legal counsel. After having been arrested for a violent felony (which was neither truly felonious or particularly violent, but was being perceived as such), I had no choice but to call for help. And I had no idea where to look.
After several free consultations with various criminal defense attorneys in the Santa Barbara area, I became discouraged by their lack of transparency in not only their fee structure, but also their methodology in "consulting". Their consultations were essentially a sales pitch comprised of scare tactics to persuade prospective clients into retaining their services for tens of thousands of dollars. One local firm even indicated I would be remanded into custody at my first court date if I *don't* hire them. Bullshit. Some of these people are bigger criminals than the criminals they defend.
I should've just started by calling Bill Makler. He was quick to respond, he was extremely open and transparent about his fee structure, and took the time to explain what I should expect depending on variable outcomes and contingencies. In other words: no surprises, no games, no bullshit. The same cannot be said for many of his local competitors in SB.
Bill Makler and his team get their work done. If you end up needing to retain counsel, hire Bill - ask the pertinent questions, take his advice, and let him do the work. If you're looking to be coddled during your time being put through the wringer, hire a therapist. If you want a competent and intelligent lawyer that will get you the best possible outcome of your criminal case, call Mr. Makler.
What was the outcome of my "violent felony" arrest just a few short months ago?
As of the date of this writing, the case is completely dismissed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10 stars is what he deserves
William Makler is an amazing attorney and a genuinely kind person. He took the time to help me with his knowledge and advice out of pure kindness, even though he didn’t know me. I’m truly grateful — you don’t meet people like that often. Highly recommend!
William Makler is an amazing attorney and a genuinely kind person. He took the time to help me with his knowledge and advice out of pure kindness, even though he didn’t know me. I’m truly grateful — you don’t meet people like that often. Highly recommend!
We were very impressed with the professionalism and dedication of Bill Makler. His deep knowledge of and experience with the workings of the legal system allowed him to quickly and accurately understand the challenges we faced and to offer us sound and much needed guidance to resolve our problem in the most cost effective and safest method. I hope not to require his services in the future, but if I have a problem he will be the first I will call and trust to handle it effectively and honestly.
Mr. Makler and his team — Maureen, Maria, and Rachel — are hands down the best legal team in Santa Barbara. They’re diligent and work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome. Maureen, Maria, and Rachel are always willing to answer questions, explain each step, and keep you calm and informed throughout the process. Mr. Makler goes above and beyond to ensure his clients receive the best possible deal, and takes the time to communicate with compassion and understanding. Thank you! — AA
I highly recommend Bill Makler to anyone in need of legal assistance, particularly veterans. Bill is a true expert in working with Veterans Court and has extensive experience handling legal issues specific to veterans. He works out of Santa Barbara County, and from the start, he was the only attorney who took the time to speak with me directly. Bill is professional, compassionate, and transparent, always making sure I understood my options and what to expect.
His rates were fair, and he achieved an outstanding result by getting my case dismissed. On top of that, his team is excellent – they are incredibly responsive, typically getting back to me either the same day or the following business day. I’m beyond grateful for Bill’s expertise and the support from his staff. For any veteran seeking legal help in Santa Barbara County, I strongly recommend reaching out to Bill Makler!
His rates were fair, and he achieved an outstanding result by getting my case dismissed. On top of that, his team is excellent – they are incredibly responsive, typically getting back to me either the same day or the following business day. I’m beyond grateful for Bill’s expertise and the support from his staff. For any veteran seeking legal help in Santa Barbara County, I strongly recommend reaching out to Bill Makler!
I am so thankful I decided to have Mr. Makler represent me in my criminal and then civil case. He and his legal team put experience and skill to work for me and after getting my charges lowered, he ultimately succeeded in having my case completely thrown out with all charges dropped. Not only did I get the desired end result, but Mr. Makler and his team were patient, and supportive throughout the process. Mr. Makler saw that the charges against me were ridiculous and that I was not guilty of any infraction. He compiled and presented the evidence including security camera footage and once the facts were clearly seen, the case was dropped. Thank you Mr. Makler for fighting for me and ensuring the true facts were visible to the justice system.
very knowledgeable, this guy knows his stuff! he was quick to reply, and also gave recommendations for family lawyers. Not only that but he seemed honest and wasn't trying to make me pay extra money for my situation. He put me at ease so 5/5 would recommend!! Go to this guy
I highly recommend Bill Makler for anyone in need of legal assistance in Santa Barbara. He was the only attorney willing to speak with me directly, and his responsiveness and commitment to keeping me updated made the process much easier to handle. Bill was clear, compassionate, and straightforward, always making sure I understood my options and what to expect. His rates were reasonable, and he delivered an amazing outcome by getting my case dismissed. I couldn’t be more grateful for his help and professionalism – if you need a great lawyer in Santa Barbara, look no further than Bill Makler!
The best. Without a doubt. Don’t waste your time looking for anyone else. I promise. I can’t say enough, other than he and his team get the job done and provided you do what you are asked of, it will all work out.
I retained Mr. Makler to assist when my son was inappropriately charged with a violation. He is extremely knowledgeable and a very good advocate for his clients. We were kept up to date throughout the matter, and always received answers to any questions quickly. All charges were dismissed.
In the beginning of my journey of fighting this criminal charge, I was stuck with a public defender who, for the lack of a better word, was useless. After him, I got transferred to a different public defender who was very lackluster and dismissive. That is when I made the decision to search for a better alternative. Bill came highly praised and after our first conversation he gave me a few options that would result in my case being dismissed. Those options were never even mentioned by my prior attorneys. I will be forever grateful for what himself, Tony and the rest of their team did for me and my life. The initial deliberation between paying a private attorney (which is, by the way, more affordable than I initially anticipated) or sticking with a public one ended up being worth it in the end. I would do this all over again in a heartbeat, if I had to. Highly recommend their services. They are super attentive, responsive, diligent, professional, and in the upper echelon of their craft.
