About

About Us

Expertise born from experience

When the harsh and unrelenting criminal justice system in California hits you like a bolt from the blue, you need the strongest possible legal representation to fight the charges you are facing. With a tenacious and trustworthy legal team on your side, you will have the best chance to have the charges reduced or dismissed.

This is exactly what we offer you at Paladin Legal Defenders. Established in 2004 by attorney Charles Stoddard – one of the most successful and highest-rated criminal law lawyers in the country – Paladin Legal Defenders provides the highest caliber of criminal defense services to those who need it the most. To request a free case evaluation or consultation, call us at 714-536-9988 or contact us online.

Who We Are

Our core legal team consists of attorneys Charles Stoddard, Pante-a Nilchian, and Randall C. Bertz – all three of whom are seasoned criminal law lawyers with more than six decades of combined experience. Having some of the most astute and brightest legal minds on our team has allowed our firm to grow into one of California’s most trusted criminal defense practices.

We are passionate about defending the rights of those who cannot defend themselves against the might of the state. We believe that the state should be held to the highest possible prosecutorial standards and that the police and the prosecution should not be able to get away with mistakes, errors, or misconduct that could put innocent people behind bars or cause people to be disproportionately punished for any crimes. 

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Why Choose Us?

A Reputation for Excellence

Our criminal law lawyers are among the best minds in the industry and excel at what they do. Attorney Charles Stoddard, who founded our firm, has been selected as a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC) – an honor which is reserved only for the top 1% of the attorneys in the country. Our attorneys have the highest Avvo and Yelp ratings and are highly respected by their peers as well.

First-Hand Knowledge of Criminal Justice System

Our criminal law lawyers have first-hand knowledge of California’s criminal justice system and know how it works. Attorney Charles Stoddard is a former Deputy District Attorney and attorney Randall C. Bertz is a former police officer. Together, they know how police officers and prosecutors work, how they build cases, and what kind of strategies they use to obtain a conviction. Having this insider knowledge allows our legal team to mount strong defenses for our clients and stay a step ahead of the prosecution. 

Experience in Handling a Wide Range of Cases

Our criminal law lawyers have handled a wide range of cases – from DUI to homicide. Also, our clients come from a wide range of locations and backgrounds. From blue-collar workers to high-net-worth individuals, we have represented them all. With that said, no matter who you are, what you do, or what kind of charges you are facing, chances are we have already handled a case similar to yours.

Personalized Legal Services

At Paladin Legal Defenders, we always put your interests first. We know that a conviction can leave you with a criminal record which can have far-reaching ramifications in your life. It is why we invest a significant amount of time, effort, and resources into each and every case we take up and do everything we can to achieve the best outcome possible. We will go the extra mile to get to know you, address your concerns, and formulate the best possible defense plan to protect your rights and freedom.

Get the Top-Rated Criminal Law Lawyers in California in Your Corner

If you are facing criminal charges and wondering what to do, we can be your Paladin. With over six decades of combined experience, extensive resources, and deep legal knowledge, our attorneys are best equipped to defend you – regardless of how serious the charges against you might be.

To discuss your case with one of our experienced California criminal law lawyers, call our firm today at 714-536-9988 or contact us online and schedule a free and confidential consultation.

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Information
is power. 

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If you are in trouble and need to speak with an Attorney in our firm, please contact our office immediately.

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    (714) 536-9988

    Before you can make any decisions regarding your case, you need to know what all of your options are.  Information is power.  Let us help you get informed about what to expect in your case and how the criminal law system works.  The consultation is free, whether you hire us or not.