William C. Makler, an accomplished criminal defense attorney with over three decades of experience, serves as Of Counsel at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, bringing his unparalleled expertise in DUI defense to our firm. Based in Santa Barbara, Mr. Makler has built a distinguished career defending clients facing DUI and other criminal charges, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional outcomes in even the most complex cases.
Unmatched Expertise in DUI Defense
Mr. Makler has represented thousands of DUI defendants along California’s Central Coast, mastering every facet of DUI defense, including pretrial motions, jury trials, appeals, and DMV hearings. His deep understanding of the scientific and legal intricacies of DUI cases—such as challenging breathalyzer accuracy, field sobriety tests, and police procedures—has led to countless favorable resolutions for his clients. His dedication to protecting clients’ rights and minimizing the consequences of DUI charges has made him a trusted advocate in the field.
Notably, Mr. Makler has been a vocal advocate for non-criminal outcomes for college students facing minor alcohol-related charges, such as public intoxication or furnishing alcohol to minors. His efforts have influenced local policies, resulting in greater leniency for young people facing such charges, benefiting many beyond his individual clients.
A Proven Track Record of Success
With a career spanning back to 1989, Mr. Makler has successfully defended clients against a wide range of criminal charges, with a particular focus on DUI cases. His extensive trial experience and strategic approach have earned him consistent recognition, including a 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo, the highest possible score, and an A-V “Preeminent” rating from Martindale Hubbell, the industry leader in evaluating lawyers’ professional abilities and ethical standards. Additionally, Mr. Makler has been selected as a Super Lawyer, an honor reserved for only 5% of attorneys in each state, reflecting his exceptional skill and peer recognition.
Mr. Makler’s contributions extend beyond the courtroom. He has delivered over 40 lectures to college students, law students, judges, and fellow attorneys on topics such as DUI defense, scientific evidence, and criminal law. From 2006 to 2008, he served on the faculty of the Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law, teaching evidence and sharing his expertise with the next generation of legal professionals.
Commitment to Justice and Client Advocacy
A graduate of the University of California at San Diego and McGeorge School of Law, where he earned honors in trial advocacy, Mr. Makler is licensed to practice in all California state courts and the Eastern and Central Federal District Courts of California. His prior roles as a Felony Deputy Public Defender in Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz Counties, as well as his work with the Federal Public Defender in Sacramento, have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system.
Mr. Makler’s commitment to justice is evident in his high-impact litigation efforts, including a successful class action against the California Highway Patrol, which resulted in a published opinion favoring individuals arrested without subsequent charges. This case is known as the “unarrest” case that has since cleared the arrest records of tens of thousands of wrongly arrested Californians who would have otherwise lived their lives with an arrest record. His work reflects his belief that everyone deserves a second chance and a clean