Michael C. Lukehart

Since 1982, Michael C. Lukehart has focused on Criminal Defense Litigation, practicing for 26 years with the Kern County Public Defender and then starting his own office in 2008. He has defended hundreds of high profile, complex cases, and has been a pioneer in the defense of Three-Strikes trials in the State of California. Mr. Lukehart was honored by the California Public Defenders Association in 2002 as Defender of the Year for the entire State of California. He was similarly honored by the Kern County Bar Association, Criminal Defense Section, in 2003. Listed in Martindale-Hubbell's Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Attorneys, Michael C. Lukehart is among the select lawyers who have earned the AV® Peer Review Rating. An AV® rating shows that a lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence and adherence to the professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability, and diligence. Mr. Lukehart has also earned the top Avvo attorney rating of 10 (Superb). No other attorney in Kern County can boast of all these achievements. Many professional, educational, and law enforcement organizations have featured Mr. Lukehart as a speaker. However, the courtroom is where his talents are put to best use. Michael Lukehart gives all criminal cases of every kind his full attention. No case is too small nor too large to receive the same high level of expertise and respect. Every client deserves the same attention, including those charged in the high-profile, complex criminal law cases he specializes in and is known for. Mr. Lukehart knows that every case is the most important case in the world to that individual client. Criminal defense cases completed include: 284 felony jury trials, including 51 homicide trials; 32 special circumstance cases. Professional Recognition: Death Penalty Qualified AV® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell; Rated 10 (Superb) by Avvo; 2002 Defender of the Year, California Public Defenders Association; 2002 Atticus Finch

Southwestern University School of Law

J.D. (1979) | Law

1977 - 1979

Chief Attorney

Law Office of Michael C. Lukehart

2008 - Current

Criminal defense cases completed during career include: 282 felony jury trials, including 50 homicide trials; 31 special circumstance cases.

Deputy Public Defender V

Kern County Public Defender, Bakersfield, CA

1982 - 2008

Conducted investigations and supervised the investigation of facts; interviewed defendants, complainants and witnesses with regard to criminal proceedings; examined evidence; prepared for trial and tried the most difficult criminal cases in the Superior Court; prepared legal briefs, opinions, pleadings, petitions, motions, writs and other legal papers in both trial courts of the County and the Appellate Courts; conferred with, trained, and advised staff on general prosecution or defense techniques and specific case situations; supervised the processing of extradition proceedings and insanity commitment proceedings; prepared correspondence and reports.

Sole Practitioner | General Practice

Michael C. Lukehart, Attorney at Law, Encino, CA

1980 - 1982

Certificate of Appreciation

California Public Defenders Association (CPDA)

2008

"For outstanding contributions in the field of legal education and trial advocacy."

Certificate of Appreciation

California Public Defenders Association (CPDA)

2006

"For outstanding contributions in the field of legal education and trial advocacy."

Certificate of Appreciation

California Public Defenders Association (CPDA)

2004

"For outstanding contributions in the field of legal education and trial advocacy."

Atticus Finch Award

Kern County Bar Association - Criminal Defense Section

2002

2002 Defender of the Year

California Public Defenders Association

2002

Defender of the Year for the entire state of California.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)

Member

2009 - Current

Kern County Bar Association - Criminal Defense Section

Member of the Board of Directors

2008 - Current

Kern County Bar Association

Member

2002 - Current

California Public Defender Association (CPDA)

Member

1984 - Current

California State Bar  # 92804

Member

1980 - Current

California

Since 1980

• Free Consultation

• Homicide
• Assault
• Gang allegations
• Drug cases
• Sex charges