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Paula Wasserman Drake

Paula Wasserman Drake

Protecting your rights and winning the fights, with 37 years of proven success!
  • Criminal Law, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence ...
  • California
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Biography

Attorney Paula Drake attended UCLA; she graduated cum laude with a BA in Political Science and a Teaching Credential from the Graduate School of Education.
Ms. Drake taught school in Orange County for five years and received a Bilingual Cross-cultural Specialist Credential from California State University, Fullerton. She attended law school at Western State University, Fullerton. After receiving numerous honors and awards (including Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, three American Jurisprudence awards, Executive Editor of the Law Review), Ms. Drake graduated with honors and with two published law review articles. She was a certified law clerk for the Orange County District Attorney and then for the Orange County Public Defender.
Ms. Drake began her career as a Deputy Public Defender in Orange County, working in Juvenile Court handling both delinquency and dependency cases. She then handled adult criminal matters of all types until 1990, when she established her own private law practice.
She has worked as an ICDA panel attorney in Los Angeles County, handling criminal matters for indigent defendants, and as a Panel attorney in Orange County.
Handling all types of criminal cases, Ms. Drake also handles professional license disciplinary matters. She handles all DUI matters, including related DMV hearings and writs. She handles all cases personally. She has a 37 years proven track record of success due to her experience, knowledge, reputation, and tenacity. If you are under investigation, she can help you to prevent or minimize possible charges. She can advise on how to clear your criminal record.
Ms. Drake was admitted to Federal Practice in three districts in California. She has been affiliated with various organizations over the years. She continues to teach seminars both to legal professionals and to the community. Formerly, Ms. Drake volunteered in Orange County as a temporary judge. She was just awarded Best Lawyers of 2024.

Education
Western State University College of Law
J.D. (1985) | Law
Honors: Graduated with Scholastic Merit (top10%); Honor Roll; National Dean's List; Law Review Executive Editor, Note Editor, Associate Editor; Honor's Moot Court Participant, Board Member, Judge; Recipient Outstanding Editor, Law Review; American Jurisprudence Awards (Professional Responsibility, Civil Procedure and Constitutional Law; Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
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California State University - Fullerton
Bilingual Cross Cultural Specialist Teaching Credential (1981)
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University of California - Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts and Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential (1977) | Political Science with emphasis in Public Law
Honors: Cum Laude; Deans List; Pi Gamma Mu National Honor Society; State and University Scholarships; Secretary UCLA Pre Law Society
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Publications
Articles & Publications
People v Angeles, Independent State Grounds for Due Process Threatened
Western State University Law Review, Vol. 13 No. 1
California v Trombetta: Holding our Breath on the Duty to Preserve
Western State University Law Review, Vol. 12 No. 1
Certifications
NTL Criminal Defense Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California
National Trial Lawyers
Awards
Client Favorite 2024/Best Lawyers of 2024
Meet Great Lawyers LLC
Client Favorite, California, Criminal Defense 2024
NTL Criminal Defense Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California
National Trial Lawyers
Professional Associations
California State Bar  # 127102
Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
State Bar of California
ID Number: 127102
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United States District Court, Central District of California
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United States District Court, Eastern District of California
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United States District Court, Southern District of California
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Individualized fee quote; possible payment plans; discounts for seniors, military and students.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Victims Rights
Juvenile Law
White Collar Crime
Traffic Tickets
Suspended License
Additional Practice Area
  • Professional License Disciplinary Defense
Languages
  • English
  • Spanish
Legal Answers
Q. Appellate court keeps refusing my documents.
A: Try calling the LA bar association lawyer referral service and see if they have someone on their limited means panel that can assist you.
Q. Will an infraction show up on my background check / live scan?
A: More than likely it won’t show up if it was, indeed, an infraction. However, sometimes infractions started off as misdemeanors and were reduced. The misdemeanor arrest might show up. Also I have seen many inaccurate DOJ reports over the years. If you are concerned, there is a means of checking your own record for personal review. When I am hired to clear a criminal record, this is the starting point. Then I can determine the remedy to clear the record, if necessary.
Q. Why is my friend in jail but there is no case number or next court date
A: Since you indicate he has had an arraignment, there should be a case number and next court date I’m not sure where you are searching. Check on Monday for an update in the system. The jail will know where he’s housed. If you call a local criminal defense attorney, they know how to find the information and should be able to help you.
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Contact & Map
Paula Drake, Attorney at Law
2522 Chambers Rd.
100
Tustin, CA 92780
Telephone: (714) 325-8516
Cell: (714) 325-8516
Fax: (760) 406-5954
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Flexible hours by appointment. Phone availability 7 days.