First Admitted: 1999, California

Professional Webpage: https://www.dwhitecriminaldefense.com/about

Bar/Professional Activity:

Supreme Court of California
Criminal Courts Bar Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Los Angeles County Bar Association
State Bar of California, Criminal Law Section
U.S. District Court Northern District of California
U.S. District Court Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court Southern District of California
U.S. District Court Central District of California

Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):

Forcible Rape - Case dismissed prior to trial - Early defense investigation and litigation exposed significant weaknesses in the DA’s case forcing a dismissal - People v. Fargo (Ventura)
Embezzlement - Charges not filed due to early intervention and successful civil compromise - confidential (Los Angeles)
Burglary - Charges reduced - no jail, no probation - Felony burglary charges reduced to petty theft and further reduced to misdemeanor trespass (Van Nuys)
Robbery and Carjacking - Charges dismissed in exchange for a negotiated plea to disturbing the peace (misdemeanor) - People v. Huichan (Van Nuys)
Illegal Firearms and Assault with Deadly Weapon – Charges dismissed in exchange for negotiated plea to disturbing the peace (misdemeanor) – People v. Polanco (San Fernando)
Hit and Run with Great Bodily Injury – Diversion granted - Once successfully completed, case will be dismissed – People v. Tirmizi (Van Nuys)
Assault on a Peace Officer – Dismissed and Arrest Record Sealed - Charges were diverted for one year and case was dismissed with arrest deemed never to have occurred following successful completion– People v. Cripe (San Bernardino)
Rape by Intoxication - Not guilty jury verdict - Retrial of complex case. Conviction would have resulted in a sentence of life in prison. Unanimous jury verdict of not guilty — People v. Wong (Los Angeles)
Rape by Intoxication - Not guilty jury verdict - Retrial of complex case. Conviction would have resulted in a sentence of life in prison. Unanimous jury verdict of not guilty — People v. Wong (Los Angeles)
Domestic Violence – Case Dismissed before arraignment due to aggressive investigation and early intervention - People. v. Vas (Los Angeles)

Representative Clients:

Sex Crimes: Specializing in all sex crimes: sexual assault, rape, statutory rape, rape by intoxication, child molestation, child pornography, prostitution, solicitation, sexual battery, lewd conduct, indecent exposure, and Title IX, 2024
Violent Crimes: Specializing in assault and battery, domestic violence, rape and other sex offenses, kidnapping, murder, ADW, attempted murder, Watson murder, manslaughter, gang enhancements, weapons offenses, and three strikes law, 2024
White Collar Crimes: Specializing in state and federal court and pre-indictment defense, 2024
Alcohol, Drugs, and Motor Vehicle Offenses: Specializing in felony DUI, vehicle manslaughter, Watson murder, DUI refusals, hit and run, and related drug offenses, 2024

Special Licenses/Certifications:

Debra White is a board-certified specialist in criminal law, certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. Achieving this certification means passing a rigorous written examination, demonstrating substantial experience in criminal law, meeting ongoing educational demands, and receiving favorable evaluations from peers and judges. This certification distinguishes attorneys, highlighting their expert capabilities and commitment to excellence within their specialty., 2024

Pro bono/Community Service:

Homeless Youth Shelter in Los Angeles

Honors/Awards:

Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, 2016 - present, 2024
"Superb" rating, Avvo, 2024
Super Lawyer, Selected by Super Lawyers in the field of criminal law, rated among the top 2.5% best criminal attorneys in Southern California, 2015 - present, 2024
The Highest rank of professional excellence, voted by her peers, prosecutors and Judges for strong legal ability and high ethical standards, 2013 - present, AV-Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell, 2024

Scholarly Lectures/Writings:

Maintaining Confidentiality in the Cloud. This article explores the use of modern technology by attorneys to communicate with clients and others about their cases. Privacy and security issues are addressed with regard to the use of email communications through electronic devices such as the computer and smart phone devices. Storing communications via the internet are also discussed in the context of maintaining security and client confidentiality, Author, Maintaining Confidentiality in the Cloud, The Valley Lawyer Magazine, Criminal Justice
How to Defend Sex Crimes, Co-Author, The Scarlet Letter, Aspatore Books, Criminal Justice

Industry Groups:

Criminal Law
Government
Judicial
Legal Justice

Debra White