Michael Chernis

A well-established criminal defense attorney based in Santa Monica, California, Michael Chernis is the principal attorney at Chernis Law Group P.C. Licensed to practice law for more than 27 years, he is admitted to represent clients in both New York and California. Long years of practice have given him exposure to a wide array of categories in criminal law, with a concentration in Cannabidiol and Industrial Hemp Law, white collar law, commercial litigation and other offenses in federal and state courts.In 1989, Mr. Chernis graduated with a B.A. in political science from Brandeis University. Later, he enrolled in the Fordham University School of Law and secured a Juris Doctor in 1994. He has secured admissions to the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Northern and Eastern Districts of New York, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th and 2nd Circuits.Identifying hemp and cannabis as an expanding industry in California after he moved from New York, Mr. Chernis focused his attention on federal laws and enforcing policies concerning the same in the state. He is a nationally recognized lawyer who is also one of the longest practicing in this field of law and has been selected by mg Magazine in the list of ‘30 Powerful Cannabis Attorneys You Should Know’.Covering both trial and appeal, Mr. Chernis has made a successful track record in both state and federal courts handling criminal offense charges of different varieties. With his familiarity with the U.S. and general sentencing guidelines and reputation, he has been selected as an appointed member of the panel of attorneys asked to represent defendants in federal criminal cases. His prior experience in other boutique firms in the state has also given him significant experience in resolving accusations of white collar crimes.Recognized with several acclaims in the legal community, Mr. Chernis holds valuable memberships in prominent legal associations, including the:The State Bar of California – Litigation and Criminal Defense SectionsLos Angeles County Bar Association – Cannabis SectionSanta Monica Bar AssociationNational Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLawyers Committee for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)International Cannabis Bar Association