Debra S. White

Bar / Professional Activity

• State Bar of California
• Certified Criminal Law Specialist, State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization
• Supreme Court of California
• U.S. District Court Central District of California
• U.S. District Court Southern District of California
• U.S. District Court Northern District of California
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of California
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
• Los Angeles County Bar Association

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Sex Crime Defense – Rape by intoxication – Los Angeles County (Downtown LA) – Jury trial – Acquittal.  
• Sex Crime Defense – Multiple-accuser allegations – Los Angeles County (Lancaster) – Jury trial – Acquittal.  
• Domestic Violence Defense – Felony domestic violence allegations – Los Angeles County (Van Nuys) – Jury trial – Acquittal. 
• DUI Homicide Defense – Second-degree murder allegation (Watson) – Los Angeles County (Pomona) – Murder allegation dismissed; case resolved with probation.  
• Violent Felony Defense – Attempted murder – Ventura County – Dismissed prior to preliminary hearing.  
• Violent Felony Defense – Kidnapping – Los Angeles County (Airport Court) – Dismissed after Penal Code § 995 motion.  
• Sex Crime Defense – Rape allegation – Ventura County – Charges dismissed. 
• Federal Fraud Defense – Fraud allegations – U.S. District Court (Central District of California) – U.S. Attorney diversion; no conviction. 
• Federal Fraud Defense – Fraud allegations exceeding $2 million – U.S. District Court (Central District of California) – No jail sentence. 
• Federal Controlled Substances Defense – Unlawful distribution allegations (healthcare professional) – U.S. District Court (Central District of California) – Sentence substantially below maximum exposure 
• Fraud Defense – Felony insurance fraud – Los Angeles County (Downtown LA) – Reduced to misdemeanor. 
• Sex Crime Defense – Child Sexual assault allegation – Los Angeles County (Van Nuys) – Charge dismissed; resolved by plea to child endangerment. 
• Sex Offense Defense – Possession allegation involving illegal images of children – Los Angeles County (Downtown LA) – Reduced to misdemeanor; no jail. 
• Serious Felony Defense – Robbery / carjacking allegations – Los Angeles County (Van Nuys) – Reduced to disturbing the peace (misdemeanor).  
• DUI Defense – Refusal allegation – Los Angeles County – Jury trial – Acquittal. 
• Domestic Violence Defense – Los Angeles County (Van Nuys)– Matter referred to City Attorney; charges not filed.  

Representative Clients

• Sex Crimes Defense – Individuals accused of serious sex crimes in Los Angeles and throughout California, including single-accuser and multiple-accuser cases where credibility, context, and investigative bias are central issues.  
• Domestic Violence Defense (Van Nuys / San Fernando Valley) – Clients facing misdemeanor and felony domestic violence allegations in the San Fernando Valley, including Van Nuys, where early decisions can affect protective orders, firearms rights, employment, and family relationships.  
• Violent Felony Defense – Clients charged with high-exposure felonies such as attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping, and serious assault allegations in California Superior Court and federal court.  
• Misdemeanor Defense (San Fernando Valley) – Clients facing misdemeanor charges in Los Angeles County Valley courts, including Van Nuys and surrounding communities, with direct representation and focused case strategy.  
• DUI Defense – Clients facing DUI charges in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, from first offenses to felony-level allegations, including refusals and cases involving injury.
• Federal Criminal Defense – Clients under federal investigation or prosecution in the Central District of California, including matters involving subpoenas, search warrants, and multi-agency investigations. 
• White Collar & Fraud Defense – Professionals, executives, and business owners facing fraud and financial crime allegations, including insurance fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and related offenses. 
• Controlled Substances Defense – Individuals and professionals facing controlled substances allegations in state or federal court, including cases with licensing or career consequences.  
• Restraining Orders and Protective Order Exposure – Clients facing criminal cases in the San Fernando Valley or Downtown Los Angeles, where protective orders and related collateral consequences are central to case strategy.  

Special Licenses / Certifications

• Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist— Certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization

Pro bono / Community Service

• Los Angeles Homeless Youth Shelter

Educational Background

• University of California, Los Angeles – B.A. 1995

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• How to Defend Sex Crimes, Co-Author, The Scarlet Letter, Aspatore Books, Criminal Justice
• 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

Honors

• Avvo 10.0 “Superb” Rating — Debra S. White holds an Avvo rating of 10.0 (Superb), the highest rating awarded by the attorney rating service. This distinction reflects her years of criminal defense experience, professional achievements, peer recognition, and strong record of ethical standing., Avvo 10.0 "Superb" Rating, Avvo.com
• Selected by Super Lawyers in the field of criminal law for more than 10 years—rated among the top 2.5% best criminal attorneys in Southern California. , Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers - Thomson Reuters
• The highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards, awarded by AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell every year since 2013. This prestigious honor is based on confidential peer reviews from fellow attorneys, prosecutors, and judges, reflecting Debra S. White’s exceptional skill, unwavering professionalism, and trusted reputation in the legal community., AV-Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Industry Groups

• Criminal Defense

“Ms. White is a superior criminal defense trial lawyer whose preparation, tactical decision-making, and dedication to her clients are second to none.”

“She is an aggressive, passionate advocate for her clients who wins the "unwinnable" trials and never fails to impress with her knowledge and creativity in the courtroom. She is truly a formidable criminal defense attorney who argues with intelligence, skill, and tenacity.”