Palm Desert Criminal Lawyer Joshua Mulligan

Top Rated Palm Desert DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers

Forest Wilkerson and Joshua Mulligan are the best Palm Desert DUI and criminal defense lawyers:

• Over 40 years combined criminal defense experience.

• Attorneys recognized by Palm Springs Life Magazine as “Top Lawyer” every year since 2013.

• Over 100 perfect 5-star reviews.

• Attorney Mulligan is a California State Bar Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist.

The Power of Your Truth

Attorney Joshua Mulligan has honed his skills at the prestigious Trial Lawyers College, where he learned to transform cold, legal arguments into the living, breathing truth of a client’s story. This is not just about courtroom tactics. It’s about reaching hearts—judges, juries, and even the opposition. This training allows us to craft a defense that’s not only compelling but human, ensuring your side of the story is told with passion and purpose.

Local Lawyers for Local Cases

Most criminal cases in the Palm Desert go through the Larson Justice Center in Indio, and about 90% of our caseload is centered there. Our attorneys know the local courts inside and out. When you hire us, you’ll get personalized attention and have the same criminal defense lawyer by your side in court from start to finish. We’re here to protect your rights and guide you through this difficult time.

Helping Visitors with Criminal Cases

Palm Desert is a popular destination with events like the Dinah Shore Weekend, BNP Paribas Open, and Coachella Music Festival drawing millions of visitors each year. Unfortunately, some visitors leave with criminal charges after getting caught up in the partying.

We help clients from other states and countries by handling cases remotely whenever possible. For misdemeanors, most clients never need to appear in court. For felonies, we try to minimize the number of court appearances you’ll need to make. We also assist with probation transfers and finding classes in your home state or country.

Unmatched Legal Expertise in Palm Desert Cases

• DUI Defense: From DMV hearings to appeals, our attorneys protect your rights at every stage. With over 40 years of combined experience and a record of success, Wilkerson & Mulligan are the trusted choice for DUI defense lawyers in Palm Desert. Our attorneys have won DUI cases at every stage, from DMV administrative hearings, to motion, to jury trials, to writs and appeals.

• Drug Crimes: We defend clients against charges like possession and sales. We work hard to understand the struggles related to drug abuse and addiction and work with our clients to get help.

• Violent Crimes: With over 40 years of experience, we tackle serious charges like assault, robbery, and homicide.

• Sex Crimes: We provide a compassionate and effective defense to ensure fair treatment. Many criminal defense attorneys refuse sexual assault cases, but we face the challenge. It is ridiculously easy to falsely accuse a man of sexual molestation or assault. And the Riverside County District Attorney files these cases indiscriminately and with little regard for the truth.

• Domestic Violence: We work to uncover the truth and protect your rights in both traditional and same-sex cases. Our criminal defense attorneys have obtained dozens of pre-trial dismissals and jury trial acquittals on DV cases.

• Restraining Orders: We help fight unfair restraining orders to safeguard your reputation. We began working on Palm Desert restraining order cases because so many of our criminal defense cases have cross-over issues. Our criminal lawyers provide the aggressive, thorough defense that many attorneys based in family law have not developed.

Palm Desert Criminal Lawyers who Understand Mental Health Defenses

We work hard for clients facing mental health challenges. California offers options for leniency when mental health issues play a role in a case.

• Mental Health Defenses: We craft defense strategies that highlight the impact of mental health conditions.

• Diversion Programs: We guide clients through programs that focus on treatment instead of punishment.

• Advocating for Treatment: We push for alternatives to jail, such as therapy, for clients with mental health issues.

• Mental Health Evaluations: We work with professionals to build cases that address the root causes of behavior.

• Reducing Sentences: We use mental health evidence to seek reduced charges or lighter sentences when appropriate.

Supporting Palm Desert LGBTQ Community

Since 2007, our Palm Desert Criminal Defense attorneys have been working on cases involving the LGBTQ community. We understand the unique challenges faced by gay and lesbian individuals in the legal system. When you meet with us, you won’t be judged for your personal life. We’ve dealt with cases like these:

• Domestic Violence in Same-Sex Couples: We provide sensitive and skilled defense for domestic violence cases in same-sex relationships.

• Sexual Assault in Same-Sex Relationships: We ensure fair treatment and justice in sexual assault cases involving same-sex partners.

• Chemsex and Addiction-Related Charges: We offer compassionate legal support for cases tied to chemsex or addiction issues common in the local hookup scene.

• Crimes Involving Dating Apps: We have experience defending against charges related to extortion, assault, or other crimes involving apps like Grindr.

• Party Drug DUIs: We handle cases involving DUI charges with drugs like Rohypnol and other substances tied to Palm Desert nightlife.

A Palm Desert Law Firm Committed to Helping People who Come to the Desert to get a Fresh Start

The Coachella Valley has long been a haven for those seeking healing and renewal. Our region’s history of health and wellness care dates back to World War I, when gas attack victims and tuberculosis patients came here to recover in the desert’s clean air and warm climate. Today, the tradition continues with a large number of rehabilitation facilities catering to individuals recovering from addiction, mental health challenges, and other personal struggles.

Many people come to Palm Desert and the surrounding areas with the hope of starting over, using the tranquility of the desert to find clarity and build a better future. Unfortunately, the road to recovery is often fraught with challenges, and relapse can lead to legal troubles. Cases involving DUIs, possession charges, domestic violence, or even theft arise when people are struggling to maintain their sobriety.

As defense attorneys in Palm Desert, we understand the unique circumstances faced by individuals in recovery. These cases require a compassionate and strategic approach, emphasizing treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment. Our goal is to help clients avoid becoming trapped in the criminal legal system and instead find solutions that support their long-term success.

Whether it’s advocating for alternative sentencing options, working closely with rehabilitation facilities, or ensuring that clients are treated fairly under the law, we are committed to helping those who come to Palm Desert for a second chance navigate their legal challenges and get back on track.

Your Story, Our Mission

Every case we take is a fight for a person’s life, their future, their truth. At Wilkerson & Mulligan, we don’t just represent clients; we stand for them. If you’re ready to have your voice heard, your rights defended, and your story told, contact us today. Together, we’ll fight for the justice you deserve.