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.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEFENSE
Accused of domestic violence? Our experienced domestic violence defense attorneys are here to stand by you with unwavering commitment and compassion. We know how crucial it is to make your story heard where it matters most—at the core of the case. When your narrative connects, it transforms from a mere defense into a powerful truth that demands justice. Trust us to safeguard your rights and relentlessly fight for your future.
Domestic Violence Charges FAQs
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In the world of domestic violence, the so-called "victim" doesn’t have the power to just say, “Forget it, I want out!” Nope, that’s up to the prosecutor. According to Penal Code 1219, the alleged victim isn’t getting locked up for refusing to testify. And if that person lied to the cops? They can take the Fifth. But here’s the thing – trying to pull these moves might be a disaster depending on the situation, so you’d better call an attorney.
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keep your cool. The police are not here to help you, so don’t make the mistake of talking without first consulting an experienced domestic violence attorney. Save any evidence that could help your case—screenshots, messages, anything on social media—and upload it to a cloud storage where your lawyer can access it later. The sooner you get legal advice, the better. Mistakes made at the start can hurt you down the road.
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Even a misdemeanor with no injury—yeah, the kind of charge that doesn’t even involve any visible harm—can land you in jail, with probation, mandatory classes for a year, and a whole bunch of other headaches. You could lose your right to own a gun, get deported if you're not a U.S. citizen, or even lose your kids. And if you’re staring down a felony charge, now you’re talking about a one-way ticket to state prison.
SEX CRIMES DEFENSE
Facing sex crime accusations can leave you feeling overwhelmed and terrified. You need a dedicated sex crime defense attorney who takes the time to thoroughly investigate your case, understands your situation, and tells your story with unwavering conviction. At Wilkerson & Mulligan, our experienced attorneys will fight for you, building a robust defense that protects your rights and secures your future. Let us be the advocates you can trust—fighting for your voice every step of the way.
Sex Crime Charges FAQs
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Do not talk to the police. The police are not here to help you; they’re there to build a case against you. Don’t make a statement. Period. After that, start preserving evidence—screenshots, texts, photos—anything you can get your hands on. Save it in a secure cloud drive, because your phone might just become evidence if you're arrested. Protect yourself.
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Yes, you can still be prosecuted. For most sex crimes, the statute of limitations is ten years, but for the more serious charges, that clock doesn’t stop until the alleged victim hits 40. So, if you're thinking you’re in the clear just because time has passed, think again. You could still face legal consequences for something that happened decades ago.
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It can be. In sex crime cases, the prosecution doesn’t need anything more than the accuser’s word. No physical evidence, no witnesses—just their statement, and that’s enough to start the legal process. It’s not fair, but that’s how the system works in these cases.
DRUG CRIMES DEFENSE
Accused of a drug crime and not sure where to turn? At Wilkerson & Mulligan, our drug crime defense attorneys are here to stand by you with relentless dedication. We dive deep into every detail to craft a powerful defense that challenges the prosecution and protects your rights. With our extensive experience in drug crime defense, we’ll help shape a compelling narrative that works in your favor. Let us carry the weight of your case so you can move forward with confidence. Trust us to fight for your freedom and your future, every step of the way.
Drug Charges FAQ
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Yes, if it's just a possession charge for personal use, you could be eligible for diversion under Penal Code section 1000. In some cases, a judge might even offer a more lenient option, like an online class under Penal Code section 1001.95. But watch out—if you’ve got prior convictions or if the charge involves selling drugs, you’re probably not going to get diversion. Complete the program, and the case could be dismissed.
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Possibly, if you've got a history of addiction and the crime is serious. The judge will need to decide if rehab is the right path for you, considering all the facts surrounding your case. It’s not automatic, but it could be on the table.
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Selling drugs can send you straight to state prison. On a first offense, you might get probation, but don’t count on that if you’ve been caught before. Repeat convictions for selling drugs like fentanyl almost always mean a state prison sentence.
DUI Defense
Got a DUI charge and feeling like you’re drowning in legal chaos? Let Forest Wilkerson & Joshua Mulligan, the DUI Defense pros, throw you a lifeline. We’ll comb through every detail, from that questionable traffic stop to the flawed test procedures, crafting a defense that could make the difference. We’re here to take the weight off your shoulders, handling the legal mess while you focus on what matters – your rights, your future, and keeping your driving privileges intact. From the DMV hearing to the jury trial, we’ve got your back, fighting for the best possible outcome.
DUI Defense FAQs
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A DMV APS (Administrative Per Se) hearing is a process that decides if your driver’s license will be suspended after a DUI arrest. This hearing doesn’t focus on criminal charges but reviews the details of your arrest, BAC test results, and whether you refused to take a breath or blood test. You can present evidence to dispute the suspension. But be quick—if you don’t request the hearing within 10 days of your arrest, your license will be automatically suspended.
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If you're convicted of a DUI in the criminal case or if the DMV finds that your BAC was 0.08 or higher, your license will be suspended. That said, you could qualify for a restricted license right away if you meet specific conditions.
Click her to calculate your suspension and for instructions to get a restricted license.
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Typically, a first-time DUI results in 3 years of probation, fines between $1,500 and $2,000, a DUI education program, and a 6-month suspension of your license.
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If it’s your first DUI and there’s no accident, jail time is unlikely. But if you’ve been arrested for a DUI multiple times or if your DUI caused injury, you’re looking at a higher chance of facing actual jail time.
Restraining Order Defense
Served with a restraining order and feeling like you're backed into a corner? It’s not the end of the world. Our expert defense attorneys know these orders can tear lives apart and turn everything upside down. We don’t just accept the claims at face value. We dig deep, uncovering the truth behind the accusations to build a defense that’s not just strong, but real. We’re here to protect your rights, restore your voice, and push back against a system that often feels stacked against you.
Restraining Order Defense FAQs
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If a restraining order is placed against you, along with the stay-away order you may face:
52-week batterer intervention class.
Loss of child custody.
Loss of 2nd amendment rights.
In some situations, a restraining order may impact employment.
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To respond, you need to submit a DV-120 form to the court at least 5 days before the hearing. Make sure to clearly outline your side of the situation and attach any supporting evidence, such as witness declarations, photos, or text messages. You can serve the DV-120 form by mail, but remember to file the proof of service with the court to complete the process.
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The judge will allow both sides to testify and present any exhibits to the court. Be prepared.
Expungement, Clearing Criminal Record
Want to erase your past mistakes and start fresh? We’ve got you covered. Our attorneys are experts in expungements under Penal Code 1203.4, a legal process that lets you put your conviction behind you, opening up new opportunities in employment, housing, and life in general. We’ll navigate the court system and make sure your petition is handled properly, so you can focus on your future. Everyone deserves a second chance—and we’re here to help you claim yours.
Expungement FAQs
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If you were placed on probation and completed it without any violations, you are typically entitled to a Penal Code 1203.4 dismissal. However, if you violated probation during your sentence, the judge will have discretion in deciding whether to grant the expungement.
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A person convicted of a felony with a state prison sentence may be eligible for record expungement under California Penal Code section 1203.41, provided the felony does not require registration as a sex offender. This decision is made at the court's discretion.
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Maybe, if your conviction is for a "wobbler" charge (a crime that can be either a felony or a misdemeanor), you can apply for a reduction to a misdemeanor after completing probation. Some common wobblers include:
Domestic Violence (PC 273.5)
Assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245)
Vandalism over $400 (PC 594)
Commercial Burglary (PC 459)
Palm Desert Criminal Case Resources:
The Riverside County Sheriff is under contract to provide local policing in the city or Palm Desert.
Riverside County Sheriff, Palm Desert Station
73705 Gerald Ford Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92211