Malcolm Craig McKinnon, Criminal Defense Attorney in Irvine, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Dep. Dist. Atty., Orange Co. Dist. Atty. Off.
Irvine, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Irvine since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Malcolm Craig McKinnon?
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Quick answer
Malcolm Craig McKinnon is a dep. dist. atty., orange co. dist. atty. off. based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Malcolm has over 51 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Irvine, CA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from Irvine, CA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Malcolm Craig McKinnon: Malcolm Craig McKinnon is a dep. dist. atty., orange co. dist. atty. off. based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Malcolm has over 51 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Malcolm's practice areas in Irvine
Malcolm concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Malcolm handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Irvine, California
Malcolm takes criminal defense matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Malcolm agrees to represent you.
Biography
Malcolm Craig McKinnon, criminal defense attorney serving Irvine
Malcolm Craig McKinnon is a dep. dist. atty., orange co. dist. atty. off. based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Malcolm has over 51 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. Malcolm works from Irvine, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Malcolm Craig McKinnon is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Malcolm received a B.A. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Malcolm practices in Irvine, CA.
Malcolm's approach to criminal defense cases
Malcolm Craig McKinnon is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Malcolm received a B.A. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Malcolm practices in Irvine, CA.
Clients Malcolm works with
Malcolm reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Malcolm studied and practices
Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1975
University of California at Berkeley
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Malcolm's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1976 · ACTIVE
California
1975 · ACTIVE
Malcolm studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Malcolm completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Malcolm runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Malcolm's legal honors and published work
Malcolm has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Malcolm Craig McKinnon's office in Irvine
Malcolm's primary office is at 46 Pergola, Irvine, CA, 92612-1703. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Malcolm Craig McKinnon — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Malcolm. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Irvine.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Malcolm Craig McKinnon claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Malcolm Craig McKinnon — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Malcolm usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Malcolm charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Malcolm's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Malcolm will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Irvine, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Malcolm
Malcolm discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Malcolm confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Malcolm's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Malcolm Craig McKinnon
How much does it cost to hire Malcolm for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Malcolm walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Malcolm offer a free consultation?
Malcolm charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Malcolm's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Malcolm's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Malcolm gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Malcolm take my case if I'm outside Irvine?
Malcolm is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Malcolm will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Malcolm?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Malcolm will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Malcolm accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Malcolm's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Malcolm handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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If Malcolm's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Irvine handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




