
Marc X. Carlos, Civil Rights Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and White Collar · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PrincipalatMarc Carlos Law, APC
San Diego, CA
Practicing civil rights in San Diego since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Marc X. Carlos?
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Quick answer
Marc X. Carlos is a principal based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and White Collar. Marc has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marc Carlos Law, APC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Criminal Defense · White Collar
- Handles Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and White Collar matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Marc X. Carlos: Marc X. Carlos is a principal based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and White Collar. Marc has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marc Carlos Law, APC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Marc X. Carlos
Marc concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Marc handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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White Collar
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Civil Rights cases in San Diego, California
Marc takes civil rights matters in San Diego, 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 Marc agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California
Marc takes criminal defense matters in San Diego, 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 Marc agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in San Diego, California
Marc takes white collar matters in San Diego, 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 Marc agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Marc X. Carlos — Over 39 years of California civil rights experience
Marc X. Carlos is a principal based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and White Collar. Marc has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marc Carlos Law, APC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Carlos has represented clients in federal cases throughout the United States as well as California Courts. In addition, Mr. Carlos has represented individuals before the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the California 4th District Court of Appeals.
Mr. Carlos has handled a large number of high profile cases including two trials broadcast nationally on COURT TV. His extensive client list includes Professional Athletes, Elected and Public Officials, Law Enforcement Officers, and National and International Corporations. Mr. Carlos is also a frequent contributor as an expert legal analyst for MSNBC, COURT TV, FOX NEWS, PBS and numerous broadcast news and radio stations. Mr. Carlos has been interviewed regarding criminal expertise and his cases on the TODAY SHOW, DATELINE NBC, and SIXTY MINUTES. One of his murder cases has been the subject of a nationally syndicated documentary, What Ever Happened To Baby Jasmine? Two other of his murder cases have been made the subjects of a published books; Living Between Danger and Love: The Limits of Choice by Dr. Kathleen Jones (Rutgers University Press, 2000) and No Good Deed (Berkeley Publishing Group, 2006) by Tom Basinksi.
Mr. Carlos has been a featured MCLE lecturer in homicide defense as well as a trial skills instructor and trainer at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office and the California Public Defender’s Association. Mr. Carlos has also lectured on diminished actuality and other psychological defenses as well as shaken baby syndrome. His current practice includes federal and State Criminal Defense. Mr. Carlos is licensed to practice in all the courts of the State of California, the Courts of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, including the Central and Southern District of the United States District Court. Mr. Carlos is also fluent in Spanish.
Marc Carlos has been rated “AV ®,” the highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubbell in determining an attorney’s legal ability, expertise, experience, integrity and overall professional excellence. This rating represents the highest level of criminal trial practice and status in the legal community.
Mr. Carlos has been certified as a Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the California Board of Legal Specialization. The National Board of Trial Advocacy is accredited by the American Bar Association and the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization to certify attorneys as specialists in the areas of civil, criminal, and family law trial advocacy. Mr. Carlos is also retained by attorneys as an expert witness in criminal defense matters and has testified as an expert in the United States District Court.
Mr. Carlos has been recognized as a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), “Trial Lawyer Honorary Society, composed of less than one half of one percent of all attorneys in the United States. Fellows are selected based upon effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, both at trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation.” (LCA Mission Statement) Mr. Carlos has been recognized for his excellence in Super Lawyers Magazine, San Diego Magazine Top Attorneys and America’s Best On line Attorneys.
Working with Marc on a civil rights matter
Mr. Carlos has represented clients in federal cases throughout the United States as well as California Courts. In addition, Mr. Carlos has represented individuals before the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the California 4th District Court of Appeals. Mr. Carlos has handled a large number of high profile cases including two trials broadcast nationally on COURT TV. His extensive…
Clients Marc works with
Marc reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, criminal defense, and white collar matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Marc X. Carlos's legal education and bar admissions
Santa Clara University School of Law
J.D. · 1986
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Marc's state bar admissions
California
1987 · ACTIVE
Marc studied at J.D. in Santa Clara University School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Marc completed J.D. in Santa Clara University School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Marc runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Marc X. Carlos
Marc has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Marc's professional memberships and bar associations
San Diego County Bar Association Bar Register Pre-eminent Lawyers Criminal Trial Specialist Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America La Raza Lawyers Association
membership
Locations
Marc X. Carlos's office in San Diego
Marc's primary office is at 424 F Street, Suite 205, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Marc X. Carlos — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Marc. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in San Diego.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Marc X. Carlos claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Marc X. Carlos — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Marc usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Marc charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marc'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; Marc will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Marc
Marc discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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. Marc confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Marc's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Marc X. Carlos
How much does it cost to hire Marc for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Marc walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Marc offer a free consultation?
Marc charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marc's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Marc's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in California typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. Marc gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Marc take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Marc 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 — Marc 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 Marc?
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. Marc will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Marc accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Marc's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Marc handles civil rights matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 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
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