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Michael Anthony Attanasio, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, California

Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratCooley Llp

San Diego, CA

Practicing criminal defense in San Diego since 1990.

36+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Michael Anthony Attanasio is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooley Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
San Diego, CA
Experience
over 36 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · General · Health Care
  • Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care matters from San Diego, CA.
  • Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Michael Anthony Attanasio: Michael Anthony Attanasio is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooley Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in San Diego

Michael concentrates on criminal defense, general, health care, international, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

General cases in San Diego, California

Michael takes general 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in San Diego, California

Michael takes health care 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

International cases in San Diego, California

Michael takes international 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in San Diego, California

Michael takes litigation 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Michael Anthony Attanasio, criminal defense attorney serving San Diego

Michael Anthony Attanasio is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooley Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from San Diego, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.

Michael Anthony Attanasio is a lawyer practicing securities litigation, white collar & regulatory defense, foreign corrupt practices act and 8 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Princeton University in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Michael practices at Cooley LLP in San Diego, CA.

How Michael handles criminal defense matters

Michael Anthony Attanasio is a lawyer practicing securities litigation, white collar & regulatory defense, foreign corrupt practices act and 8 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Princeton University in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Michael practices at Cooley LLP in San Diego, CA.

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and health care matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

  • Stanford University Law School

    J.D. · 1990

  • Princeton University

    B.A. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • California

    1990 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Stanford University Law School and B.A. in Princeton University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Stanford University Law School and B.A. in Princeton University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Michael's legal honors and published work

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michael Anthony Attanasio's office in San Diego

Michael's primary office is at 4401 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA, 92121-1909. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cooley Llp

4401 Eastgate Mall

San Diego, CA 92121-1909

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Anthony Attanasio — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense 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 Michael Anthony Attanasio claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Anthony Attanasio — 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 Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in San Diego, 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 Michael

Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael'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 Michael Anthony Attanasio

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a criminal defense case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

    Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside San Diego?

    Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

    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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    Michael'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 San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Michael 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.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.