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
Are you Michael Anthony Attanasio?
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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
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General
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Health Care
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International
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Litigation
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Securities
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White Collar
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Business
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Consumer
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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.
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 reviewsHiring 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.
- 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
More counsel
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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.

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