Debra S. White is a distinguished criminal defense attorney based in Los Angeles, with a background defined by perseverance and an unwavering dedication to justice. With more than twenty years of trial experience in both state and federal courts, she leads a boutique firm with offices in downtown Los Angeles and Calabasas. Debra is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, certified by the California State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization—a distinction earned by fewer than 3% of attorneys statewide. This credential reflects her exceptional legal knowledge, extensive experience, and the high regard in which she is held by both peers and the judiciary.
Debra is fiercely committed to defending the accused, guided by a profound belief in justice and fairness. Her work ethic, meticulous preparation, and relentless advocacy have earned her a reputation for achieving outstanding results in high-stakes cases. For her, criminal defense is more than legal representation—it is the passionate defense of her clients’ rights and freedoms in the most challenging legal arenas.
To learn more about Debra’s journey, personal insights, and the philosophy that drives her work, scroll below to Ms. White’s Background & Philosophy: A Genuine Success Story.
Education
University of California School of Law, Los Angeles – J.D. 1999
University of California, Los Angeles – B.A. 1995
Bar Admissions
Supreme Court of California
State Bar of California
U.S. District Court Central District of California
U.S. District Court Southern District of California
U.S. District Court Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court Northern District of California
Honors and Credentials
Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law — Certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. The State Bar of California certifies fewer than 3% of all attorneys as Board-Certified Specialists in Criminal Law. This certification is a mark of the highest level of expertise and professionalism (2016–present)
AV-Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell — The highest rating for professional excellence, awarded by peers, prosecutors, and judges for exceptional legal ability and high ethical standards (2013–present)
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers® by Thomson Reuters — Recognized among the top 2.5% of criminal defense attorneys in Southern California (2015–present)
10.0 “Superb” Rating, AVVO —Top rating for experience, industry recognition, and professional conduct (2012-present)
Professional Associations and Memberships
State Bar of California
Los Angeles County Bar Association
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Criminal Courts Bar Association
Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Attorney — Appointed by the United States District Court, Central District of California, to represent indigent defendants in federal criminal cases (2020–present)
Ms. White’s Background & Philosophy: A Genuine Success Story
A Former Client’s Perspective:
“Debra S. White is an absolutely amazing attorney. I was frivolously accused of several violent crimes and was facing five consecutive life sentences in prison. Ms. White was able to quickly navigate through the red tape and prove my innocence. She knew exactly what was going to happen and knew how to handle it effectively. Not only was she able to have my case dismissed before the Preliminary Hearing, but she went on to have an Order of Factual Innocence signed by the judge just six months later. This woman is an angel and there is no way on earth that I would trust my life in the hands of another criminal attorney.”
— Louis Gonzalez, III
Mr. Gonzalez’s extraordinary case was featured in the Los Angeles Times in an article titled: “Could this be happening? A man’s nightmare made real.”
Ms. White’s Perspective:
Securing justice for Mr. Gonzalez is just one example of the countless battles Attorney Debra White has fearlessly confronted and conquered—both in her personal life and in the courtroom.
Debra’s journey began in a small farming town in Northern Canada. When she was very young, her mother passed away, and she entered the foster care system. Growing up in foster homes taught her resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of how life’s circumstances can shape a person’s future. These early hardships also planted the seeds of her lifelong commitment to standing up for those who have no one else to fight for them.
Later, after immigrating to Los Angeles, Debra faced a new set of challenges in an unfamiliar and often unforgiving city. She adapted, persevered, and transformed those experiences into a driving force, dedicating her life to championing justice and fairness for the accused.
Determined to use her life lessons to protect others, Debra earned her Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law. From the very start of her legal career, she committed herself to leveling the playing field against biased agencies, unethical government practices, and overreaching prosecutors. Her unwavering mission is to ensure that every client, regardless of their background or the charges they face, is treated with dignity and fairness under the law.
For Attorney Debra White, every case matters, whether it involves a misdemeanor or a charge carrying the possibility of life in prison. She approaches each case with unrelenting dedication, strategic advocacy, and meticulous preparation. Her persistence in negotiations, her thoroughness in trial preparation, and her determination in the courtroom reflect the high stakes her clients face and the trust they place in her.
At the core of her philosophy is the belief that a defense attorney’s role is to create innovative solutions to problems that may seem impossible to solve. While education and experience are essential, Debra believes that true success also requires drive, determination, and an unwavering commitment to being a genuine voice for her clients. This is the principle that guides her work—and the credo by which she lives her life.