Kraut Law Group

I haven’t felt the need to write reviews on Unilocal until now. Michael Kraut has done the impossible and forever made my life better under unforgivable circumstances. He is a man of his words and accomplished everything he said he would. At first, I was pessimistic, but just hoped he would be able to get close to what he said he might be able to do. I am forever grateful for what he has accomplished. He has given my wife and I a better opportunity to recover from this tragic event. I have another attorney that is currently working on my employment issue, and even he said what Kraut accomplished was unbelievable and amazing and made his job easier. For more details, look for my reviews on other attorney specific websites. I still have a lot of guilt and shame in what I did and am a little weary in announcing this publicly on Unilocal,however, Kraut deserves this recognition. Job well done Kraut, thank you!!! Hope I don’t ever have to see him again, but if I do, I know I can count on him.

A few years back I was in a real legal bind. I had contacted over a dozen attorneys, set up meetings and got quotes. I didn’t leave a single one of those meetings confident that I’ll be eligible to vote in the future. I was going to go the public defender route.(Pro-tip never ever go the public defender route) before I decided to call one more attorney, that attorney was Michael Kraut and he gave me a new lease on life. For starters, he is the one who picks up the phone, I was in pure panic mode and he talked me off a ledge. Additionally, I was a poor college student at the time and he bent over backwards to accommodate my financial needs.
He personally handled every facet of my case, even going as far as speaking to concerned family and friends and letting them know everything will be OK.
Michael Kraut and his staff are special and fundamentally good people who will treat you like family and make sure justice is served.
The end result was that my pretty severe legal problem vanished and I’m still eligible to vote.
I hope that if there are some desperate people who hit hard times that will read this review will contact Mike and his law group. He will personally hear you out and if you have a good case, he’ll go way above and beyond the call of duty to get you out of a bind.
I’m moved to write this Unilocal review, because after all these years I had a pretty silly and trivial question regarding my case and I sent him an email. He called back immediately and once again helped and answered my question. This isn’t common in his line of work, in fact, its unheard of. The Kraut Law Group takes great pride in their work and it shows. My legal problem went away, I’ve moved onto bigger and better things in life and Mike’s profile as one of the best criminal lawyers has only been substantiated in the time since I last dealt with him.
Tl;dr: He helped me out when I was at the lowest point in my life. He’ll help you out as well.

Me and my sisters went to Michael Kraut with a pretty bad case. Off the bat, he was very nice and very professional. He did not flaunt his «Harvard education» or used any sales pitches. He was willing to work with us financially and even gave us a discount because he said I was «honest» about my responsibility of my involvement in the issue I went to see him about.
As someone who has previously worked for another lawyer, I appreciate his short and straight the point messages. He’s a busy person and I am too so he doesn’t write paragraphs or essays in his emails and I wouldn’t want to read them. We pay him to do his job and to be a good lawyer, not to make us feel appreciated.
I was potentially facing over 10 years in prison and Kraut was able to quickly set up a GREAT deal with the DA and was able to get me 3 years of formal probation, 9 months outpatient, and 90 days electronic monitoring. Everyone I’ve talked to says he basically pulled a rabbit out of his hat with that deal and he just completely knocked it out of the ball park. I’m incredibly happy with what I received and that I don’t have to worry about the outcome anymore. The other two defendants (one with a much cheaper and lesser lawyer, the other with a public defender) are going to trial.

I run into an interesting /​unfortunate situation and was lucky enough to hire Michael to handle my case. Was pretty scared at first but glad that Michael could calm me down and help me analyze the situation. His fees are not cheap but glad that I decided to hire him.
During the process, Michael and his team had been responsive and helpful, holding hands along the way. I could reach him even after office hours and I especially appreciate that.
My case dragged along for quite sometime, Michael and his team didn’t drop the ball, kept close track of the situation and kept me informed.
Especially happy about the result! I surely hope I won’t run into any trouble again, but if I do, would go back to Michael no doubt.

Lots of bad reviews out there I can see but I can only give you the rundown on my experience with him.
My case is quite different from anything that has been mentioned in any of these other reviews. Of course, when you face allegations of criminal activity it’s quite… hmmm… disconcerting to say the least. But suffice it to say, Michael Kraut is a very good attorney with reasonable rates that are competitive with the market.
Mr. Kraut’s personality is definitely one that can turn most people off. He is abrupt, straight to the point and very aggressive. All good qualities for an attorney. As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time in New York, I recognized his communication style from that part of the world and we became immediate friends. Don’t let his way of speaking throw you. He does drive a strong sales pitch and continues until you relent. If negotiation skills are not your forte don’t hire this guy. He can railroad just about anyone. My biggest concern between myself and an attorney, is to be able to reach out via phone, text, email and get an immediate response and a response that is not just a two word sentence.
Michael went above and beyond the call of duty to proactively protect me.
Don’t be so swayed by attorneys and your particular case… it’s all a game.
Oh… as a tip to making Michael Kraut «calm down» for a second, ask about his kids.

First I’ll start with saying I was referred to Michael from an attorney I knew and trusted. My case was a bit controversial but minor, from start to finish he was very professional and updated me throughout the whole process as to everything that was going on. He and his associate are both brilliant and handled everything on my behalf and I couldn’t have been more pleased.
Never having used a lawyer previous I would definitely recommend him to someone in the future if they ever need legal representation, or use his services again myself.

After searching for several defense attorneys I was lucky enough to find the law offices of Mr. kraut. I was able to actually speak to Mike himself rather than having a run around of being transferred back and forth too secretaries and voicemails. He immediately maid me an appointment and relived me that he’s offices will help me through out this whole nightmare I’m facing. Thanks guys

Due to my misjudgment, I was charged very serious crime under my name. This is very important and big issue since it involved identification theft. I found Michael Kraut and Kraut Law Group through Google on night after I was arrested. I called him and he scheduled me right away to visit his office since it is very important to start the case right away. I knew that my fraud was very serious. More so, I was very anxious about what will happen to me in the future.
Every time he visits the court, he UPDATED me and answered all the questions. Mr. Kraut would email me and talk to me about my case and would make sure that I am not rushing the steps or trying to finish my case too early. He explained why I should not jump to a conclusion too fast. EVERY TIME I called or emailed he told me many times not to apologize and actually to ask him as many questions I could. I knew I could give my full trust to this man and believe in him that he was doing his job because of his professionalism.
Mr. Kraut is very professional and he is really good at what he he does. His work ethic is perfect and there is reason why he does what he does. Sometimes he even answers your 10 pm or 11 pm phone calls and answers all YOUR EMAILS on WEEKENDS. I admire his work ethic and work hours. He won’t abandon you like a lost child. I will be honest. I was anxious every time until the end of my case. However, I highly recommend Michael Kraut because this is the group you can give your full trust. All the cases won’t go the way we expect, but why don’t you increase the chance by talking to someone who is excellent at his work and cares about his clients.
Mr. Kraut is really professional and friendly. He won’t bite you if you hire him as your attorney, so visit his office and make appointment with him a head of time. He will always be there for you. YES he is busy man that sometimes in the middle of phone calls you need to be patient and wait. He won’t forget about your case.
Thank you Kraut Law Group for new chance. I really thank you for everything you have done for me

No one ever expects that they’ll have problems with the law. In unsettling times such as these you need someone who you can trust to be on your team. You need someone who will make sure everything is handled. Michael Kraut is not that person. Not only is he condescending and boastful about himself his office can’t even keep appointments straight. If I’m trusting someone to handle my court affairs I need them to at least get things right within his own office.
After a brief conversation on the phone Kraut set a 1pm appointment with me for the following business day. His assistant, also named Michael, calls me the day of and asks me to come in an hour earlier. When I show up an hour earlier Kraut said in a sarcastic tone, «I’m so glad you came early. I’m still in a meeting right now. Can you come back in…45 minutes?» When I tell him that it was his assistant that called me and asked me to come in early he said that the problem was then on their end and he’d take care of it. 20 minutes laters he called me into his office.
The night before I decided to type up a statement regarding what happened the night in question so I wouldn’t forget anything. Kraut went on to make fun of me for using scratch paper which I didn’t see how it was relevant to anything or how it was a big deal. Immediately I can sense how money hungry he was after talking about how he represents a lot of producers saying that he didn’t normally represent people in my career for «obvious reasons» assuming I didn’t have money. Little did he know that had he not big the biggest asshole I had come across in a while I would have paid his $ 7500 fee in cash that day. So that you Unilocalers have a comparison he quoted me $ 7500 not including trial, subpoenas, and other fees. Then we went on to discuss the details of the night in question. He threw out the names of the officers involved like he knew them. «Oh so and so has always been an asshole. His partner has always been fair and honest.» NOTE: My attorney now has told me that one of the cops is a new cop. Sorry Kraut. You don’t know him. Bullshit.
After having insulted me, wasted my time by having me come in early, he told me to go with the first attorney I had met with as «You would get the same results and save yourself $ 2500.» If you do decide to call him see if he says, «Did you know I was a DA? Go read my website.» When he said this to me my thought was what kind of idiot are you? I’m already calling you which means I already did my research. I think it’s time to get over your past profession of being a DA and your glorious website and start working on not being such a prick.

In December I was booked for a DUI.
Within 5 days, I made contact with M. Kraut and visited his office the following day. He was referred to me by a family member who M. Kraut also represented (and won). Prior to meeting M. Kraut — online he held an outstanding reputation for outstanding work.
When meeting M. Kraut, we became aquainted with each other. He gave me information about his history as a prosecutor and how that would help my case. He asked information about my case (straight to the point), asked me questions about my work or if I went to school. It was humbling to know that he wasn’t just taking on another client, he was taking the time to learn about me and where I was coming from. He then proceeded to list what our next step would be as a team. He explained what his role would be over the next few months and what my role would be as well.
I liked that it was structured and to the point. I felt comfortable enough to be open about myself in hopes that any information would help my case.
I relaxed when he said he would represent me to the DMV and on my court date, while I continued to go to work. That was really great to have that experience of knowing I didn’t have to add more stress to my life by having to leave work.
Payment was fair and he was great to have offered me a payment plan.
He was available ²⁴⁄₇ — I recall receiving a response within minutes to every email sent to him, and he answered every phone call I made — if he wasn’t available he called back within 20 minutes. He asked for me to visit his office throughout the time he was working on my case to update and continue his manner of keeping it personal with his clients. I visited him one last time to find him as excited to say that he cleared my case and I am in the clear.

Comes across as a nice enough guy. Pushes a hard sale on you, and then goes off the radar until the day before your due in court. Didn’t help my case at all, and was ultimately a waste of money. Get a public defender. He will tell you that you can’t, but you can.
EDIT: So as you can see, Mike will divulge all of the details of your case to the world at large if you give an honest review. That’s his way of retaliating. He will also make up a whole narrative that has no base in reality. Mike, you’re a shit lawyer. My BAC has nothing to do with that. Just heard from another client that he is going to sue her for defemation. She posted a nearly identical review to mine. So moral of the story, if you want all of the details of your case plastered across Unilocal by your lawyer, and then want to be threatened with a lawsuit by your lawyer, Mike’s your guy. Otherwise, anyone with a pulse and the ability to speak (any language) will be better.

Maaaan what an experience with this guy. While at work I get a phone call from his assistant «where are you!!!» Never was I told to be in court. Had to come up with a quick excuse to leave work and show up in court. I don’t want to get into detail about all the spiel and back n forth emails. All I can say is «stay outta trouble so you never gotta deal with scheisters or the law.»

I got into some legal trouble and was referred to Mike Kraut by a relative who is a DA. He’s well worth the money and there is definitely a peace of mind that comes with it. I’ve read other reviews that say he works miracles… he doesn’t. He’s just excellent at what he does.
Sometimes I wish there was more communication but at the same time I’m unfamiliar with the workings of the law and the legal aspects of it. I paid Mike to handle it and he did… to a great degree. I was facing felony charges but he was able to work out a misdemeanor for me instead. This result is saving my future. I’m soooo thankful to him.
If you’re having doubts about him, don’t. He’s great at what he does and I believe I made the best decision when I hired him. You have to be comfortable and sure of the lawyer you hire. Mike is the real deal and I was entirely comfortable with his work.
Thank you again Mike.

Unfortunately there comes a time in life when one may need legal representation. My sister found him online and we met him in his LA office. He makes you feel confident in his ability to help you out. He is also very empathetic to your situation and I feel he puts himself in your shoes.
Mr. Kraut will answer all your questions and concerns but it is the law and no one can make any promises of the outcome of any one case… Consider that as well… He did do all the leg work for my case and was very supportive of what I was going through, but he is also a busy man with a lot of cases and he is known in the legal community in Los Angles county. He will try and get you the best possible outcome for your situation. I just hope I won’t ever need a lawyer again no matter what the situation.

Mike is an excellent lawyer who is spot on with his legal advice and practice. He has provided excellent legal assistance with my affairs and I would definitely trust him again with any legal needs. He has a great background and unbeatable experience with the LA court system and knows how to get the best possible outcome. Also, his friendly and helpful attitude has made it very easy for me to do business with him on multiple occasions.

(Revised) This guy can’t even remember who I am and he’s responding with this BS two weeks later. Unbelievable his dishonesty and made up stories! Honestly though, if you need a criminal attorney and you know you’re guilty– this guy is for you. He can bs his way through anything.
Reading some of these review’s really gave me the willies! It brought me back to that moment and how I felt sitting in this attorney’s office feeling scared and wanting security and a piece of mind. First of all let me say, Mr. Kraut’s claims that everyone who reviews him badly is just a competitor trying to tarnish his reputation, is untrue and he knows it. I experienced the same exact thing years ago when I too was duped by him. But no matter what I or anyone else says about him, he always manages to one up everyone. I just wanted to make that clear up front.
It truly doesn’t surprise me that he would be as petty as to respond to his reviewers because of his monstrous ego. What this man did to me was nothing less than stomach turning and jaw dropping. He has no problem breaching the attorney/​client privilege. He had all the time in the world to meet up for a consultation but once I payed him he suddenly became the busiest person on earth, no longer having anytime to assist me with my questions.
I scheduled a consultation. He answered his main phone line and when I got there no one else was in the office but him. He looked and sounded top notch. He sold himself as this big TOP NOTCH attorney. I need to mention how stupid I felt after I was a bit more relaxed and took time to examine his website more closely. I found things that seemed questionable. He seems to play on words by saying he is «Harvard educated», but doesn’t say he actually «graduated» there. He says he’s been on all the big networks and even has the media logo’s (Fox News, NBC, CNN, etc.) but the only thing he shows are articles that look like a Word document with a newspaper logo copied and pasted on top. He has several different videos of himself being interviewed on a legal network but when I did my research I found it wasn’t a network at all, just a marketing tool anyone can use to promote themselves. He made me feel like I had no time to think about anything before I signed because of the rushed environment he creates.
He represented me for only a few days. We agreed on a retainer of $ 1,000 + and me being so young and vulnerable at the time, I just wanted quick reassurance. We actually didn’t discuss my case too much because he told me (something to the affect of) he was in a hurry to go home to his wife. So we ended our brief meeting. I walked out of his office feeling like he really didn’t give me much info on what would be happening next.
A couple of days later I began to email him and he would respond with short answers and in a rude manner, telling me he was busy in court. It would have taken him a lot less effort had he just discussed my case with me from the very beginning and I wouldn’t have had to send him emails. He never gave me full explanations on what was going on, leaving me totally confused. I decided to give another attorney a call. I told that attorney about Kraut and he apparently knew him! (A very close knit bunch) I did not hire that attorney and I believe that attorney told Kraut I spoke badly of him. I don’t think it was a coincidence that immediately after my conversation with this other attorney Kraut called me and said he was no longer going to represent me. In my mind I knew what had happened, but he gave different reasons.
When I asked him about my retainer, first he said he would determine what he would give back to me then he retracted and said it would not be refunded to me at all. I was blown away! I couldn’t believe his attitude when all I ever wanted were a couple of questions answered! He completely flipped things on me.
I took him to arbitration and he was totally dishonest about why he did not want to represent me and he even brought someone to vouch for his character to the meeting. It was unbelievable! This is a guy who claims to be so top notch and yet found the time (when he never had time for me) to come to an arbitration for a measly $ 1,000 when HE KNEW he did not work on my case. I guess he didn’t learn about ethics at «Harvard».

Mike Kraut was exactly the type of attorney my wife and I were looking for. Professional, reputable, diligent and personable. Mike and his team have always been there to answer questions and calm my concerns in a fastidious manner. I have left every appointment with a sense that my best interest is at hand. I would recommend Mike again and again.

If you’re looking for an honest review of this attorney, you need to read this.
My experience with Mr. Kraut was he seemed more concerned about how much money I make, what car I drive so he could charge me more. I came into his office very nervous and concerned, so these types of questions through me off. However, I read some other Unilocal reviews and he did the same thing with other people.
If you meet with him and did not sign the contract, you probably questioned if he is really the right attorney (which is unlikely because he will tell you to bring your check book to the first consultation and then give you a very HARD SELL on using him). His sales pitch goes like this; «I studied at Harvard (don’t think he graduated there), I’m a former DA, I know this guy and it will help, I golf with this guy, I used to be a former DA and I know everyone in that department, my wife used to go shopping with this guy’s wife… did I mention I used to be a former DA?»
Hard Selling: Now, this whole sales pitch will lead to a very HARD CLOSE. And all these connections that he says helps his negotiation ability… did absolutely nothing. He exaggerated how much he knew people and how that would have any impact. In my opinion many of his colleagues did not respect him. Also, he says his being a former DA makes him better, did I mention that already?
Communication Skills: He answered almost every email with a 1 sentence response. It felt like «Hurry up, you already paid me, I need to get back to selling more people». I never got the response I needed. it’s never complete and always felt rushed. He never even bothered looking up things he said he did. It never seemed like he paid attention to anything I said. I would explain my situation and his response clearly indicated he wasn’t 100% focused on helping me… Did I mention he says he is a former DA?
Fees: I paid an arm and a leg because his sales pitch got me when I was super scared, although it seems pretty easy to catch now that the whole situation is over. He was 3 – 4 times higher than any other attorney I interviewed, but his hard, high pressure sale got me… he told me to bring my check book to the initial consultation and pressured me to sign right then and there (I had other attorneys I was supposed to meet and I think he realized that, but I was so scared I didn’t think straight and he really pressured me to sign up right then and there that I cancelled with the other attorneys. After I signed and paid, I knew I got sold hard, I was just so scared and weak to do anything about it. If you’re reading this review, you know the feeling)
Worst Memory of my life: Honestly, writing this review brings me back such bad memories… and the false accusations that came my way were NOT the worst part… but how someone like this attorney, who you look to trust your life with, was not interested at all about my outcome. He wants you to sign the contract, he wants you to pay a large retainer. after that, doesn’t matter. His legal skills was the worst part of my experience and I wouldn’t wish him on my worst enemy, in my opinion.
How I found Mr. Kraut: I looked on the internet and I couldn’t find many bad reviews. In my opinion it seems, much like his sales pitch, the internet marketing is top notch. However, I read these bad reviews on here and other sites and they are almost EXACTLY like my situation.
All in all, I recommend you keep looking for another attorney. My experience was EXTREMELY horrible and if you get the same service, you might as find an attorney for a lot less.
RESPONSE to Mr. Kraut’s reply. Of course he’s never played golf or has a wife. but that’s exactly what he told me word for word (Is denial is consistent with my experience with him, but perhaps he really convinced himself he never said this to one of his many clients).
I am not a lawyer, I am a real customer. Mr. Kraut did message me offering to «talk», probably to try and convince me to edit or remove my post, but I will never speak to him directly again unless he publicly wants to offer me a 50% refund of my fees paid. but he won’t, he thinks he earned the crazy amount I paid him, by scaring me to death about my situation and getting me to believe a high pressured sales pitch. Re-​read my review you will see it is very detailed with his process. The only reviews I see where people are satisfied are DUI. However, every response he has to a bad complaint is «it’s a competitor.»
Do yourself a favor people and meet Mr. Kraut WITHOUT bringing your checkbook so you can interview other attorneys and think it over… chances are you’ll go with someone else. The best skill I experienced with Mr. Kraut was his selling to nervous, scared and desperate people (Like myself).

If you’re scrolling through this Unilocal page, it’s sad to say you, your friend, or family member is in trouble with the law. As you anxiously look through reviews after reviews, you’re at the point of exhaustion. You want to stop but consciously you cant day and night. Relax; I was in a similar situation and you are definitely in the right place. A place where I can honestly tell you MIKE KRAUT should be the ATTORNEY by your side in the courtroom.
Here’s my story: I graduated in 2012 from a respectable UC with a degree in Bioengineering. I had a great job and got offer a better one last November. And what did I do to celebrate my promotion/​job offer you ask? I went out (specifically Hollywood) to celebrate with several friends. Did I drink? Yes. Was I drunk? No, but alcohol was in my system. After the celebration, the worst scenario imagine happened. A pedestrian ran across the street light on my green light. I slam the brakes as fast as I could; however my car and the pedestrian collided. At that very moment, my life changed. (side note: the pedestrian was drunk as well, hence running across the street on a red light)
After I was released on bail, I went straight to do my research/​homework on DUI cases. I was at same position where you are at right now, reading. Who do I believe? Which post is actually real? It was hard, so I went with my gut and with the flashy 5 star reviews from Unilocal.I found a lawyer who I thought I could trust with my future career and school goals. My license was suspended, I lost sleep, and I lost hope of medical school. My lawyer got me the worst deal period, a deal that a public defender would not approve. Just FYI, I have no records nor am I a criminal. I am in a profession to help other. I just happen to be human and made a mistake by driving after drinking.
So there I was, back at square one. I had 2 weeks to decide to have a felony on my record and serve time. I went online and started to look for hope and faith. MIKE KRAUT was that light I found after the tunnel. There was actually another lawyer who I also talked to but MIKE was the one who I felt comfortable with and calmed me down when I met at his office. (The first time I called him, it was on the weekend and he answered while he was in Mammoth with his family). Did he guarantee me anything from the case? No, but he promise he’ll do his utter best to put me back on my path to medical school.
Does MIKE deliver what he says? He does! You can feel his presence when he makes his way through that double to the courtroom. My felony case was dropped down to a misdemeanor as what we talked about. I made a mistake and I have to pay for it. I was off track in my career goal, MIKE helped me transition back on my pathway. I am forever in his debt. I can never thank you enough, thank you mike!
Do you remember the 2004 Lakers and San Antonio playoff game? The Lakers are down 1 point, 0.4 seconds on the clock, Derek Fisher with the shot that was heard all around the world. That’s MIKE KRAUT, clutch.

Beware of this man! The most condescending attorney I have ever met. He did not answer any of my questions in consultation like he’s afraid to give away any information and I would run away or something. He was a shark. In the consultation with him, it did not put me at ease, instead, he only try to frighten and threaten me. Instead of answering any of my questions, he just printed out a retainer and ordered me to sign it like I’m a complete stupid uneducated shmuck. I went with another DUI attorney Mark Allen with SouthBay DUI. He was a genuine nice guy and got me a wet reckless instead of a DUI, plus $ 5000 cheaper than what this a hole trying to get off me! With an attorney like that, if you hire him, who needs enemy?!
UPDATE:
I see this scumb**g wrote a reply calling me not a real client but a competitor… LOL. Don’t take my word for it. You only have to read the other five 1 Star reviews and compare the similarity of our horrific experience and make your own conclusion.
I am not trying to stop anyone making their own decision. I merely write down my experience TRUTHFULLY like the rest of the Unilocal community do! Isn’t this why anyone read Unilocal reviews?