Appel & Morse is a distinguished Santa Barbara criminal defense law firm founded by a husband and wife team of former prosecutors, offering unparalleled representation with over 50 years of combined legal experience. Specializing exclusively in criminal defense, the firm stands out for its prosecutorial insights, aggressive advocacy, and compassionate counsel, providing clients with a strategic advantage in both state and federal courts.
The firm’s approach is built on personalized, high-caliber defense, focusing on quality over quantity to ensure each client receives dedicated attention and effective case strategies. With extensive trial experience and strong relationships with local judges and prosecutors, Appel & Morse is adept at negotiating favorable outcomes—such as reduced sentences, diversion programs, or case dismissals—for individuals facing misdemeanor, felony, DUI, drug, theft, violent, white-collar, and federal charges.
Services Offered
- Criminal Defense
- Alcohol Offenses
- Disorderly Conduct
- Public Intoxication
- Appeals
- Drug Crimes (Drug Possession, Drug Possession with Intent to Sell, Drug Distribution, Drug Trafficking, Drug Possession Defense, Prescription Drug Crimes, Federal Drug Crimes)
- Expungements
- Federal Crimes
- Felony Crimes
- Internet Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Misdemeanor Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Theft Crimes (Burglary, Carjacking, Grand Theft, Petty Theft, Robbery)
- Traffic Violations (Speeding Tickets, Street Racing)
- Violent Crimes (Accessory to Murder, Aggravated Assault, Arson, Assault & Battery, Domestic Violence, Kidnapping, Manslaughter, Murder, Stalking)
- Warrants
- White Collar Crimes (Bribery, Counterfeiting, Embezzlement, Extortion, Forgery, Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Identity Theft, Money Laundering, Perjury, Securities Fraud, Tax Evasion)
- Title IX Violations
- Vehicular Assault
- DUI (Aggravated DUI, DUI Accidents, DUI Causing Death, DUI Causing Injury, DUI Chemical Tests, DUI & Child Endangerment, DUI of Drugs, Field Sobriety Tests, First DUI, Fourth DUI, High BAC, Prescription Drug DUI, Second DUI, Third DUI, Underage DUI)
- Immigration (Immigrant Visas, Naturalization & Citizenship, Non-Immigrant Visas including B-1 Visas, H-1B Visas, H-2A Visas)
Serving Santa Barbara and surrounding areas since 2003, the firm offers free criminal consultations and is committed to protecting clients’ rights and freedoms through relentless, informed defense tailored to each unique situation.
