Erick Muñoz is a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer and Senior Trial Attorney at Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys who represents clients throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California. A seasoned criminal defense attorney and trial lawyer, Mr. Muñoz has extensive experience handling serious felony cases, jury trials, post-conviction litigation, and complex criminal matters.
Born in Ecuador and raised in Miami after immigrating to the United States at age eight, Mr. Muñoz brings a unique perspective and deep appreciation for the diverse communities he serves throughout Los Angeles County. He earned his undergraduate degree from Emory University before attending the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where he graduated as class president.
Mr. Muñoz began his legal career with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, where he gained extensive courtroom experience representing individuals charged with serious criminal offenses and conducted his first jury trials. His work as a public defender provided firsthand insight into criminal investigations, constitutional issues, trial advocacy, and the challenges faced by individuals navigating the criminal justice system.
He later joined a prominent civil litigation firm representing labor organizations and law enforcement personnel, including officers involved in critical incidents and use-of-force investigations. This experience provided valuable insight into law enforcement practices, internal investigations, evidence gathering, and the procedures agencies use when evaluating and responding to allegations of misconduct.
After returning to criminal defense, Mr. Muñoz founded his own practice and represented clients throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California. Over the course of his career, he has tried more than 60 cases to verdict, including multiple homicide cases, and has secured acquittals on charges ranging from murder to criminal threats. His extensive trial experience allows him to evaluate cases from a jury's perspective and develop defense strategies designed for success in the courtroom from the earliest stages of a case.
In addition to his trial practice, Mr. Muñoz has developed significant experience in post-conviction litigation. He has successfully represented clients seeking resentencing, conviction relief, and other post-conviction remedies under evolving California law. His work has helped secure relief for individuals serving lengthy prison sentences, including clients convicted of serious violent offenses and individuals sentenced as juveniles.
At Michael & Associates, Mr. Muñoz represents clients at every stage of the criminal process, from investigation and pretrial proceedings through jury trials, sentencing hearings, appeals, and post-conviction matters. He works closely with each client to analyze the evidence, identify strategic opportunities, and build a defense tailored to the unique circumstances of the case.
Outside the courtroom, Mr. Muñoz remains committed to serving his community through pro bono work, educational outreach programs for students interested in the legal profession, and advocacy efforts on behalf of fraud victims seeking financial recovery.
