Law Offices of William C. Makler, P.C.Principal

William Carlos Makler

About William Carlos Makler

William Carlos Makler is a lawyer practicing dui (drunk driving) defense, assault and battery charges, white collar crimes and 10 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from University of California, San Diego in 1991, and has been licensed for 30 years. William practices at Law Offices of William C. Makler, P.C. in Santa Barbara, CA.

Awards

Reviews for William

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Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 12 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
92%
4 stars
8%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Value for Money
4.9
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
May 02, 2025
Hired Attorney

I can’t thank Bill Makler and his team enough. I was arrested in two unfortunate situations that were treated as criminal cases. It was overwhelming, but from the beginning, Bill provided steady guidance through the pre-filing process. Maria was also amazing—she kept me updated through the portal and always made sure I knew what was going on. Their support made a stressful situation feel manageable. In the end, both cases were dismissed. Bill and his team never made me feel like just another client—they truly cared and went above and beyond. I always felt informed, respected, and supported. I genuinely hope I never need legal help again, but if I do, I know exactly who to call. Bill’s number is saved in my phone. If you’re looking for an attorney who knows what he’s doing, treats you with respect, and doesn’t try to take advantage of you, I highly recommend the Law Offices of William Makler. They’re the real deal.

 
DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
August 01, 2024
Hired Attorney

In the winter of 2024 I was charged with crimes that mandated serious consequences. Bill, as he is called, through is brilliance and hard work of many months reduced my charges to almost nothing. Bill is compassionate, dedicated to his clients, communicative and reasonably priced. There is no better lawyer in Santa Barabara for DUI and criminal cases.

 
DUI/DWI
Posted by Michael
February 09, 2023
Hired Attorney

I was extremely fortunate to be referred to Bill Makler after an incident occured while traveling in Santa Barbara County. Through the duration of my case Bill showed a very genuine demeanor, trustworthy character, and always proved to have a tremendous working knowledge of law and past practice. He also has a great reputation among his colleagues and well established working relationships. I highly recommend Bill to anyone needing legal services that are within his wheelhouse.

 
DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
September 22, 2022
Hired Attorney

When I received the news that I was acquitted, I literally screamed "wait, is this real"? I had no doubt in my mind that the legal team at your Law Offices is the TOP Santa Barbara DUI Attorney, not just for securing this complete win, but by the professionalism and compassion that you and the legal team has demonstrated as I waited for the bench trial. I recall calling your office a few times leading up to the trial with anxiety-filled questions/uncertainties about my case and of my future. And I do recall the excellent support that Maria, Maureen, and you have provided in (1) providing in-depth information regarding my case, despite questions that may seem simple (2) providing empathy and reassurance in the presence of my stress and anxiety (3) overall professionalism that left me feeling secure and optimistic. So, thank you and all of your legal team for the unrivaled assistance provided. I am still in awe of what had transpired.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by Alex
August 17, 2022
Hired Attorney

Mr. Makler is an extremely knowledgable and experienced attorney. He cares about his clients. He always made a point to respond to me very promptly, as did his team. Mr. Makler knows the ins and outs of the local judicial system given his vast experience in the area. From the beginning, Bill said that he doesn't plan on settling for a quick outcome. He said that he is going to take as long as he needs in order to ensure the best outcome for my case. Saved my life with the best possible outcome and I'm forever grateful. Additionally, his team, Maureen and Maria, spent a great deal explaining things to me with lots of patience and providing me with updates. They were very supportive and caring throughout the process. Can't go wrong with this choice when deciding on choosing your attorney in Santa Barbara. Him and his team are the best.

 
DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
August 05, 2021
Hired Attorney

We would recommend William Makler and his staff(Maureen and Maria) for the highest rating possible...They were professional...informed and sensitive to our specific needs. Bill was available...timely and honest from day one. We received an excellent result...

DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
April 20, 2021
Hired Attorney

I was pulled over for having 10 mph over-speed in SB, and the officer asked me if I drank any alcohol. I honestly response that I had drunk alcohol but not more than DMV limitation and accepted to give a breath test as I thought my breath test would be fine, but it showed 0.07, 0.08%, and the police officer charged me for DUI. William was outstanding in handling my case, and my case was dismissed for both DMV and DA. He was very clear and upfront about everything, and I am beyond grateful for the result of the case. Thanks to the hardworking staff at the Law Offices of William C. Makler.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
March 18, 2021
Hired Attorney

I found Bill to be compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional as a defense attorney. Bill was the third lawyer I consulted with and I knew immediately that he was the right lawyer to defend my case. He was reasonably priced and remained invested until the end. We ended up having a great outcome as he was determined to work things out with the DA handling my case. I cannot thank Bill enough for his defense and determination. I highly recommend Bill if you find yourself in a predicament like I did.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
February 03, 2021
Hired Attorney

Highly recommend hiring William Makler if you are looking to hire an attorney. He was responsive and very clearly explained my options when I presented the legal issue I had gotten myself into. In under two weeks he managed to get my case resolved. If you are looking for a lawyer please do yourself a favor and hire William Makler. No complaints.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
January 05, 2021
Hired Attorney

Hired Bill for my case. After contacting several different lawyers, Bill stood out the most and made me most comfortable. When I first reached out, we had spoken on the phone for over an hour and he just listened, at no charge. He became aware of my situation and created a game plan right away. He’s very affordable as well, compared to other lawyers in town. He responds to your emails QUICK. Always reachable at anytime.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Other 13
    • DUI (Drunk Driving) Defense
    • Assault and Battery Charges
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Burglary and Robbery
    • Domestic Violence Charges
    • Resentencing Under Prop 64
    • 3 Strikes
    • Theft Crimes
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Sexual Assault Crimes
    • Public Intoxication
    • Drug Possession Crimes
    • Criminal Record Clean-Up

Practice Details

  • Languages
    Spanish
  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
    Fixed hourly rates
    Fixed fees available
    Accepted Credit Cards
    American Express
    Discover
    MasterCard
    Other
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Principal
    Firm Name
    Law Offices of William C. Makler, P.C.

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1996, California
    1996, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
    2000, U.S. District Court, Central District of California
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    McGeorge School of Law
    Class of 1996
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of California, San Diego
    Class of 1991
    B.A.
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