Atty. Marc X. Carlos

Atty. Marc X. Carlos

Mr. Carlos has represented clients in federal cases throughout the United States as well as California Courts.

San Diego San Diego 39 yrs experience 39 year
Call (619) 935-8629 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Marc X. Carlos at a glance

Marc X. Carlos is a Principal based in San Diego, California, practicing at Marc Carlos Law, APC. They have 39+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1987. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, white collar, and civil rights. Admitted to practice in California (1987). Educated at Santa Clara University School of Law (J.D., 1986) and University of California, Berkeley (B.A., 1983). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of San Diego County Bar Association Bar Register Pre-eminent Lawyers Criminal Trial Specialist Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America La Raza Lawyers Association. Serands clients in San Diego, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Mr. Carlos has represented clients in federal cases throughout the United States as well as California Courts
  • In addition, Mr. Carlos has represented individuals before the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the California 4th District Court of Appeals
  • Mr. Carlos has handled a large number of high profile cases including two trials broadcast nationally on COURT TV
  • His extensive client list includes Professional Athletes, Elected and Public Officials, Law Enforcement Officers, and National and International Corporations
  • Mr. Carlos is also a frequent contributor as an expert legal analyst for MSNBC, COURT TV, FOX NEWS, PBS and numerous broadcast news and radio stations
  • Mr. Carlos has been interviewed regarding criminal expertise and his cases on the TODAY SHOW, DATELINE NBC, and SIXTY MINUTES
  • One of his murder cases has been the subject of a nationally syndicated documentary, What Ever Happened To Baby Jasmine?
  • Two other of his murder cases have been made the subjects of a published books
  • Living Between Danger and Love: The Limits of Choice by Dr. Kathleen Jones (Rutgers University Press, 2000) and No Good Deed (Berkeley Publishing Group, 2006) by Tom Basinksi
  • Mr. Carlos has been a featured MCLE lecturer in homicide defense as well as a trial skills instructor and trainer at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office and the California Public Defender’s Association
  • Mr. Carlos has also lectured on diminished actuality and other psychological defenses as well as shaken baby syndrome
  • His current practice includes federal and State Criminal Defense
  • Mr. Carlos is licensed to practice in all the courts of the State of California, the Courts of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, including the Central and Southern District of the United States District Court
  • Mr. Carlos is also fluent in Spanish
  • Marc Carlos has been rated “AV ®,” the highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubbell in determining an attorney’s legal ability, expertise, experience, integrity and overall professional excellence
  • This rating represents the highest level of criminal trial practice and status in the legal community
  • Mr. Carlos has been certified as a Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the California Board of Legal Specialization
  • The National Board of Trial Advocacy is accredited by the American Bar Association and the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization to certify attorneys as specialists in the areas of civil, criminal, and family law trial advocacy
  • Mr. Carlos is also retained by attorneys as an expert witness in criminal defense matters and has testified as an expert in the United States District Court
  • Mr. Carlos has been recognized as a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), “Trial Lawyer Honorary Society, composed of less than one half of one percent of all attorneys in the United States
  • Fellows are selected based upon effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, both at trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation.” (LCA Mission Statement) Mr. Carlos has been recognized for his excellence in Super Lawyers Magazine, San Diego Magazine Top Attorneys and America’s Best On line Attorneys

Practice Areas Explained

Marc X. Carlos's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Marc X. Carlos handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Marc X. Carlos is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in California →

White Collar Crimes

Marc X. Carlos is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in California →

Civil Rights

Civil rights attorneys for discrimination, police misconduct, constitutional rights, and civil liberties cases.

Marc X. Carlos is one of 70,245 civil rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse civil rights attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Diego are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Diego or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Marc X. Carlos

Where is Marc X. Carlos's law office located?
Marc X. Carlos's law practice is located in San Diego, California. The firm is Marc Carlos Law, APC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Marc X. Carlos handle?
Marc X. Carlos focuses on criminal defense, white collar, civil rights. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Marc X. Carlos practiced law?
Marc X. Carlos has 39+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1987.
Where did Marc X. Carlos go to law school?
Marc X. Carlos earned their education at (J.D., 1986); (B.A., 1983).
How can I contact Marc X. Carlos for a consultation?
You can contact Marc X. Carlos directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Marc X. Carlos received?
Marc X. Carlos's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Santa Clara University School of Law
- 1986
B.A.
University of California, Berkeley
- 1983

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1987

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