Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation Attorneys Santa Barbara
Sanger Hanley Sanger & Avila is a dedicated legal practice specializing in criminal defense and civil litigation across state and federal courts. Founded in 1973 by Robert M. Sanger, a certified criminal law specialist, the firm maintains offices in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, California, serving clients throughout California and select jurisdictions nationwide. Our attorneys focus exclusively on litigation, handling jury and court trials, pre-indictment negotiations, settlements, and appeals. We represent individuals and businesses in complex cases involving white-collar crimes, homicide, drug offenses, civil rights violations, and professional licensing matters.Recognized in Martindale-Hubbell's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, all partners hold AV Preeminent ratings for legal excellence. Our practice extends to federal courts in California, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court. We emphasize strategic defense in capital cases, SEC/FTC investigations, and civil litigation related to governmental inquiries. Our team combines decades of experience with a commitment to client advocacy, maintaining 24-hour emergency availability for urgent legal needs.
Services
Criminal Defense
Civil Litigation
White Collar Crime
Appellate Advocacy
Civil Rights Cases
Professional Licensing Defense
School Discipline Defense
Federal Court Representation
Capital Case Defense
SEC/FTC Investigations
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of combined litigation experience in state and federal courts
- AV Preeminent-rated attorneys for legal excellence and ethics
- Specialized focus on complex criminal defense and civil litigation
- 24-hour emergency availability for urgent legal matters
- Proven track record in capital cases and federal court representation
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
Services
Criminal Defense
We defend against all felony and misdemeanor charges including DUI, drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and capital cases. Our attorneys handle pre-trial negotiations, trials, and appeals in state and federal courts. With decades of experience in complex criminal litigation, we protect clients' rights through strategic defense strategies tailored to each case's unique circumstances.
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation practice covers business disputes, employment matters, and regulatory cases. We represent clients in complex litigation involving SEC/FTC investigations and anti-trust violations. The firm handles both plaintiff and defendant cases in state and federal courts, focusing on achieving favorable settlements or verdicts through thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.
Federal Court Representation
We handle cases in all four California federal districts and select national jurisdictions including Washington D.C. and Illinois. Our experience spans white-collar defense, civil rights litigation, and appellate work before the Ninth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. We provide consistent representation across jurisdictions while maintaining local court knowledge in each federal district.
Appellate Advocacy
The firm manages writs and appeals in criminal and civil cases, including capital litigation and habeas corpus petitions. We handle direct appeals, mandamus actions, and administrative reviews in California Courts of Appeal and federal appellate courts nationwide. Our approach focuses on identifying reversible errors and presenting compelling legal arguments to higher courts.
Civil Rights Cases
We represent clients in civil rights matters involving discrimination and police misconduct. Our practice includes race, gender, and disability discrimination cases, as well as wrongful death claims from law enforcement actions. We handle these sensitive cases with experienced advocacy, seeking justice through both settlement negotiations and trial litigation when necessary.
People
Robert M. Sanger
Founding Partner
Certified criminal law specialist with over 50 years' experience. AV Preeminent-rated attorney listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. Recognized by American Academy of Forensic Sciences for contributions to trial advocacy.
Michael Hanley
Partner
Experienced litigator handling complex criminal and civil cases. Maintains AV Preeminent rating for legal excellence and ethical standards. Focuses on federal court representation and appellate advocacy across multiple jurisdictions.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in criminal defense, civil litigation, federal court cases, appellate advocacy, and civil rights matters. Our practice includes white-collar crimes, capital offenses, SEC/FTC investigations, and professional licensing defense.
Do you handle cases outside California?
Yes, we represent clients in federal courts across California, Illinois, and Washington D.C., including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court. We also handle select cases in other national jurisdictions.
What experience do your attorneys have?
Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined litigation experience. All partners hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers for legal excellence.
Are you available for emergency legal matters?
Yes, we offer 24-hour emergency availability through our after-hours paging system for urgent legal needs requiring immediate attorney response.
