Testimonials

  • I highly recommend Alan and the rest of the team. My circumstances were more complex than an average DUI and Alan stepped in willing and ready to defend. He read my case extensively and knew exactly how to develop a plan of action.
    Mr. Castillo assisted me with a 2nd DUI case. My circumstances were more complex than an average DUI and Alan stepped in willing and ready to defend. He read my case extensively and knew exactly how to find the right discovery and develop a plan of action to communicate with the judge for mitigating my sentencing. What could have been serious jail time ended up being a slap on the wrist. I highly recommend Alan and the rest of the team at Barry Simons Law Offices.

    - Greg

  • Alan Castillo is an absolutely an amazing attorney! He always does what he says and he delivered extremely incredible results, even more than I expected. He literally saved my livelihood and life. Thank you Alan.
    Alan Castillo is an absolutely an amazing attorney! I had an extremely difficult case. I was devastated about my DUI arrest and was thinking of the worst out come. I am a self employed professional and knew I needed to do what ever it takes to save my career, my family and my life. When I first met Alan he assured my that he would fight hard to keep what I worked so hard for and not let this incident ruin the rest of my life. His expertise in knowing the law and the legal system is second to none. He is a master in the court room. He is tireless and always exhausts every possible opportunity to get best possible result for his client. Of course I had to do my part with his instruction and gained my trust as we navigated the way though the legal system. He did more than I ever could have hoped and always assured me, through his experience, that I would make it through this difficult time. He always does what he says and he delivered extremely incredible results, even more than I expected. He literally saved my livelihood and life. Thank you Alan.

    - Pete

  • If you want the best then you want Alan Castillo. You want the attorney who knows more more than just the Law. In addition to the Law, Alan knows the legal system so incredibly well and his intuition is brilliant.
    If you want the best then you want Alan Castillo. You want the attorney who knows more more than just the Law. In addition to the Law, Alan knows the legal system so incredibly well and his intuition is brilliant. I was facing a potential Felony DUI which would have had a very negative effect upon my career. I was devastated. My anxiety was through the roof. Alan convinced a very hard nosed DA to Strike a Prior, rendering my DUI a misdeameanor. My relief was incredible. If you are reading this and have a DUI you know that anxiety. I went to Law School and practiced in another state. I know what to look for in an attorney. When it comes to a DUI don't let your fate rest in the hands of anyone but the best. Alan Castillo gets results.

    - Bill

  • Hard to find a lawyer that has the skill, legal mind and experience that you get in Alan Castillo.
    Hard to find a lawyer that has the skill, legal mind and experience that you get in Alan Castillo. As a criminal attorney I often call Alan to discuss cases knowing that he has the background to find answers. He gets results that others cannot. As one of the preeminent attorneys in Orange County he is simply exceptional.

    - Dyke

  • My wife and I recommend him highly.
    I am a retired attorney. Alan Castillo represented my wife in a DUI case that was complicated by our defense based upon a mistake of fact. The Orange County DA was extremely aggressive and not willing to even discuss a negotiated plea. Alan's effectiveness with the judge in a discussion between the judge, Alan and the DA was described by the judge as "robust" and resulted in the judge changing his view of the case and granting us the mistake of fact defense. Not long after that, for a variety of reasons that did not put the DA in good stead with the judge, the DA agreed to drop the DUI charge and change it to a reckless driving charge to which we agreed to plead guilty. Alan's effectiveness as an advocate carried the day and he was even complimented by the judge for his advocacy at the conclusion of the case. During my legal career which spanned some 30+ years, I served as the general counsel to a multi-national company and worked with trial and business lawyers around the world . I can say that Alan Castillo is a terrific advocate and works extremely hard for the client's interests. My wife and I recommend him highly.

    - Walter

  • I think he truly cared about me as a client and a person.
    I found Alan during a very difficult time in my life after a DUI arrest. It was a legitimate turning point in my life as I was ready for a change. I knew my family was depending on me to get my life straight but I was facing a significant amount of legal trouble. Alan was amazing through the entire process. His knowledge and experience was evident immediately and he helped my wife and me navigate the extensive legal process. I had a great deal of anxiety because of the situation I had placed myself in. Looking back, I know that Alan was the best person to help me through this journey from a legal perspective. He handled everything like a true professional and I am glad he was in my corner. I think he truly cared about me as a client and a person. I have 25 months sober now and as I look back on the entire experience I am thankful Alan handled my case. I highly recommend him to anyone facing a similar situation.

    - John

  • I recommend Alan without hesitation. He is knowledgeable, caring, and competent. He was very helpful at all times and gave sound advice. I am extremely happy with my decision to hire Alan.
    I recommend Alan without hesitation. He is knowledgeable, caring, and competent. Without hiring Alan and the rest of the team at Barry T Simons, I would have been stuck with a DUI charge on my record. I have no doubt in my mind that it was Alan's perseverance with my case that led to a lesser conviction. It took over a year for my case to finally be settled. Throughout this difficult time Alan always kept me informed and I felt as though I could always call if I had questions. He consistently explained things well and was clear about my options. He was very helpful at all times and gave sound advice. I am extremely happy with my decision to hire Alan.

    - Former DUI Client

  • I am indebted to Alan’s service and will never forget his compassion in my time of need.
    I am anonymously writing this review to enlighten you on the spectacular experience I had while going through a very traumatic time last year. I unfortunately was arrested for a second DUI while coming home from a Christmas party. I am employed as a healthcare professional and having this conviction on my record would have heavily encroached on my ability to practice due to the proposed ramifications imposed on me by my licensing board. I was referred to Alan, Barry, and Peter from a colleague and felt immediately comforted when I walked in their office (as compared to the prior 2 attorneys I had interviewed). Alan quickly broke down my options in my case and gave me tangible potential outcomes that gave me solace from the multitude of scenarios I had created in my own mind. Over the year I was working with Alan, I was witness to the diligence Alan put forth towards not only my case but managing the collateral damage created by dealing with my licensing board. Alan and his associates were, through a collaborative effort, able to deliver the optimal result in my case. The one thing I would like to highlight is the fact that when you hire Alan, you are not only employing one attorney, you are hiring an entire team of lawyers who specialize in this specific type of scenario. During the process of dealing with my case, I by chance, came across an article written in the OC Metro rating the top law firms in Orange County and was comforted to see Alan’s firm listed in the top 5. When I finally had to appear in court, I was able to observe how respected Alan is within the judicial system. The Judge, DA, and bailiffs all referred to him by his first name and allowed him to freely navigate through the judicial process unhindered( another attorney was also present during the closure of my case and was not nearly treated in the same fashion!). After my case was closed, Alan continued with the management of correspondence with my licensing board to create closure to this extremely stressful time in my life that nearly ended my career and marriage. I am indebted to Alan’s service and will never forget his compassion in my time of need. I cannot express how imperative it is to get the right attorney during a situation like this that can change the course of your life.

    - Former DUI Client

  • Alan treated me with absolute respect, which made my legal "experience" easier that it would have otherwise been. He was personable, always returned phone calls and supported me when I was upset.
    Alan treated me with absolute respect, which made my legal "experience" easier that it would have otherwise been. He was personable, always returned phone calls and supported me when I was upset. Alan was also very determined to see me have the best resolution for a case of my type. He kept me informed every step of the way, which helped lower my anxiety. Alan is also a very candid individual, and from the very first meeting, made it easier for me to understand my rights. He never made promises he could not keep and in fact recommended and managed significant outcome benefits for me. Along with his other exceptional personal and professional qualities, Alan's pragmatic intelligence and knowledge of legal minutiae make him a defense attorney with whom it is easy to feel safe.

    - Former Criminal Defense Client

  • I kept my job, got my license back in record time, was always kept in the loop of what was happening by the amazing staff, and was treated with kindness and professionalism at every step. He knows his stuff, and is trusted by anyone in the legal circle.
    Alan and the team at Barry Simons office helped me stay out of jail by taking preemptive action. I kept my job, got my license back in record time, was always kept in the loop of what was happening by the amazing staff, and was treated with kindness and professionalism at every step. He knows his stuff, and is trusted by anyone in the legal circle of your DUI dealings (judges, bailiffs, etc.) My sisters friend who is an attorney actually recommended this office to me based on his friend, who is an attorney also, actually used them. I had already made my deposit so this was a huge relief when I heard this. They aren't the cheapest in the land, but if you want your best possible result and peace of mind, your money goes a loooong way here.

    - David

  • I am eternally grateful to them and their services, and I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking criminal representation. They are an incredible team of legal staff. Thank you, Alan Castillo, Esq. You are a wonderfully accomplished attorney.
    Using Alan Castillo, Esq., of the Law Offices of Barry T. Simon, has been a life saving experience for me. I have been a drug addict since 17. I am now 39 years old. I have been clean since 2005, when I had a 3 month relapse that ended my marriage and landed me behind bars. Since I've been out, I have achieved a successful career in the fitness industry that has changed my life. However, I did get into a legal situation with my motorcycle that threatened my career and success. Alan Castillo and his staff at Barry T. Simon have helped save my career by representing me to an incredible standard. I am eternally grateful to them and their services, and I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking criminal representation. They are an incredible team of legal staff. Thank you, Alan Castillo, Esq. You are a wonderfully accomplished attorney.

    - Former Criminal Defense Client

  • I cannot say enough about the professionalism, compassion and dedication of Alan Castillo
    Recently, I had the traumatic experience of being pulled over and charged with a DUI. I knew I had had one drink several hours earlier, but truly felt ay affects were completely gone. After enduring the rudeness of the accruing officer, several hours in a holding cell, my license being temporally suspended and the real possibility of losing my job and future career in the educational field, I was scared, frustrated and didn’t know what to do. A friend recommended Barry Simons Law Firm in Laguna Beach. From the moment I walked thru the door, they seemed to understand exactly how I felt and what I had been thru. The receptionist gave me a warm welcome EVERY TIME and made me feel comfortable. Alan Castillo was diligent in presenting my case and the inaccuracies of the officer’s report in court. Everyone in the office worked so well together for my best interest. In the end, the judge was able to understand that a ‘wet and reckless’ charge was more reasonable then the DUI charge. During this time, while on a temporary driver’s license, another officer pulled me over for crossing a solid line to an offramp. The moment she saw the temporary license I had just received from the DMV, she began treating me like a criminal, accusing me of driving on a suspended license, would not allow me to drive my car and threatened me with jail and a $500 fine. As soon as I could, I called my lawers and explained the incident. They were appalled at the attitude and assumptions of the police officer. They immediately filed arguments with the court and were able to get these charges completely dropped. I cannot say enough about the professionalism, compassion and dedication of Alan Castillo and the whole staff at Barry Simons Law Firm. They basically gave me back my future.

    - Former DUI Client

  • His assessments were accurate and his skill and knowledge of the law resulted in a very favorable conclusion. I strongly recommend Mr. Castillo to others in need of a criminal defense attorney.
    Mr. Castillo did a brilliant job dealing with a difficult DUI-related case. This was a misdemeanor situation that had gotten blown out of proportion due to an egotistical judge. Mr. Castillo developed a great strategy and used his knowledge of the Superior Court operations to get the case handled fairly. All the while he kept us informed and showed concern. His advice was comforting and he was realistic in making us understand possible outcomes. His assessments were accurate and his skill and knowledge of the law resulted in a very favorable conclusion. I strongly recommend Mr. Castillo to others in need of a criminal defense attorney.

    - Michael

  • Alan did not disappoint. He was a champion of justice for us, in what was a very unjust situation. His communication was excellent, he made us feel protected and ultimately, vindicated.
    Alan was a beacon of hope in what was, potentially, a very dark situation. Though not his area of expertise, we were so impressed with his attitude, skill and professionalism, that we asked him to take our case anyway. Alan did not disappoint. He was a champion of justice for us, in what was a very unjust situation. His communication was excellent, he made us feel protected and ultimately, vindicated. He always had time to answer our questions and was patient with us, when we got anxious about our situation. We ended up winning our case and were only required to show up to court on one day. Alan represented us several times in our absence. We liked Alan so much, that even when having an issue in Georgia with our automobile Title, we called Alan. Again, he showed his versatility and overall knowledge of the law and was prepared to assist us again. Luckily, we caught a break and did not need to go to court. In short, Alan is a hero in our book. He's just the right mix of gentle, understanding advocate and no BS, hard nosed butt kicker. I would recommend Alan for any legal issues you might have. Thanks Alan!

    - Chris

  • My wife and I are so pleased with the results. I didn't have to serve any jail time or house arrest. His hard work saved my job and the outcome was so much better than we thought.
    I was pulled over in Santa Ana, CA in September 2011 and cited for Vehicle Codes #23152 (driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs) and #23152 (b) (driving with a blood alcohol .08% or more). I was looking at jail time, huge fines and losing my job. This was my 2nd DUI as I had received one eight years prior. After four months of negotiating with the DA, Alan came in at the 11th hour and reviewed my case. Alan got the DA to agree to a wet reckless charge versus a DUI charge. My wife and I are so pleased with the results. I didn't have to serve any jail time or house arrest. His hard work saved my job and the outcome was so much better than we thought. Alan's staff, specifically Connie, are very professional, very responsive to emails and phone calls and truly displayed an interest in their clients. I highly recommend their services and this law firm.

    - Michael

  • I am so happy we had Alan on our side. I think it is also important to point out that Alan had several other cases he was handling in addition to ours. He was still able to work a miracle for us. I would refer him to anyone in need of help.
    I have delt with other attornys.Alan is by far the most professional, comitted and supportive I've ever met. The case he handled for us was very difficult. He was able to get the charges reduced to a level that no one would ever believe. He spent countless hours working this case and making sure he got the best deal possible. During the process he kept us informed and updated regularly. There was never a time where we doubted what Alan was doing. He had a clear objective and made sure it was met. During this process Alan became very ill and was in intensive care. Most people would have given up and handed the case over to an associate. Not Alan!! He got some help but when he was able to he came back strong. I am so happy we had Alan on our side. I think it is also important to point out that Alan had several other cases he was handling in addition to ours. He was still able to work a miracle for us. I would refer him to anyone in need of help.

    - Richard

  • Alan is more of a role model not just for lawyers but for all of us, if we all fought as hard for each other as Alan did for me, in and out of the court room, this world would be a much better place. Thank You Alan for giving me a second chance in life.
    Allan Castillo is more than just a lawyer. I hired Alan as my lawyer because I made a huge mistake and drove after drinking , resulting in an accident. Going through one of the hardest times of my life, I cant even imagine having anyone else defend me and would only recommend him to anyone else if they were ever in that situation. Alan not only worked relentlessly on getting me the best results in my case, but also helped with my sobriety, pointing me in the direction that would help me as a man. Having Alan as my lawyer was more like having a family member or best friend defending me. There was not one time during my case that I ever doubted his ability to get the best results. During my case Alan went through his own trials with a very serious illness that would have caused almost anyone to quit and put their health above others. Alan did not do that, after getting out of the hospital when he should have been home resting, he was back in the court room fighting for me. Alan is much more than a lawyer, he a remarkable man who has helped to get me a second chance at life. Alan is more of a role model not just for lawyers but for all of us, if we all fought as hard for each other as Alan did for me, in and out of the court room, this world would be a much better place. Thank You Alan for giving me a second chance in life.

    - Rick

  • Great Result. The First time saw him in action in court I knew I wanted this guy to handle my case. He walked the talk. From the start he made no guarantees, no promises and gave it to me straight. A real professional.
    Great Result. The First time saw him in action in court I knew I wanted this guy to handle my case. He walked the talk. From the start he made no guarantees, no promises and gave it to me straight. A real professional.

    - Sean

  • Helped me get out of a real bad situation. Delivered on what he promised. I feel that he and his office staff really helped me thru difficult time in my life.
    Helped me get out of a real bad situation. Delivered on what he promised. I feel that he and his office staff ( Connie and Kerry) really helped me thru difficult time in my life. Highly recommend to any one dealing with an Orange County Criminal Case

    - Brad

  • I can say that Alan Castillo is a terrific advocate and works extremely hard for the client’s interests. My wife and I recommend him highly.
    I am a retired attorney. Alan Castillo represented my wife in a DUI case that was complicated by our defense based upon a mistake of fact. The Orange County DA was extremely aggressive and not willing to even discuss a negotiated plea. Alan’s effectiveness with the judge in a discussion between the judge, Alan and the DA was described by the judge as “robust” and resulted in the judge changing his view of the case and granting us the mistake of fact defense. Not long after that, for a variety of reasons that did not put the DA in good stead with the judge, the DA agreed to drop the DUI charge and change it to a reckless driving charge to which we agreed to plead guilty. Alan’s effectiveness as an advocate carried the day and he was even complimented by the judge for his advocacy at the conclusion of the case. During my legal career which spanned some 30+ years, I served as the general counsel to a multi-national company and worked with trial and business lawyers around the world . I can say that Alan Castillo is a terrific advocate and works extremely hard for the client’s interests. My wife and I recommend him highly.

    - Walter