Marc X. Carlos

Practice areas

Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: White Collar, Civil Rights

Focus areas

Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Criminal Law – Federal, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Felony, Misdemeanor, Murder, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, White Collar Crime

For more than three decades, Marc X. Carlos has managed a comprehensive range of legal cases pertaining to criminal defense. His experience encompasses a broad spectrum of matters, including intricate drug transactions, homicides, and white-collar offenses. He boasts an extensive track record in both state and federal litigation, having served as lead counsel in over 250 jury trials, notably including cases involving capital punishment and homicides. Additionally, he has been actively engaged in over 3000 contested hearings before the court. Notably, Mr. Carlos has capably represented more than 40 individuals facing homicide charges. Furthermore, he has provided legal representation to individuals and companies entangled in cases of Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, Insider Trading, Real Estate Fraud, Securities violations, and has extended his services to international entities and individuals charged with criminal infractions within the United States. He has also played a pivotal role in negotiating and advocating for foreign nationals undergoing extradition to the U.S.

Mr. Carlos has been sought after by an array of clients, including prominent political figures, sports personalities, legal professionals, medical practitioners, law enforcement officers, and corporations. As a partner and co-founder of the esteemed California law firm Bardsley & Carlos LLP (now Marc Carlos Law, APC), he represents clients across Southern California and practices before all State of California courts, as well as the United States District Courts nationwide. He even extends his representation to state court cases outside of California under Pro Hac Vice status.

His academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Arts degree obtained in 1983 from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by the acquisition of a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara Law in 1986. His legal practice covers a comprehensive spectrum, being licensed to practice law in all California courts, including the U.S. District Courts for the Central and Southern Districts of California, the California Courts of Appeal for the 1st through 6th Districts, and the Supreme Court of California. Recognized on a national level as a specialist in criminal trials, Mr. Carlos frequently serves as a court witness and consults in civil cases as an expert in criminal law.

Demonstrating unwavering dedication to ethical standards and delivering quality legal representation, Mr. Carlos has earned immense respect from his peers. He holds the prestigious AV Preeminent* rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is honored as a fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America—an accolade reserved for fewer than 0.5% of all lawyers in the nation. Additionally, he has been inducted as a fellow in the esteemed American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), the oldest and most prestigious trial lawyer society in North America. His membership is a testament to his exceptional trial skills, ethical conduct, and professional standing in the legal community. Mr. Carlos also holds the distinction of being a fellow in the American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL), an exclusive invitation-only society for distinguished criminal trial attorneys. His legal prowess has led to his inclusion in the US News Best Lawyers in America list in the fields of criminal defense and white-collar criminal defense. His law firm has also secured a position in Tier One of Best Law Firms for Criminal Defense. Acknowledged as a top-tier legal practitioner, he is listed among the LawDragon 500, an honorary legal society recognizing the nation’s top 500 attorneys in specific categories.

Mr. Carlos contributes to legal education by lecturing on homicide defense at Continuing Legal Education seminars. He imparts trial skills through his involvement with the California Public Defenders Association and the San Diego County Public Defender’s office. His expertise has also been showcased on prominent national media platforms including truTV, MSNBC, FOX News, NBC’s “Dateline,” and PBS.

*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards.