About Michael Phillips, Nevada County Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you call this office, you reach me
Not a call screener, not a receptionist, and not a rotating junior associate. I'm Michael Phillips, and for over 25 years, I have done exactly one thing: defend people.
I went to law school to help people through their hardest moments. In my entire career, I have never used what I know to put a person in jail or make a life harder. I've only ever stood on one side of the courtroom. Yours.
What makes a good lawyer?
I chose to build my practice in Nevada City because I believe in small-town values. To me, being a good lawyer isn't about fancy degrees or corporate jargon. It comes down to a few simple promises:
I speak English, not "Legalese." You will always get the truth about your case said plainly, clearly, and with respect.
I value relationships over profits. My practice is small by design. I take a select number of cases so that you get my full, undivided attention.
I give you a straight opinion. After all, that's what you're paying for. I'll tell you the exact strengths and weaknesses of your case, a clear idea of the costs up front, and how long it could all take.
I don't waste your time or money. We'll tailor a defense strategy designed to accomplish your specific goals without burning through your resources.
A casual, welcoming environment. I believe a law office shouldn't feel intimidating. When you visit me in Nevada City, you can expect a comfortable atmosphere, a friendly staff, excellent coffee, and usually my dog curled up by the desk.
A career built inside the courtroom
My path started at the Santa Clara University School of Law, where I earned my J.D. in 1987 and was named Best Oral Advocate. After clerking for a Superior Court judge, I stepped into the public defender's office as a senior trial attorney, handling the county's most difficult cases. That is where I truly learned how to fight.
I went into private practice in 2000, and I have spent the last 25+ years defending our neighbors across Nevada County, handling everything from driving offenses to homicide.
Why my experience matters for your case
A lot of attorneys handle criminal defense, but very few have carried more than 100 cases all the way to a jury verdict. That depth of experience completely changes how a case is defended. I know exactly where the government's cases break, and I know how to take a weak case to a jury rather than simply pleading you out.
It also matters that I have never been a prosecutor. I've spent three decades cross-examining police officers and challenging state witnesses. Questioning the government's narrative — pressing the point an officer would rather skip, finding the weakness no one volunteers — is a craft you only build from the defense table.
After more than a quarter century in these local courtrooms, the respect I've earned from local judges and prosecutors does more for you than any empty claim of "inside connections."
At a glance
Roots in the Nevada County community
The desire to run a true small-town practice is what drew me to this community. I wanted to deeply know the people I represent and be an active part of this place. When I'm not in the courtroom, you'll usually find me Nordic skiing (I'm a U.S. Ski & Snowboard certified instructor), fishing, or hiking local trails with my dog.
In a community the size of Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Truckee, reputation matters. One tough moment shouldn't define the rest of your life. I handle every case with absolute discretion, and I treat every client the way a good neighbor should be treated: with honesty, compassion, and fierce advocacy.
Let's talk about your case. The first conversation is always free, completely confidential, and you'll speak with me directly.