Law Offices Of William V. Pernik
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Law Offices Of William V. Pernik
With our skilled and personalized approach to your defense, trust our stellar legal team to protect your freedom and reputation. Espere una comunicacion significativa y respuestas honestas entregadas en lenguaje sencillo. With our founding attorney, William V. Pernik, at the head of the legal team, we know just how emotionally and physically taxing a criminal accusation can be, and what it takes to successfully defend and protect you during these trying times.

From simple misdemeanors to complex felony charges such as forcible rape and murder, our criminal defense attorneys have taken on some of the toughest prosecutors in the state to obtain the best results for our clients, securing a record number of acquittals in multiple jurisdictions, as well as dismissals and reductions of charges in hundreds of cases.
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With hard work, skill, and determination, we have been fortunate to win many victories for our clients. In every case, we develop a personal connection with our clients and use our knowledge to provide our clients with the best possible legal counsel combined with empathy and understanding. Our clients know we genuinely care to see them overcome the often seemingly insurmountable odds.
Our founding attorney, William Pernik, brings with him a wealth of experience in the industry combined with stellar academic credentials. A graduate of University of San Francisco School of Law, he excelled academically in his legal studies and graduated with a Certificate in Public Interest Law.

After passing the California Bar on his first try, William Pernik worked as a research attorney for a prestigious criminal defense firm in San Francisco, and later in the Public Defender Offices in Tulare and Monterey counties, where he learned the tools of the trade from some of the finest criminal lawyers in the industry.
Attorney Roland Soltesz joined our firm in 2017, after a distinguished career in public service, and a very short-lived retirement. A seasoned courtroom veteran, Mr. Soltesz is one of the few lawyers on the Central Coast qualified to handle death penalty cases and has tried over a hundred cases to a jury verdict since being admitted to the California State Bar in 2003.
We are especially pleased to announce the arrival of Mr. Jonathan Cohen, as the third member of our dedicated legal team. A seasoned courtroom veteran, Mr. Cohen joined our firm in June of 2019, after years of dedicated public service, and a short break from practicing law in order to help raise his two children.
Our invaluable team member, Margarita Gonzales, joined the firm shortly after its founding and has played a great role in our growth and success ever since. Born and raised in Monterey County, Ms. Gonzales is a graduate of California State University at Monterey Bay and Monterey College of Law, with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Communications and a Master's Degree in Legal Studies.
Reviews (26)
Ally Coronel Aispuro
Ally Coronel Aispuro
Dec 07, 2021
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William Pernik is hands down the best Lawyer!! He took care of my high profile case very professionally and FAST!!! I worked with other lawyers before him who further hurt my case (They rather get along with the D.A -pay attention to that- he wanted me to take 15 years )
Then I found a lawyer who cared about my case and had the best intentions but was Incompetent in my opinion. He had 10+ years of experience but unfortunately the D.A mopped the court floors with him.
And right when I felt like nothing or no one was going to change my situation, someone recommended Mr.Pernik.
I was very discouraged
Tommy Calderon
Tommy Calderon
Oct 06, 2021
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This man is a great lawyer ! He defended me in a case. He has the carrisma the knowledge of a great lawyer. I recommend him highly ! Thank you mr. Pernik i will remember you always. Thomas also he's like Matlock and Perry Mason wrapped into one !
Marco R.
Marco R.
Aug 30, 2021
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After a misunderstanding,I wanted to come on here and write this review and say Mr. Pernik is truly a man of his word, and worked out the best possible deal he could regarding the current situation at hand. Mr. Pernik personally took the time out to call me and had me come into his office and addressed all my concerns. Mr. Pernik is an overall great attorney, and would definitely recommend him to any family and friends. No one wants to hire a criminal defense attorney but let me just say Mr. Pernik was always respectful and very professional he truly wants to help his clients out and does everything
Nicolle L.
Nicolle L.
Jul 08, 2021
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This law office is efficient and friendly. Prompt call backs and responses to email. They were incredibly helpful. I can't say enough about them. I would absolutely recommend.
Vladimir Y.
Vladimir Y.
Jun 28, 2021
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I have had the distinct pleasure of using the services of Mr. Pernik to help settle me a medical overcharge issue. Even though Mr. Pernik is a criminal defense attorney, he expeditiously and with great professionalism offered to help. His efforts resulted in me being compensated for unscrupulous medical services.
Kookie M.
Kookie M.
Feb 09, 2021
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Professional & Knowledgeable, thank you William I truly am thankful, you understood my needs for Professional Representation in the matter at hand and acquired a great outcome for Us. Thank you also for Exceeding my expectations and Great Job in fulfilling what you stated in our Consultation. I can not thank you enough. Stay Up Stay Blessed.
James L.
James L.
Jan 27, 2021
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Just wanted to reach out and thank the law offices of William Pernik. Unfortunately I found myself needing their services and I must say that I was completely satisfied with the service and results. From the front desk to William and Roland. They were very courteous and professional at all times. They fully explained everything and were there for me through the whole process. They are very knowledgeable of the law and the court system which was great because I am not. I am hoping that I won't need their help again but will not hesitate to call if I do! Thanks again to the whole team at the
Kurstin T.
Kurstin T.
Nov 28, 2020
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William was prompt with his responses and when I talked with him he was straight to the point no nonsense. He gave me peace of mind. You cannot put a price tag on that. There are no regrets in my choosing to go with William Pernik. So far cross my fingers I have not had to use him in any legal litigation thus far. I feel confident if I did have to use him I would definitely stand a good fighting chance at winning my case.
Thomas Cvietkovich
Thomas Cvietkovich
Nov 08, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality
Mr. Pernik is the consummate professional. He is extremely good at defending his clients against criminal charges. The bench respects him and trusts him. You will have effective counsel if you hire Mr. Pernik.
Alina Chekhov
Alina Chekhov
Oct 06, 2020
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Mr. Pernik represented me on my first (and hopefully, last) matter in criminal court. He gave me excellent advice, his price was very reasonable, and most importantly, he had my case dismissed! Honestly, this was such a relief! This happened in 2018. Since then I referred him to some friends who required services of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, and I will not hesitate to recommend him again!
Ruben Pulido
Ruben Pulido
Aug 03, 2020
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I want to thank Roland Soltez he is a fantastic attorney. I appreciate his hard work and kindness, I highly recommend him to anyone that needs an attorney and wants to win a case. Also his team/staff are dedicated, hard working, carrying, and intelligent people. I could go on and say so many great things, I appreciate you Roland Soltez and your great team. Having you help me and stand by my side made me feel empowered like I could never lose. You are a great attorney, a great man Thank YOU!! Also let me include that Margarita is an amazing women that helped me during this hard procces and made
Edgar M.
Edgar M.
Jan 31, 2020
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I just want to take the time thank The Law Offices of William V. Pernik, for providing excellent representation towards my legal matters. I have requested his services 3 times for myself, and my whole family and friends have as well. He truly cares and does everything in his power to get the best outcome towards any case. I'm eternally grateful for William to have represented me in the past. 100% will recommend to anyone seeking legal representation.
Brittany M.
Brittany M.
Jan 07, 2020
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I needed a lawyer that was knowledgeable, efficient, and worked hard to defend me. Thank you Roland, I would highly recommend to give them a call for any legal help you may need.
Becca R.
Becca R.
Jan 07, 2020
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These are the best lawyers in the bay area, worked nonstop to help me out of a wrongful dispute. Do not hesitate to book a quick consultation, they are judgement free and very competent of your legal rights.
Paul Sanderson
Paul Sanderson
Nov 20, 2019
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I walked into Williams office in the grips of a severe manic episode that led to 2 arrests in 3 days. I had never been arrested before and had never been manic before and William and his staff were god sends. They treated me like a friend from the moment I walked in, unshaven, dirty and and mentally unstable. Aside from how they treated me, which was extremely important to me at the time, William immediately recognized my condition and began planning a case to get me a mental health diversion, based on a law that had only passed 2 months earlier in CA. He spent countless hours on the phone with
Maria I.
Maria I.
Nov 08, 2019
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Mr. William Pernik is an excellent attorney. The case I hired him for is not finished but I strongly feel that I need to thank him for the way he brings the point across in court hearings. I feel very confident having him as my brother's attorney. I recommend him 100% and If anyone ever needs a criminal attorney, he would be on the very top of the list. I wish public defenders would learn from how Mr. William Pernik handles things in court. He is the best!!! My brother is in really good hands. Thank You!
Alex F.
Alex F.
Oct 10, 2019
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I've been a client of Law Offices of William Pernik for a few years now. I've been seeking legal counsel on many situations, some of which had to do with selling of various goods nationwide, some related to cannabis, and others with best course of action to be taken to avoid legal trouble.
His law firm gave me excellent advice every time. While I hope it will never come to this, I rest easy knowing I have access to a knowledgeable attorney in case I get into serious legal trouble.
Katie W.
Katie W.
Sep 13, 2019
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Got the case dismissed! Jonathan Cohen is the defense attorney you'll want to represent you!
Smart, calm, and determined to get it done!
Justice is what this law firm does!
Doug K.
Doug K.
Aug 01, 2019
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Very professional staff throughout the office. Was put at ease from the very first consult with Roland. Jonathan represented me in court and got me the best possible outcome for my situation. I was kept updated at every step of the way and all my questions were answered. They eased me through a difficult situation. I highly recommend their services and would not hesitate to use them again. Also their fees are very reasonable compared to other law offices in the area.
Jannie Ballesteros
Jannie Ballesteros
Jul 05, 2019
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Mr. Pernik has been a valuable resource to our family. We have turned to him for consultation several times with matters regarding business, collection agencies, legality of selling tools and other products, as well best course of action with regards to certain legal matters. He has been quick to respond and provided us with valuable consultation. We definitely recommend him.
Min H.
Min H.
Apr 11, 2019
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NOBODY likes being in court, it gives you a bad feeling like what am I going to do? Yeah, you get a public defender but they leave you feeling like is that really the best you can do for me? If you ever feel like that I HIGHLY recommend calling them and talking/meeting with Roland Soltesz!

I called their office for a consult and I was met with Mr. Soltesz, he was VERY nice and made me feel like I wasn't alone and kind of lifted this heavy burden off my shoulders. He talked to me about my situation and also gave me some advice to reassure my choices. Also, talked to me in ways it was relatable
Marjorie B.
Marjorie B.
Feb 04, 2019
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William Pernik is a dedicated, honest, and knowledgeable attorney. He started out by meeting with his client at the jail on Thanksgiving eve and with me on the following Sunday. Without giving false hope, he advised me in what I needed to do to help his client. I listened to his every word and took his advice.

Mr. Pernik knows the criminal justice system. I felt he sincerely cared about us. He and his staff worked hard and were professional, helpful and responsive whenever we called. We felt safe in their hands as we knew they were doing all they could. Fortunately, we had an excellent outcome
Mendoza Mata Liliana
Mendoza Mata Liliana
Aug 28, 2018
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8/27/2018 I have a family member who run into a big problem I was completely lost, I didn't know who to call I start searching for criminal defense attorney lawyer online, and I found Mr. Pernik. I immediately called and I talked to his assisted Ms. Margarita who fortunately speak Spanish she was very helpful and she immediately schedule me a… first consultation without a CHARGE with Mr. Pernik, who kindly explain to me what was happening with my relative, what were his charges and what he could do to help him, since the first appointment he was very confident, professional and very kind
Steven M.
Steven M.
Feb 17, 2018
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We hired Mr. Pernik to represent one of our Spanish speaking employees with a traffic / driver's license issue . We started with a phone consult using Margarita as a translator. What struck me was that Mr. Pernik listened carefully, did not rush us and then told us we could probably handle the matter ourselves if we wanted to. How refreshing not to get the "hard sell" right off the bat. We decided to hire him and his price was so reasonable and the outcome was better than expected. I hope not to need a criminal lawyer again soon but it's nice to know where to find a good one
Chris M.
Chris M.
Dec 14, 2017
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I have a relative that recently made a bad decision that ended up in an arrest. Fortunately it's not a real serious matter, but it's also not "amateur hour" and despite being in law enforcement myself, I knew that I needed to consult with a professional criminal defense attorney.

After performing a fair amount of research, I determined that William Pernik was the person that I wanted to talk to about my issue. I scheduled a
free consultation and I met with Attorney Roland Soltesz, who works with Mr. Pernik. Mr. Soltesz could not have been nicer and more professional than he
Annia Raysberg
Annia Raysberg
May 05, 2016
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I am a licensed psychotherapist specializing in alcoholism and chemical dependency. I have known William for over 10 years now. He has hired me on several occasions to interview and assess his substance abuse clients to prepare for trial. I have interacted with many lawyers in my professional life, and I must say that William stands out as someone who truly cares about his clients.
I can honestly say that William is extremely dedicated, intelligent, compassionate, and resourceful. He is remarkably passionate about justice for his clients. To him, this is not a job- it's a calling. If you want