Attorneys
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Lauren Johnson-Norris is a nationally recognized criminal defense and juvenile dependency attorney with Johnson Criminal Law Group, bringing more than 20 years of courtroom experience to the firm’s criminal, juvenile, and CPS defense practice. She is widely regarded as one of the most effective advocates in California for clients facing serious criminal charges and high-stakes child welfare proceedings.
Ms. Johnson-Norris has practiced criminal defense for over two decades, representing thousands of clients accused of offenses ranging from misdemeanors to complex and high-exposure felony cases, including violent crimes, domestic violence, and cases with life-altering consequences. Her extensive criminal practice has given her a commanding grasp of criminal procedure, evidentiary law, and trial strategy.
Known for her meticulous preparation and strategic clarity, Ms. Johnson-Norris regularly litigates prefiling, contested hearings, complex motions, jury trials, and sentencing proceedings. She is frequently retained in cases where the stakes are highest and where experienced, decisive advocacy is essential to protecting a client’s freedom and future.
Ms. Johnson-Norris is also frequently sought out in high-profile and media-sensitive matters. She has appeared as a legal commentator on Nancy Grace, Court TV, KTLA, KNX News, and NewsNation, and has been featured in The Huffington Post, providing analysis on criminal justice issues and prominent prosecutions. Her media presence reflects both her legal authority and her ability to clearly explain complex legal issues to the public.
In addition to her criminal defense work, Ms. Johnson-Norris maintains the leading practice in juvenile dependency and CPS defense, representing parents accused of abuse or neglect in legally and emotionally complex proceedings. She is particularly known for handling cases involving false or exaggerated allegations, domestic violence dynamics, medical and expert evidence, and investigative failures by child welfare agencies.
Ms. Johnson-Norris is also an accomplished appellate advocate. She authored the winning brief in the landmark case In re Drake M. (2012) 211 Cal.App.4th 754, a published decision that significantly shaped California juvenile dependency law and continues to be cited by courts statewide.
At Johnson Criminal Law Group, Ms. Johnson-Norris represents clients at all stages of criminal and juvenile proceedings, including investigations, motions, contested hearings, jury trials, and appeals. She is known for her intellect, preparation, and unwavering commitment to protecting her clients’ rights, liberty, and families.
EDUCATION
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law - J.D. - 2023
- Awarded Archie A. Gorfinkle Award for Most Outstanding Graduate Entering the Field of Criminal Defense
Sociology, Pitzer College - B.A.
- Gerry Spence’s Western Trial Advocacy Institute – 2007
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
- Professional & Bar Association Memberships
- Orange County Bar Association
- National Legal Aid and Defender Association
- California Appellate Defense Counsel
- California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
- Orange County Women Lawyers Association
- Orange County Jewish Bar Association
- Appellate Defenders, Inc.
- California Appellate Project, Inc.
- Central California Appellate Program
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense (Felonies & Misdemeanors)
- Violent & Serious Felony Defense
- Domestic Violence
- Juvenile Dependency & CPS Defense
- Prefiling Intervention
- Appellate Advocacy
- DUI & Driving Offenses
Rosanne Faul
Senior Attorney
Rosanne Faul is a senior criminal defense attorney with Johnson Criminal Law Group, bringing nearly three decades of exclusive criminal defense experience to the firm’s adult and juvenile practice. Since 1996, Ms. Faul has devoted her career solely to defending individuals accused of crimes, with a particular focus on complex felony matters and DUI defense.
Ms. Faul began her legal career as a Deputy Public Defender, where she spent eight years handling a wide range of cases—from misdemeanor offenses such as petty theft to serious and high-exposure felony matters, including complex drug lab cases, Three Strikes prosecutions, gang allegations, and murder. This background provided her with extensive courtroom experience and a deep understanding of criminal procedure, evidentiary challenges, and jury trials.
Following her tenure as a public defender, Ms. Faul expanded her practice into high-level DUI defense, gaining specialized training in the scientific and technical aspects of alcohol and drug-related prosecutions. She developed substantial expertise in breath and blood alcohol testing, the operation and reliability of chemical testing devices, and the limitations and frequent misapplication of field sobriety tests by law enforcement. Her DUI practice has included matters ranging from first-time offenses to serious cases involving injury, drugs, and vehicular manslaughter.
At Johnson Criminal Law Group, Ms. Faul represents clients in all stages of criminal and DUI proceedings, including investigations, plea negotiations, motions, preliminary hearings, jury trials, and DMV administrative hearings. She is known for her meticulous preparation, command of forensic and procedural issues, and unwavering commitment to protecting her clients’ rights and futures.
Ms. Faul’s decades of focused criminal defense experience strengthen the firm’s mission of providing aggressive, informed, and compassionate advocacy in even the most challenging cases.
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense (Felonies & Misdemeanors)
- DUI Defense (Alcohol & Drug-Related)
- DUI with Injury and Manslaughter
- Juvenile Defense
- DMV Hearings
- Motions, Preliminary Hearings, and Jury Trials
Ashleigh Duncan
Legal Assistant & Accounts Manager
Ashleigh Duncan serves as a Legal Assistant and Accounts Manager at Johnson Criminal Law Group and CPS Law Group, supporting attorneys and clients across all areas of the firm’s practice. In her role, she assists with scheduling, document preparation, client communication, and case-related inquiries, helping ensure that matters move forward efficiently and with care.
Ashleigh works closely with clients and counsel throughout a case, providing organizational and legal support in matters involving criminal defense, juvenile dependency, and related proceedings. She plays a key role in maintaining clear communication and case coordination across the firm.
Ashleigh began her career with the firm as a Client Intake Specialist, serving as a primary point of contact for individuals seeking legal assistance. She later transitioned into her current role, expanding her responsibilities to include accounts management and comprehensive case support across all practice areas.
She is known for her empathy, professionalism, strong organizational skills, and commitment to ensuring that clients feel informed, supported, and respected throughout the legal process.
Outside of the office, Ashleigh enjoys spending time with her family as a wife and mother to her son, and caring for her four beloved dogs.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense Support
Juvenile Dependency & CPS Matters
Appellate and Trial Court Support
Case Management
Accounts Management and Billing Support
Tania Petts
Intake Specialist
Tania Petts serves as an Intake Specialist at Johnson Criminal Law Group, where she is often the first point of contact for individuals seeking legal assistance. In her role, she communicates with prospective clients, gathers essential information, and helps ensure that matters are directed appropriately and efficiently within the firm.
Tania brings extensive experience in client relations and administrative support, with a strong background in managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments. She is known for her professionalism, clear communication, and ability to put people at ease during stressful or uncertain situations.
Prior to joining the firm, Tania worked as a Customer Service Specialist, where she served as a primary contact for client accounts, handled sensitive records, performed quality checks, and ensured compliance with privacy standards. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Junior Legal Assistant, conducting initial client interviews, managing case files, drafting correspondence, and serving as the first point of contact for a busy law office.
At Johnson Criminal Law Group, Tania is valued for her empathy, organization, and commitment to ensuring that everyone who contacts the firm feels heard, supported, and guided from the very first interaction.
Practice Areas
- Client Intake and Initial Case Assessment
- Criminal Defense Matters
- Juvenile Dependency & CPS Matters
- Case Coordination and Client Communication
Alex Matthews, Esq.
Attorney
Alex Matthews is a criminal defense and juvenile dependency attorney with Johnson Criminal Law Group, representing clients in dependency trial courts, dependency appeals, and criminal matters. His practice reflects a commitment to careful legal analysis, professionalism, and client-centered advocacy.
Mr. Matthews represents parents and caregivers in juvenile dependency proceedings, including trial-level matters involving contested hearings and decisions affecting custody and reunification. He works closely with clients to navigate the procedural requirements of dependency court and to advocate for their rights and interests throughout the proceedings.
In addition to trial court representation, Mr. Matthews handles juvenile dependency appeals, reviews records, identifies legal and procedural issues, and prepares appellate arguments on behalf of parents seeking review of juvenile court decisions.
Mr. Matthews also represents clients in criminal matters, including misdemeanor and felony cases. His work across criminal and dependency courts allows him to address related legal issues that arise when proceedings overlap.
Prior to joining Johnson Criminal Law Group, Mr. Matthews served as a Staff Attorney at the Public Law Center, where he represented clients in civil legal matters. He also volunteered with Community Legal Aid SoCal, assisting self-represented litigants with unlawful detainer filings, and with the Public Law Center in an on-site volunteer capacity. Earlier in his career, Mr. Matthews interned at ACLU Southern California, where he worked on issues related to civil rights, constitutional law, and access to justice. This experience informs his approach to cases involving due process and government accountability.
At Johnson Criminal Law Group, Mr. Matthews approaches each case with diligence, integrity, and attention to the serious personal stakes involved for his clients.
Practice Areas
- Juvenile Dependency Trial Court Representation
- Juvenile Dependency Appeals
- Criminal Defense (Felonies & Misdemeanors)
- Motions and Contested Hearings
Amber Khan
Law Clerk
Amber Khan serves as a Law Clerk at Johnson Criminal Law Group, supporting attorneys across all areas of the firm’s practice. In her role, she assists with legal research, drafting, case preparation, and administrative support in matters involving criminal defense, juvenile dependency, CPS proceedings, and related litigation.
Amber is a Legal Studies and Politics graduate with honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she earned a dual Bachelor of Arts degree. She is currently enrolled in the UCLA Extension Paralegal Training Program, an ABA-accredited program, with expected completion in March 2026
Her background includes experience in research, policy analysis, and client-focused work. Prior to joining the firm, Amber interned with the Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, where she assisted with event coordination, administrative support, and professional communications in a governmental setting. She has also held roles focused on education, peer advocacy, and training, which strengthened her organizational skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
At Johnson Criminal Law Group, Amber is known for her attention to detail, strong writing and research skills, and thoughtful approach to supporting attorneys and clients. She approaches her work with professionalism, diligence, and a commitment to contributing meaningfully to the firm’s advocacy for its clients.
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense Support
- Juvenile Dependency & CPS Matters
- Appellate and Trial Court Support
- Legal Research and Drafting
- Case Preparation and Administrative Support
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