Defending Justice The Relentless Mission of Elite Criminal Defense
JOURNALS
ATTORNEY
OF THE MONTH
Oscar B. Valencia’s Unwavering Commitment to Fighting for Clients and Strengthening the Legal System
2025
by Dan Baldwin
Regardless of the sometimes-dramatic changes in the law, technology and even personnel within our own organization, we remain one hundred percent committed to our mission, which is to provide the strongest criminal defense at a price that is fair for everyone involved,” says Oscar B. Valencia, Founder of Elite Criminal Defense, APC.
Staying Committed to Teamwork Valencia has more than 20 years of legal experience. Today his practice focuses primarily on criminal defense in both state and federal courts. He is admitted to practice in all State of California Courts, and in the following federal courts: Southern District of California, Eastern District of California, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Colorado District Courts, Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and US Supreme Court. A key factor in the growth of Elite Criminal Defense is Valencia’s drive to find and hire the best talent to enhance the firm’s commitment to its mission. “We hire based on hard work and dedication. We do not give special treatment to anyone and expect every team member to do their best. Our team, including leadership, comes
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Attorney Journals San Diego | Volume 257, 2025
from diverse backgrounds, and what matters most is their commitment to our clients and the firm,” Valencia says. For example, a recent addition, Michelle CameronHunsaker, began her legal career as a runner and receptionist and worked her way through all aspects of the legal field. In 2012, she established her firm Hunsaker Law dedicating her practice to advocating for clients and now brings that experience and expertise to Elite Criminal Defense. “She is deeply dedicated to achieving the best possible results for our clients. She is known for her caring nature by clients and staff. Her commitment to the law, her team, and the people she represents has already made a meaningful impact at our team. I don’t think I’ve met another attorney who fights more for her clients. She goes out of her way and leaps and bounds. I mean, she really is absolutely fantastic,” Valencia says. He praises the other attorneys and the staff with equal enthusiasm. “They all have experience. I don’t think that anyone on our staff has less than 20 years of experience. Experience matters. If I had a son and he got in trouble with the law, I wouldn’t hesitate to have any of the lawyers that work with us represent him in court, he says. Valencia has worked hard through the years to maintain a culture of dedication, teamwork, and