Criminal Defense Lawyer For Violent Crimes & Gun Crimes

Joshua Mulligan

Criminal Defense Attorney & Certified Criminal Law Specialist

Top-Rated Violent and Gun Crimes Lawyer Serving La Quinta, Indio, and the Coachella Valley

Being accused of a violent or firearm-related offense in La Quinta, Indio, or the rest of the Coachella Valley? At Wilkerson & Mulligan, we understand that being accused of a violent or gun-related crime can feel like a sudden, overwhelming storm. Whether you acted in self-defense, were falsely accused, or the situation escalated unexpectedly, your side of the story matters.

In the courtroom fear sells faster than facts, one accusation can brand you for life. But at Wilkerson & Mulligan, we see beyond the headlines, beyond the police report, beyond the weapon. We see you.

Attorneys Forest Wilkerson and Joshua Mulligan are trial lawyers, storytellers, and fighters—crafted in the crucible of high-stakes criminal defense. With over four decades of courtroom victories, Forest and Joshua know how to dismantle a prosecution’s narrative. Whether you're facing assault charges, firearm enhancements, or an accusation that could change your life forever—we’ve stood beside good people in their darkest hours—and brought them back into the light. When the system calls you dangerous, we call you defendable. When they say the facts are stacked against you, we show the jury how much of the story they’ve never heard.

This isn’t just legal defense. It’s a full-throated, fearless defense of your freedom, your dignity, and your future.

What makes Us the Best Defense for Your Case?

When you walk through the doors of Wilkerson & Mulligan, you're not just hiring a law firm—you’re stepping into the care of attorneys who’ve made it their life’s mission to stand between good people and the crushing weight of the justice system. Forest Wilkerson isn’t just any attorney; since 2013, Palm Springs Life Magazine has consistently named him a “Top Lawyer” in Criminal Defense, and more recently, a “Top Appellate Attorney.” Her partner, Joshua Mulligan, holds a rare distinction: he’s a State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a title fewer than five percent of criminal defense lawyers ever earn. This isn’t by luck or label—it’s the result of relentless dedication and battle-won experience.

But titles alone don’t win cases. What sets Forest and Josh apart is how they approach every case—not from a distance, but from the ground up. They don’t rely solely on paper trails and secondhand accounts. They lace up their boots, walk crime scenes themselves, and sit in on witness interviews because they know that truth often hides in the shadows others overlook. Their investigations are more than thorough; they’re personal. And from those details, they craft a defense that speaks not only to the law, but to your story.

The results? They speak for themselves—acquittals, dismissals, and verdicts that have pulled clients back from the brink of ruin. But what really matters to Forest and Josh isn’t just the legal victories; it’s the people they fight for. Clients speak of their tireless effort, of how they felt heard, believed, and fiercely defended.

At Wilkerson & Mulligan, you’re not a case file. You’re a person with a past, a future, and a voice worth defending. Whether you're facing charges of assault, robbery, or something even more serious, they will stand beside you with compassion—and fight like hell with everything else they've got.

We Defend Against a Wide Range of Violent and Gun Charges

Our firm represents clients facing serious charges including assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, robbery, manslaughter, and homicide. We also handle a full range of firearm-related offenses, such as unlawful possession of a firearm, felon in possession, concealed carry violations, and use of a weapon during the commission of a crime. We have the experience and determination to protect your rights every step of the way in La Quinta, Indio, and other parts of the Coachella Valley.

Violent Crimes

• Simple Assault

• Aggravated Assault

• Domestic Violence

• Robbery

• Battery with Great Bodily Injury

• Manslaughter (Voluntary and Involuntary)

• Murder and Attempted Murder

Firearm & Weapon Offenses

• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm

• Concealed Weapon Violations

• Possession of an Unregistered Firearm

• Use of a Firearm During a Crime

• Gun Enhancements on Other Charges

Whether you’re facing one charge or multiple allegations, we understand the high stakes—and we respond with the full force of our legal skill, investigative resources, and trial experience.

Legal Penalties for Violent and Gun Crimes

Violent and firearm-related charges in California carry some of the harshest penalties in the criminal justice system. Prosecutors are often under pressure to seek maximum sentences, especially in cases involving guns or repeat offenses.

Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing:

• Years—or even decades—in state prison

• Mandatory minimum sentences for certain firearm-related convictions

• Strike enhancements under California’s “Three Strikes” law

• Felony convictions that can permanently affect your future

• Loss of gun rights

• Probation or parole with restrictive conditions

• Permanent criminal record, which can impact employment, housing, and education

If a firearm is alleged to have been used during the commission of another crime, such as robbery or assault, the prosecution may pursue sentence enhancements that can add 10, 20, or even 25 years to your sentence.

That’s why having the right defense lawyer isn’t just important—it’s critical.

Don’t Wait — Your Future Is on the Line

If you’ve been charged with a violent or firearm-related offense in La Quinta, Indio, or other parts of the Coachella Valley, time is critical. The right defense can mean the difference between freedom and years behind bars. We’re ready to step in, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.