Christien Petersen

My name is Christien F. Petersen and I am a criminal defense attorney. I grew up in Solvang, California a small Danish town known for its wine, pastry and unique cultural heritage. I was fortunate to grow up there because it gave me a strong appreciation of what a strong work ethic and strong family values can bring a person professionally and personally. I've come to appreciate more and more where I come from as it has proven an invaluable touchstone in treating people I meet wherever I go just as I would if I had grown up knowing them in Solvang. Folks deserve to be treated with respect, and I'll be damned if I don't at least do that. I attended Westmont College, a private Christian school in Santa Barbara, California on an academic scholarship. While there I fell in love with rugby. Rugby taught me what deserved a conflict and what did not. It is often said that rugby is a “hooligan's game played by gentleman,” and I attribute a large chunk of the man I am today to the brutal lessons I learned on the rugby pitch. After college and many rugby related injuries, I attended Whittier Law School in Orange County. Not only did I meet my wife there, but I also managed to get my law degree in 2008. After passing the bar, I cast about trying to learn various fields, trying to find my passion in the law. Not long after I began my search I found the exciting field of criminal defense. Shortly thereafter I started private practice as a criminal defense attorney with a firm in Los Angeles. In the summer of 2013 I struck out on my own. I want to work with people the way I feel most comfortable, and this way seems to me to be the best way to do it.