California Lemon Law Attorneys in Santa Barbara & Santa Cruz
California has one of the toughest auto "lemon" laws in the country. However, Californians continue to have trouble persuading manufacturers to replace or buy back defective consumer products...
Lemon Blog
Auto manufacturers HATE California’s lemon law, which is rated the best in the nation. That’s because every year thousands of lemon owners like you, use California’s lemon law to make auto makers buy back their defective vehicles. Car companies and their high-powered (and expensive) lobbyists in Sacramento are working behind the scenes to undo the state’s lemon law...Lemon Aid
Tips for consumers to protect your lemon law rights. (1) Document the problems with your vehicle by taking the vehicle to the manufacturer's authorized repair shop to attempt repair of the problem. (2) Make sure the repair facility records your complaint exactly as you describe it. (3) Do not leave the repair facility without a repair order. (4) For intermittent problems, keep a log in the vehicle to record the incident with the date and time of each incident.Auto Dealer Fraud
 | Auto dealer fraud is prevalent in our country for a number of reasons. The sheer volume of American car expenditures is enormous and by necessity and dealer ingenuity, car purchases are complex. The sale of a motor vehicle involves compliance with state titling and registration laws, often involves trade-ins, financing, leasing, physical damage and liability insurance, credit insurance, service contracts, options and other fees. This complexity provides ample opportunities for confusion and deception... Learn More Read about the California Car Buyer Bill of Rights |
Other Consumer Protection Practice Areas
Why Choose Makler & Baker LLP
Contingency Fee & No Upfront Retainer
California’s lemon law and consumer fraud statutes let the successful consumer recover attorney’s fees, so you pay nothing unless we win.
Statewide California Coverage
We handle cases in all counties from offices in Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz — no lemon law mill with out-of-state offices.
Experienced Consumer Protection Attorneys
Julianna Makler and Terry Baker have devoted their careers to fighting auto manufacturers and dealers for California consumers.
Free Case Review Within 24 Hours
Call (866) 995-3666 or contact us online and we’ll respond quickly.
Lemon Law Guides & Resources
California Lemon Law Guide
How the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act works, what counts as a lemon, and the remedies you may be owed.
The Buyback Process, Step by Step
What happens from your first repair visit to a manufacturer buyback or replacement — and how long it can take.
Used Cars & the Lemon Law
When the California Lemon Law protects buyers of used and certified pre-owned vehicles still under warranty.
Lemon Aid: Protect Your Rights
Document the problem, keep repair orders, and log every incident — practical tips to build a strong case.
Featured Consumer Resources
Our attorneys keep a short list of independent resources for consumers making high-value purchases — the same verification habits that protect you at the dealership protect you anywhere money is at stake.
- Consumer Resources for Big Purchases — recalls, history reports, and a simple due-diligence checklist.
- Used Cars & the Lemon Law — protection that can extend well beyond the new-car window.
- Shopping for something high-value like a replica Patek Philippe? Verify the seller and get return terms in writing before you pay.
