Roger H. Ponce

Mr. Ponce is the founder and managing attorney of Ponce Law Corp, based in Bakersfield, California. With over 14 years of legal experience, Mr. Ponce specializes in criminal law, immigration law, and trial advocacy, representing clients in federal and state courts. His practice includes handling complex cases, such as homicides and death penalty defenses, as a member of the Kern County Indigent Defense Panel and the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel for the Eastern District of California.

A former Superior Court Commissioner for Kern County, Mr. Ponce presided over pretrial release, arraignment calendars, and misdemeanor pleas, gaining valuable judicial insight that informs his practice and teaching. Mr. Ponce is now an adjunct professor at Trinity International University Law School, where he teaches Criminal Law. He hopes to also teach Trial Advocacy and Immigration Law. His teaching draws upon extensive courtroom experience, emphasizing practical skills and ethical advocacy.

Mr. Ponce earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2010 and graduated with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and International Development, along with a minor in Latin American Studies, from UCLA in 2002.

An active contributor to the legal community, Mr. Ponce has published articles on post-conviction relief and regularly presents on topics such as criminal defense strategies and the intersection of immigration and criminal law. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, enabling him to provide bilingual representation and mentorship.

When not practicing law, Mr. Ponce is passionate about his family, fostering entrepreneurship, and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.