Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Berkeley

Our Recommended Top 10

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Berkeley Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

83

Reviewed

53

Curated

10

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
6114 La Salle Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611

Why choose this provider?

Laura Robinson Law is an Oakland-based criminal defense law firm that represents clients in Berkeley. Criminal defense attorney Laura Robinson has experience in handling various criminal cases, including DUI, theft, murder, drug possession, and sex crimes. Apart from this, Robinson also handles white collar crimes covering forgery, bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering. She has won numerous acquittals on cases of kidnapping, arson, rape, and possession offenses throughout her more than 30 years in practice.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Laura Robinson - Principal36 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Pier 9 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Naomi Chung is a legal practice that focuses on representing individuals and organizational clients. Its criminal justice attorney near Berkeley handles state and federal charges involving drugs, assault, sex offenses, conspiracies, cyber crimes, immigration violations, conspiracies, fraud, and other white-collar cases. She also represents clients before charges are filed. The Law Offices of Naomi Chung works to get defendants the most favorable outcome, including getting charges reduced or dismissed.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Naomi Chung - Principal12 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1010 Grayson Street, Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94710

Why choose this provider?

Elizabeth Grossman & Peter Orth is a criminal defense practice with over 38 years' experience representing adults and juveniles in criminal courts. The criminal lawyer in Berkeley has experience handling drug offenses, violent crimes, DUI, vehicle-related offenses, sexual assault, theft, and fraud. Its team also helps clients with bail reductions and property bonds, DMV hearings, early termination, modifications of probation, record clearing, and expungement. The firm also provides services for university and high school disciplinary matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Elizabeth Grossman - Partner42 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Website
1024 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Why choose this provider?

Paine Criminal Defense PC is a legal firm that represents individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors in the Berkeley area. Its attorney handles a wide range of crimes, including assault, sex offenses, theft, and drug possession. The law practice's team collects evidence, works with private investigators, hires skilled experts to review forensic evidence, and builds a strong case. Services are available in English and Spanish. Autumn Paine is a member of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Autumn Paine - Principal / Owner17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
456 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1983, Sayad & Biren PC is a legal practice near Berkeley that provides defense services for individuals and companies charged with white-collar crimes. Its attorneys handle a variety of charges, including money laundering, extortion, forgery, embezzlement, insider stock trading, identity theft, and tax, mail, credit card, health care, and banking fraud. The firm also represents clients facing grand jury investigations. Other practice areas include employment and discrimination law and alternative dispute resolution services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Pamela Sayad - Senior and Founding Partner42 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
6114 La Salle Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of James Phillip Vaughns is a full-service law firm that represents individuals charged with felony, misdemeanor, state, and federal charges. The criminal lawyer near Berkeley has experience with a wide range of cases, including driving while intoxicated, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes, and theft. Attorney James Phillip Vaughns is a former Alameda County District Attorney and an NFLPA certified contract advisor that also handles immigration law and entertainment industry services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Vaughns - Principal38 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
633 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Why choose this provider?

Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP is a general legal firm in the Berkeley area representing individuals and businesses facing white-collar criminal investigations and charges. Its full team of attorneys has experience with cases involving big-rigging, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and all types of fraud, such as bank, stock, and mortgage. The practice also handles appeals after a conviction. Other areas of representation include antitrust, professional liability, and consumer and class action lawsuit defense.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Steven Taylor - Managing Partner25 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
803 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710

Why choose this provider?

Ramsey & Ehrlich LLP is a premier boutique firm that focuses on providing streamlined defense strategies for individuals and companies facing complex white-collar crimes across the country. This criminal justice attorneys in Berkeley handle claims involving securities and insider trading, trade secret theft, and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Ramsey & Ehrlich LLP also take general criminal defense cases, such as property offenses, narcotics charges, and drug and alcohol-related matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ismail Ramsey - Partner27 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
101 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Why choose this provider?

Kasowitz Benson Torres is a criminal defense firm near Berkeley that focuses on commercial litigation. Its large legal team has experience handling a wide range of government and internal white-collar criminal investigations. The legal group takes cases involving insider trading, misappropriation of trade secrets, securities fraud, falsifying records, bribery, conspiracy, misapplication of public funds, and criminal anti-pollution statue violations. Other practice areas include bankruptcy representation and restructuring and high-conflict family law matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jason Takenouchi - Partner20 yrs
Marcus Barber - Partner Silicon Valley9 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
456 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of David B. Porter has over 25 years' experience representing clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies. The criminal lawyer near Berkeley handles white-collar crimes, including money laundering, tax evasion, reporting violations, conspiracy, forfeiture, obstruction of justice, mail, wire, bank, and insurance fraud. Attorney David B. Porter is a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco, Section of Taxation. Other practice areas include business law and tax and estate planning.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
David Porter - Principal33 yrs

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Berkeley, California?

    Dial 510-981-5900 to reach the non-emergency contact of the local police station in Berkeley.

  • How can a criminal defense attorney in Berkeley help you clear your criminal record?

    There are multiple ways a criminal defense attorney in Berkeley can help you start with a clear record after conviction. Leading examples are filing a motion to seal and destroy, expungement, seeking rehabilitation certificates, and pardons. In most cases, having a criminal record can hurdle you from getting employed and may affect the quality of your living. Getting professional help from a legal expert can give you a shot at a new start.

  • What are the typical types of criminal charges in Berkeley?

    There are three categories of criminal charges in Berkeley. These offenses are known as misdemeanors, felonies, and infractions. Infractions are illegal conduct resulting in the lowest level of unlawful behavior. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, include DUI cases and simple assaults. Lastly, felonies are criminal acts identified as grave offenses resulting in severe physical injuries and morbidity.

  • What are the different types of pardons in Berkeley you can receive if you are convicted of a criminal offense?

    You can be granted a pardon in Berkeley even after a conviction. The types of pardon you may receive range from a governor's pardon and a certificate of rehabilitation to a presidential pardon. These pardons can help you clear your records, get employed, and alleviate the stigma of a conviction.

  • What happens if you get arrested for DUI in Berkeley?

    If you are arrested for DUI in Berkeley, you will face penalties for both criminal and administrative charges. Furthermore, you must request an administrative hearing for your license suspension within ten days of your arrest, or your rights will be considered null and void and you will face criminal charges.

  • What are the benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer if you're accused of theft in Berkeley?

    If you are accused of theft in Berkeley, a criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and advocate for reduced or dismissed charges. Furthermore, they can represent your interests at trial by analyzing the evidence and determining the appropriate defense strategy. A defense lawyer is helpful, especially if you do not understand your rights or are facing criminal charges for the first time.