Business Details
33 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm in Walnut Creek
For over three decades, our firm has stood as a steadfast advocate for individuals facing criminal charges, DUI arrests, and juvenile dependency investigations across the Bay Area. Founded in 1993, we combine the extensive trial experience of partners Peter Johnson and Carin Johnson, each with more than 30 years of legal expertise, to deliver strategic defense tailored to high-stakes cases. Our practice areas intersect uniquely, allowing us to develop comprehensive strategies that protect clients' rights, freedom, and family relationships. We prioritize direct attorney-client collaboration, ensuring personalized representation from case initiation to resolution.Recognized for our trial-tested approach, we have successfully handled over 2,000 cases and taken more than 400 to trial, earning trust through referrals from past clients, fellow attorneys, and legal professionals. Our commitment extends beyond courtroom advocacywe provide compassionate support to navigate emotionally challenging legal processes while maintaining transparency and ethical standards. With deep roots in Walnut Creek and service across eight California counties, we combine local legal knowledge with relentless dedication to achieve optimal outcomes.
Services
Criminal Defense
DUI Defense
Juvenile Dependency
Civil Rights Litigation
Juvenile Delinquency Defense
Domestic Violence Cases
Drug Crimes Defense
False Arrest Claims
Excessive Force Cases
Probation Violations
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in criminal defense and civil rights litigation.
- We provide responsive, personalized representation directly from experienced attorneys.
- We are trusted across communities with most clients coming through referrals.
- We are trial-tested with over 400 cases taken to trial.
- We combine local legal knowledge with aggressive courtroom strategies.
What people say
Highly recommend Peter and his team
Outstanding lawyer
Worth every penny
Aggressive defense
Zealous advocacy
Services
Criminal Defense
We defend clients against serious misdemeanors and felonies including assault, drug crimes, theft, and sex offenses. Our attorneys leverage decades of trial experience to challenge evidence, negotiate dismissals, and protect clients' rights throughout the Bay Area. We provide strategic defense from arrest through trial, focusing on minimizing life-altering consequences.
DUI Defense
Our specialized DUI defense includes challenging breathalyzer accuracy, field sobriety test validity, and procedural violations. With membership in the National College of DUI Defense, we handle license hearings, first-time offenses, and repeat charges while protecting clients' driving privileges and future opportunities.
Juvenile Dependency
Carin Johnson advocates for parents facing Child Protective Services investigations and dependency court proceedings. We guide clients through reunification plans, custody hearings, and service requirements to protect parental rights and family unity during emotionally challenging legal battles.
Civil Rights Litigation
We hold government officials accountable for civil rights violations including police brutality, false arrest, and unlawful child removal. Our firm investigates excessive force claims, Fourth Amendment violations, and CPS misconduct to secure compensation for physical and emotional harm.
Juvenile Delinquency Defense
We defend minors accused of criminal offenses while protecting their futures. Our approach balances legal strategy with compassionate advocacy to minimize detention, probation, and long-term record consequences through juvenile court hearings and alternative sentencing negotiations.
People
Peter Johnson
Attorney/Partner
With decades of trial experience, Peter Johnson specializes in criminal defense and DUI cases. He has secured dismissals in complex DUI charges, authored California DUI Defense legal reference materials, and developed strategies that challenge law enforcement procedures while protecting clients' rights.
Carin L. Johnson
Attorney/Partner
Carin Johnson focuses on juvenile dependency cases, advocating for parents during CPS investigations and dependency court proceedings. Her compassionate approach combines legal expertise with emotional support to help families navigate reunification plans and custody challenges.
Bianca Teran Leichnitz
Associate Attorney
Bianca Teran Leichnitz supports clients in criminal defense and juvenile law cases. She works closely with partners to develop case strategies while maintaining direct client communication throughout legal proceedings.
Stefanie Vega
Legal Administrative Assistant
Stefanie Vega provides administrative support to attorneys, assisting with case management, client communication, and court preparation to ensure efficient legal service delivery.
Michelle Gomez
Legal Administrative Assistant
Michelle Gomez supports the firm's operations by managing administrative tasks, client scheduling, and document preparation to maintain smooth case progression for attorneys and clients.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?
Contact our firm immediately to request a DMV hearing within 10 days and begin building your defense strategy.
How can you help with juvenile dependency cases?
We represent parents in CPS investigations and dependency court, protecting parental rights and guiding families through reunification plans.
Can civil rights violations be challenged in court?
Yes, we investigate claims of police misconduct, false arrest, and CPS overreach to hold government officials accountable for rights violations.
What differentiates your criminal defense approach?
We combine 30+ years of trial experience with local legal knowledge to develop personalized defense strategies focused on case dismissal or reduction.
Do you handle juvenile delinquency cases for minors?
Yes, we defend minors in juvenile court while working to minimize detention and protect their future opportunities through alternative sentencing.
How do you handle out-of-court settlements?
We negotiate with prosecutors to achieve favorable plea agreements while preparing for trial to ensure clients' best interests are protected.
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