Business Details
47 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oakland
Founded in 1979 by Robert J. Beles, our law firm has built a reputation as a leader in criminal defense across the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team includes State Bar Certified Specialists in criminal law, appellate law, and immigration law, ensuring clients receive expert representation tailored to their unique cases. We pride ourselves on aggressive, client-focused defense strategies that have secured numerous acquittals, dismissals, and sentence reductions in state and federal courts.Our attorneys leverage decades of courtroom experience, a deep understanding of evolving legal standards, and a commitment to restorative justice to protect clients' rights and futures. From pre-trial negotiations to appellate advocacy, we maintain transparency and accessibility, offering 24/7 communication and multilingual support to serve diverse communities effectively.
Services
Criminal Defense
Sex Offense Appeals
Murder Manslaughter Cases
Federal Crime Defense
Immigration Law
Appellate Representation
Juvenile Law
White Collar Crimes
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Certified specialists with over 100 combined years of experience
- Proven success in appellate courts and complex criminal cases
- 24/7 client communication and multilingual support available
- Aggressive defense strategies tailored to individual case needs
- Track record of reducing or eliminating lifetime sex registration requirements
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (Criminal Law)
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (Appellate Law)
What people say
'completely cleared my name'
'saved my career'
'compassionate and understanding'
'achieved the impossible'
'lifeline during crisis'
Services
Criminal Defense
Our firm provides comprehensive defense against felony and misdemeanor charges including drug crimes, domestic violence, and white-collar offenses. With certified specialists and decades of courtroom experience, we develop tailored defense strategies to protect clients' rights and freedom. Our approach combines thorough investigation, expert witness testimony, and aggressive litigation to achieve dismissals, acquittals, or reduced sentences.
Sex Offense Appeals
Specializing in post-conviction relief, we challenge unjust sex offense convictions and registration requirements through appellate courts and writ proceedings. Our team leverages changes in legal standards and prosecutorial misconduct claims to overturn wrongful convictions. We have successfully removed clients from sex offender registries by demonstrating statutory misapplications or constitutional violations during original proceedings.
Murder Manslaughter Cases
We defend clients facing homicide charges using strategies like self-defense, mistaken identity, and forensic challenges. Our attorneys have secured complete acquittals in high-profile murder trials and reduced charges from first-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter. With decades of experience handling complex murder cases, we employ expert witnesses and crime scene analysis to build robust defense strategies.
Federal Crime Defense
Our firm represents clients in federal criminal cases involving drug trafficking, fraud, and child pornography charges. We challenge search and seizure procedures, negotiate plea agreements, and have secured non-incarceration sentences in federal courts. Our experience includes successfully arguing for downward departures from sentencing guidelines based on constitutional violations or mitigating circumstances.
Immigration Law
Certified immigration specialists handle deportation defense and visa matters. We protect clients from immigration consequences of criminal charges through strategic plea negotiations and post-conviction relief. Our services include representing clients before immigration courts and USCIS, with expertise in asylum cases and removal proceedings defense.
People
Robert J. Beles
Certified Criminal Law Specialist
With over 50 years of experience, Robert Beles is a State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist who has successfully defended hundreds of homicide cases, including securing complete acquittals in complex murder trials and landmark appellate victories.
Anne C. Beles
Certified Criminal Law Specialist
A certified criminal law specialist with 26 years of experience, Anne Beles has achieved significant victories in murder resentencing cases and complex criminal trials, including reducing life sentences to parole-eligible terms through compelling mitigation strategies.
Paul McCarthy
Certified Appellate Law Specialist
As a certified appellate law specialist with 49 years of experience, Paul McCarthy has secured numerous appellate reversals, including landmark decisions modifying life sentences and overturning murder convictions due to instructional errors.
Emilio Tomas Parker
Certified Immigration Law Specialist
A certified immigration law specialist with 14 years of experience, Emilio Parker specializes in deportation defense and protecting clients from immigration consequences of criminal charges through strategic legal interventions.
Questions
What types of criminal cases do you handle?
We handle all felony and misdemeanor cases including murder, sex offenses, drug crimes, federal charges, and immigration-related criminal defense across California.
Can you help with sex offender registration issues?
Yes, our certified specialists have successfully removed clients from registries through appellate victories, writ proceedings, and demonstrating statutory misapplications during original convictions.
Do you handle appeals and post-conviction relief?
Yes, we specialize in appellate representation and post-conviction remedies, including sentence reductions, charge dismissals, and overturning wrongful convictions in both state and federal courts.
Are your attorneys available for emergencies?
Yes, we provide 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters and offer immediate assistance with bail hearings and police investigations.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations and accept credit card payments to ensure accessible legal representation during critical times.
