Jonathan L. Willis
Jon Willis, Attorney at Law
427 West Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243-3006
Map
Phone: (760) 457-7074 | Fax: (760) 352-7770
http://www.imperialcountycriminallaw.com/index.html
http://www.imperialcountylaw.org/
Former Deputy District Attorney ready to fight for YOU!
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Bar Admissions
CA, Nov 1979
Bar Number: 88360
Other Court Admissions
California; Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of California; Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; and United States Supreme Court.
Association Memberships
California State Bar, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, California Public Defender's Association, Imperial County Bar Association, Death Penalty Focus.
Continuing Education
I attend annual seminars sponsored by the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the California Public Defenders Association, the State Bar and other Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) providers.
Example Cases
As a prosecutor, I single-handedly prosecuted the longest drug trafficking jury trial in Imperial County history (seven and one-half weeks) with convictions against all defendants and complicated evidentiary issues regarding wiretapped conversations, admissibility of foreign language transcripts and use of cellular telephone cell tower site records.
Education
University of Santa Clara, School of Law
Juris Doctor
Santa Clara
CA
1979
Named Research Assistant to Dean George J. Alexander.
Managing Editor of the Santa Clara Law Review; Treasurer, Honors Moot Court Board; and Chair, Client Counseling Competition Board.
San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts
San Francisco
CA
1976
Dean's List.
Broadcast Communication Arts.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The firm was just established on November 2, 2009, upon leaving career prosecutor position with the Imperial County District Attorney.
I am committed to vigorously representing defendants named in criminal cases before all departments of the Imperial County Superior Court and the Department of Motor Vehicles, including misdemeanor and felony cases--emphasizing "Three Strikes" and other serious felonies, drug-related crimes and DUIs.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to starting by own law practice, I charged and prosecuted to conclusion misdemeanors and felonies for Imperial County's Office of the District Attorney, including three years as the Project Director, Special Prosecutions Unit (Narcotics). As one of the most active prosecutors during that time, I conducted over 40 jury trials, including "Three Strikes" felonies, prison crimes, narcotics trafficking and DUI jury trials in Brawley, Calexico and El Centro, suffering only a single acquittal.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage clients to research both the law and the practical aspects of criminal proceedings.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I want to review every document related to the client's matter and will provide a free initial consultation in that regard.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Insufficient time (and the issue has not come up).
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
A deep-seated belief in the American system of justice and the desire to try cases to juries.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Working my way through college and law school in food service and producing educational video programs for attorneys as a college student; completing over 25 marathons in 15 different states; motorcycling over 1,000 miles in 24 hours.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Without a doubt, criminal law is the most important area of law practice that exists in our system of justice in the United States.
What do you like best about your career?
Living in the moment while presenting a case to a jury of 12 men and women.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner with a part-time secretary/receptionist, so every client deals directly with me. I don't pass off matters to less experienced associates or non-licensed employees who have never tried a case.
What are your strengths and style?
Intelligence, experience, knowledge, determination, aggressiveness and a positive optimism.
Personal Interests:
Motorcycling, swimming, reading, computers and winning at no-limit Texas hold 'em.
Fax
(760) 352-7770
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Free initial consultation; $1,500 for single cause misdemeanors up TO, but NOT including trial.
Hourly Rates
Not applicable. Flat fees only.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, for one hour.
Typical Retainer
$1,500 for single cause misdemeanors; $2,000 to $4,000 for more complex misdemeanors; $5,000 for single cause felonies; for more complex felony matters, the fee is quoted upon review of complaint/indictment and initial consultation.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on YouTube
Listen to us on iTunes
