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Seth O'Dell
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Seth O'Dell
Swanson & O'Dell
1227 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 326-1611 | Fax: (661) 326-1910
http://www.swansonodell.com
Best Representation; Best Service; Best Experience.
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Specializing in criminal defense in all Kern County Courts and those wrongfully accused of crimes. Also available: expungement and clearing of criminal records, both misdemeanor and felony. Juvenile criminal cases are included, and our office also handles early terminations of probation, changes in terms of probation, re-instatements to the P.C. §1000 and Proposition 36 programs. We handle DUIs as well, depending on the factual circumstances.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Misdemeanors
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
CA, Jul 2002
Bar Number: 220424
Other Court Admissions
United States District Court, Eastern and Central Districts of California
Association Memberships
• Board Member, Kern County Bar Association
• Past President, Kern County Young Lawyers Section
Continuing Education
Significant amounts of training in trial tactics, ethics, and criminal law.
Example Cases
As a Deputy District Attorney, I prosecuted the murder of a Highway Patrol Officer as Co-Counsel for the People. I handled extensive and complex constitutional, evidentiary, and procedural motions litigation. With over 50 jury trials take to verdict, I am able to handle trials of any degree of complexity.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Oak Brook College of Law
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Year:
2001
Focus and Accomplishments:
Law
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
California, Central and Eastern Federal Districts
Firm Focus and History
Civil litigation and criminal defense is the firm focus. My partner and I started the firm in 2006 and have handled over 1,000 cases since that time. We provide dedicated service to clients to get them the best possible result in their case.
Previous Employment Summary
• 2006 to Present: Engaged in private practice and started firm.
• 2002 to 2006: Worked for Kern County District Attorney's Office as a Deputy District Attorney
• 2000 to 2001: Director of Business Administration and Acting Director of Communication for a Long Island, NY based group of software companies called the "Appgen Group."
• 2000: President of a startup company which provided business policy consulting to the Tech sector (Appgen became the sole client and absorbed the company).
• 1999 to 2000: Legal research assistant for Senior Partner Santiago Rendon of international law firm, Stairs, Dillenbeck, Finley and Rendon.
• 1998 to 1999: Active property manager for rural up-state New York concern.
• 1997-1998: Researched and produced objective reports on specialized topics for international education specialist working for the World Bank and International Institute for Research and Education.
Activities and Awards
Real estate concerns and property development in upstate New York.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
This is generally helpful and allows the client to make educated decisions in their cases. However, it is important to remember that the reason a client hires an attorney is for the experience and practical knowledge that he or she brings to the case, and self-education does have its limits in a legal context.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am not very willing to review documents prepared by clients, as it is essential to have representation in criminal cases. Criminal law is not an area of law where a client should ever be unrepresented, and it is not possible to obtain decent results by being in pro per as it can sometimes be in family law or civil cases.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not believe that clients are ever best-served by representing themselves in a criminal case. It is one kind of case where an attorney is absolutely essential. For that reason, I do not provide coaching in this area.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted to help people solve problems in a practical manner. I use my experience and knowledge to help them solve their legal problems in ways that are most beneficial to their lives. In that respect, I fulfill my goals with every case.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Growing up on a farm and working as a farm laborer when I was young helps me connect with practical situations. Working in the international field helps me appreciate complex problematic relations. A wide variety of experience allows me to come up with the best, and sometimes most creative, solutions to a given problem.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Because it fits my personal skills and strong points. I enjoy trial and litigating cases as well as the challenges and satisfaction of working in criminal law.
What do you like best about your career?
I like helping people achieve justice. I feel that in a very high percentage of my cases the fair or right outcome is able to be obtained, which is what justice is all about.
Tell us about your law firm:
My partner is Jeremy D. Swanson, who is a civil litigation and family law attorney with experience in a wide variety of civil matters. We have secretaries and paralegals who assist on all cases, but the final product is always carefully reviewed by either my partner or me.
What are your strengths and style?
I can connect with and relate to people and their unique problems and perspectives. This proves valuable when communicating with a jury or judge.
I am outgoing, straightforward, honest, and focused on results.
Personal Interests:
Travel, scuba diving, firearms, martial arts, soccer, and literature.
Office Manager/Assistant
Jamie R. Long
Fax
(661) 326-1910
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Misdemeanor criminal matters range from $2,500 and up. Felonies are $5,000 and up.
Hourly Rates
Civil work ranges from $250 per hour and up.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
Misdemeanors: $2500-$5000, Felonies, $5000-$10,000. Civil work is hourly rather than flat fee.
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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
