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Thomas V. Roland
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Thomas V. Roland
Thomas Roland, Attorney at Law
1830 Berkeley Way
Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone: (510) 841-1500 | Fax: (510) 217-3589
http://www.tomroland.com
Don't Be Bashful, Ask How Much it Will Cost to Help You
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I find all cases that I take are interesting and worthy of my attention. I try very hard to keep my clients out of prison and free from lifetime registration requirements.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- 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
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Racketeering & RICO
- Smuggling
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
CA, Jan 1972
Bar Number: 51447
Other Court Admissions
- California Supreme Court
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Northern District of California
- Eastern District of California
Association Memberships
- Alameda County Bar Association
- California State Bar
- Contra Costa County Bar Association
Continuing Education
My continuing education is approved by the California State Bar.
Example Cases
People v. Escarcega (1974) 43 Cal.App.3d 391;
People v. Rossi (1976)
18 Cal.3d 295;
In re D.C.L. (1978) 82 Cal.App.3d 123 -- In D.C.L. I represented a teenager who went onto private property and entered a private shed/workshop with apparent intent to steal. He was found guilty of trespassing. I appealed the case and the conviction was reversed because I convinced the court of appeal that the shed/workshop was not one of the "buildings" referred to in the criminal statute.
People v. Berkeley (1978) 88 Cal.App.3d 457 -- In People v. Berkeley, I represented a homeowner who was arrested after the police got a search warrant and then entered his house and found a very large quantity of drugs. I convinced the trial judge to throw the case out on the ground that the police did not "knock and announce" their presence before breaking into the house. My client tried to go to the front door to answer the police officers' knock, but another police officer was holding him at gunpoint in the rear of the house and would not let him answer the door. The district attorney appealed to the court of appeal, which affirmed the judgment dismissing the case.
In re Wayne H. (1979) 24 Cal.3d 595; People v. Morris (1979) 97 Cal.App.3d 358
Alma W. v. Oakland Unified School District (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 133 -- In Alma W., my client was a minor who was allegedly raped by a school custodian. The court of appeal decided that the school district was not liable for her injuries.
In re Estate of Joseph (1998) 17 Cal.4th 203.
I was attorney of record for appellant or for amicus curiae on appeal in each case except Morris, in which I was trial counsel.
Education
Degree:
B.S.
School:
University of Michigan
City:
Ann Arbor
State:
MI
Year:
1960
Honors:
Gomberg Fellowship in Chemistry.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Chemistry, Math, involved in Civil Rights (Freedom Rider, Mississippi).
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of San Francisco Law School
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1971
Honors:
Graduated near the tom of the class.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Law Review.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I've been in practice, mostly as a sole practitioner, since 1972. I practice mostly in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Previous Employment Summary
I taught high school math in the Oakland public schools from 1963 to 1971. Before that, I drove a taxicab in Oakland for a couple of years.
Activities and Awards
I still work very hard in my law practice. My wife and I are also raising two toddler grandchildren. I spend most of my time otherwise restoring our Queen Anne Victorian home, doing most of the work myself.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
In civil law, such as family law, pro per litigants usually do fairly well if they have the right personalities and intelligence. In criminal law, pro per litigants do okay in DUI cases; otherwise, I think it's dangerous to go without a lawyer in a criminal case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Reviewing client-prepared documents is difficult, but sometimes will work.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Coaching clients to represent themselves is difficult and should not be done. The party should, in my opinion, go it alone or with a lawyer. "Coaching" is not, in my opinion, very efficient or effective.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was bored being a high school math teacher.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Any rigorous academic field of study will provide the necessary underlying analytical skills, from science to social science to history or literature.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I got interesting cases in family law, probate, and criminal defense, even though I took no probate or family law courses in law school.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the variety, the challenge, and providing valuable services to clients.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner, working out of a home office for the past ten years.
What are your strengths and style?
I am a good negotiator. I am excellent in cross-examination and in depositions.
I am friendly and easy-going when that works for my client. I am aggressive when that works. My style in each case depends to a large extent on my analysis of the case and the best interest of my client.
Personal Interests:
I like restoring and maintaining my Victorian residence. I am interested in politics, history, and religion.
Office Manager/Assistant
Kamilah Lewis
Fax
(510) 217-3589
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I will sometimes offer a flat fee after reviewing the case.
Hourly Rates
$300 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
My typical retainer is around $2,500.
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.
