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Gerritt A. Rutgers
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Gerritt A. Rutgers
Law Offices of Gerritt A. Rutgers
333 Bradford St.
Suite D
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: (650) 569-3600 | Fax: (650) 368-5736
http://http://yourcriminaldefender.com/_wsn/page4.html
Keeping it real.
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
All types of criminal defense, in adult and juvenile court. I prefer to practice locally in San Mateo County where I know the Judges and D.A.s and they know me.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- 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
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insurance Claims
- 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, Jun 1990
Bar Number: 146337
Specialty Certifications
California State Bar Certified Specialist, Criminal Law
Other Court Admissions
California Bar, US District Court for Northern District of CA, US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Association Memberships
San Mateo County Bar, American Bar Association
Continuing Education
I attend the CPDA/CACJ Three Day Death Penalty Conference every year, I attend numerous continuing education seminars, I also keep current with the law through membership on three separate listservers devoted to criminal defense.
Papers and Publications
Every brief I write has my name on it.
Example Cases
In October 2005, I won an acquittal on a three strike defendant facing life. In December of 2005, I got an attempted murder case against a 16 year old client who was directly charged in adult court and facing life in prison dismissed. December was a good month as I also got another attempted murder case dismissed.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Hastings
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1989
Honors:
Moot Court Winner
Focus and Accomplishments:
Getting through school without taking loans (I worked). Moot Court, litigation and courtroom presentation.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of the Pacific
City:
Stockton
State:
CA
Year:
1985
Honors:
Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Dual degree: Psychology and English
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I am my firm. I focus exclusively on preserving the rights of the accused and keeping the system honest.
Previous Employment Summary
Between 1990 and 1994, I spent over four years in Los Angeles as a Deputy Public Defender handling thousands of cases. Since then, I have been in private practice doing exclusively criminal defense. I have never been, nor ever wanted to be a prosecutor. I have taken over 70 cases to jury trial. I have taken over 200 cases to court trial. I would estimate I have conducted nearly 1,000 motions.
Activities and Awards
I lecture to local high school students, and I also attend community outreach functions. I have also provided continuing education to other lawyers in my field as a guest lecturer.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I strive to make sure my clients understand all aspects of their case. If that involves reviewing cases or statutes, I will point them in the right direction.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I prefer a client give me everything they have regarding their case. Too much information is never a bad thing. However, I would caution anyone not to turn any documents over to the other side prior to having their attorney screen it.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Even though it is my specialty, I would never represent myself in the criminal arena. One simply cannot be objective when facing the awesome weight of the government.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was a psychology major and worked with many individuals in the San Joaquin Mental Health System. I found their legal problems more interesting (and fixable) than their mental issues.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My psychology background comes into play everyday. Understanding people's motivations helps gain fair settlements for my clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I always wanted to be a "real lawyer" who goes to court. Civil practice does not allow the time in court that criminal work demands. I work best on my feet, not behind a desk.
What do you like best about your career?
Closing arguments, some of my best have come to me in dreams.
Tell us about your law firm:
I don't have any employees per se. However, I have a close working relationship with many attorneys and share ideas regularly. I also use the internet to communicate with attorneys statewide and nationally.
What are your strengths and style?
I have been described many times as a "normal guy." I don't come across as arrogant or particularly over-educated. I can talk to folks from many walks of life and that translates to better outcomes for my clients.
I am realistic with my opinions and honest in my approach. This is true whether I am dealing with the D.A., Judge, Jury, or my clients. Sometimes the truth hurts. If your case is a loser, I will let you know and try to seek the best outcome possible. I will not lead you on with false hopes in order to bulk up my fee. Of course, the corollary is also true when it comes to the D.A. If their case is a loser, I can often make them see it as such and have won many dismissals prior to trial.
Personal Interests:
I am a husband and a father. I am also an avid windsurfer. John Kerry left windsurfing for kiting and lost the election (flip flopping on all the issues). I have a life outside of the law that keeps my perspective and humor in tact.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(650) 368-5736
Office Hours
Varies, as I am in court much of the time.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
See below.
Hourly Rates
$300.00/hr, which is billed once the retainer is exhausted.
Free Initial Consultation?
I do and it's always free.
Typical Retainer
Retainers vary depending on the type of case. Typically, I charge $3000.00 for adult misdemeanors and juvenile cases. Low grade felonies are $5000.00. The more serious cases are necessarily higher. All major credit cards are accepted.
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.
