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Derek R. Ewin

Derek R. Ewin

The Law Office of Derek R. Ewin
500 Ygnacio Valley Rd.
Suite 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Phone: (925) 262-8406  |  Fax: (925) 262-8398
http://www.drewinlaw.com

Contact Derek R. Ewin

Experienced Former Contra Costa County Prosecutor

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

I like to work with individuals who have been arrested for and/or charged with a crime and that need help dealing with the system.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • Felonies
  • False Identification
  • Truancy
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Probation
  • Probation
  • Perjury
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
Abuse
  • Animal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
Criminal Records
  • Expungement or Expunction
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
Firearms & Weapons
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
  • Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Bank Fraud
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Insurance Claims
  • Money Laundering
  • Public Offerings
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Stalking
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 1993
Bar Number: 168567

Other Court Admissions

All California State Courts

Association Memberships

Contra Costa Bar Association, California State Bar

Continuing Education

50 plus hours of in-house criminal law training through the Contra Costa DA's Office in past 10 years. 100 plus hours of criminal law seminars in past 5 years. Extensive recent training in Domestic Violence, Gang Crimes and Homicide cases.

Example Cases

I have handled murder cases from Richmond, Rodeo, Concord, Pittsburg and Antioch. I have handled misdemeanor and felony cases from every city in Contra Costa County.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

University of California, Davis

City:

Davis

State:

CA

Year:

1993

Focus and Accomplishments:

National Moot Court Team, Justice of the Moot Court Board, Mock Trial, Legal Writing Tutor

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

My firm opened in 2005 and is completely dedicated to adult and juvenile criminal defense. I handle cases ranging from simple misdemeanors such as drunk driving, vandalism, possession and petty theft to serious felonies such as domestic violence, weapons charges, gangs and homicides.

Previous Employment Summary

I worked in the Yolo County District Attorney's Office during law school - assigned to the major narcotics unit. I worked for a short time at the Ventura County District Attorney's Office after law school. From 1994 to 2005 I worked as a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County. I prosecuted cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex, multi-defendant gang homicides.

Activities and Awards

I have conducted training sessions in search and seizure. I am preparing to help conduct training in questioning firearms experts. I also hold a California Real Estate Broker's License.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

Educated clients better understand the situation they are in and the various avenues that are available to them.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Because I do not think people should represent themselves in criminal cases I generally will not review pro-per documents. I review all materials that clients present to me that are relevant to their case.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I think that it is very dangerous to represent oneself in a criminal case. Therefore, I will not coach clients to represent themselves.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I enjoy representing people. I have an analytical mind and enjoy formulating an argument.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

All of my years as a prosecutor give me a huge advantage as a defense attorney. I know the way the DA's think. I know how they investigate, charge and prosecute a case. I know the way police officers think and investigate cases. I continue to be well respected in the DA's office, so when I negotiate cases, I don't have to prove myself. I, and my clients, are immediately treated fairly and with respect.

I have also personally conducted over 100 trials in California Courts, so I know how to handle them when necessary and how to avoid them when advantageous to my clients.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I find criminal law fascinating. In law school I excelled in trial and appellate advocacy.

What do you like best about your career?

I like helping people through a cold and frightening system.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a sole practitioner. People who hire me deal with me. I do have an outstanding administrative assistant who has been working in the criminal law field for years. I also share office space with 3 other experienced criminal defense attorneys and a former Superior Court judge. We routinely consult each other on complex legal issues.

What are your strengths and style?

Through my extensive experience and friendly, calm demeanor, I easily make clients feel comfortable in a frightening situation. Being well respected by the DA's Office, I often obtain a fair offer for my clients in a short time frame. My years as a Deputy District Attorney allow me to know the way the other side thinks, so that I can quickly and effectively evaluate and negotiate a case.

Laid back and friendly yet extremely professional.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy wakeboarding, camping, martial arts and working on my house. I am a Christian. My family is very important to me. I am also a firearms enthusiast.

Office Manager/Assistant

Claudia

Fax

(925) 262-8398

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

None

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I charge a flat fee up front for each case. The fee totally depends on the facts and charges and can range from $750 to tens of thousands of dollars.

Hourly Rates

I rarely do hourly work, but if I do, the fee ranges from $250 to $300 depending on the situation.

Free Initial Consultation?

I offer a free initial consultation.

Typical Retainer

It totally depends on the facts of each individual case.

Understanding Fees

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.