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An Oregon & Washington Criminal Defense Law Firm

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"In the eyes of the law you are innocent until proven guilty. Criminal law requires the authorities to prove that you are in fact guilty as charged. This is why you need an attorney such as myself, who has the experience needed during this critical time. Call Now and I Will Fight For You."

John E. Gutbezahl
Criminal Defense Attorney

I graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1987. After moving to Portland in 1990 I graduated from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College in 1993. 

During law school I was a certified law student at the Metropolitan Public Defenders office and gained my first courtroom experiences, including jury trials. After graduation, I opened up my practice, and through association with and referrals from other attorneys my practice began to thrive.

In December 1995 I was hired by a firm in St. Helens, Oregon representing individuals charged with crimes by the government and tried many cases. After a brief stint with a firm in Beaverton, I was hired by the Columbia County District Attorney’s office in April 1997.

Over my 8+ years as a deputy district attorney I tried cases ranging from DUII all the way to capital murder. I tried over 100 felony trials murder, including capital murder, attempted murder, solicitation to commit murder, and many sexual assault, burglary, felony assault, firearm, meth lab, theft, and stolen vehicles. I worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney in 2005-2006 in Cowlitz County Washington for the last year specializing in sexual and violent crimes. I have also written appeals in both states.

I am specializing in criminal defense in Oregon and Washington. I can handle all levels of offenses as well as appeals and post conviction relief.

I handle expungements of convictions or having convictions set aside.

I am a former prosecutor in Oregon and Washington. Prior to being a prosecutor, I was in private practice and over 13 years of practice I have tried over 100 cases, ranging from misdemeanors, including domestic violence and DUII all the way to capital murder. I was in charge of drug prosecutions and sex offense prosecution in Columbia County. In Cowlitz County, Washington, I handled felony property and person crimes. I also have appellate experience in both states and am also admitted to the federal district of Oregon.

In the two years since going into private practice I have obtained acquittals in Attempted Murder, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, and Assault cases. I have obtained dismissals after successfully having evidence suppressed in drug cases. I have pressured the state to dismiss in other domestic violence cases and assault cases. Furthermore, I have successfully negotiated complex cases to ensure a just result for my clients.

My office is located in prestigious Lake Oswego and I am admitted to practice in the states of Oregon, Washington and New York as well as the federal District for Oregon.

Education:

• J.D. - Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College
• B.A. - State University of New York at Stony Brook

Bar Admissions & Memberships:

• Admitted to practice in Oregon, Washington & New York
• Federal District for Oregon
• Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Facing Criminal Charges?

ARRESTED...

Felonies

Misdemeanors

Assault

Domestic Violence

White Collar Crimes

Expungements

Restoration of
Firearm Rights

Sex Crimes

Drug Crimes

Battery

Theft Crimes

Manslaughter

Murder

Weapon Charges

We Will Aggressively Defend:

Competitive Rates

Free Consultation

24/7 Availability

Highly Rated

Oregon & Washington Criminal Defense Attorney
Former Prosecutor

Competitive Rates

Free Consultation

Highly Rated

24/7 Availability

The first issue in any criminal case is the legality of the original encounter between the accused and the police. We need to know as many details as possible about that encounter, as even minor details can make all the difference. 
If the police did not have a 'reasonable and articulable' basis for your detention, all evidence seized must be suppressed, and the police will have no case.

1. The Arrest 

2. The Charge 

Each charge carries a different consequence. You may be facing a simple misdemeanor or a felony which may carry up to a life sentence. It is vital that you understand the ramifications of the charges you are facing, as even a misdemeanor can have serious consequences and completely alter the course of a person's life.

3. The Defense

Every criminal charge is unique. Strict procedures and laws must be followed in order for the charges to be upheld. Preparing the defense in criminal cases involves investigation of the facts (which includes discovery of the government's evidence and interviewing witnesses, etc.), researching the law and of course, discussing the case with the prosecutor. The point is, we need to get involved in the case as early as possible. With so much on the line, you cannot afford to chance your defense to an inexperienced attorney.