Jonathan Rhayader Oates

Jonathan R. Oates is a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Virginia and Maryland. Jon has the experience, ability and knowledge to guide clients through the criminal court process in any situation.  He is in court every day and has successfully advocated on behalf of thousands of clients.

Virginia and Maryland criminal defense attorney Jonathan R. Oates is an effective and experienced criminal litigator.  He has fought for clients in hundreds of trials at all levels of the courts throughout Virginia and Maryland.  He also has significant jury trial experience, having successfully defended clients in front of juries for marijuana and DUI charges, to significant felony charges including abduction, violent felony assaults and first degree murder. 

Through his personal injury practice in Virginia and Maryland, Jon also has extensive experience fighting for those who are injured because of the negligence of others.  Throughout his practice, he has been an experienced advocate to take on insurance companies to ensure that his clients are compensated fairly for the injuries they receive.  Jon has successfully represented his clients in prosecuting personal injury cases in front of both juries and judges.

Jon understands that behind every case is a client whose life and family may be affected by the outcome of a criminal matter.  The most important part of any successful representation is developing complete understanding of not just the facts and aspects of each case, but the background and circumstances of the people he represents.  

Jon has been recognized for his abilities and dedication by Super Lawyers Magazine, being named as a Rising Star, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers, and Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers.

Prior to joining Krum, Gergely & Oates, LLC, Jon worked at the firm of Jezic & Moyse, LLC, where he handled criminal, traffic and personal injury cases.  Following law school, Jon clerked for the chief criminal judge, the Honorable Paul A. Hackner, in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. 

Jon also served in the United States Senate as a legislative staff member for United States Senator Ken Salazar.  As a staff member, Jon focused on multiple issue areas before the Senate, including criminal justice, civil rights, and immigration.  During law school, Jon also served as a law clerk to John G. Gill, Jr. and Gill Sippel & Gallagher, a law firm in Rockville, Maryland.  During his clerkship with Mr. Gill, Jon worked on cases involving serious personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death in state and federal courts across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Virginia and Maryland criminal lawyer Jonathan Oates earned his law degree from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.  During law school, Jon was an active member of the Society of Trial Advocates and Moot Court.  A Colorado native, Jon graduated from Colorado State University, earning a double-major in Economics and Political Science.