Find a Lawyer California Torrance Criminal Defense
Robert Stanley Ernenwein

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Robert Stanley Ernenwein

also known as Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP

5.0
124 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 41 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Torrance, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Sex Crime

1405 Crenshaw Blvd., Floor 2, Torrance, CA

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About Robert

Biography

Former LA Deputy District Attorney, Board Certified in Criminal Law, 4 decades of experience. I would be privileged to consult with you confidentially and without obligation.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 65%

Arson; Assault; Battery; Burglary; Domestic Violence; Gun Charges; Disturbing the Peace; Driving without License; Hit and Run; License Suspensions; Manslaughter; Molestation; Murder; Rape; Robbery; Sex Offenses; Theft Offenses; Vehicular Manslaughter

42 years | 10,000 cases

65%
DUI and DWI 25%

Alcohol and Drug Related Offenses; Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs; Public Intoxication

42 years | 10,000 cases

25%
Sex Crime 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2020 2019
...
+ 5

Avvo Client's Choice Awards

Client's Choice

The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2021
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2020
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2019
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2015
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2010

Licenses

Licensed in California for 41 years

State: California

Acquired: 1984

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Offices of Robert Ernenwein, PC

(310) 375-5858

Fax

(866) 814-3782

Mobile

1405 Crenshaw Blvd., Floor 2, Torrance, CA, 90501

ernenweinmathes.com/
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Online Presence

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Robert Stanley Ernenwein's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (122) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Star rating
5 stars 122
4 stars 0
3 stars 0
2 stars 0
1 star 0
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (83) Lawsuits & Disputes (23) Expungement (13) DUI & DWI (9) Domestic Violence (5) Drug Crime (5) Litigation (3) Violent Crime (3) Car Accidents (2) Juvenile (2) Sex Crime (2) Administrative Law (1) Child Custody (1) Divorce & Separation (1) Environmental and Natural Resources (1) Gun Law (1) Health Care (1) Licensing (1) Speeding & Traffic Ticket (1) White Collar Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (107) Advocacy (69) Recommendation (66) Professionalism (56) Practice Area Knowledge (51) Responsiveness (39) Communication Style (37) Character & Conduct (36) General Knowledge (35) Trustworthiness (29) Compassion (27) Staff & Support (23) Cost of Services (17) Punctuality (4) Free Consultations (2) Payment Plans (1)

Showing 11 - 15 of 51 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | December 07, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime

BEST LAWYER

After getting arrested for drug possession and public intoxication, I thought my record was done for since I already had a prior DUI. Stressed out, going through various websites and reading many reviews on different lawyers, I came across Robert's name. I called and set up an appointment to meet him.... We spoke about my case for a few minutes and his confidence was obvious off the bat. Robert is knowledgeable, experienced & also down to earth and was easy to talk to. He talked about how he & his terrific staff are very familiar with the surrounding local courthouses especially Torrance courthouse. He was very assuring that if I made a valiant effort on doing my part which was staying out of trouble & getting treatment for drugs and alcohol that it would not only help myself as a person but that he would do his part and make sure it led to a good result in court. I entered drug and alcohol treatment for 6 months, did some AA meetings, & sobered up. Robert was able to use that in court & show I was trying to change and become a better person. Eventually, I received my first plea deal which was the drug possession charge getting dropped & no probation. Robert said it was good deal but he thought he could do better. Robert felt confident that he could get my case dismissed if I was willing to be a little more patient. Within a couple months from there, I got a call from Robert that he did just that. My case was dismissed. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. I really appreciated the way Robert did not settle for the first option and went above and beyond for a better result. Not only has Robert given me a 2nd chance at life but I have come out of this a much better man. Getting sober was greatest prize after going through all this. However, Robert made all my efforts that it took to accomplish my sobriety worth it and I thank him for that. Thank you Robert!

Posted by anonymous | September 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Went to trial and beat the DA

If you have found yourself in a desperate situation, attempting to find a criminal defense attorney to protect yourself or a loved one from having their life destroyed, you have absolutely found the best lawyer with Robert Ernenwein. I made a pass at a 17 year-old girl after she had been partying wit...h friends and she subsequently got mad at me. After consulting with my family and friends (even a friend who was a cop), I decided the best way forward would be to tell her parents what happened so everything could be cleared up. It didn't seem like my actions were severe enough to require police and formal charges since we were fully clothed, there was no previous sexting, no kissing, or force. Unbeknownst to me, the mom had suffered severe sexual abuse when she was young and she had an extreme reaction. They secretly recorded my admission and turned it over to the police. I found this out and immediately started calling lawyers. It was getting late (5:30-6) and I was becoming desperate. One lawyer told me to just plead guilty because they already had a confession. I asked what the charge might be and he told me it would be child molestation and I would be required to be on the sex offender registry for the rest of my life. I had never had any criminal convictions before this and, if charged, I would lose my business, my ability to be around my friends and their children, and I would live a miserable life. I couldn't accept this so I kept calling attorneys until I reached Robert. He answered the phone and talked to me for half an hour. He gave me very sound advice (quit talking to people about this) and told me how to handle the inevitable arrest process. He also set the pace for the duration of the process by telling me "this is a marathon, not a sprint." I wish I could go into more specific details but for various reasons (irrational parents, corrupt police, a DA who wanted some "Me Too" notches on her belt) we did not get the option for a plea deal that didn't include the sex offender registry. By not accepting the sex offender registry, the DA ratcheted up the pressure by adding two frivolous felony charges but Robert stayed calm. Robert drove to my house and we weighed the options together and decided to keep fighting. The DA and local police kept piling on more false accusations and attempting to frame me as a predator despite there being no evidence of any prior behavior with other minors, a report from a psychologist that attested to my very normal psyche, and friends (cop friend included) who vouched for me. Robert persisted and we were set for a trial. The trial began and Robert prepared our defense. The trial lasted several days and Robert was simply excellent. His cross-examinations were on point, his arguments were well executed, he was able to block the police from testifying, and he poked holes in the prosecutor's arguments. In the end, the trial resulted in a hung jury. One single juror held out. The DA was royally pissed and we relished in her anger. The level of corruption, false testimonies, and a near failure of the justice system was shocking but we got a plea deal that included community service, therapy sessions (actually great for the PTSD due to a year of trauma), and probation. Robert mentioned to me that colleagues told him my case was unwinnable. There was no way possible to get a "not guilty" verdict but Robert got me the best deal possible given the circumstances. I was able to keep my job, regain my friendships, and maintain my freedom without being classified as a monster like Jeffery Epstein. Robert and his whole staff are superior to anyone else you can possible find. His prices are higher but, like he told me early on, "If you are diagnosed with cancer, you want to find the best medical team possible to treat you. Yes, it will cost more but you will survive." Do whatever you can to survive. Hire Robert and his team and then follow his advice.

Posted by Frank | September 04, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Exceptional Lawyer!!

Words cannot express how grateful I am to be able to call Robert Ernenwein my lawyer. He has gone above and beyond to clear my name and my record. I chose to contact Mr. Ernenwein because I saw he was at the top of the list as far as reviews of criminal Lawyers in the South Bay. Mr. Ernenwein as w...ell as Attorney Michelle Mathes of his office did what I thought was impossible. They got my case dismissed and my record sealed. I was charged in a criminal case with several charges. I am licensed in the medical field and I was looking at losing my career. From start to finish Mr. Ernenwein and his team fought for me and my family. It was a year long process but ultimately I got my record cleared. Thanks to Mr. Ernenwein I am able to move forward with my life unscathed. He got me through a diversion process that the prosecutor and the judge did not even want to offer me originally. Somehow he got it through. I would highly recommend Mr. Ernenwein as well as attorney Michelle Mathes to anyone who needs an excellent Lawyer. He is honest and straight forward as well as a professional man. Everyone that I have come into contact with in his office was highly respectful and professional. He didn’t sugar coat anything with me which I really appreciated. I was charged in a very serious case. I could have gone to jail and had a record, but now I can get on with my life and my career and support my family without any blemish on my record thanks to his professionalism and expertise. Mr. Ernenwein has an extensive background and resume which is unmatched. Once again I cannot begin to explain how blessed and grateful I am to have chosen him to be my lawyer. I am writing this on my own accord and not because I was asked. I told him I was going to do it. He thanked me, but I said no, thank you! If you are in need of a excellent attorney to help you look, no further.

Posted by Marlen | April 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Caring, Excellent work, Knowledgeable

I don't usually leave reviews because of lack of time and because I generally don’t even think about it. But I would be remiss if I didn’t do so in this instance because we had such a positive experience using Mr. Ernenwein, attorney at law. Our son had a criminal issue that could have resulted in se...rious problems if it were not taken care of skillfully. A very close friend of mine, whose ex-husband is a public defender, highly recommended Mr. Ernenwein. She said that if anyone could resolve this matter quickly, expertly, and affordably it would be he. And was she right. Mr. Ernenwein was professional, extremely knowledgeable, and kind. He took the time to thoroughly explain every facet of our son’s case even though my husband is also an attorney, albeit not a criminal one. He also came across very human sharing stories of his recently born first grandson. And the best part? He got the job done swiftly and in favor of our son. I highly recommend the law office of Robert Ernenwein.

Posted by Karina | November 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best defense attorney you can have, without a doubt

My father is a client of Robert Ernenwein and because English is not my father’s best language, he asked me to write a review on his behalf. My father highly recommends Robert Ernenwein. As I was often present with my father during office and court meetings, I too was able to see first-hand that Robe...rt is an excellent and discerning attorney. He was without a doubt the best attorney my father could have had during his misdemeanor case. When my father was arrested, he initially hired an attorney from a different office and had a negative experience. Luckily, I then searched on Avvo and found Robert Ernenwein and his partner, Stephanie Johnson. Robert has decades of experience, including as a former prosecutor. It was obvious that he had the expertise to tackle a challenging case. Robert set up a team to investigate my father’s case, worked with my father’s schedule, brought in Spanish-language interpreters, and was forthcoming and helpful throughout the entire process. Robert went above and beyond to help my father, who was facing a charge that would have resulted in life-time sex offender registration. Thanks to Robert and his team, the truth came out and the jury found my father not guilty of that charge. My family recommends Robert Ernenwein to anyone in need of a knowledgeable, tactful, and dedicated criminal defense attorney.

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Robert Stanley Ernenwein's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert
Greg Thomas Hill headshot
Greg Hill

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. Robert is a true professional, from start to finish. He is highly experienced and one of the hardest working folks around. He is honest and ethical. Most importantly, he is genuinely respectful and kind-hearted."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Robert. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Lawrence Steven Andrews headshot
Lawrence Andrews

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly."

Jason M. Stone headshot
Jason Stone

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Robert is an excellent Lawyer. I trust his judgment and highly endorse this lawyer."

Philip Michael Daigneault headshot
Philip Daigneault

Domestic violence lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Robert and his firm appreciate the technical crossover issues domestic violence allegations create in divorce and criminal matters. Typical plea bargains by most public defenders can create presumptions in divorce proceedings which can prevent a person from receiving spousal support or custody of their children. As a divorce lawyer I know that when I work with Robert the matter will be handled carefully and expertly."

Pat Carey headshot
Pat Carey

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"When I was a District Attorney, I referred all potential criminal defendants to Mr. Ernenwein--even my own friends and family members. Now as a practicing criminal defense lawyer, I look to him for guidance and expertise as he knows just about everything in the book. He is a great lawyer, and even greater person. You cannot go wrong with Robert as your lawyer, as your co-counsel, or even as your adversary."

Matthew J Ruff headshot
Matthew Ruff

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bob is a true fighter and passionate about the defense of his clients."

Matthew Arthur Rinaldi headshot
Matthew Rinaldi

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Mr. Ernenwein is one of the most competent and knowledgeable attorneys that I have ever encountered in both my personal life and my professional career. He is a man who puts in the hard hours at work, day after day, with the kind of dedication and energy that puts men half his age to shame."

Celia Isabel Cho headshot
Celia Cho

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Anthony Silvoso III headshot
Joseph Silvoso

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"You cannot go wrong with hiring McGregor & Ernenwein. They are top notch!"

Joseph L. Coimbra headshot
Joseph Coimbra

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Robert Ernenwein is a remarkably skilled, proficient and diligent criminal defense attorney. His knowledge of criminal law is virtually encyclopedic. Given his background as a Deputy District Attorney and 25 years of dedicated criminal defense work, his expertise is unmatched by most criminal defense attorneys. Highly recommended!"

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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Preeminent 4.9 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2003

Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, California Board of Legal Specialization

1993

Alumni of the Year, Whittier College School of Law

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Founder, The Law Offices of Robert Ernenwein, PC

2019 - 2022

Partner, Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP

1987 - 2016

Partner & Co-Founder, McGregor & Ernenwein

1984 - 1987

Deputy District Attorney, Los Angeles District Attorney Office

Associations

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

California Public Defenders Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Beau Espeso

Pending

See More Legal Cases

Education

1984

Whittier College School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1981

Manhattan College in New York City

B.A.

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

1

Legal Answers

Legal Answers

Q&A

Charges dropped before the arraignment?

18 Jun 2020
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