John David Underwood

PRO

John David Underwood

5.0
76 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 8.3

Licensed for 18 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Bakersfield, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Speeding & Traffic Ticket

1712 19th Street, Ste 101, Bakersfield, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About John

Biography

Have you been pulled over for speeding or DUI/DWI? Don't delay! Call Underwood Law Offices now (661) 689-6208

Quality criminal defense, we have experience in Kern and LA Counties--call today! (661) 689-6208

Have you been cited for a DUI or DWI? Don't delay, call now for quality representation! (661) 689-6208

Have you received a ticket for speeding or another violation? Commercial and private drivers call now! (661) 689-6208

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 50%

Driving under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs, DMV APS Hearings.

50%
Criminal Defense 25%

Domestic Violence, Assault and Battery, Welfare Fraud, etc

25%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 25%

Traffic infractions and Misdemeanors including driving on a suspended license and Reckless Driving. Also negligent operator hearings.

25%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2023 2022
...
+ 3
Platinum Client Champion

Licenses

Licensed in California for 18 years

State: California

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Underwood Law Offices

1712 19th Street, Ste 101, Bakersfield, CA, 93301

attorneyunderwood.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find John online.

John David Underwood's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (60) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 17 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best Decision I've Made

I was pulled over on the grapevine for having my headlights off, during which I learned my license was suspended due to a very old DUI with unfulfilled obligations. The officer issued me a Notice to Appear for the county the DUI was in, as well as new charges in Kern County for the headlight infracti...on and driving on a suspended license. To say I was stressed and overwhelmed is a massive understatement. I retained Underwood Law Firm for the Kern case, and John immediately helped to calm me down as he walked me through the process, illustrating best and worst case scenarios. To make a long story short...he was able to get the ENTIRE CASE DISMISSED. I, quite literally, sobbed -- I had hoped for a reduction in charges at best. Hiring him and his team was the best decision I've made throughout all of this. Side note: I lost a close family member in the midst of everything, and let John know I'd be unavailable for a few days while making arrangements up north. I got home to find a sympathy card in my mailbox with a handwritten note inside, from Underwood Law Firm. Just....truly wonderful people, on top of being great at what they do.

Posted by Jose | August 31, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Exceptional Legal Guidance with Unmatched Dedication

I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Underwood and his team of paralegals at the Underwood Law Firm. They worked tirelessly on my case, and thanks to their dedication and expertise, my case was completely dismissed! From start to finish, Mr. Underwood and his team treated me with professionalism, respect,... and genuine care. They kept me informed every step of the way and ensured I always understood my options, making me feel confident and supported during a challenging time. Mr. Underwood’s strategic approach and his team’s attention to detail made all the difference. They went above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome, and I truly appreciate everything they did for me. If you’re looking for a law firm that fights for their clients and delivers results, I highly recommend the Underwood Law Firm. Mr. Underwood and his team are outstanding, and I am forever grateful for their support!

Posted by Kulraj | August 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Top-notch legal representation

I had an outstanding experience with Underwood Law Firm. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for my case. Their clear communication and attention to detail made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend them to anyone in n...eed of top-notch legal representation.

Posted by anonymous | July 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Helped me on my DUi

John walked me through all the steps on my DUI case. He took care of everything and eased my anxiety over the situation. Him and his team helped me through any questions and worked diligently on my case to get me reduced to a wet and reckless. I was so frightened through the biggest mistake of my lif...e and I am so thankful I had a great team to help me and assist me through that. I am very pleased with the outcome and would not have been able to navigate this without a great lawyer like John!

Posted by ellen | October 23, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Talk about a worst to best case scenario…

Got a speeding ticket between Mammoth & Los Angeles end of May. At that time, learned that my driver’s license had expired ~6 mos prior. Continued to check online to pay the ticket weekly & even called Ridgecrest (Kern) Superior Court on multiple occasions, only to hear that the ticket wasn’t in the ...system yet. Fast forward to this month (October), still no record, but finally speak to someone who thought to check the misdemeanor records vs the traffic violations & boom, there it was. And now, because I didn’t appear in court, there was a warrant out for me. I reached out to a few lawyers in the area & found John. I immediately felt comfortable with him & knew he was the guy to fight on my behalf. He was the only lawyer to speak my language and he shared his game plan on our first call. Hiring him & Stephanie (his paralegal) was the best decision I could have made. In one week, my case was heard & because of John’s knowledge (of mistakes made) & his diplomacy/relationships, my ticket and warrant were both completely wiped with zero fine, zero points & zero notice to my insurance company. If you find yourself in a similar bind, I completely recommend the Underwood team!

See All Client Reviews

John David Underwood's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Donald Norman Colvin headshot
Donald Colvin

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known John for several years both on a professional and personal level. I worked on cases with John and have had the opportunity to watch him interact with his clients in his office and in court. He conducts himself with high ethical standards and legal skill. I am very selective in choosing the attorneys I work with and refer clients to. The feedback I get back from clients I refer to him is nothing but excellen.t I would not hesitate to continue to refer clients to him."

Kari M. Underwood headshot
Kari Underwood

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"John is always available for his clients, and never treats one case like another--he looks for the issues, and fights for them. I am proud to work with him. I endorse this lawyer."

John Russell Garner headshot
John Garner

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John has helped me with professional and personal traffic issues. Every single time he did a great job. He'll treat you right."

Chananel H Nakasaka headshot
Chananel Nakasaka

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I called John Underwood regarding a motion that I filed in Bakersfield. John was referred to me by another attorney. John was very knowledgeable. He took the time to explain the landscape of the Bakersfield court. He was personable. He's an outstanding lawyer, and I highly recommend him."

Patrick Richard Bowers headshot
Patrick Bowers

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Acer Chiang headshot
Acer Chiang

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Hands down one of the best in town. John is a a knowledgeable and compassionate lawyer who will fight to the death for his clients."

Bo Shachar Koenig headshot
Bo Koenig

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Kari M. Underwood headshot
Kari Underwood

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Patrick Richard Bowers headshot
Patrick Bowers

DUI and DWI lawyer

Acer Chiang headshot
Acer Chiang

Criminal defense lawyer

Bo Shachar Koenig headshot
Bo Koenig

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.3 (Excellent)

Honors

2024

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Managing Attorney, Underwood Law Firm

2008 - Present

Business Professor, University Of Phoenix

2008 - 2014

Law and Business Professor, Devry University

1996 - 2014

Financial Analysis and Legal, a Fortune 100 Corporation

Associations

2016 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2014 - Present

Kern County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2012 - 2015

Law School Alumni Association

Treasurer

Sample of Legal Cases

Driving Under the Influence

Attorney was able to obtain reduced charges with minimum fines and no jail time.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

University of Memphis

MBA - Master of Business Administration

2001

Oak Brook College of Law & Gov't Policy

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

University of Memphis

BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration

Speaking Engagements

2020

CBLA Everything We Missed In 2020

DMV Hearings

2011

Continuing Education Conference

Social Media and the Law

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution