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Peter Matthew Depew
About Peter
Biography
Peter Depew is a veteran of the United States Army, a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law, and a former clerk to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rwanda. He is certified as a mediator by the Straus Institute. He is a member of the Surfrider Foundation’s Legal Issues Team and enjoys all things involving the Pacific Ocean.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 12 years
State: California
Acquired: 2013
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2024
Location
The Law Office of Peter Depew
1119 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
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Peter Matthew Depew's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 45 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Darrele | August 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A great lawyer and a greater man.
Unfortunately once again we found ourselves on the wrong side of the courts for something that never should have been. We were appointed a public defender that was leading us down a road of guilt that was not the case. With no desire to work for us and only wanted to accept a bad deal we turned to ...
Posted by Derek | July 1, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Lawyer
Peter Depew is an excellent choice for representing his client’s. I hired Peter Depew and he went above and beyond fighting for me. I got my felonies reduced and wiped off my record with an expungement. He looked for every option possible. He went back to court for me a few times. I have had others j...
Posted by Brittney | June 9, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Would reccomend for all your legal needs
Peter Depew was very professional, knowledgable and timely in helping me with my case. I couldnt have gotten through what I did without his help. He awnsered each phone call and or called back quickly and obviously knew what he was doing. MONEY WELL SPENT!
Posted by anonymous | January 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
increible
Increible servicio brindado por Peter Depew desde un principio me dio mucha confianza y tranquilidad es un gran profesional que se ha preocupado y me ha dirigido paso a paso en mi proceso y me ha mantenido al tanto todo el tiempo. definitivamente recomiendo a Peter Depew tiene un servicio con una gra...
Posted by Jeff | February 5, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Great guy
Free consultation. Very understanding an helping of my questions. Took the time to explain what the outcome could be based on different scenarios. Willing to negotiate with payment to obtain. All in all very knowledgeable on the case number I had called about.
Peter Matthew Depew's Lawyer Endorsements
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Depew's reputation is the highest and I confidently endorse this lawyer. He is dedicated to justice and committed to assist people."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible. I endorse this lawyer. -Anthony Munoz, Esq."
"I confidently endorse this lawyer’s work and standing in the legal community."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A top-notch attorney, highly respected in the legal community."
"Pete Depew seems to have fantastic rapport with every client I have seen him interact with - and Pete has the legal knowledge and aggressive attitude to effectively advance their interests."
"Peter Depew provides valuable information to people in need of answers to legal questions on Avvo."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Peter Matthew Depew aggressively pursues every angle of a case on behalf of his clients. He is thorough, detail-orientated, and works tirelessly to protect his clients rights. I highly recommend him."
"Peter Matthew Depew is an outstanding attorney who I would not hesitate to recommend for representation on criminal defense law matters. He works hard for his clients, he is agressive in court, and provides a high level of professionalism and compassion. You can't go wrong with him defending you."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Peter Matthew Depew knows the law extremely well and cares about making sure people understand their rights and obligations. Anyone needing assistance with a criminal defense law legal matter would be well served to contact him."
"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. He has a tremendous amount of respect among his peers. He is also well-thought of by his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Aggressive and fights for his clients."
"Peter is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Depew gives great comprehensive advice to those in need."
"Attorney Depew is an exceptional attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. He is highly regarded in his field."
"Mr. Depew is very knowledgeable in several difficult areas of law where experience is critical."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Depew is an expert in Criminal law and a valuable contributor to the AVVO community."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2024
updated on 05/21/2024This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Honors
2021
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2021
Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2021
10 Best Attorney, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2021
Best Criminal Defense Attorney, Expertise
2020
10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2020
Top Ranking Criminal Defense Attorney, American Association of Attorney Advocates
2020
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2020
Top 10 Criminal Defense Law Attorney - California, Best of the Best Attorneys
2020
Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2020
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2020
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2019
10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2019
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Litigator of the Year Section, American Institute of Trial Lawyers
2019
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers Invitation Selection, National Trial Lawyers
2019
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney's, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2019
Top 100 Criminal Law Attorneys Nominee, American Academy of Attorneys
2018
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2018
Top 40 Under 40, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
2018
Executive Member Invitee, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Lawyer of Distinction Nominee, Lawyers of Distinction
2018
10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2017
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Excellence for the Future Award, CALI
2006
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, United States Army
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Attorney, The Law Office of Peter Depew
2013 - 2016
Attorney, The Law Office of Seppi Esfandi
2012 - 2012
Volunteer, Legal Aid Clinic for Burmese Civil War Displaced Persons
2011 - 2011
Clerk, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rwanda
Associations
2017 - Present
Surfrider Legal Issues TeamCriminal Justice Section Council
2017 - Present
San Luis Obispo County Employees AssociationLegal Services Attorney
2017 - Present
NAACPCriminal Justice Section Council
2013 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2013 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaMember
2010 - Present
United States Olympic Committee: USA BoxingJudge
Sample of Legal Cases
Child cruelty - dismissed
Case dismissed
Restraining order - victorious at trial
Trial won - temporary restraining order lifted
Probation violation - alternate sentencing arranged
Home detention authorized
4th DUI and probation violation - No custody
No custody
Domestic violence - Not Guilty verdict
Not Guilty verdict on domestic violence charge
DUI - Dismissed
Dismissed
DUI - Criminal case dismissed / No nursing board sanction
Dismissed
Felon with firearm / ammunition - Dismissed
Felony charges dismissed
Felony Probation Terminated Early
Petition Granted
Battery - Dismissed
Dismissed
DUI - Reduced to Wet Reckless
DUI Dismissed - Reduced to Wet Reckless
Battery - Dismissed
Dismissed
Drug Sales - Reduced to Misdemeanor and Expunged
Reduced and Expunged
Reckless Driving - Probation Terminated Early / Case Expunged
Dismissed Retroactively
Driving Under the Influence - Dismissed - Board of Registered Nursing sanctions avoided
Dismissed
Diverting a stream bed - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Commercial Burglary - Reduced and Expunged
Conviction Expunged
Unserved 60 Day Jail Sentence Ruled Null and Void
Probation Terminated Early and Jail Sentence Deleted
Juvenile DUI - Dismissed
Dismissed
Restitution Not Owed For Cost of Police Response During DUI Arrest
Client Does Not Have To Repay Police
Felony Domestic Violence Arrest - No Prosecution
Police Report Rejected - No Prosecution
DUI with Refusal - Dismissed
DUI and Refusal dismissed - $355 fine and 1yr informal probation
DMV Hearing - DUI Allegation Disproven
License Suspension Avoided
Commercial Driver Spilling Load on Highway Misdemeanor - Dismissed
Dismissed
Vandalism - Reduced to a Misdemeanor and Expunged
Dismissed Retroactively
Failure to Surrender to Jail - No Probation Violation Found
Warrant Recalled / No Probation Violation Found
Battery at Mid-State Fair - Dismissed
Dismissed
Probation Violation (Failure to Pay Restitution) - Dismissed
Dismissed
Illegal Lodging - Dismissed
Dismissed
Illegal Lodging
Dismissed
Soliciting a Prostitute - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Probation Terminated Two Years Early Pursuant to New Assembly Bill 1950
Felony Probation Successfully Terminated Early and Felony Reduced to Misdemeanor
DUI Reduced to Wet Reckless
DUI Charges Dismissed - Wet Reckless
Felon w/ 2 tear gas weapons, 10 grams meth, 40 diazepam - Dismissed
All Charges Dismissed
DUI - Reduced to Wet Reckless
DUI Charges Dismissed - Wet Reckless
Battery - Diversion Granted
Diversion Granted / Conviction Avoided
Participating in a Riot - Diversion Granted
Conviction Avoided - Case to be dismissed and sealed
Residential Treatment Instead of Jail
Custody Credits Awarded Retroactively
DUI Reduced to Wet Reckless
DUI Charges Dismissed - Wet Reckless
Felony Manufacturing Concentrated Cannabis with Butane Explosion - Reduced to Misdemeanor
Felony Dismissed - 30 day house arrest
Active Duty Air Force - DUI dismissed for reduction to wet reckless
DUI Charges Dismissed - Wet Reckless
Drunk in Public - Dismissed
Dismissed
Probation Violation (Failure to Surrender to Jail) - Dismissed
Dismissed
Child Endangerment - Reduced
Child Endangerment Charge Dismissed
Criminal Restitution Amount Reduced by $26,000
Restitution reduced by 66 percent
Battery - Dismissed
Dismissed
Petition to smoke cannabis on probation - Granted
Petition Granted
Arrest Sealed
Arrest Sealed
Littering - Dismissed
Dismissed
Shoplifting - Dismissed
Dismissed
DUI - Military Diversion Granted / Conviction Avoided
Diversion Granted / Conviction Avoided
Domestic Battery - Dismissed
Domestic Battery Dismissed - No Contest to Disturbing the Peace
Arrest Sealed
Arrest Sealed
DACA recipient with .13 BAC - DUI Reduced to Wet Reckless
DUI Charges Dismissed - Wet Reckless
DMV Hearing - Refusal Allegation Disproven
Refusal Allegation Disproven
Trespassing While Hunting - Dismissed pursuant to PC 1203.4
Dismissed pursuant to PC 1203.4
Felony Embezzlement - No Jail
No Jail
Criminal Discharge of Fireworks - Dismissed
Dismissed in Furtherance of Justice
Battery on a Peace Officer - Dismissed pursuant to PC 1203.4
Dismissed pursuant to PC 1203.4
Drunk in Public - Dismissed pursuant to PC 1203.4
Dismissed pursuant to PC 1203.4
HS Senior Charged With Child Molestation of HS Freshman - Dismissed
Dismissed
HS Senior Charged With Child Molestation of HS Freshman - Dismissed
Dismissed
DUI and Counterfeit Identification - Dismissed
Dismissed
Drunk in Public - Dismissed
Dismissed
Probation Violations - Released From Custody
Probation Reinstated - Client Released from Jail
Counsel for Police Interview - No Charges Filed
No Charges Filed
Possession of Heroin - No Jail, No Probation supervision
No Jail, No supervision by the Dept. of Probation, 30 days residential treatment
Resisting Arrest / Public Intoxication - Dismissed
Case Dismissed
DUI Reduced to Wet Reckless
DUI Charges Dismissed - Wet Reckless
Arrest Sealed
Arrest Seal
DUI Probation Terminated Early - Military Reenlistment Now Viable
Probation Terminated Successfully and Two Years Early
Restraining Order Hearing - Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed - Client Prevails
Driving With A Suspended License - Dismissed
Dismissed
Oceano Sand Dunes DUI on ATV Reduced to Wet Reckless
DUI Charges Dismissed
DUI w/ Child Endangerment - Criminal Case Rejected / License Reinstated
No Prosecution / Driver's License Reinstated
Unlawful Intercourse - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony DUI Re-Sentencing - Client Released from Jail
Client Immediately Released from Jail
Domestic Violence US Service Member - Dismissed
Dismissed - Client not involuntarily separated from US Military
Obstructing the Police - Dismissed
Dismissed
Driving without a License - DISMISSED
Dismissed
Employer Persuaded to Re-Hire Client After Firing Him for DUI Arrest
Client Got His Job Back
Arizona jail time subtracted from California sentence - Granted
Petition Granted - Sentence Shortened
DMV Medical Suspension - Lifted
Suspension Rescinded
Domestic Battery - Dismissed
Dismissed
Governor Newsom Pardons Client
Pardon Granted
Cannabis Cultivation - Dismissed
Dismissed
Battery (2x) - Dismissed
Dismissed
Temporary Restraining Order Petition - Granted, Fees Recovered
TRO Granted, Client's terms met, Expenses recovered
Battery - Dismissed
Dismissed
Vehicle Tampering - Dismissed
Dismissed pursuant to PC 1203.4
Domestic Violence Injury To Spouse - Dismissed Before Trial
Dismissed
Minor in Possession of Alcohol - Dismissed
Dismissed
Battery - Arrest Sealed
Arrest Sealed
Habeas Corpus Petition - Granted
Habeas Corpus Granted - Client Released from Jail
Felony Probation Violations - Credit for Time Served
Credit for Time Served, No Fines
Hit and Run - Dismissed per PC 1203.4
Dismissed
Driving with a License Suspended for DUI - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony Impersonation - Not Held To Answer
Not Held To Answer on a Felony
Resisting Police and Public Intoxication - Dismissed
Dismissed
Manufacturing Concentrated Cannabis - No Criminal Charges
No Criminal Charges Filed
Domestic Violence - Charges Rejected
Criminal Charges Rejected
Loaded Firearm in Vehicle; Discharge Firearm Near Residence - Dismissed
Firearms Charges Dismissed
Assault with a Deadly Weapon Felony
Reduced to Exhibiting a Weapon as a Misdemeanor; 52 Hour Class; No Jail;
Petition for Visitation with Daughter
Client Given Parental Rights and Visitation
Under The Influence of LSD - Dismissed
Dismissed
DMV Hearing - Win - No Suspension
Win - No Suspension
DUI - Dismissed pursuant to Penal Code Section 1203.4
Dismissed
DUI Reduced to Wet Reckless for Client w/ Work Visa
DUI Charges Dismissed
DMV hearing - Win - No Suspension
Win - No Suspension
Arrest Sealed
Arrest Record Sealed
DMV Hearing - Win - no suspension
License Not Suspended
DMV admin hearing - Win - No Suspension
Win - License not suspended
Auto theft, possession of heroin & hypodermics - Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
False Police Report, Hit and Run - 2x Dismissal, No jail, $250 fine, Reduced Charge
Original Charges Dismissed; Reduced Charge; No jail
Illegal Possession of a Hedgehog - Dismissed
Dismissed
Terrorist Threats - Criminal Case Rejected
No Criminal Charges Filed
DUI - Dismissed at Jury Selection
Dismissed
Prior Possession of Heroin for Sales Enhancement - Dismissed
Enhancement Dismissed
1x Felony Assault on a Peace Officer, 2x Felony Resisting Arrest
Reduced to a Misdemeanor, No Jail, 40 hrs Community Service, Informal Probation
Hit and Run - Dismissed
Dismissal
DUI - Case Dismissed and Arrest Sealed
Case Dismissed. Arrest Sealed. Bail Exonerated.
Minor in Possession of Alcohol - Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Domestic Battery - Case Rejected
Case Rejected - No Prosecution
Possession of a Switchblade - Dismissed Retroactively
Dismissed Retroactively
Third DUI, 0.33 blood alcohol - 90 days house arrest.
90 days house arrest, 3 years of informal probation
Diversion Violation - Dismissed
Not Found in Violation
Felony Resisting Arrest and Criminal Threats - Misdemeanor w/ No Jail
No Jail / $250 fine
Juvenile DUI - Dismissed
Dismissed
Felony DUI and Vandalism - Reduced and Dismissed
Dismissal
Driving with Suspended License - Dismissed
Criminal Charges Dismissed
Drunk in Public - Dismissed
Dismissed
Battery - Dismissed
Dismissed
Heroin Possession - No Jail / No Fines
No Jail / No Fines / No Prop 36
Sexual Battery - Dismissed
Dismissed
Domestic Violence - Charges Not Filed
No criminal filing / No Cal Poly punishment
Violating a Protective Order - Dismissed
Dismissed
Cocaine Possession & Obstructing Police
Drug charge dismissed - 5 days of house arrest, $250 fine
Trespassing - Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Public Intoxication & Possession of Hydrocodone
Dismissed
Possession of marijuana and paraphernalia
Dismissed
DUI - Case Rejected
Not Prosecuted - No License Suspension
Battery - Dismissed
Dismissed
DUI - Criminal Charges Dismissed
Reduced to Speeding Ticket
Deer Poaching
Dismissed
DMV License Suspension Hearing
Client Prevails
Driving w/ Suspended License
Dismissed
Potential Third Strike 25-To-Life Felony
Forty-Five Days House Arrest
US Navy - Resisting Arrest
Dismissed
DUI Conviction Dismissed
Dismissed
Warrant
Warrant Cleared
Registered Nurse - Public Intoxication
Case Dismissed
Possession of Heroin and Paraphernalia
Case Dismissed and Arrest Sealed
Felony Domestic Violence
Criminal Case Rejected Before First Court Date
Passing Counterfeit US Currency
Case Dismissed
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Dismissed
Possession of Norco
Dismissed
Resist Police / Possession of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
Diversion Granted
DUI
Criminal charges dismissed - $100 fine instead
Drug Possession and Petty Theft
Released From Custody
Drug Paraphernalia
Dismissed
Drunk in Public
Dismissed
Domestic Violence
Dismissed
Certificate of Rehabilitation
Granted
Domestic Violence - Case Rejected
Rejected Before First Court Date
Hate Crime Battery
Case Dismissed.
Obstructing Police
Case Dismissed
Felony Forgery
Expunged
Battery
Charge Reduced
Drug possession
Case dismissed
Mail theft
Dismissed
Drug possession
Dismissed
Battery
Case dismissed
Vandalism
Case dismissed
Commercial Burglary - Felony
Burglary charge dismissed
Spousal battery
DA declined to prosecute
Conversion of property
Case dismissed
British Military
Diversion offered
Violating Protective Order
Case dismissed
1/2 Pound of methamphetamine
Conviction Overturned
Felony Expungment
Expungement granted
Battery against intruder in own home
Case Dismissed
Possession of prescription pills
Case Dismissed
Possession of meth - dismissed for 16 NAs
Dismissal
Grand theft - diamond ring
Probation granted - no jail
Driving with license suspended
Case Dismissed (speedy trial)
LAX customs - 2 lbs. of meth
No state or federal prosecution
Education
2013
Pepperdine University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2013
Straus Institute
Certification
2007
California State University, Northridge
MA - Masters
2002
California State University, Northridge
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Legal Aid Clinic Santa Barbara
Access to Justice for Veterans
2013
Briefing to Department of State - Thailand
Burmese Civil War Ceasefire Violations
2012
Judicial Conference on Intellectual Property
Findings of COMESA and US Dept. of Commerce
Publications
2007
California State University Press
Critical Discourse Analysis of Media Coverage of Grand Theft Auto
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I get an unarmed guard card and work as a security officer in the state of Michigan having an expunged felony from Califonia
30 Oct 2024
Q&A
If you were arrested but the DA rejected your case?
30 Oct 2024
Q&A
What should I do if I get terminated from DV classes? I was told that I had to put myself on calendar at court?
30 Oct 2024