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Katherine Schwinghammer
also known as "Kathy" Schwinghammer, Katherine Laurie Schwinghammer
About Katherine
Biography
I represent people. From 2006 until 2020, the only type of cases I have taken are criminal defense cases, and most of those DUI defense cases. (As of 2020 I have expanded my practice areas to include Juvenile Dependency as well as criminal/DUI defense cases.)
I have extensive experience handling DUI/Driving Under the Influence/Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or Above, and many other types of criminal cases. For the first several years that I was licensed as an attorney I worked as a Deputy Public Defender, handling a great number of cases and learning a lot as I practiced.
I opened my own law practice in 2009, to put my knowledge and skills and talent to work for you, the people who hire me.
I have actual trial experience, trying DUI cases and other criminal cases and traffic offenses. There are a lot of attorneys in California who want to represent you on your criminal or DUI case, but some of those attorneys have never even tried a single case. Some have only tried cases in their former careers as prosecutors, and might not even be used to trying to find flaws in the prosecution's case. As a criminal defense lawyer who has spent my whole career representing people (not the prosecution) I have experience and skills that I will put to work for you. If you might consider taking your case all the way to trial, ask potential lawyers what their "stats" are. Some attorneys might tell you they don't keep track, but my guess is, if they had a track record they were proud of, they might be more likely to.
If you're facing criminal charges there's a strong chance you might be feeling scared and confused -- I can help you. I have the experience, knowledge, and desire to fight for you. I'll provide you with an aggressive defense, communicate with you to make sure you understand what's happening on your case, and I'll work hard to minimize the disruption on your life. I will explain things to you myself, and I will be personally available to you as long as your case lasts. These are promises I make to each and every person I represent.
Whether you retain me to represent you or not, I hope that you obtain the very best possible result for the circumstances you are in.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
75%
19 years
Criminal Defense
10%
19 years
Juvenile Law
10%
6 years
Expungement
5%
19 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 19 years
State: California
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Katherine Schwinghammer, Attorney at Law
P.O. Box 31, Grover Beach, CA, 93483
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Katherine Schwinghammer's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 44 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Ian | November 17, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consultation got me out of my traffic ticket
I got a traffic ticket for a Jaywalking violation (driving through an intersection when there was a pedestrian). Anyway, I had a single consultation with Katherine, and she was able to help me write a letter for my trial by written declaration. Because of the way she worded things and her helpful i...
Katherine Schwinghammer
Replied last November 17, 2021Thank you for leaving a review, I really appreciate it! And I could not be happier with the way your case worked out. Congratulations!
Posted by anonymous | December 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Absolutely the best criminal defense attorney out there!
I am beyond grateful for Katherine's experience, extensive knowledge and caring demeanor. She has helped me with two cases over the last few years and I would not have survived without her! I highly recommend her for drug and alcohol criminal defense. I initially hired her when I got a DUI about 6 ye...
Katherine Schwinghammer
Replied last January 21, 2020Thank you so much for leaving a review! I'm so glad I was able to help you through this situation and I wish you all the best in the future.
Posted by anonymous | October 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Kind & Proficient
Ms. Schwinghammer has experience & proficiency with the law and the courts in her area. In addition, she has great demeanor with her clients. She is patient and explains things carefully to assist you in your process. I was very pleased with her service and believe she will be great representation...
Katherine Schwinghammer
Replied last November 5, 2019Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. I'm glad I was able to help you.
Posted by anonymous | August 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very compassionate person and lawyer
This is the second time I hired her. She is very skilled at her profession. She treats you like she is defending a family member. She is honest, compassionate, proceeds cautiously, and has a real feel for my situation. Her pre-filing letter was right on point. By the court date my charges were reject...
Katherine Schwinghammer
Replied last August 14, 2019Thank you for leaving a review! I'm so glad I was able to help.
Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great job!
Katherine was very knowledgeable, professional, and kind. She talked us through the process - and delivered wonderful results. Thanks Katherine!
Katherine Schwinghammer
Replied last August 14, 2019Thank you for leaving a review! I'm so glad you feel that way.
Katherine Schwinghammer's Lawyer Endorsements
"Kathy Schwinghammer is an excellent attorney. Kathy took on the head deputy district attorney and walked her client out the door with an acquittal. I have known Kathy for several years and it is a privilege to endorse her. Kathy brings her military training to the fight in criminal defense and it shows in the zealous manner in which she defends her cases. She is thorough, intelligent and has a real presence in the courtroom. If I were arrested, I would want Kathy in my corner."
"I endorse Kathy Schwinghammer's work. I have seen her in action at trial and was VERY impressed. Not only was her client found "not guilty" but that trial was sandwiched between two other trials where her clients were found "not guilty". She is obviously a very effective, energetic, and compassionate advocate for her clients."
"Katherine is an extremely talented trial attorney. Her tenacity and grit allow her to get incredible results for her clients. She is respected, trusted and feared by her opponents. A fierce advocate who is passionate about helping her clients!"
"Responsive, resilient, thoughtful and fierce advocate who uses equities as factors for presentation of her clients in the most-favorable light. Her resourcefulness in coordinating with colleagues improves the possibilities of favorable outcomes."
"Katherine is a very talented and dedicated criminal defense attorney. I strongly endorse her."
"Kathy Schwinghammer is a dynamic attorney. I have personally witnessed her help clients of all backgrounds with her vigorous, ambitious lawyering."
"Katherine served as the President of Criminal Defense Section of the SLO Bar Association for the past two years. As a member of the organization, I can say that she could not have done a better job. She was organized, thorough, and considerate. She generously gives not only to her clients but also to the community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Katherine is a fantastic lawyer. Quick thinking on her feet, resourceful, and careful attention to detail. She gets along with everyone in the courtroom while at the same time fighting her case. A rare skill that she has mastered. I'd hire her to rep me!"
"I strongly recommend Katherine. She has resolved the cases I referred to her to the satisfaction of my clients. Katherine is aware of the significant impact a criminal case can have on immigration status which is of particular importance to my clients."
"I endorse Kathy Schwinghammer. We worked together on a negotiation and she was incredibly creative and tenacious in devising alternative strategies for solving a complex legal problem."
"I highly recommend Katherine. I liked her from the moment I met her! She has a great attitude and is a pleasure to be around. She is helpful and intelligent and a great advocate for her clients. I endorse her 100%!"
"Katherine is an excellent attorney who fights for her clients! We have worked on many cases together. I know firsthand that she is a skilled negotiator, maintains great courtroom presence, is highly respected by judges and attorneys and she achieves great results for all of her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Very professional. I highly recommend Katherine if you need a criminal defense attorney for yourself or a loved one."
"Kathy Schwinghammer combines intelligence, persistence, and fearlessness with a good attitude. If you're looking for a criminal lawyer I highly recommend this former public defender with the experience and drive to get you the best deal possible."
"Katherine is the go-to lawyer for criminal and DUI cases in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. She's experienced, knowledgeable, knows ant local courts and does great work for her clients!"
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Experience
Honors
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers - Criminal Defense, The National Trial Lawyers
2013
Rising Star - Criminal Defense Law, SuperLawyers
2013
Top Attorney - Outstanding Young Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine
2013
5-Star Reviews, Yelp
2013
Top Women Attorneys, Los Angeles Magazine
2005
Dean's Achievement Award in Advanced Criminal Defense, The University of Texas School of Law
2004
Excellence in Public Interest Award - for work with TCAI, Texas Law Fellowship
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Katherine Schwinghammer
2006 - 2009
Deputy Public Defender, Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office
Associations
2010 - Present
San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
2007 - Present
California Public Defenders Associationmember
American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. J.
DUI/DWI dismissed
People v. D.S.
DUI/DWI w/PRIOR dismissed, plead to driving w/o DL
People v. A.C.C.
DUI/DWI case DISMISSED after hearing
People v. C.G.
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY.
People v. M.C.
DUI/DWI dismissed, No Contest to an Infraction
People v. S.A.
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY.
People vs. I.R.
Case DISMISSED.
People v. P.C.
Hung Jury
People v. A.B.
DUI/DWI w/ PRIOR dismissed, plead to Publ Intox
People vs. G.O.
NOT GUILTY of all charges - jury verdict
Education
2005
The University of Texas School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2021
San Luis Obispo County Bar Association
Lawyers and Stress
2014
San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, Criminal Defense Section monthly MCLE
Lawyers and Stress
2011
Monthly Criminal Defense Section Meeting
Today's Digital Projector Technology and How to Use It
2004
TCDLA Forensics CLE weekend
The History of Fingerprint Identification
2004
Monthly CLE lunch
Problems in Fingerprint Identification
2004
Criminal Law Discussion Panel
Crime Victims Rights Legislation
2004
Crime Victims' Institute
Crime Victims Rights Legislation
Publications
2005
American Journal of Criminal Law
Fingerprint Identification: How the "Gold Standard" of Evidence Could Be Worth Its Weight
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can I have my license reinstated after it's been suspended for 27 years
20 Nov 2022
Q&A
Magistrate summons pending in Virginia for a minor charge but I have not been served. Will it expire if I am not able to served?
17 Oct 2020
Q&A
Can a officer access my locked glove box without a warrant if on probation or parole?
05 Sep 2020