I have been a lawyer for over 20 years, passing the California bar exam in June 1993. I opened up my own law practice spealizing in criminal law and employment/labor law. Also, I have been a criminal defense attorney working for 2 separate Public Defender offices. I was hired by the Yolo County Public Defender's office and was there for 10 years. I moved up the ranks becoming a senior felony public defender handling major felony cases such as homicide and three strikes cases. After 10 years, I decided I needed a break and went over to Italy and taught law at the University of Parma, Italy.
I came back and opened my own law practice and have been very successful. I am a small boutique law firm and individually handle each client and their case. I am easily accessible and offer my cell phone number if you needed to contact me. I am very passionate about my representation and try and make sure each client is satified.
5
Practice Areas
33 years | 5,000 cases
14 years | 50 cases
14 years | 50 cases
14 years | 50 cases
Always
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1993
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2023
9 Gabilan Street, Suite 6, Salinas, CA, 93901
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 client review from Avvo
Posted by Kathryn | February 4, 2014
I would recommend this attorney to anyone who may be facing criminal prosecution. John is understanding and nonjudgemental. He helped me through a very hard time. He can help you too.
"I endorse this lawyer, as he is highly professional, knowledgable, kind and patient. We worked on a legal matter together and he was very easy to work with and was highly familiar with the inner workings of Salinas Court. I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone with legal issues in Monterey County!"
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This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2023.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2023
updated on 01/30/2024This 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.
2023
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
10 Best Under 40, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2018
Top Lawyer, Who's Who In American Law
2018
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Criminal Defense, Lawyers of Distinction
2017
Top Lawyer, American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section
2017
"Who's Who" Top Lawyer, The Global Directory
2016
10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2007
Best attorney of 2007, Barry Melton, Public Defender Yolo County
2007
"One of the Best", Yolo County Public Defender’s Award
2001
Best in Trial, Yolo County Public Defender's office
1998
Excellence in Trial, Bobby Evans Award
1993 - Present
Owner, Law Office of John Klopfenstein
2008 - 2012
Deputy Public Defender, Monterey County Public Defender's Office
2007 - 2008
Professor, University of Parma
1997 - 2007
Deputy Public Defender, Yolo County Public Defender's Office
1997 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
1997 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1997 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
1997 - Present
Monterey County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - 2007
Public Defenders of Yolo CountyMember
1993 - 1993
Federal Bar AssociationMember
Affirmed
1998
Post-graduate litigation certificate
1993
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2016
Criminal Defense Law
2016
Employment/Labor Law
2008
Law
Spanish