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Jeffrey Brett Hayden
About Jeffrey
Biography
A solo practitioner, Jeffrey B. Hayden represents the residents of the Bay Area in California, which includes the cities in the metro areas of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose. He focuses his practice on criminal defense, and juvenile offenses.
In 1986, Mr. Hayden graduated UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. He then attended USC, Gould School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1989.
After graduating from law school, Mr. Hayden clerked for United States District Court Judges Robert P. Aguilar and James Ware before leaving for Los Angeles to work in the Los Angeles County Public Defender, defending people accused of breaking the law. During that time, he worked on cases ranging from petty theft to homicide, in both adult and juvenile court, learning the tactics and methods used to protect the accused from suffering wrongful or excessive convictions. He then returned to his native San Mateo County, defending individuals throughout the Bay Area; over the last 17 years, he has represented people in thousands criminal matters, and has tried hundreds of cases with and without a jury.
By appointment of the Board of Governors, Mr. Hayden served on, and later chaired, the Criminal Law Advisory Commission; he now serves as vice-chair of the California Board of Legal Specialization. Well known within San Mateo County and beyond, Mr. Hayden serves as President of the San Mateo County Bar Association, President-elect of the Rotary Club of Redwood City and Chair-elect of the Conference of California Bar Associations.
A California State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, Mr. Hayden’s excellent legal skills and adherence to ethics has earned him a place in Super Lawyers in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2014 and 2015, as well as San Francisco’s Top Rated Lawyers in 2013, 2014 and 2015. He has earned a rating of 10.0 out of 10.0 at , and the highest possible rating of AV-Preeminent from Martindale Hubbell.
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Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
70%
33 years | 4,500 cases
Juvenile Law
30%
32 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 35 years
State: California
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Jeffrey B. Hayden
600 Allerton St., Suite 201, Redwood City, CA, 94063-1575
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Jeffrey Brett Hayden's Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Do not hire
One of the worse lawyers in San Mateo county. Hardly returns phone calls. Hardly comes to visit you and explain what’s goin on if you are a inmate. Came last minute and talked me into signing a last minute deal. Felt like he worked with the DA. Did not do a lot of things he said he would do. Hard to ...
Jeffrey Hayden
Replied last April 9, 2019I'm happy to discuss at any time you wish. If the offer is something you are re-thinking, we should discuss. Please talk to me so we can try to ameliorate.
Posted by anonymous | July 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Unprofessional
Mr. Hayden did absolutely nothing for me except postpone my case and its being going on 2yrs for a extremely easy case I am very unhappy with his conduct he never returns any of his calls he made me feel like I wasn't good enough to represent
Jeffrey Hayden
Replied last November 29, 2018Someone experiencing an event may feel that a case is simple or easy; this does not always reflect the reality that there were others who saw it differently or that the police have some evidence to make it appear differently (even if they are not correct). No one goes into this endeavor -- the practice of defending someone facing charges -- if he or she does not care or feel the client(s) is worthy of representation. Contact me and we will work with you to find a fair resolution.
Posted by anonymous | June 3, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Expert criminal defense lawyer
Jeff is an excellent attorney. If you want things done hire someone who is busy. Jeff is very knowledgeable in every aspect of law and legal process. He did not make false promises and got the best outcome for my case. You will not go wrong with this attorney if you lucky to hire him for your case.
Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2009
Not all Piblic Defenders are Pretenders
All though I am in a still pending case, Jeff has seemed very responsible and professional. He knows the laws and can counter very rapidly to a DA accusations. If you are like me, and receive Jeff as your public defender... Consider yourself blessed as this man is an excellent lawyer. I have since...
Jeffrey Brett Hayden's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Hayden is a very talented litigator who seems to have an uncanny ability to know what the prosecutor is going to do before they do it. He has achieved some particularly amazing results. Very talented lawyer. Judges respect him."
"I have always known Jeff to have an incredible knowledge of the law. Recently, we worked on a case together and I was extremely impressed with Jeff's passion in defending his client. He has an excellent legal mind."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. A very effective advocate for his clients."
"I highly recommend Jeffrey Hayden for your criminal case. I often go to Jeffrey as a mentor for criminal matters, especially for San Mateo cases. He always impresses me with his high energy, passion for the law, and wisdom that is at his fingerprints. If you have Mr. Hayden, you are undoubtedly in good hands!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred numerous matters to Mr. Hayden. He was a zealous advocate and achieved excellent results in a cost effective manner. I do not hesitate when referring matters to Mr. Hayden,"
"Jeff is a walking "Encyclopedia Britannica" in criminal law. He knows an answer to any question. He is loaded with knowledge and he is always well prepared. He does a superb job for his clients."
"I have worked with Mr. Hayden for many years. He is professional, knowledgable, and works hard for his clients. I most certainly would recommend him."
"Unquestionably competent, consistently conscientious, endlessly hardworking, always helpful, and highly dedicated, it is well-known this exceptional lawyer is an excellent trial attorney who is a tremendous asset to the Redwood City Defense Bar community. Any person in need who hires this superb attorney will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of positive reasons, I am honored to endorse Mr. Hayden."
"Jeff Hayden is a legal scholar. He possesses an incredible working knowledge of criminal law and offers his clients outstanding defense."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jeff handles the toughest cases and has great success, I've seen this closeup since we've had co defendant cases including a murder case."
"Jeff is widely recognized in the legal community as one of the finest criminal defense attorneys in San Mateo County. He is extremely bright and a virtual walking encyclopedia on CA Criminal Law. He is hard-working, experienced and very effective in the courtroom. You won't get a better result in your criminal case with any other lawyer, period. Hire him before we lose him to the bench (Jeff has judge written all over him)."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2014
SAN FRANCISCO TOP RATED LAWYERS, AMERICAN LEGAL MEDIA
2013
SAN FRANCISCO TOP RATED LAWYERS, AMERICAN LEGAL MEDIA
2009
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2006
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2005
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2004
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2001
A-V Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
Criminal Law Certified Specialist, Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California
Work Experience
1997 - Present
, Law Offices of Jeffrey B. Hayden
1993 - 1997
Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles County Public Defender
1990 - 1993
, United States District Court
Associations
2014 - Present
San Mateo County Bar AssociationVice-President
2008 - Present
San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember, Board of Directors
2008 - Present
Criminal Law Advisory Commission, State Bar of CaliforniaMember; Chair 2011-2012
2007 - Present
Conference of Delegates of California Bar AssociationsMember, Board of Directors
2000 - Present
Conference of Delegates of California Bar AssociationsDelegate
1997 - Present
San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember
State Bar of California
Member
California Public Defenders Association
Member
American Bar Association
Member
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2015 - 2015
San Mateo County Bar AssociationPresident
2014 - 2015
Conference of California Bar AssociationsSecretary
2013 - 2014
Conference of California Bar AssociationsSecretary
2011 - 2012
Criminal Law Advisory Commission, Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of CaliforniaChairman
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. J.R.
ACQUITTAL (NOT GUILTY)
People v. D.L.
Misdemeanor, Time Served
People v. D.K.
Marijuana Charges trafficking charges dismissed
People v. J.T.
Treatment, not prison
People v. D.S.
Acquitted (Not Guilty) at trial
People v. A.F.
Case Dismissed
Education
1989
University of Southern California Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
University of California
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
KALW Radio: Your Legal Rights
Three Strikes Law
2012
KALW Radio: Call a Lawyer
Recent Decisions of the State and U.S. Supreme Courts
2011
KALW Radio: Your Legal Rights
Constitutional Decisions
2010
KALW Radio: Your Legal Rights
Gun Control
Publications
2011
The Recorder
Mobile Devices Fair Game for Police Searches
2011
The Recorder
Revisiting the Three Strikes law
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I was charged with a misdemeanor petty theft I never went to court so I have a warrant will that warrant ever go away ?
25 Nov 2021
Q&A
Can a public defender go to my first court date without me
06 Mar 2015
Q&A
Arrested for DUI. No blood results did they lose the blood
09 Dec 2013