Aaron Reuben Bortel

PRO

Aaron Reuben Bortel

also known as Aaron Bortel

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at San Francisco, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI

650 5th Street, Suite 508, San Francisco, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Aaron

Biography

Over 30 years defending DUI cases in court and DMV. Practicing DUI law exclusively to get you the best possible result. Call for a free consultation!

Over 30 years defending DUI cases in court and DMV. Practicing DUI law exclusively. Call 24/7.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

DUI and DWI 100%

My practice is Exclusively DUI Defense. I represent people in Court and at DMV on DUI Cases and Hearings.

34 years | 3,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 120 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in California for 33 years

State: California

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Location

THE LAW OFFICES OF AARON BORTEL Esq. DUI SERVICES

650 5th Street, Suite 508, San Francisco, CA, 94107-1540

bortelduidefense.com/

Law Offices of Aaron R. Bortel

4040 Civic Center Drive, Suite 200, San Rafael, CA, 94903

bortelduidefense.com/

Aaron Bortel

300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 258, Oakland, CA, 94612

bortelduidefense.com/

Law Offices of Aaron Reuben Bortel

San Mateo, CA

bortelduidefense.com/

Law Offices of Aaron Reuben Bortel

Santa Rosa, CA

bortelduidefense.com/

Law Offices of Aaron Reuben Bortel

San Jose, CA

bortelduidefense.com/

Law Offices of Aaron Reuben Bortel

Napa, Napa, CA

bortelduidefense.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Aaron online.

Aaron Reuben Bortel's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

41 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (41) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 11 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | May 01, 2012 | DUI & DWI

The best in the business

Aaron made my DUI case go very smooth, he has well knowledge of the court system and works hard to give you the best results . I didn't even have to show up to court or to the DMV hearing. We all know how time consuming this can be especially if you have a busy schedule.I didn't even take one day off... from work he took care of all the appearances. He gave me good advice and kept me very calm. One of the reasons I picked Aaron was because I got my DUI the day before Christmas eve which was a Friday. We all know how busy everybody is with their loved ones during those times. On saturday which was Christmas eve I called a whole bunch of lawyers and they were all answering services telling me that I wouldn't be able to talk to their lawyer until after the holidays , but not Aaron he took my call that same day and gave me all the advice I needed. He stayed on the phone with me for like an hour or so and wasn't rushing me. I would defenetly recommend him to any one that has to go through a DUI. I was very scared because I taught I was done. i was very intoxicated when I got pulled over and that was the cause of my refusal. He fought through thick and thin and not only did my refusal get dropped @ court and @ DMV I kept my licence without a suspension. Thus saving my job.Thanks to Aaron I can go on with my life..

Posted by K Haynes | March 12, 2012 | DUI & DWI

Fantastic DUI Attorney

Simply stated, Aaron Bortel is one of the finest DUI attorneys specializing in DUI cases. I hired Aaron back in May 2011 after my DUI arrest (.12 BAC) while driving home across the EB bridge. Initially, after my arrest, I really had no idea how to proceed in finding a good lawyer to represent my ca...se. I previously have never been arrested, nor have I had any previous crimminal history. So the concept of looking for a reputable DUI attorney was a little daunting to say the least. Thankfully, a very close friend sent me Aarons profile link. After reading his simple, yet very informative link, I immediatley had a very good feeling about him so I gave him a call. He almost immediately called me back, and from that first conversation, Aaron was nothing short of amazing! I explained my case and shared my many concerns as to how the DUI would affect my life in general terms, but more specifically, my job status as well. Driving is an essential part of my employment with my company and I understood the ramifications of having a DUI on my driving record. Aaron empathized with my situation and immediately calmed many of my fears . He answered many of my questions, and was very knowledgeable and informative about the procedures following a DUI arrest. After the initial phone call, I felt much better, and decided to hire Aaron. After meeting in person, I had confirmation that I made the right choice in having Aaron represent me. He was warm, personable, compassionate, very genuine and professional. He is extremely knowledgeable about DUI law and DMV administrative actions. He explained what type of court proceedings that I would be involved in , and presented several realistic possible outcomes for my case. In addition , he never made unreasonable promises or expectations that he would be unable to keep. His honesty and integrity is highly impressive! He also allowed for a payment plan of his fees which helped me financially considering the long DUI process. He genuine care and concern for me, his dedication towards my case (spending many long days/nights/weekends), continually keeping me informed and walking me through each step of the court processes, and essentially working extremelely hard in order to have the best possible outcome for my case (His court trial skills are exemplarary!) I was amazed at how he knew the judges, DA's and DMV hearing officers who presided over my case, which definitely helped me receive a final outcome that FAR exceeded my imagination and expectations! (court fines/community service, and driving priviledges) Aaron took such great personal care of me that eventually, he became more than my attorney, he actually became my friend! He literally made what could have been one of the worst experiences in my life, into one that became a positive, less heartbreaking one. I owe him MANY thanks for my life! I can never say quite enough about the talented Mr. Bortel, however, if you are in the unfortunate position of getting arrested for a DUI, look no further. Aaron Bortel is the attorney for you!

Posted by Johanna | January 15, 2012 | Criminal Defense

BEST DUI LAWYER

Aaron was GREAT with my fathers case. I had never been in trouble with the law didnt know what to do or what the process was we called Aaron told him the story and he was able to help my family and I. Thank you Aaaron Johanna

Posted by David | December 04, 2011 | DUI & DWI

I highly recommend Aaron

If you're like me, picking an attorney to handle your DUI case is difficult. I had no past experiences with attorneys let alone DUIs nor did any of my close friends or family. Therefore all I could do was read reviews, speak directly with a few options, and compare rates. That said, I clearly made th...e right choice for a few reasons. I submitted to a blood test which came back with a BAC of 1.1. I got pulled over in San Mateo County on 101 by CHP which as I understand is not the most sympathetic county to DUI offenders. Long story short, Aaron got it down to a wet reckless which was huge based on the difference in penalties. He also won the DMV hearing. Throughout the process he was accessible, knowledgeable and honest about my options, prospects, and best courses of action. He is clearly very experienced with handling DUIs which is very important to confirm with any attorney you decide to choose. He also handled my case personally which is not always the case with other DUI attorneys who as I understand will take your money and then delegate your case to a less experienced associate. And to top it off, his rates are extremely reasonable and competitive based on the rates quoted to me by other attorneys. At the very least I would give him a call and and talk about your case. He spent a fair amount of time with me over the phone free of charge and explained to me what I could expect as well as what he brings to the table as a DUI attorney. All in all it was as good of an experience as one can expect when faced with what is a pretty stressful and unfortunate situation.

Posted by Christopher | July 21, 2011 | DUI & DWI

Professional, Responsive and Results Oriented

I was extremely happy with the work that Aaron Bortel did for me. His knowledge in the field of DUI law and DMV administrative actions is unsurpassed. Aaron is attentive to his clients and extremely responsive when questions need to be addressed. Whenever I had a question or concern about my c...ase, Aaron would return my calls almost immediately. Getting arrested for a DUI and worrying how that would effect my future caused extreme emotional stress for me, Aaron empathized with that and guided me calmly through the criminal and DMV process that lead to a successful outcome. I was amazed how Aaron knew the Judge, prosecutor, and DMV Hearing Officer in my case. His past dealings with all these people clearly helped get results that were much better than I could have ever imagined. I would highly recommend Aaron Bortel to anyone who needed help with a DUI legal matter.

See All Client Reviews

Aaron Reuben Bortel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Aaron
Bruce Steven Kapsack headshot
Bruce Kapsack

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Aaron is one of the most compelling attorneys in the field. He has trained relentlessly in the science and other aspects of DUI defense. You can not go wrong with Mr. Bortel's help"

Adam G. Gasner headshot
Adam Gasner

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aaron Bortel is an expert attorney in the field of DUI defense. He is successful in both court and DMV proceedings. If you are looking for top notch representation by a lawyer who will fight for you, contact Aaron."

Douglas C. Skelton headshot
Douglas Skelton

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aaron is an expert in DUI defense. Not only does he know the law and the scientific defenses, he has an intimate knowledge of the Marin county court system. I recently collaborated with Aaron on a Marin case and was so impressed by his inside knowledge of the local system and important players involved. His local expertise was invaluable and helped my client avoid jail. I cannot recommend Aaron enough!"

D.L. Rencher headshot
D.L. Rencher

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. With strong advocacy, he remains current with new law and nuances within various counties. A real DUI attorney."

Amir Soleimanian headshot
Amir Soleimanian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Bortel is one of the most exemplary and extraordinary attorneys that I have encountered in 24 years of practice. Despite being a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney for nearly two and a half decades, I continue to learn valuable information from his posts every day. I would highly recommend."

Joshua Beal Davis headshot
Joshua Davis

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Aaron is an excellent criminal defense attorney, and can be trusted to obtain the best possible result when facing a DUI - be it a dismissal, favorable plea deal or trial."

Benjamin Hiltzheimer headshot
Benjamin Hiltzheimer

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Linda Calderon Garrett headshot
Linda Garrett

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Andrew Campanella headshot
John Campanella

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Taylor Meehan headshot
Michael Meehan

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Bortel is an excellent attorney whom I have consulted with on many issues. I find him to be extremely well prepared and well versed in all areas of crimal defense. He is a great attorney whom I endorse without reservation."

Lynn Gorelick headshot
Lynn Gorelick

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jonah Chaplin Chew headshot
Jonah Chew

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Easily one on the top DUI lawyers in the Bay Area. There is no way you can go wrong with his counsel and representation."

Okorie Okorocha headshot
Okorie Okorocha

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter John Johnson headshot
Peter Johnson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Aaron is an aggressive advocate for his clients and a knowledgeable DUI attorney. He is well repsected by his colleagues. I do not hesitate to endorse him as an attorney."

Shawn Shahid Salehieh headshot
Shawn Salehieh

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aaron is an outstanding DUI Attorney whom I've known since High School. He has achieved excellent results that I've personally witnessed in court. I highly recommend him to anyone who is facing a DUI charge."

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Conscientious, very hardworking and extremely dedicated, it is becoming clear that Mr. Bortel is an excellent trial attorney who is a tremendous asset to the DUI Defense Bar community. Any one in need who hires Aaron will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of known reasons, I am honored to endorse this fine lawyer. I endorse this lawyer's work."

Leigh Gretchen Fleming headshot
Leigh Fleming

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aaron Bortel is one of the most experienced DUI attorneys in San Francisco. He is very devoted, and genuinely cares for his clients. I strongly endorse Aaron's work, and recommend you make him one of your interview choices."

Nors Elwood Davidson headshot
Nors Davidson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Aaron is a passionate attorney who I can say from experience, actually attends DMV hearings! Mr. Bortel knows the San Francisco courts as well as anyone and will give you everything he's got."

View All Endorsements
Marcia Lynn Silver headshot
Marcia Silver

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Heaney headshot
Kevin Heaney

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter John Johnson headshot
Peter Johnson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Russell Loren Goodrow headshot
Russell Goodrow

Criminal defense lawyer

Leigh Gretchen Fleming headshot
Leigh Fleming

DUI and DWI lawyer

Robert Matthew Cargal headshot
Robert Cargal

DUI and DWI lawyer

Mark Blair headshot
Mark Blair

DUI and DWI lawyer

Manny Daskal headshot
Manny Daskal

DUI and DWI lawyer

Donald John Ramsell headshot
Donald Ramsell

DUI and DWI lawyer

Scot Andrew Candell headshot
Scot Candell

Criminal defense lawyer

Jon William Woolsey headshot
Jon Woolsey

DUI and DWI lawyer

Amy Treanor Morell headshot
Amy Morell

Criminal defense lawyer

E Michael Linscheid headshot
E Linscheid

Criminal defense lawyer

John Andrew Campanella headshot
John Campanella

DUI and DWI lawyer

Paul S. Geller headshot
Paul Geller

DUI and DWI lawyer

John W Stanko headshot
John Stanko

Criminal defense lawyer

Adam G. Gasner headshot
Adam Gasner

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Certificate of Attendance Fast Eddie Kuwatch DUI Seminar, California DUI Lawyers Association

2009

Certificate of Attendance - Ultimate DUI Defense, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2009

Certificate of Attendance - "Fast Eddie" Kuwatch DUI Seminar, California DUI Lawyers Association

2009

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

Certificate of Attendance - Winning with DUI, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2008

Certificate of Attendance - 2008 Winter Session, National College for DUI Defense

2008

Certificate of Attendance - "Fast Eddie" Kuwatch DUI Seminar, California DUI Lawyers Association

2008

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

Certificate of Attendance, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2007

Certificate of Attendance - 2007 Winter Session, National College for DUI Defense

2007

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

Qualified Expert Witness for DMV Admin Per Se hearings for DUI., San Francisco Superior Court

2006

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

Certificate of Attendance - Advanced DUI Law Seminar, California DUI Lawyers Association

2006

Certificate of Attendance - Annual DUI Defense Practice Seminar, California Public Defenders Association

2006

Certificate of Attendance - Making Over Your DUI Practice, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2005

Certificate of Completion - Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and NCDD

2005

Certificate of Attendnace, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2004

Certificate of Attendance - Presenting a Gold Medal Defense, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2004

Certificate of Attendance - New Voices, National College for DUI Defense

2003

Certificate of Attendance - Superheroes of DUI Defense, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2003

Certificate of Attendance - First Annual DUI Seminar, California DUI Lawyers Association

2002

Certificate of Attendance - DMV and Intoxilyzer Autopsy, California Deuce Defenders

1993

Misdemeanor Appointment Panel, Bar Association of San Francisco

Work Experience

1992 - Present

Founding Attorney, Law Office of Aaron R. Bortel

2009 - 2009

Juror on a week long DUI Trial, Marin County Superior Court

1992 - 1994

Contract Attorney, Quigley Law Firm

1991 - 1992

Law Clerk, Quigley Law Office

1990 - 1991

Law intern, San Francisco Public Defender's Office

Associations

2018 - Present

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2010 - Present

DTLLL

Board of Directors

2003 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2003 - Present

Marin Community Food Bank

Board of Directors, President 2007-2009

1998 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

1996 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

member

1995 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

1993 - Present

Bar Association of San Francisco

Member

1992 - Present

State Bar of California

member

2011 - 2014

SF/Marin Food Bank

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Bonham

Case Dismissed after won suppression motion

People v. Villegas

Not Guilty Verdict at Jury Trial

People v Jay Cabrera

Felony DUI - serious injuries reduced to Misd.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2003

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Certificate of Training Award

1992

Golden Gate University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1988

University of California - Santa Barbara

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1984

Redwood High School

High School Diploma

Speaking Engagements

2018

DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing

2009

DUI Defense

MCLE lecture DUI's, FST's, Breath Machines, Medical defenses and other related DMV topics. Demonstrations conducted on unreliability of Alco Sensor IV breath machine and problems with other alcohol detecting breath devices.

Languages

English

Activity

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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