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 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | January 15, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Excellent Experience and Knowledge

I went to Aaron with a DUI/Hit and Run Charge. Aaron kept me very informed throughout the entire court proceedings. He got back to all of my questions in a timely manner and is very professional. He was able to get my charges dropped down to a Misdemeanor Hit and Run and I never had to miss a singl...e day of work. I highly reccommend Aaron Bortel if you end up in a situation similar to mine,.

Aaron Bortel

Replied last January 15, 2014

And on top of no DUI conviction, we won the DMV hearing and there was no license suspension. This was a .13% breath test.

Posted by Jonathan | August 14, 2013 | DUI & DWI

The Wisdom You Need During A Stressful Time

I have never been involved in any type of legal matters or ever had a lawyer before for that matter so I don't have much to compare Aaron to; however, I will say that Aaron was a lifesaver in a huge time of need. I contacted Aaron after doing research and finding out my license was suspended at th...e time of me being charged while Driving Under the Influence. I looked online and found out jail time may be required for this offense depending on the ruling so as you can imagine I was very hectic and stressed out. I called a handful of lawyers and made my decision on how sounded the most authentic as that would give me the best gut feeling, and I felt very confident by picking Aaron based on the fact he was the only one that told me to check other options and decide what was best for me. Long story short, Aaron was extremely responsive the whole duration of the process. He was very knowledgable and provided me with all the options. Most importantly to me he was very reassuring and I always felt like I had a great resource on my side. He was able to get my charges reduced to a Wet and Reckless based on his expertise and great reputation. I would recommend Aaron to anyone without a flinch of the eye!

Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2013 | DUI & DWI

Top Notch DUI Attorney! Look no further...He"s your guy. You will realize why when it's all said and done.

I am a 50 year old single white female who just recently moved to Marin County. It was a job related move. I am in sales. I NEED to drive in order to do my job. Public Transportation is NOTan option. So when I got a DUI less than 30 days of moving to Marin, I was absolutely devastated. Most of ...my closest friends and my family live on the East Coast. I was completely alone and frightened. I knew I needed to hire an attorney. I immediately got online and googled DUI attorney's. I found three in Marin County. I made an appointment with each of them. Aaron Bortel was the last attorney I met with. I knew almost immediately after meeting him that he was "the guy"...and you will too. He emits honesty and integrity. ...Characteristics not typically synonymous with "lawyer". Even after I agreed to hire Mr. Bortel, I was overwhelmed with the whole process between the DMV and the Court...I knew I had to just trust him. After he reviewed the police report and the video of my FST's, he recommended that we do not try to fight this in court. A decision that I had to accept despite my disappointment. However, here's what he did do: I never lost my driving privileges (in some cases you can't drive for up to a month or longer), I did not have to do any community service, and I only had to complete 10 weeks of DUI classes. My last class is tomorrow night. And after hearing other people's stories, I became increasingly aware of how fortunate I was that Aaron Bortel was my attorney. Don't think twice. Hire this man. You will be so thankful you did.

Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2012 | DUI & DWI

I was able to keep my drivers license!

I was referred to Aaron by a work colleague who was familiar with Aaron's skills as a DUI attorney. From the first moment I walked into his office and met him, I was impressed. Aaron is very professional, and you can tell that he knows his stuff. He even had a breathalyzer in his office and he explai...ned to me how they worked and where they can be misleading. Since I was a science guy, he also went over how your body metabolizes the alcohol you consume and how it goes into your blood. In our initial consultation, he asked me details about my arrest and answered every question that I had (which was a lot). I was very nervous about my arrest, especially since I am not from the U.S., I was just here visiting when I was arrested for DUI. He told me what possible outcomes he thought he could get from the charges, and what kind of time frame I should expect. I felt very comfortable with my decision to hire Aaron after walking out of his office after our first meeting. Aaron kept me informed every time there was a development on my case. In each event, he would describe the situation and let me know what to expect next. When it came time to for Aaron to talk to the D.A. about my case, Aaron was able to have my charges significantly reduced at the first hearing. Given my situation, it was a very good outcome, and I was able to accept the charges, pay a small fine and move on. The best part of this entire process was that Aaron was able to help me keep my drivers license! I am very grateful for the help that Aaron provided, and I highly recommend him to anyone needing help with DUI charges.

Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2012 | Criminal Defense

Thank you Aaron for all your help!

I did not know Aaron prior to requiring his services. I did speak to another lawyer about him and he came highly recommended. Aaron called me quickly and reviewed my case with me thoroughly. He did all of the leg work to set up appointments and handle both the Court and DMV requirements. He alw...ays made me feel like a deserving citizen rather than a criminal! He was very responsive throughout the length of our engagement, taking time to respond by phone and by email with any and all details that I needed or asked for. I had an extremely positive outcome in both my Court and DMV meetings. I know that I would not have won either of those hearings without the professional and personal attention that Aaron gave in both of these courts while representing me. Thank you Aaron for giving me my life back!

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