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 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Younis | July 06, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Tough DUI case

Aaron is the best lawyer you could get for a DUI. I got charged with a DUI with a speed enhancement for driving 117 mph on the freeway in alameda county. Aaron was able to get me off with a wet reckless and only 2 years of probation. I was able to keep my license and wasn't required to get sr22 or in...stall a device to start my car. While I most certainly learnt my lesson Aaron made all the legal matters a breathe, now I'm able to put it behind me and move on. I know he's a bit expensive but he's worth every penny. Excellent service and communication, keeps you informed and goes the extra mile for you. I'm really very thankful for his devotion and determination.

Posted by Daniel C. | July 03, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Brilliant DUI Attorney

After intviewing a couple of DUI attorneys, I hired Aaron Botel and it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Aaron was professional, trustworthy, informative and made me feel very comfortable thrroughout the entire process. Aaron saved my license, my job, and skillfully negotiated the... best possible legal outcome for my situation. Aaron cares about his clients and their families. I couldn't reccomend Aaron Bortel enought as a DUI attorney.

Posted by Greg | February 12, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Go with the best!!

Don't bother shopping around; Aaron Bortel truly is the expert. My friends BAC was .30 and she was able to have the DUI case completely dismissed. In addition, she won her DMV hearing and did not suffer a suspended license. This was incredible because, it did not affect her insurance and she had... no community service. That’s what I call results !! ... He addressed all my friends questions and concerns were handled courteously and promptly. Aaron eased my friends mind and made the whole process very simple. He is a savior and we were extremely grateful! I highly recommend Aaron Bortel to anyone in this type of situation. Again Aaron - many, many thanks !

Posted by Hugo | January 05, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Charged with 2nd DUI

I was in the stadium parking lot after the 49er game sitting in my truck with my wife when a man approached my vehicle yelling that I bumped his rear passenger corner bumper . My truck was parked in reverse position in the parking stall with the front bumper sticking out more than it should of been i...nto the driving lane , however, due to tailgating policy my long truck had to be sticking out to be able to provide space for our BBQ equipment and chairs at the rear area , this set up was not possible to do in the front. I explained to the man I was not driving and the truck was parked and not on , we began to yell and it got intense very fast , the security showed up during our yelling and soon after the police they separated us and gave me a sobriety balance exam that I failed , I was asked some questions and arrested and placed into custody. My blood was withdrawn for an alcohol test at the police station in a holding room by a lady then I sat around for 8 hours and released. At the arraignment hearing I pled not guilty and was told to show up in a week for trial arrangements. I sat in my car and began to research DUI lawyers and reading reviews after narrowing my search to about five lawyers I decided on my gut instinct and chose Aaron Bortel. It took eight months for the trial but during that time he communicated with me and kept me up to date with the progressions of the case and made all the DMV arrangements and extensions for me. At the trial he kept me informed of every move , it really felt like I had a big brother in the court room with me , he gave me advice about how to carry myself and control my emotions in and out of the court room , but most important he didn't waste my time when it came to representing me he had a game plan and he stuck with it he knew how to read the situation and knew when to make moves and when to sit back , the District Attorney was just as good , after all he had not lost a case since joining the D.A office earlier in the year, Mr. Bortel countered our facts with their misconception and the jury was very involved even asking questions prior to the long deliberation in which they concluded into a hung jury and split 6-6 . I was very pleased with Aaron's cross examination game plan he had several scenarios with different types of questions depending on what was said and not said , he also was able to keep out important info like my BAC level (double the legal limit) and the fact that it was my second DUI by filing motions to suppress and was able to have it granted before the trial started and the D.A was not able to use that info to the jury. All the small things he did for me before and during the trial is why we won. In the end the case was sent back to the D.A office for a second review and they refused to dismiss the case and I did not want to go through the whole thing again so we agreed to take a lesser charge and ended up pleading guilty to a "dry wreck less" which doesn't count as a prior and a lot less cheaper than DUI fees and no classes , no community service , no ignition device and no suspended license , he won my DMV hearing that I never had to attend. I went with my instincts and i got a chance to fight in court against the system and won . Thank you Aaron Sincerely , Hugo

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