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Aaron Reuben Bortel
also known as Aaron Bortel
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About Aaron
Biography
Since 1992 I've been helping those arrested for DUI's. I fight for my clients in Court and at DMV to try and get the best results possible. I've always stood up for those in need and fought to protect their Constitutional Rights.
A DUI arrest can happen to anyone who drinks or takes legal or non-legal drugs, and then operates a vehicle. While most of us don’t intend to go out and drive under the influence, sometimes it does happen. In most cases, we had that one last drink that barely put us at or over the legal .08% limit. When we’ve have had too much, lack of judgment can kick in and the result might be what we never expected to happen – a DUI arrest. Sometimes we get that emergency call and decide to drive. We might have pulled over to sober up, but still got charged with a DUI. Whatever the situation is, we did something that we wish we could take back, and now we have no choice but to deal with the consequences.
I help defend people who made a judgment error. We are all humans, and we all make mistakes. Most of my clients are good people who are facing criminal prosecution and loss of driving privileges for the first time in their lives. There are so many questions and unknowns in a situation like this. It is a terrifying experience, and for many causes more stress than they’ve ever encountered.
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%
34 years | 3,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in California for 33 years
State: California
Acquired: 1992
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/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Aaron online.
Aaron Reuben Bortel's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
41 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (36)
Recommendation (23)
Advocacy (21)
Practice Area Knowledge (18)
Responsiveness (14)
Professionalism (13)
Communication Style (12)
General Knowledge (11)
Compassion (8)
Character & Conduct (7)
Cost of Services (7)
Trustworthiness (7)
Payment Plans (3)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Morgan | January 20, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best DUI lawyer Hands Down!
Mr. Bortel was an excellent attorney from beginning to end. He helped me navigate the judicial system seamlessly, stepped in to be present at all my court hearings so I wouldn’t have to, and even assisted me with finding a great place to perform my community service requirements (a place that I still...
Posted by Judy | August 05, 2015 | DUI & DWI
The best in the business
Aaron is an incredible lawyer and person. If you have been pulled over for a DUI, there is no better lawyer you can find than Aaron. I received a DUI for blowing a 0.13 in Santa Rosa, and Aaron was able to help me win the DMV hearing and get the case dismissed. It was the best possible outcome I coul...
Posted by Scott | April 23, 2015 | DUI & DWI
First rate.
When I had been his name by a trusted professional colleague of over 40 years, Aaron Bortel provided me prompt and very knowledgeable answers to all my questions. I needed to assist a client with a DMV driver record correction matter which would have caused considerable difficulties for many years ...
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...
Posted by anonymous | June 02, 2013 | DUI & DWI
If You've been arrested for DUI, Aaron Bortel is who you DEFINITELY want representing you.
After being arrested for DUI and having no idea how to represent myself, I immediately called several attorneys the morning I was released. I was impressed that, not only did Aaron return my call personally but within ten to fifteen minutes. (only two others got back to me and not in a timely fashion...
Aaron Reuben Bortel's Lawyer Endorsements
"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"
"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."
"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!"
"I endorse this lawyer. With strong advocacy, he remains current with new law and nuances within various counties. A real DUI attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Easily one on the top DUI lawyers in the Bay Area. There is no way you can go wrong with his counsel and representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Marcia Silver
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Kevin Heaney
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Peter Johnson
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Leigh Fleming
DUI and DWI lawyer
Robert Cargal
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Mark Blair
DUI and DWI lawyer
Manny Daskal
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Donald Ramsell
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Scot Candell
Criminal defense lawyer
Jon Woolsey
DUI and DWI lawyer
Amy Morell
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E Linscheid
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Experience
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 AssociationMember
2010 - Present
DTLLLBoard of Directors
2003 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2003 - Present
Marin Community Food BankBoard of Directors, President 2007-2009
1998 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
1996 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyersmember
1995 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
1993 - Present
Bar Association of San FranciscoMember
1992 - Present
State Bar of Californiamember
2011 - 2014
SF/Marin Food BankBoard 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.
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
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I get my driver's license in California?
27 Oct 2022
Q&A
Can I get a restricted license in CA if my license is suspended in another state?
17 Jan 2022
Q&A
Do you have to do your dui classes in the county you were charged in?
17 Jan 2022