Robert Anthony Tayac

Robert Anthony Tayac

3.8
Rating: 7.8

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Francisco, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

505 Montgomery Street, 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2009
See Details

About Robert

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

My office has handled in excess of 1,000 matters on behalf of clients and have obtained the best result possible in each and every case. Importantly, my office has represented clients in more than 100 trials and appeals in both state and federal courts. Trial and appellate experience is very important in selecting an attorney, because it is most often necessary to take a case to trial or appeal an adverse decision in order to obtain the absolute best result in a criminal case.

32 years | 1,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 31 years

State: California

Acquired: 1994

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2009

Location

Law Office of Robert Tayac

505 Montgomery Street, 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94111

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Robert Anthony Tayac's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.8 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

5 star (7)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (3)

Posted by anonymous | April 4, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Don't waste your money!

Don't believe all the positive reviews you read here. I recommend you go to the court house and see Robert Tayac in action, working on one of his client's dui case. You will see for yourself that you would be wasting your hard earned money for poor representation and a lack of real quality client d...efense. Robert's idea of client defense is showing up to court and carrying on normal court formalities while standing by your side in a suit doing absolutely nothing of real importance in your defense. You would quickly realize that you would be no better off than if you represented yourself or if you went with a public defender instead. Robert appears to be more interested in taking your money and overcharging you for his services while delivering very little if any results. He may tell you what you want to hear but as soon as he gets a hold of your money, then you will see just how important you are to him. My advice to you is-don't waste your money! DUI lawyers are aware that they are not going to be able to change the outcome of most dui cases. But some would have you believe that your case will be that rare exception. Some lawyers are most interested in enriching themselves from your misfortunes or bad decisions while providing poor defense representation and are unconcern whether they win your case or not. Because they already got your money when you retained their service. And when they are done with you, they will move on to their next case, relying on all the exaggerated unverified reviews on the internet to draw more unsuspecting victims. Don't be fooled, you have been warned. Do deeper research to find a good reputable lawyer! If you have an alcohol problem, please reach out and get help and don't drink and drive! It's always best to accept accountability and honesty always pays in the long run! Take care and I wish you well.

Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

an exceptionally good attorney

Robert helped me win a domestic violence case where the state had charged me based on the false claims of my now ex-girlfriend. I called him as soon as I was released on bail. He got involved early in the case and did everything he could to ensure I would not be convicted. In less than three months, ...the district attorney dropped the charges against me. In my case, Robert: • Returned my phone calls in a timely manner; • Was generous with his time and energy; • Was courteous, empathetic, and understanding; • Did not sell me out to prosecutors; • Fought for me and was willing to fight to the end; If you find yourself in a difficult domestic violence case the bay area, I would highly recommend calling Robert Tayac first. Before and after dealing with Robert, I have dealt with other attorneys and have found their customer service, legal expertise, and willingness to fight to be far lesser than that of Mr. Tayac.

Posted by Michael | January 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Nors Davidson came through instead

I hired Mr. Tayac to represent me regarding DUI charges. He's very charming and reassuring until you make payment for his retainer. Then, he will ignore your voice messages, emails, and even court dates! He shows up late to court! I terminated my relationship with Mr. Tayac (forfeiting the retain...er) and hired his former protege N.Davidson. Mr. Davidson provided me with great representation and results!

Posted by Pete | June 24, 2015

Experienced DUI attorney who has the wisdom & relationships u need to fight & win ur case!

If u are facing DUI charges in SF Bay Area, Mr Tayac is exactly who u want on ur side! Through his guidance & relentless due diligence, my DUI charges were completely dropped! I was able to keep my license & subsequently my job. If u are lucky enough to have him represent u, rest assured that he wil...l leave no stone unturned! His relationships & connections with all the right people in both the DA's office & DMV makes all the difference in the world....

Posted by Nathan | November 14, 2013

Incompetent, unresponsive, over-priced, and lazy lawyer with a spotty background--you can do better

I had a terrible experience with Tayac. I hired him for a DUI matter. He charged me an inflated rate (going rate for a DUI is $2-3k but he charged $8k, all up front). After receiving a retainer, he routinely ignored my voicemails and emails--so I had no idea what was going on with my case. He als...o provided poor service--he showed up LATE for a court appearance. And he MISSED that I was on probation when I was pulled over, resulting in my being remanded and handcuffed during what he assured me would be a routine, in-and-out court appearance. His bill included charging me for reading (but not responding to) a 10-word email and charging me for listening (but not responding) to voicemails left for him. His service was so poor that I fired him and asked for a refund. Instead of discussing the refund with me, he claimed his fee was "fully earned" and directed me to talk to HIS lawyer. I filed for fee arbitration with the Bar Association, and Tayac eventually decided to refund $6k of the $8k paid to him. It was a very unpleasant experience all around, and the fee arbitration was a completely unnecessary and annoying distraction from my ongoing DUI case (which was competently handled, at a fair price, by my new lawyer). If you are considering hiring Tayac, I strongly urge you to do your research.

See All Client Reviews

Robert Anthony Tayac's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert
Nors Elwood Davidson headshot
Nors Davidson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Although Robert and I have a past which includes my being his associate and all of the baggage that attaches to an employee/employer relationship, in the end, he has my endorsement. Robert taught me a lot about about the business of the practice of law which I learned from and developed in a different direction. Although our practice styles are dramatically different, I'VE NEVER SEEN A DUI LAWYER WITH THE UNWAVERING COURAGE TO FIGHT THE MOST DIFFICULT CASE IN THE THE MOST HOSTILE ENVIORNMENTS. That willingness alone would be worthy of an endorsement, but more than that, Robert actually wins cases like that. While he may not be the "warm and fuzzy" lawyer people may think they want, he's truly the hard nosed bulldog that they may actually need. If you have a "must win," "zero sum" case and are willing to pay for his services, Robert Tayac may just be the very best DUI trial lawyer in Northern California."

Patrick Michael Ciocca headshot
Patrick Ciocca

General practice lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The bottom line about Robert Tayac is this: he's a terrific lawyer. Co-Author of "California Drunk Driving Defense," (Fourth Edition) the "first word" in DUI Defense law in this state, Mr. Tayac has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is an all-star DUI attorney. If I needed a DUI attorney, I would put Robert at the very top of my list."

David Alan Wilton headshot
David Wilton

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've worked with Robert for over 5 years in the greater Bay Area, making special appearances and in other matters. He's professional, honors his promises, and gets excellent results for all his clients. He's someone I would not hesitate to recommend for the highly specialized area of DUI defense - or for any criminal matter."

View All Endorsements
Darryl Wayne Genis headshot
Darryl Genis

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.8 (Very Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2009.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2009

updated on 01/20/2016

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Robert’s comment:

“I refused to represent a person who was prepared to lie in legal proceedings about the circumstances surrounding her adult son's death. In a second matter, my office handled a matter for a client who sought a refund after all work had been performed. I refused and for the first time he complained, expressing dissatisfaction with the representation. I stood firm on these matters of ethics and principle.”

Honors

1992

Certificate of Honor, City and County of San Francisco

1992

Certificate of Recognition, California State Assembly

1990

Medal of Valor, San Francisco Police Department

1989

Advanced Accident Investigation, San Francisco Police Department

1988

IntermediateAccident Investigation, San Francisco Police Department

1986

Basic Accident Investigan, San Francisco Police Department

1983

Certificate of Honor, City and County of San Francisco

Work Experience

2000 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Robert Tayac

2006 - 2009

Managing Attorney, Law Office of Lawrence Taylor

1998 - 2001

Inspector of Police, San Francisco Police Department

1995 - 1996

Appellate Attorney, California Court of Appeal

1995 - 1995

Appellate Attorney, Appellate Defenders, Inc.

1992 - 1992

Student Legal Associate, Alameda County District Attorney's Office

1986 - 1995

Officer, San Francisco Police Department

Associations

2003 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Attorney Member

2001 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Life Member

2001 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Life Member

1994 - Present

State Bar of California

Attorney Member

1990 - Present

United Indian Nations

Board of Directors

2001 - 2009

National College of DUI Defense

Attorney Member

Education

1993

University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2012

MCLE Presentation

Driving Under the Influence

2008

Lecturer - Boalt Hall School of Law

Advanced Criminal Law

2008

Forensic Sciences

California Courtroom Proceedings

2006

California DUI Lawyers Association

Driving Under the Influence

Publications

2008

California Drunk Driving Defense Third Edition 2007 Update and Supplement

2008

Thompson Publishing Group/West California Drunk Driving Defense Fourth Edition

2006

California Drunk Driving Defense Third Edition 2008 Update and Supplement

1995

San Francisco Police Department Policy Retention of Property and Evidence

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2009
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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