"Jess is a strong advocate. Determined to full representation. A skilled orator. Tireless. Someone who treated his clients as human beings, each worthy of the strongest legal defense."
- Honorable Judge Ronald T. L. Young (retired)
WHO I AM
A reliable, trustworthy attorney who has exclusively practiced criminal defense in the Napa/Solano area for the past 25+ years. An experienced trial lawyer who has defended several hundred jury trials of all types, including murders, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft offenses, drug crimes, and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The right choice to evaluate, negotiate, and fight for the best possible outcome when you or your loved one is under threat of jail or prison in Napa or Solano County.
A local practitioner with decades of experience with the same prosecutors, judges, probation officers, and law enforcement, who knows the best way to approach every kind of investigation and prosecution in the jurisdiction where your case is pending.
WHO I AM NOT
I will not send letters to the home addresses of everyone who gets booked in jail, oblivious to the privacy of you and your family.
I am not a journeyman who travels to a dozen counties, nor will I leave you standing next to an associate you've never met.
You will never see my face on a billboard or a taxi cab, and I will never promise you unattainable results.
2
Practice Areas
37 years | 2,500 cases
37 years | 300 cases
Always
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
845 Jefferson St, Napa, CA, 94559-2422
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Rebecca | March 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney
I cannot say enough or thank Jess Raphael enough for all that he has done. My juvenile son was arrested for serious felony charges. Raphael from the beginning fiercely defended my son and never backed down from the judge or DA. He protected my son's rights, he thoroughly went through the eviden...
Posted by Nicole | May 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney
We called Jess Raphael after an unfortunate event & he didn't hesitate to meet us on a Sunday morning, which immediately put us at ease - after going over details we felt confident putting our case in Jess' (extremely capable) hands. Jess Raphael really shines in the courtroom - not only is he as ...
Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Jess made himself available several times in a difficult time for me, to include taking a phone call while on a personal vacation out of the country. He met with me and immediately dove into my case and gave me confidence that I had sought out the right guy. If you are looking for someone that will p...
Posted by anonymous | April 5, 2017 | Hired Attorney
I was falsely accused of a DV case. I interviewed several attorneys before choosing Jess Raphael. He reviewed the information provided to him and was able to have the charge dropped. Jess was available 24 / 7 during my ordeal. Even when on vacation, which i was not aware of at the time, he ...
Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
When I got stuck in the legal system for the very first time, I needed someone who knew the law like the back of their hand and would fight for me. Jess didn’t just take my case on, he really cared about me and the outcome. Jess is a man of integrity and intellect. He was not looking to just get ...
"I highly recommend Jess Raphael to anyone who has been been accused of a crime. Jess is an exceptional trial attorney who has the experience and knowledge necessary to take a case to trial and achieve favorable results for his clients. I have worked on cases with Jess and have seen first hand how he is always prepared and extremely accessible to his clients."
"Jess is a phenomenal advocate. He is incredibly skillful and knowledgeable in all facets of criminal law, whether in filing motions on behalf of his clients or representing them in contested hearings or even at trial. A true professional in all senses of the word."
"I have known Jess for several years, and his reputation truly precedes him. His reputation amongst the judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys is that he is one of the smartest, toughest and most skilled trial lawyers in Napa County. And it's true. He is. I was lucky to have Jess as my mentor in the beginning of my career with the Napa Public Defender's Office, and I'm grateful for his advice today whenever I have a tough case in which I need to lean on his extensive experience. I cannot recommend Jess enough."
"Jess and I worked together for a client who had open cases in Napa and Solano counties. It was a complicated matter involving felony sentences in the two counties. Together, we were able to convince a judge that the client had already served the maximum sentence for all of his felony matters, and get the client released from custody. I have the highest respect for Jess and endorse him wholeheartedly."
"I endorse jess. 26 years experience as a public defender is extremely experienced. The advantage of this experience is that you know everyone at the courts and the District attorneys know that you know what they know. EXPERIENCE MATTERS! Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation"
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Violent crime lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2020
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1987
Ethics Award, American Jurisprudence
1986
Civil Procedure Award, American Jurisprudence
2015 - Present
Attorney, Raphael Law
1989 - 2014
Senior Trial Attorney, Napa County Public Defender
1988 - 1989
Attorney, Littler Mendelson Fastiff & Tichy
1986 - 1988
Legal Intern, Boulder County District Attorney
2015 - Present
Napa County Bar AssociationChair, Criminal Law Section
2014 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
1989 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1990 - 1996
Napa County Bar AssociationChair, Criminal Defense Section
Pending
Jury verdict - Not guilty by reason of insanity
Constitutional issue lost in trial court, argued and lost at First District Court of Appeals, Petition for Review denied at Cal Supreme Ct, Writ of Certiorari denied at US Supreme Court. Never stop the fight when you are right.
1988
JD - Juris Doctor
1985
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1993
Immigration Law
N/A
N/A
Spanish
English
Legal Answers
Will I go to jail if I missed court yesterday, but am showing up today at 130 per the courthouse to try and see a judge
20 Sep 2018
Questions re: time waived and trial dates
30 Mar 2018
Charged with a second felony domestic violence
07 Apr 2017