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Francisco J Rodriguez
About Francisco
Biography
THE HARDEST WORKING ATTORNEY IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA!
"I am a firm believer that our criminal system, while the best in the world, makes every effort to get rid of cases by manipulating citizens into pleading guilty. My job is to stop the government from doing so, but above all, my job is to protect my clients and the rights afforded to them by our Constitution!"
When I take a case, I take it with one thing in mind: To win! My goals are as follows:
To believe my client - they are my boss;
Know the case better than anyone else;
Research every issue, twice;
Prepare every case not for negotiation, but instead for trial;
Find passion in every case;
Always remain on the same page with my client - communication;
From the most serious felony case to a minor traffic offense, the philosophy never changes. By following this recipe, I believe every case can be won!
I have been in the criminal defense field for just over 16 years. I have been licensed for 13 of those years.
My first job, during my first year in law school, began with the First District Apppellate Project. Here, I was extensively trained on the in's and out's of writing successful appeal (Appellate Opening Brief). How to look for issues on any case and how to put together a convincing argument. I have since applied this knowledge and have handled at least 100, criminal and traffic, appeals with a great success rate! I have also written and filed writs, both to the Appellate DIvision and the California Court of Appeals, on many of my cases. I hope to one day get the right case in front of the Supremes.
After working at the First Appellate District, I worked at the California State Public Defenders Office. I believe it is here where I truly learned about passion for your case. The office focused on doing appeals for those convicted and sentenced to death. I spend quite a bit of time on an inmate who killed three people. It was this experience that taught me why it is that we (Criminal Defense Lawyers) do, what we do - always a topic of debate at the dinner table.
I left the appeals area to focus on being a trial lawyer. I wanted to be on the trenches where the initial battle took place. I ended up volunteering as an intern at the San Francisco Public Defenders Office. After all I was raised in San Francisco and knew the streets pretty well. Here, I interned with several Deputy Public Defenders and wrote countless Motions to Suppress, 995 motions as well as researched countless legal issues for the deputies. I also assisted in trial work from start to finish. The main lesson I got from working at the SFPD was, the cold reality of how the system, at the trial level really works. It is nothing like what you see on TV.
My last employment as an intern was at the Alameda County Public Defenders Office. Here I was assigned many duties including the initial intake of the accused. Again, I gained great courtroom experience and extensive training on all aspects of a criminal case, but the biggest lesson here was caring about the people you defend! They were not files or numbers, as many of the Judges and Prosecutors saw them. They were people wanting to be heard, and whether you like it or not this is what OUR Constitution affords them.
After passing the bar, I began working as at the Santa Cruz Public Defender's Office. I worked here for a total of two years and conducted at least 18 jury trials with a high success rate (I think I lost two). I received in-office weekly training pertaining to all aspects of a handling a criminal case. I was also sent for training at the Western Trial Advocacy Institute (run by Gerry Spence and considered to be the top trial school in the country) in Wyoming for an extensive week long trial work training. I left the Santa Cruz Public Defender's Office feeling confident that I now possessed all the tools necessary to competently and aggressively represent private clients.
After leaving the Public Defender positions, I opened several offices and have been in private practice ever since. Every day, and in every case, I use the knowledge acquired at my previous jobs as well as the knowledge acquired I acquire on a daily basis. I continue to improve my skills and knowledge by attending countless seminars on every issue you can think of. I am one of a handful of Attorneys trained in the performance of Field Sobriety Testing approved by the National Highway and Traffic Administration. I never stop learning, and if I did I would retire immediately since I would be doing a great disservice to my clients. I consider my self one of the lucky few who loves what I do. I love the daily challenge; I love the fight; I love winning; but most importantly, I love helping people.
Feel free to visit my website for further information on my office and how we can help! We have a vast amount of knowledge and experience in all aspects of a criminal, DUI, Traffic, or DMV case. You can also call me directly.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
50%
29 years | 1,000 cases
Criminal Defense
25%
29 years | 1,000 cases
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
25%
29 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 28 years
State: California
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Francisco J Rodriguez
524 7th St., Oakland, CA, 94607
Law Offices of Francisco J Rodriguez
4040 Civic Center Dr., #200, San Rafael, CA, 94903-4187
Law Offices of Francisco J Rodriguez
2360 Van-ness Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94109-1872
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Francisco J Rodriguez's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
42 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (36)
Advocacy (24)
Recommendation (22)
Communication Style (16)
Practice Area Knowledge (15)
Professionalism (15)
General Knowledge (13)
Responsiveness (13)
Character & Conduct (11)
Cost of Services (11)
Trustworthiness (9)
Punctuality (3)
Free Consultations (2)
Compassion (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 42 reviews
Posted by Antonio | December 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Scam attorney
Este abogado es un scam te pide deposito luego no llega a la corte y deja de contestar llamadas eviten tomar sus services
Posted by Antonio | October 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Scam
Esta persona no es professional, vean los reviews en todas sus platforms antes de tomar sus service, roba su dinero y no contesta mas las llamadas. Lo pueden ver mi gente latina no caigan el tiene malos reviews. Si pueden reportenlo.
Posted by Daniel | April 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Thief and a liar
Been a customer for over 20 years. He's always sucked at communication, but recent years have been really bad.. good luck getting replies to your emails, texts or voicemails. If you're lucky he might pick up the phone and will lie to your face and tell you what you want to hear, and will ask for yo...
Posted by anonymous | February 03, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Criminal defense review
Extremely poor preparation, didnt put in the work, difficult to reach, horrible strategy and know it all attitude that FAILED miserably and looked like an amateur against real prosecutors. As poor civilians he forces you to question your own logic when in reality it is his logic that needs to be que...
Posted by Val | November 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great professional lawyer
I was referred to Francisco by a friend and she is also a lawyer but in a different field. So here is my story. I got 2 DUI'S back to back in less than 30 days, those were my 2nd and 3rd strikes in 2 different counties, I thought that was it I'm going to jail for at least 6 months to a year. When I m...
Francisco J Rodriguez's Lawyer Endorsements
"An amazing lawyer, and a generous person. I've seen Francisco in court, and he not only has passion but a expert's grasp of the facts of his case. Whenever I have a criminal law question that is frustrating me, Francisco is one of the first people I will go to."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Francisco is one of the most effective and hard-working lawyers that i know. I've known Francisco for 10 years and am well aware of his deep commitment to his clients. I endorse and highly recommend Francisco."
"Francisco is knowledgeable, prepared, and someone I've turned to for assistance with these types of cases. I endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer.This lawyer has an expertise in DUI defense. By attending DUI seminars throughout the year to keep up on the latest in the law, field sobriety testing, blood testing, and breath testing, this attorney is an asset to the clients. This lawyer is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association. I endorse this lawyer."
"I am on a fellow list-serve with Francisco. Over the past several years, I have gotten to know Francisco and his dedication to the field of criminal defense and DUIs in general. He is a strong courtroom advocate and his clients are well-served with his representation."
"Integrity is when you do the right thing when no one is looking. I had the pleasure of watching Francisco advocate for his client while in chambers, out of sight of his client, and he never flinched. He is a stone cold fearless and committed advocate and I am inspired by having had the opportunity to watch him work."
"I endorse this lawyer. Francisco is the best - be it a criminal or traffic matter. He knows his stuff and obtains great results. I would trust him to negotiate a favorable settlement or fight a case in trial."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Francisco is a tireless advocate for his clients. If you want someone who will fight in court on your behalf, I highly recommend his services."
"I endorse this lawyer. When I want to make sure my work for my own clients is on track, I give Francisco a call. He knows what he is doing and he encourages me to follow his example--that of a focused, hard working, creative and knowledgeable and talented trial attorney."
"I'm truly impressed with Mr. Rodriguez' professionalism and all-out zeal. He's an outstanding trial attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Rodriguez has a reputation among his peers as the go-to guy for DUIs in his area, especially in defense of marijuana DUI charges."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. I have known him for years and seen him zealously represent clients throughout the Bay Area. Francisco is a devoted attorney that takes every case seriously and does whatever he can to help his client. He knows the law, the system, the judges and the strategies that work. He is also one of only a few defense attorneys that has a high level of experience and can speak spanish fluently. Hire him: You'll be happy you did."
"I have personally seen Francisco in trial on several occasions. He knows the cites to caselaw without even having to pause while presenting an argument to the judge. Francisco is a phenomenal trial attorney and I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney."
"Francisco is a member of a tight community of lawyers dedicated to standing up for the rights of individuals accused of driving under the influence (DUI). He is a respected lawyer who's not afraid to take the fight to the district attorney. While settling cases is fundamental to the profession, the DUI defense lawyer must be able to take a case to jury to maximize results for the client. Mr. Rodriguez is such a lawyer. Beyond that, he's a nice guy too and that's why he has my endorsement."
"I endorse this lawyer. Francisco is a straight shooter, with many years of experience. I have found him to be a dedicated, aggressive, and passionate advocate for his clients. I recommend Francisco without hesitation. He is not afraid to stand up to the prosecution and he fights for his clients to get the best possible outcome. He is also a friendly guy--which is a rare combination--a lawyer who fights hard for his clients and still manages to be polite to co-counsel and others."
"I endorse Francisco. He is a tough and experienced trial lawyer that really goes to bat for his clients."
"Francisco is one of the best, if not the best, criminal defense, DUI and Traffic lawyer in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also a mentor and a teacher to his fellow law practitioners. Francisco is always generous with his time sharing his knowledgeable with his fellow attorneys who benefit immensely from his experience. As a lawyer, I learn a great deal from Francisco. If you are looking for a criminal defense, DUI or traffic lawyer for yourself or your loved ones, look no further. Hire Francisco Rodriguez. He is the best of the best."
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David Blair
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Experience
Honors
2011
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
License to practice in the Northern District of California, Appointment
2011
Bench Demeanor pro tem training, Solano County Bar Association
2011
Certificate of completion, Judicial Pro-Tem ethics, Solano County Bar Association
2011
Certificate of Attendance, California DUI Lawyers Association
2011
License to practice in the Eastern District of California, Appointment
2010
CDLA All Day Seminar, Certificate of Completion, California DUI Lawyers Association
2010
Everything you need to know about DMV and the new DUI laws, California DUI Lawyers Association
2009
Certified for administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Test, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
2009
Certificate of Attendance, Rising BAC: How To Use It & Abuse it, California DUI Lawyers Association
2009
Certificate of Attendace, Mcneal and Partition Ratio, California DUI Lawyers Association
2009
Certificate of Attendance - "Fast Eddie" Kuwatch DUI Seminar, California DUI Lawyers Association
2008
Certificate of Attendance, DUI yearly seminar, California DUI Lawyers Association
2007
Endorsed by, Nolo Press
2006
Certificate of Attendance, Cases science and strategy, Solano County Public Defenders Office
2003
Graduation Certificate, Western Trial Advocacy Institute
1999
Trial Attorneys of the year, Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association
1999
Trial Skills, Certificate of Attendance, California Public Defenders Association
1999
Certificate of Attendance, Recent developments in DUI punishment, California DUI Lawyers Association
1999
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions, Norton Tooby, Esq.
1999
Misdemeanor conflict panel, San Francisco Bar Association
1998
Certificate of completion, Annual DUI Defense Seminar, California Public Defenders Association
1998
Immigration Consequences for Criminal Convictions, Norton Tooby, Esq.
1997
Misdemeanor Training, Certificate of Completion, Alameda Public Defender's Office
1997
Certificate, Naturalization and Disabilities Waiver, San Francisco Bar Association
1992
Graduation Award, Equal Opportunity Program
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Attorney, Katsuranis & Rodriguez, A Law Corporation
2003 - 2005
Attorney, Uthman, Katsuranis & Rodriguez
2002 - 2003
Attorney, Rodriguez & Associates
2001 - 2002
Attorney, Stanko & Rodriguez
1997 - 2000
Attorney, Santa Cruz Public Defender
1996 - 1997
Law Clerk, Alameda County Public Defender's Office
1995 - 1995
Law CLerk, First District Appellate Project
1994 - 1995
Law Clerk, State Public Defender's Office
Associations
2010 - Present
Alameda County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Private DefendersMember
2005 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2005 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaLicensed to practice
2003 - Present
United States District Court for the Northern District of CaliforniaLicensed to practice
2002 - Present
Local 2 unionAttorney Representative
2000 - Present
San Francisco Aids Legal Referral PanelVolunteer
1999 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationAssociate
1999 - Present
San Francisco Bar AssociationMember
1997 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
People v Alde
NOT GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES
People v Aldere
Not guilty
People v Pach****
Hung jury
People v Boy**
Not Guilty
People v Ma******
DUI - reduced to intoxicated in public
People v Sanchez
Motion for Acquittal granted at trial
People v Pavloff
Not guilty on Assault, guilty conspiracy
People v Epst****
DUI reduced to wreckless "DRY"
People v confidential
Felony reduced to misdemeanor, no jail!
Education
2010
Bob La Pier & Associates
Certificate of Training Award
2004
Western Trial Advocacy Institute
Graduate
1997
New College of California School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
California State University, Chico
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1989
College of Marin
Associate of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2011
NBC NIGHTLY NEWS
GPS and Speeding ticket defense
2011
March conference
Speeding Tickets and new legislation
2011
Law night
Violance in the home, a legal overview
2011
First meeting
TRAFFIC LAW
2011
DUI for beginners
How to defend a DUI
2011
DMV HEARINGS
DMV HEARING PROCESS
2011
12011 CHRISTMAS MEETING
County seat transfers in DUI cases
2010
CDLA All Day Seminar
How to Win Your Case With SFST's
2009
DUI Cubed Podcast
DUI
1994
Street Law
General Law
Publications
2011
Legal Guides, Avvo
How to win a red light camera case
2011
Legal Guides, Avvo
How to beat a traffic ticket
2003
San Francisco Taxi Drivers Association
How many points can I have?
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
San Francisco CA Red light camera ticket mailed past 15 day requirement. Need advice.
07 Oct 2009
Q&A
Can I incur 4 points from my insurance co. from a recent fender bender accident where I was at fault?
02 Oct 2009
Q&A
How long it takes to get a court date for dui felony? How I'm gonna get my liscence back if my court date takes more than a year
27 Oct 2009