Evan Ephraim Zelig

PRO

Evan Ephraim Zelig

also known as Evan E. Zelig

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 22 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Santa Rosa, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Juvenile

50 Old Courthouse Sq., Ste. 407, Santa Rosa, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Evan

Biography

Experienced and Aggressive Criminal Defense and DUI representation.

Attorney Evan E. Zelig defends clients facing all misdemeanor and felony charges!

Fight your DUI / DWI charge with attorney Evan E. Zelig. Aggressive representation will get results!

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

70%
DUI and DWI 20%

20%
Juvenile Law 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024

Licenses

Licensed in California for 22 years

State: California

Acquired: 2003

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C.

50 Old Courthouse Sq., Ste. 407, Santa Rosa, CA, 95404

eezlaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Evan online.

Evan Ephraim Zelig's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /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 - 1 of 1 review | Violent Crime

Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2015 | Violent Crime

I could not say enough GREAT thongs about Mr. Zelig

Recently, I retained Evan Zelig to represent me for my criminal case in Sonoma County. I interviewed 2 other lawyers, one of which seemed uninterested and lazily suggested pleaing out during the interview. The other tried to scare me and asked more than double Evans fee for retainer. From the very... beginning, Evan displayed an intimate understanding of the judicial process as well as the local jurisdiction, including familiarity with D.A. etc. He displayed very high levels of discretion and integrity. After explaining my options and the process, he was completely supportive of following my goals for the direction and handling of my case. He did not try to steer my decisions nor did he want to be lazy and cop a plea. instead he fought hard for me and earned every penny. Evans level of communication was outstanding; he never let me wait more than a day and frequently responded immediately even well after hours. He keeps his word for EVERYTHING and follows through til the end, as many months after my case he still fought successfully for return of my property that had been kept as evidence. Evan seriously earned my trust and respect and grossly outperformed the other 4 attorneys I have had the misfortune of retaining. MOST IMPORTANTLY Mr. Zelig got me RESULTS! A lying off duty detective claimed I pointed a pistol at him and made threats, and further lied during his report. The dishonest police also put several thousand of my dollars into a dog bowl in an order to get their canine to hit on it, which they then seized - but NOPE Evan chewed up the case I walked away with no conviction and got my money back way before completion of case. I tried to retain Evan again for another case because he earned my trust and although that case was unfortunately outside of his area of practice, he referred me to a competent colleague. I would strongly recommend Mr. Zelig to friends or family in a heartbeat. THANK YOU EVAN!

See All Client Reviews

Evan Ephraim Zelig's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Evan
Michael C Li headshot
Michael Li

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Evan is a dedicated and smart criminal defense attorney. He is in my close circle of referrals because I can count on him to advocate zealously on behalf of his clients. He is respected by prosecutors, judges and fellow criminal defense attorneys."

Joshua A Pops headshot
Joshua Pops

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Friend

"Evan has always had a passion that few can match in working for his clients. Criminal defense requires a lawyer who will not be bullied by the Prosecutor's Office, and nobody stands taller and works harder than Evan."

Jamie Evan Silverstein headshot
Jamie Silverstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Zelig is a progressive thinker and tireless fighter for his clients. He works hard, and gets good results. He is ethical and has great character."

Victor Stephen Haltom headshot
Victor Haltom

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Evan and I just completed a hard-fought kidnap/rape jury trial. Evan represented one brother, and I represented the other. The trial ended in a mistrial, following a 9-3 hung jury, with 9 jurors voting not guilty. It was a pleasure working with Evan. He was an outstanding and dedicated advocate for his client. His trial instincts are excellent. He had a firm command on the case, due to extensive preparation. He skillfully handled complex issues, such as DNA matters. I highly endorse and recommend Evan Zelig."

Jack Bertram Montgomery headshot
Jack Montgomery

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Evan Zelig is an outstanding young lawyer, possessing both excellent legal skills and impeccable integrity. He vigorously defends his clients not only through his verbal ability in the courtroom, but also through his thoroughly researched and well written legal arguments. I consider him a most competent and conscientious attorney, and recommend him highly"

Bryan Matthew Folger headshot
Bryan Folger

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jacklin Rebecca Rad-Rastegar headshot
Jacklin Rad-Rastegar

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Evan. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

John W Stanko headshot
John Stanko

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Evan Zelig is a zealous aggressive advocate for his clients and he is highly respected member of the Bar in Sonoma County. I am glad to endorse him."

Izaak David Schwaiger headshot
Izaak Schwaiger

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Evan represents the finest in a new generation of criminal defenders. He is competent, professional, effective, and always prepared. As a former prosecutor, I opposed Evan on perhaps a hundred different matters. As a rule, he was the consummate professional and a tireless and effective advocate on behalf of his clients. When the going gets tough, there are a lot of attorneys who duck for cover. Evan is the exception. He is a fighter, and ready go the extra mile in every case he takes. Highly recommended."

Amy Elizabeth Chapman headshot
Amy Chapman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Evan has a great reputation in the legal community for good reason: he cares about his clients and has the experience and knowledge to help them through their cases. Evan is a zealous advocate for his clients and they appreciate his passion and responsiveness."

Paul James Lozada headshot
Paul Lozada

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Evan is an incredibly hard working lawyer who has a deep passion for the defense of his clients. He is very intelligent but more importantly in his field, he is street smart and can get results. He is aggressive in presenting the positions of his clients but also knows how to present their case in a manner that creates the most leverage possible. I refer clients to him without reservation."

Robert J Bialkin headshot
Robert Bialkin

Criminal defense lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Evan Zelig is a great criminal defense lawyer in Sonoma County. He is a true professional."

Joseph Alexander Rogoway headshot
Joseph Rogoway

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Evan is an outstanding attorney who does tremendous work on behalf of his clients. I refer co-defendants to him whenever possible because I have seen him consistently provide outstanding representation."

Lara Ruth Shapiro headshot
Lara Shapiro

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Evan Zelig is a talented and brilliant attorney, he will fight for your rights."

Jennifer Michelle Hendrickson headshot
Jennifer Hendrickson

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred several clients to Evan and I will continue to do so with the confidence that their legal needs will be met with care and competence."

Frederick Charles Thomas headshot
Frederick Thomas

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Other

"I went to law school with Evan and I know him to be a hard working lawyer who will work diligently for his clients within his ethical constraints."

Ivan Warren Halperin headshot
Ivan Halperin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Evan Zelig is profoundly dedicated to his clients and brings unique skills to their defense."

John Robert Hendrickson headshot
John Hendrickson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Evan has a wide knowledge of the criminlal law and always has insight whenever I ask him a question about criminal law or procedures. A true professional."

View All Endorsements
Jamie Evan Silverstein headshot
Jamie Silverstein

Criminal defense lawyer

Banyan Parker headshot
Banyan Parker

Criminal defense lawyer

Monte Lee Hansen headshot
Monte Hansen

Personal injury lawyer

Devina G. Douglas headshot
Devina Douglas

Criminal defense lawyer

Victor Stephen Haltom headshot
Victor Haltom

Criminal defense lawyer

Jack Bertram Montgomery headshot
Jack Montgomery

Criminal defense lawyer

Victoria Irene Shanahan headshot
Victoria Shanahan

Criminal defense lawyer

Bryan Matthew Folger headshot
Bryan Folger

Litigation lawyer

Jacklin Rebecca Rad-Rastegar headshot
Jacklin Rad-Rastegar

Employment and labor lawyer

John W Stanko headshot
John Stanko

DUI and DWI lawyer

Amy Elizabeth Chapman headshot
Amy Chapman

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul James Lozada headshot
Paul Lozada

Criminal defense lawyer

Ivan Warren Halperin headshot
Ivan Halperin

Litigation lawyer

Joseph Alexander Rogoway headshot
Joseph Rogoway

Criminal defense lawyer

Anthony Richard Zunino headshot
Anthony Zunino

Family lawyer

Jennifer Michelle Hendrickson headshot
Jennifer Hendrickson

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Frederick Charles Thomas headshot
Frederick Thomas

Unknown lawyer

Mary Frances Prevost headshot
Mary Prevost

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter Goldstone headshot
Peter Goldstone

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

2015 Northern California Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Accredited Business, Better Business Bureau

Work Experience

2009 - Present

President / Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C.

2007 - 2009

Associate Attorney, Law Office of Alex R. Kessel

2005 - 2007

Associate Attorney, Criminal Defense Associates

2003 - 2005

Deputy District Attorney, Sacramento County District Attorney's Office

Associations

2010 - Present

NORML Legal Committee

Member

2010 - Present

California NORML Legal Committee

Member

2009 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

2009 - Present

Sonoma County Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

Napa County Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2005 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Education

2003

McGeorge SOL Univ of the Pacific

J.D.

2000

University of California - Irvine

B.A.

Speaking Engagements

2012

Empire Law School Attorney Presentation

Mock Courtroom Presentation

2011

Burbank HS Every 15-Minutes Presentation

DUI Awareness & Education

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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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