Izaak David Schwaiger

Izaak David Schwaiger

5.0
Rating: 8.2

Licensed for 16 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Sebastopol, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Civil Rights

130 Petaluma Avenue, Suite 1A, Sebastopol, CA

About Izaak

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 16 years

State: California

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Schwaiger Law Firm

130 Petaluma Avenue, Suite 1A, Sebastopol, CA, 95472

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Izaak David Schwaiger's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

34 Client Reviews

5 star (34)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Meza | June 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Could not have picked a better attorney

I met Izaak back in 2019 after being arrested and facing numerous felony firearm related charges. He came highly recommended to me by several friends from the Marines as well as other attorneys. I have to say that I don’t think I could have picked a better attorney. Through his professionalism, dedic...ation and hard work as a man, attorney and fellow US Marine I believe I received the best possible outcome. I was not an easy client to represent due to do moments of anxiety and a lot of stubbornness. But because of his dedication and compassion for his job and clients I was able to continue my life and prosper without any felony convictions. For what he did I owe this man more than what I am able to give. I am truly thankful for knowing him and would recommend him to anyone. Cpl. S.M. Meza

Posted by anonymous | April 3, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Bad-ass lawyer

After being arrested during a protest, Izaak took my case. Was easily reachable and responsive to any questions I had, and kept me up to date on all developments. He understood my values simply by reviewing the materials, and worked for my best legal interest first and foremost, while keeping in mind... my values and priorities that had gotten me in that position. He put together what seemed to me like a strong case, was open about his thoughts regarding its chances, and walked me through every step of my involvement in the process. He advised me not to take the initial plea deals that were offered, until a much more agreeable deal was offered, which he advised me to take, and I followed his advice. Highly recommend to anyone considering his services.

Posted by Tim | October 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great lawyer!

I hired Izaak Schwaiger because he aggressively defended me when I received a DUI citation. He consulted with me in his office and represented me in court. He was able to evaluate the evidence and convince the associate district attorney and judge to reduce my charges and my terms of conviction. I hi...ghly recommend when you a great lawyer.

Posted by Kelly | October 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

What a blessing

What a blessing it is to have someone like Izaak fight for you and your case. The best lawyer I have ever met. He did such an amazing job. I’m speechless. Thank you so much for caring and helping me. Such a great, honest and caring lawyer.

Posted by Erick | October 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Civil Rights and Criminal Defense Attorney Around

I've been working with Izaak now for just over two years on my DUI case. All charges were dropped today and my record has been cleared thanks to his guidance and representation. Izaak is a professional and is excellent at what he does! I strongly recommend him to anyone in need of top notch attorney....

See All Client Reviews

Izaak David Schwaiger's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Izaak
Devina G. Douglas headshot
Devina Douglas

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"You can count on Izaak to fight diligently to get the best outcome in your case; I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas C. Skelton headshot
Douglas Skelton

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Izaak is the real deal. He's a talented lawyer with tremendous presence in the courtroom. He's a fighter with compassion for his clients. As the former DUI prosecutor for Sonoma County, he is the go-to DUI lawyer in Sonoma County. If your friend or loved one has charges against them in Sonoma County, he is the lawyer I whole-heartedly recommend."

Jeremy Robert Fietz headshot
Jeremy Fietz

Civil rights lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I whole heartedly endorse Izaak Schwaiger. Izaak has a great ability to think ahead for his criminal defense clients so that he can put the pieces in motion to win. He is also dedicated to the cause of civil rights and championing the cases of those who are unfairly, and sometimes violently, oppressed by authority. I have had the pleasure and privilege of watching Izaak work in and out of the courtroom gaining victory after victory for his clients. I have no doubt that he will continue his success."

Charles Francis Pelkey headshot
Charles Pelkey

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Friend

"I heartily endorse, Izaak. I attended law school with this gentleman and I swear that if I ever found myself in need of a criminal defense attorney, he's the first one I would call."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Omar Curiel Figueroa headshot
Omar Figueroa

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Izaak is intelligent, articulate, and likable. I met him back when he was a Sonoma County prosecutor, and he was one of those rare prosecutors willing to put themselves in the ordinary person's shoes and have a little compassion for human beings accused of conduct which hurt no one. (For example, he agreed to community service resolutions for Occupy activists arrested by police, and did not waste taxpayer money prosecuting citizens engaged in political expression.) Now, he is a respected defense lawyer who fights hard for his clients and shows a lot of heart in the courtroom. Recently, his passionate advocacy convinced a skeptical judge to reduce a very serious felony case against his pro bono client to a misdemeanor. Izaak's "heart" is what makes him one of a kind. In short, Izaak is an excellent lawyer."

Heather Lynne Burke headshot
Heather Burke

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. Izaak is a tough attorney who works tirelessly for his clients. As a former prosecutor, he has unique insight to the world of criminal defense, though he never rests on those laurels, and Izaak continues to blaze new paths in the defense of those accused of crimes. If you're charged with a crime, call Izaak. Now."

Angelle Kareen Wertz headshot
Angelle Wertz

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Schwaiger is very a hard working, compassionate and zealous attorney. He has unique insight into both the prosecution and defense of each case due to his time in the DA's office. He is a tireless defender and I support him entirely."

Paul James Lozada headshot
Paul Lozada

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Schwaiger without reservation. He is bright, insightful and hard working. His experience as a former prosecutor gives him unique insight into criminal defense work. He is hard working and fearless, often getting great results for his clients through his diligent efforts. Mr. Schwaiger is also very compassionate and sees the human side of his cases and clients and works very hard at getting the results his clients need to move on constructively in their lives. Mr. Schwaiger is a staunch defender of civil rights and he is not afraid to take unpopular cases to protect the rights of his clients."

Gabriel M. Quinnan headshot
Gabriel Quinnan

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Co-worker

"Mr. Schwaiger is new to our firm, but has been long well-known to me as an aggressive fighter on behalf of the rights of the accused. I have personally seen him skillfully advocating on behalf of his clients and his results cannot be denied, especially in the DUI context."

Benjaman Tabiess Adams headshot
Benjaman Adams

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Izaak works with us at Adams Fietz. He is an expert at DUI and is an eager learner in all areas of criminal defense. Izaak is a fighter. I highly recommend him."

Marty L. Oblasser headshot
Marty Oblasser

Unknown lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nathalie Lezama Ferro headshot
Nathalie Ferro

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I met Izaak when we were both preparing for the Bar Exam. He is witty, very personable, respectful and one of the best attorneys I've ever met. Through the years I have had the opportunity of consulting him for some of my cases and he has always had the right strategy to win the case. If I were ever in need of a criminal defense attorney, I know that Izaak would be the first and only call I would make. I wholeheartedly endorse him."

Marca L. Tanner headshot
Marca Tanner

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Friend

"I first met Izaak 6 years ago when we were both in law school. He struck me immediately as a passionate person, with a real zeal for justice. Over the years knowing him, I found that I was right about him. He works hard for his clients. He is a man of commitment and integrity. I would trust him with my life."

View All Endorsements
Douglas C. Skelton headshot
Douglas Skelton

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremy Robert Fietz headshot
Jeremy Fietz

Personal injury lawyer

Omar Curiel Figueroa headshot
Omar Figueroa

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul James Lozada headshot
Paul Lozada

Criminal defense lawyer

Gabriel M. Quinnan headshot
Gabriel Quinnan

Criminal defense lawyer

Heather Lynne Burke headshot
Heather Burke

Criminal defense lawyer

Jon William Woolsey headshot
Jon Woolsey

DUI and DWI lawyer

Marca L. Tanner headshot
Marca Tanner

Family lawyer

Nathalie Lezama Ferro headshot
Nathalie Ferro

Family lawyer

Evan Ephraim Zelig headshot
Evan Zelig

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael C Li headshot
Michael Li

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Miller Mayfield headshot
Daniel Mayfield

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.2 (Excellent)

Honors

2013

Top Contributor, Avvo

2013

Client's Choice, Avvo

2012

Ugliest Christmas Sweater, Sonoma County District Attorney

2012

Letter of Appreciation, Sonoma County Juvenile Probation Camp

2010

Certificate of Commendation, Pro Bono Project of Silicon Valley

1994

Most likely to become a lawyer, East Noble High School

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Attorney, Izaak Schwaiger

2013 - 2015

Attorney, Adams Fietz

2013 - 2013

Attorney, Schwaiger Law

2010 - 2013

Prosecuting Attorney, Sonoma County District Attorney

2009 - 2010

Attorney, Law Office of Izaak Schwaiger

2008 - 2008

Legal Intern, Weld County District Attorney

2008 - 2009

Legal Intern, Fleener & Vang

2007 - 2007

Legal Intern, 21CSI

2007 - 2008

Legal Intern, Attorney General Of Wyoming

1997 - 2006

Staff Sergeant, United States Marine Corps

Associations

2014 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2014 - Present

Sonoma County Bar Association

Member

2013 - Present

American Civil Liberties Union

Board Member

2013 - Present

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Judge Advocate General

2009 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2011 - 2012

California Narcotics Officers' Association

Associate Member

2010 - 2013

California District Attorneys Association

Member

2009 - 2010

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2009 - 2010

California Public Defenders Association

Member

2009 - 2010

Pacific Juvenile Defender Center

Member

2009 - 2011

American Bar Association

Member

2007 - 2008

Wyoming Society for International Law

President

2006 - 2007

Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Esa Wroth

Charges dropped on the day of trial

People v. W.C.

Case dismissed

State vs. Ramon Cairo

Case reduced to misdemeanor at preliminary hearing. Charges defeated at jury trial. Client goes from facing seven years in prison to freedom.

People v. B.B.

Case dismissed.

People v. D.C.

Client pled to a single traffic infraction. Misdemeanor charges dismissed.

People v. S.K.

Client pled to a single infraction with a small fine. All misdemeanor charges dismissed.

People v. E.J.

Dismissed

People v. L.S.

Dismissed

People v. L.N.

No charges.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2009

University of Wyoming College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2006

School of Hard Knocks

MA - Masters

2005

Excelsior College

BS - Bachelor of Science with Honors

Speaking Engagements

2015

Sonoma County Bar Association MCLE Anatomy of a DUI

2014

Napa County Bar Association Criminal Law for the non-criminal law lawyer

2014

2014

Flashpoints Trial of Ramon Cairo

2014

Criminal Law for the non-criminal defense lawyer Criminal Law for the non-criminal defense lawyer

2012

Empire School of Law Courtroom Practice

2011

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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 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