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Benjamin Alika Okin
About Benjamin
Biography
Before residing in Humboldt County, Benjamin Okin was raised in the surfside town of Pacifica, California in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mr. Okin attended UCLA and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Social American History. He continued his education at Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU), known for its nationally acclaimed trial advocacy and litigation program. Mr. Okin excelled in Criminal Procedure One and Criminal Procedure Two. Mr. Okin has also been recognized for his exceptional legal brief writing skills, earning the highest score in Appellate Advocacy and was selected for the GGU Litigation Team. Mr. Okin graduated with honors near the top of his class in 1999.
Mr. Okin is certified in Litigation, Mediation and has studied International Criminal Justice. He worked with the Contra Costa Alternate Defender's Office, Marin County District Attorney's Office, and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors before accepting a position with the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office. While at the DA Office, Mr. Okin built a reputation as a strong prosecutor who balanced justice with compassion. It's been said "When Ben makes a fair offer, take it -- or you'll be picking a jury and sentencing your client later".
After leaving the District Attorney's Office Mr. Okin decided to bring his legal skills, solid reputation, and formidable advocacy abilities to the private sector. He has served as a defense attorney for over ten years as Senior Defense Counsel at two major private firms as well as two years as Chief Conflict Counsel. As a successful former prosecutor and current defense attorney, Mr. Okin has a distinct advantage as he can properly construct and deconstruct a case.
Mr. Okin is a skilled negotiator and trial attorney who is known for his professionalism and effectiveness behind the scenes and in court. He has successfully tried to jury cases from quadruple homicides, to medical marijuana defense, to DUIs and everything in between. DAs know that Mr. Okin will go to trial on your behalf often leading to better offers to avoid the uncertainty of trial.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 26 years
State: California
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Benjamin Okin
732 5th Street, Suite E, Eureka, CA, 95501
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Benjamin Alika Okin's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 86 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Max | October 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional
From the very first minute into the consultation, you realize that portion needs to be skipped and you need to hire this person immediately. To the point, no BS, no wasted time. A consummate professional, and always keeps you informed every step of the way and then some. When things get confusing fo...
Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Attorney
Ben Okin in my opinion is one of the best attorneys on this west coast. He's not only professional and excellent with his mannerism but top-notch with getting done what his clients hire him for. Ben also has a heart of gold and really cares about his clients needs ....Best in the business.
Posted by Alexis | August 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend
Mr. Okin is dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcome for his clients. This was my first—last—criminal case, and I felt confident throughout the process thanks to his expert guidance. He kept me well-informed without causing unnecessary stress, making the experience much more manageable. Mr. Ok...
Posted by anonymous | May 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
You will not regret choosing Ben he is fantastic!
- [ ] If you need a great lawyer who will make sure you get the best possible outcome go with Mr.Okin I promise you will not regret it. My highest recommendations go to Mr. Okin. It was my first time ever in a criminal court setting and god willing the last. When I first heard the charges and exper...
Posted by anonymous | March 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The lawyer you want and need
Mr. Okin is the lawyer you want and need if you’re in trouble. His rates are fair he listens to you then gives you reasonable options. He works with you on a strategy then executes the plan with precision. He made a complex case seem easy. I appreciate his effort and compassion.
Benjamin Alika Okin's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ben is an experienced and competent lawyer with a firm reputation as an honest advocate. I would without hesitation refer to Ben clients requiring criminal defense."
"Being the prosecuting attorney to a handful of Ben's clients was a pleasure. Ben is an outstanding advocate for his clients and is a true professional."
"I have known for for approximately ten years and he's done a wonderful job representing several of my family law clients in criminal law cases. When my clients have criminal law issues in Humboldt County, I have no hesitation is referring them to Ben. He's always taken good care of them."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ben is knowledgeable, intellectually curious, honest, and hard working. His reputation for honest and vigorous advocacy on behalf of his clients assists him in obtaining excellent results. I never hesitate to suggest Ben in any case and always appreciate the opportunity to work as co-counsel with him on cases. I also call Ben for brainstorming sessions and am never disappointed."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Ben is knowledgeable, professional and personable. He articulates his clients' arguments clearly in court, but also can translate legalese into language that they understand, with the commitment, reason and even-tempered demeanor one would want in a caring, effective attorney. I would recommend him."
"I worked closely with Ben on a criminal and civil forfeiture case arising out of Iowa originally and then proceeding to California. Ben was very quick to respond to any questions I had and was very professional. He also had solid advice for his clients throughout the entire process clearly showing his knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system in California. I would not hesitate to refer any client to Ben."
"I had the pleasure to get to know Mr. Okin while I was starting out as a public defender in Humboldt County. Mr. Okin was not only extremely capable and effective in representing his clients, he was always helpful to his colleagues in lending an ear or providing some insight. For criminal matters I would recommend his services."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is very knowledgeable, personable and responsive to clients. He has a great deal of experience in criminal defense. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone in the Northern California area who needed representation in a criminal matter."
"Over the years, I have worked with Ben on numerous cases, often with great results. Ben's professional and experienced attitude in the courtroom has gained him the respect of the Courts, clients and the legal community. His former position as a Deputy District Attorney gives his clients valuable insight of what to expect and how to fight the case. I would highly recommend Ben for representation."
"As a prosecutor I would routinely oppose Ben on matters. Ben has a talent for finding solutions to difficult problems. Ben also has the ability to sniff out latent issues, and use those issues to influence the outcome of a case. Additionally, on more than a few occasions I found myself frustrated with Mr. Okin and his ability to get a favorable resolution for his client over my objection. Despite our differences, I hold Mr. Okin in high regards and fully endorse him."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1999
Litigation Certificate, Golden Gate University School of Law
1999
Mediation Certified, Golden Gate University School of Law
1998
Highest Score - Written Appellate Brief, Golden Gate University School of Law
1998
Juris Prudence - Criminal Procedure, Golden Gate University School of Law
1994
Honor Student, UCLA
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Criminal Defense Litigator, The Law Offices of Benjamin Okin
2004 - 2012
Senior Trial Attorney, RJC & Associates
2002 - 2004
Senior Criminal Defense Attorney, Law Offices of MD
1999 - 1999
Assistant Teacher - Criminal Litigation, Golden Gate University School Of Law
1999 - 1999
Legal Intern, Contra Costa County Office Of The Public Defender
1999 - 2002
Prosecuting Attorney, Humboldt County District Attorney's Office
1998 - 1998
Legal Research for Law Professor, Golden Gate University School Of Law
1997 - 1997
Legal Intern, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
1997 - 1997
Legal Intern, Marin County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2014 - Present
American Bar Association Criminal Justice Discussion GroupMember
2014 - Present
Association of Federal Defense AttorneysMember
2014 - Present
DUI Litigation Attorney's NetworkMember
2011 - Present
J-Boy Lawyers GroupPresident
1999 - Present
California Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
9th Circuit Court of AppealsMember
California DUI Lawyers Association
Associate Member
California Public Defenders Association
Member
Humboldt Roller Derby
Sponsor
2005 - 2007
ASCEND Wilderness ExperienceBoard Member
2002 - 2003
National Association of Trial Attorneys (Young Board Members)Board Member
1998 - 1999
GGU Law School Homeless LuncheonCo-Chair
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. E.M.
Jury Trial - Not Guilty on All Counts.
People v. S.S.
Jury Trial. Deadlocked Jury Voted 10-2 Favoring Acquittal. Case Dismissed by Prosecutor Before Re-trial.
People v. C.B.
Jury Trial. Jury Agreed on All Counts with Mr. Okin. Not Guilty on All Four Counts of Murder & All Four Counts Vehicular Manslaughter With Gross Negligence. Sentence reduced to 6 year 8 months. Time served in Fire Camp at one-third time.
People v. J.B.R.
Manslaughter with Balance of Charges Dismissed. Probation. No Additional Jail.
People v. S.S.
Misdemeanor plea. Seized $10,000 cash returned to client.
People v. S.J.
Misdemeanor Simple Drug Possession.
People v. D.S.
Motion to Suppress granted. Case Dismissed.
People v. M.B.
Case Dismissed. Seized 15K Returned to Client.
People v. F.H.
Case Dismissed.
People v. C.W.
Reduced to Misdemeanors. Counseling. Lifetime Sex Registration Avoided. No Jail.
People v. J.K.
Jury Trial. Client Found Not Guilty on All Felonies. Client Convicted on Lesser Offense of Misdemeanor Petty Theft.
People v. J.P.
Reduced to Misdemeanor. Counseling. No Jail.
People v. J.R.
Reduced to Misdemeanor. Residential Treatment. No Additional Jail Time.
People v. K.S.C.
Case Dismissed.
People v. J.G.B.
Misdemeanor Accessory to a Crime. No Additional Jail.
People v C.S.
Jury Trial. Not Guilty All Counts.
Education
1999
Golden Gate University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
University of California - Los Angeles
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Ganjier Spring Kickoff Event
Marijuana Law in California Approaching 2016
Publications
2014
Legal Synopsis
Medical Marijuana in California
2013
Legal Synopsis
Murder & Attempted Murder In California
2012
Legal Synopsis
California DUI - 1st Offense to Murder
2012
2012
2011
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I got caught shoplifting in Sephora in San Francisco, I was't taken to jail. would it show up when people do background check?
23 Oct 2013
Q&A
Traveling out of the country on formal probation?
23 Oct 2013
Q&A
Do felonies ever drop off your record after so many years of passing? or will they always be on your background
23 Oct 2013