PRO
also known as John Eliot Gutbezahl
Virtual Consultation Available
It is never too early to obtain a lawyer.
If you have been or are being investigated or have been arrested your liberty is at stake.
The government has police officers, investigators, experts and prosecutors working for it . . .
Protect yourself by obtaining counsel that has over nine years as a prosecutor and three years as a defense lawyer . . .
I will work for you at all stages, including but not limited to investigation, court hearings, negotiations, disposition and trial . . .
I graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1987. After moving to Portland in 1990 I graduated from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College in 1993.
During law school I was a certified law student at the Metropolitan Public Defenders office and gained my first courtroom experiences, including jury trials. After graduation, I opened up my practice, and through association with and referrals from other attorneys my practice began to thrive.
In December 1995 I was hired by a firm in St. Helens, Oregon representing individuals charged with crimes by the government and tried many cases. After a brief stint with a firm in Beaverton, I was hired by the Columbia County District Attorney’s office in April 1997.
Our Portland Drunk Driving Attorney is experienced and ready to represent you
Over my 8+ years as a deputy district attorney I tried cases ranging from DUII all the way to capital murder. I tried over 100 felony trials murder, including capital murder, attempted murder, solicitation to commit murder, and many sexual assault, burglary, felony assault, firearm, meth lab, theft, and stolen vehicles. I worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney in 2005-2006 in Cowlitz County Washington for the last year specializing in sexual and violent crimes. I have also written appeals in both states.
I am specializing in criminal defense in Oregon and Washington. I can handle all levels of offenses as well as appeals and post conviction relief.
I handle expungements of convictions or having convictions set aside.
I am a former prosecutor in Oregon and Washington. Prior to being a prosecutor, I was in private practice and over 13 years of practice I have tried over 100 cases, ranging from misdemeanors, including domestic violence and DUII all the way to capital murder. I was in charge of drug prosecutions and sex offense prosecution in Columbia County. In Cowlitz County, Washington, I handled felony property and person crimes. I also have appellate experience in both states and am also admitted to the federal district of Oregon.
In the two years since going into private practice I have obtained acquittals in Attempted Murder, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, and Assault cases. I have obtained dismissals after successfully having evidence suppressed in drug cases. I have pressured the state to dismiss in other domestic violence cases and assault cases. Furthermore, I have successfully negotiated complex cases to ensure a just result for my clients.
My office is located in prestigious Lake Oswego and I am admitted to practice in the states of Oregon, Washington and New York as well as the federal District for Oregon.
Contact Us - Portland Criminal Defense Attorney
1
Practice Area
32 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Washington
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
State: New York
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
State: Oregon
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Mark | March 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Exceptional Legal Representation – Highly Recommended
I had the privilege of being represented by John Gutbezahl, and I cannot express enough gratitude for his outstanding legal expertise and dedication. From the beginning, he provided clear guidance and unwavering support, helping me navigate a complex legal situation. John successfully helped me av...
Posted by anonymous | October 07, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Malique
John definitely went above and beyond! From the time he was hired, all the way to the end of my case (that we won!) he had great communication, there wasn't a time when i didn't know what to expect. Always gave me options, and the pros and cons to each, along with great suggestions on how to move for...
Posted by Byrd | October 03, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Competent Confident and Hard working
Honestly? I don’t know where to begin. As a community advocate working within Portland’s Black community, I was notified of an urgent legal matter. The life and freedom of a young, bright and ambitious man was in the balance. Atty. John Gutbezahl was referred by a friend. I called John a bit leary an...
Posted by Edgar | July 26, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Top lawyer in the state; professional and hard working.
I hired John after consulting with seven other lawyers. John was the only one who didn’t make me feel like he was in it for a pay day and took the time to listen to my case. He understood my situation and was hard at work from the minute that I hired him. It was an extremely difficult time for me a...
Posted by Cedric | July 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Life Changer
John represented me in a case where i was falsely accused. John let me know every move he made to ease my mind. He stood up for me and what was right. It was great to know someone had my back during stressful times. Best lawyer ever.
"John has been our go-to referral for cases in the State of Washington. He is an attorney to whom we entrust many of our clients and prospective clients. Our office regularly relies on his wealth of experience and wisdom on technical legal issues. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Gutbezahl is a fearless and amazing defense attorney, and particularly skilled at trials. I highly endorse and recommend him. I would not hesitate to ask him to represent me or a family member."
"I endorse this lawyer. John has an inside track on the local DA offices and is well respected by many lawyers and judges for his tact, patience, and professionalism. In one instance we were in negoitations for a civil compromise with a DDA and his very upset complainant. By the end of the meeting John had achieved agreement to the compromise from both and, therefore, paved the way for dismissal of the charges against our client. If that weren't enough, he was praised by the complainant as we walked out the door!"
"I have watched John Gutbezahl represent hundreds of clients over the years. He is a fantastic lawyer. His trial skills are exceptional. He zealously advocates for his clients and will push back hard against the prosecuting attorney when circumstances require. You would do well to hire John Gutbezahl to represent you against any criminal charge."
"While I do not know John personally, I have had the occassion to both observe him in court and work with him as opposing counsel. He has always struck me as an attorney that clients would love. He is zelous, creative, and constant in his advocacy. He is one of just a handful of attorneys I refer potential clients too."
"I have seen John work as an advocate for his clients as well as spoken with him about a mutual client. John is a professional with the utmost integrity and well deserving of accolades."
"When I first met John Gutbezahl, he was a prosecutor. I was immediately impressed by his intellect and his concern for real people. I knew that John would become an excellent defense attorney when he left the District Attorney's Office. Thankfully, John is now a defense attorney. John is very dedicated to providing high quality representation to his clients. I never hesitate to refer clients to John, knowing that he will take very good care of them."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2016
Premier Attorney, National Academy of Jurisprudence
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 10 Ranking, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2011
Lead Counsel Rated, Lead Counsel
2006 - Present
Owner, John E. Gutbezahl
2005 - 2006
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Cowlitz County Prosecutor's Office
1997 - 2005
Deputy District Attorney, Columbia County District Attorney's Office
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Case dismissed
Dismissed
1993
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
BA - Bachelor of Arts
English