Richard E Oberdorfer

Richard E Oberdorfer

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 24 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Portland, OR
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Employment & Labor, Civil Rights, Criminal Defense

735 SW First Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR

About Richard

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 24 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Creighton & Rose PC

735 SW First Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97204

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Richard E Oberdorfer's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

16 Client Reviews

5 star (16)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | August 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Someone in your corner

Rich has been communicative, clear and very supportive. He has made this experience much less stressful than it would be otherwise. I highly recommend his services.

Richard Oberdorfer

Replied last August 13, 2025

Thank you so much for the kind words! We're happy to help get you through this bump in the road and onto better things!

Posted by Colleen | October 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Lawyer!

We are still in the middle of my case but, so far Rich has been VERY helpful and on top of things, guiding me through the process. It has been a very positive experience and I am sure with his help I will have the best outcome possible.

Richard Oberdorfer

Replied last October 25, 2024

Thank you for the feedback, and for trusting us to help you through this process!

Posted by anonymous | October 1, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Wonderful experience

I hired Rich by referral and I am so glad I did so. His knowledge and expertise with DUII’s has given me such a peace of mind in a crazy stressful situation. He has sent me all the information I needed to help with my case and has checked in with me to see my process day to day. This is such a diff...icult road but knowing there is somebody with you holding your hand through this whole nightmare makes a person feel better. Rich sent me an email with all the steps to take prior to court that way I know what to expect and to be ahead of everything. I truly thank him for that.

Richard Oberdorfer

Replied last October 25, 2024

Thank you for your kind words and feedback. I'm so glad to hear that we got you through this and reduced your stress along the way. Take care!

Posted by Jay | January 16, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

An inspired client.

From the moment I met Rich I was at ease, he just has a very calming and poised presence. He has the accolades to prove his worth and I’m very pleased to have him on my side. Well worth the consult!

Posted by anonymous | December 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Compassionate specialist you can trust for any Oregon DUII eventuality

tldr: I was fortunate to hire Rich mid-case and got the best possible legal outcome (charges dropped and expunged) combined with a DUI attorney and support-office who really helped reduce the anxiety associated with fighting the charge. Had my case gone to trial, I know Rich would have won, but I am... also sure his reputation is a big part of the reason the prosecutor/police didn't go to trial. My case was a low-blow DUII (0.06 at the station). I made aggravating mistakes by talking/lying to the police (don't ever talk to the police) and performing the field sobriety tests (a mixed bag). I had some good facts going for me, but DUII isn't a charge most police or prosecutors will let go. A few words on DUII charges in Oregon. There is no plea bargaining, so hiring a paper pusher or negotiator won't do it. If charges are not dropped, there is only diversion or going to trial. The law is tilted to make trial difficult for the defense. Most people will have to plead guilty and the state knows this. If you want to avoid charges or go to court you need some good facts and a lawyer who is formidable and known in the courtroom for DUII trial defense. You want someone who relishes the idea of arguing your case or a case like it every day, winning, getting better, and then arguing the same points next year. This is Rich. I had a non-specialist lawyer representing me after my arrest, but I had grown uncomfortable enough that when I was finally charged, I auditioned Rich (after reading much of his great advice on Avvo). During the initial consultation Rich gave me a preview of how he would try the case on my behalf and it was decisive and convincing. After re-discussing strategy with my original lawyer, I realized I had to switch to Rich if I wanted to fight. The Oberdorfer Law office handled the case transfer with the utmost kindness and professionalism. Rich outlined the overall trial strategy and developed several new prongs of attack as we got closer. Rich read every long anxious treatise and theory I sent him about my case and responded quickly and firmly to put me back on track. He was experienced enough to tell me why we shouldn't litigate every detail in front of the judge and jury even when it seemed like those details should have been minor points in our favor. Rich drove out to my town twice to represent me in court as the case moved towards trial. He drafted and consulted with me on several legal motions which he entertained filing but which we ultimately decided to reserve until trial. At all steps he included me in the decision process and treated me with respect beyond what I earned. I was not a perfect client, but I could not have dreamed of a more perfect lawyer. The end was interesting. We thought we had a case we could win at trial and Rich had run various parts by me several times. The prosecution then scheduled a court date which the officer could not attend. This should have been embarassing for them, but there was an excuse. Then they conferred and scheduled another date with the court which the officer again said he could not attend. Rich carefully explained that we should lay low because prosecutor and police were laying the grounds for dismissing their own case with fingers pointed at each other (so as to have nobody to blame). This was exactly what happened and charges were dropped without prejudice before trial. They were never re-filed. Would this remarkable set of events have happened without a trial lawyer of Rich's caliber and notoriety? I think the police officer and prosecutor would have found themselves able to read a calendar together. Was Rich worth every penny I paid? Absolutely. It was a long time to become eligible for expungement, but Rich and Rob handled it for me without additional charge. I hope never to be in such a situation again, but I would hire Rich in a heartbeat if I was. I would recommend him for friends and family without hesitation.

See All Client Reviews

Richard E Oberdorfer's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Anthony J Li headshot
Anthony Li

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"Rich may just be the kindest lawyer in Oregon, but as if that were not enough he also has a near encyclopedic knowledge of Oregon traffic law, administrative issues, trial court rules, and new developments in Oregon criminal law. Rich has a knack for employing these talents in ways that get his clients great outcomes. I've been lucky to watch Rich's patience and prepared demeanor as an oral advocate sway judges in his favor on a number of issues, and if I had a family member accused of DUII I would refer them to Rich immediately."

Rachel E Shinville headshot
Rachel Shinville

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"Rich is an excellent lawyer and a fundamentally good human being. His extensive legal knowledge, years of hands-on courtroom experience, sincere dedication to his clients, enthusiasm for his work, and kindness towards all he encounters has earned him the trust of his clients and the respect of the legal community. I would not hesitate to recommend him to family or friends."

Karma N Read headshot
Karma Read

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"Rich is an excellent attorney with decades specializing in DUII law. Rich is respected by his colleagues, his community, and most importantly his clients. Rich is deeply compassionate, kind to everyone he encounters, and has a huge network in the Oregon legal community that help him resolve issues quickly and creatively."

Donald J Molnar headshot
Donald Molnar

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Rich has decades of experience specializing in DUI law. He is a gifted and highly respected lawyer. Rich has the ability to take difficult cases and get amazing results."

Benjamin R Scissors headshot
Benjamin Scissors

Unknown lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard is an exceptional attorney and an all-around great guy. Our firm regularly relies on him for his expertise in traffic and criminal DUII matters. Anyone facing charges of that nature would do well to hire Richard and to heed his second-to-none advice."

George Gilbert headshot
George Gilbert

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rich is an authority on DUI law and practice in Oregon. He has experience beyond his considerable years of practice. He is smart as a whip, but he doesn't flaunt this. He's respected in the legal community, and for good reason, given his contributions to it. And he's generous and kindhearted. If I, or anyone I care about, was ever on the wrong side of the law, I'd call Rich right away."

Mark C Cogan headshot
Mark Cogan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Oberdorfer is an excellent attorney. It has been by pleasure to see his practice grow over the years. He is respected by his colleagues. Mr. Oberdorfer can be considered a lawyer's lawyer, a sure sign that he is highly regarded in his profession. I would not hesitate to refer clients to Mr. Oberdorfer, knowing the client would be in good hands."

James R Gregory headshot
James Gregory

Unknown lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known and worked with Rich for many years, and it has been a pleasure watching him develop into one of Oregon's preeminent DUII attorneys. I would (and do) refer friends and family to him without hesitation."

Jina Ly Clark headshot
Jina Clark

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Oberdorfer has been my go-to guy for 2nd opinions on traffic matters and on criminal defense. He has always been very helpful to other lawyers in the community. He helped me beat at least one traffic ticket and has all kinds of tips up his sleeve on how to handle DUII and traffic matters in a legally strategic manner."

Barry W Engle headshot
Barry Engle

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rich is an excellent attorney and is very knowledgeable about criminal defense. I endorse him."

Michael Adam Haber headshot
Michael Haber

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Other

"I've never met Mr. Oberdorfer and only "know" him by way of reading his answers to questions on AVVO. That said, it is clear to me that he not only has a comprehensive understanding of the law and procedure, but Mr. Oberdorfer masterfully stitches answers together in such a way as to be practical, sensical and easily understandable to the reader. Based upon his AVVO answers I am confident that Mr. Oberdorfer speaks in equally compellingly terms to both the Judge and to the Jury (legalese and straight-up), and that is the hallmark of a great litigator. If you have a DUI / DWI or criminal defense related issue in the Portland area then I encourage you to contact Richard Oberdorfer. I would, and I proudly endorse him"

Casey A Kovacic headshot
Casey Kovacic

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rich has so much knowledge of DUI cases, it seems some prosecutors walk in with a disadvantage before the trial has even started. An excellent fighter for his clients."

Graham C Fisher headshot
Graham Fisher

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rich Oberdorfer is a master DUII lawyer. When criminal defense lawyers want advice on how to defend a DUII, they often go to Rich – because he’s genuinely kind, and he’s got all the answers. Rich is a natural trial lawyer, a true freedom-fighter, and respected by prosecutors and judges statewide. I fully endorse Rich!"

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"13 years of DUI practice is very experienced. His knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his pro bono contributions. His client reviews are stellar.READ THEM! Endorsements from other attorneys are also outstanding. Results matter and judging from his reviews he gets them. Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation with him."

Mark S Gorski headshot
Mark Gorski

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is awesome and will defend you with all he's got, and that's a lot!"

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

Damien S Donnelly-Cole headshot
Damien Donnelly-Cole

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard possesses a rare mixture of courtroom skill, knowledge of the law, and kindness towards others. Richard will provide you with a great defense and the court system will seem less scary and daunting with him at your side."

Jordan Michael New headshot
Jordan New

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Rich has been the opposing counsel on many of my cases. He's a knowledgeable and talented litigator."

Yunus M. Paisner headshot
Yunus Paisner

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Oberdorfer is a great courtroom lawyer. Intelligent and thoughtful, he is a rare combination of muscle and manners in how he takes on the DA and works with his clients. For someone looking for a great lawyer to handle their DUII case calling Mr. Oberdorfer is a good move."

Christopher A Slater headshot
Christopher Slater

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred Richard a number of clients with confidence that he will handle their matter effectively and professionally."

View All Endorsements
Kyle Vinyard headshot
Kyle Vinyard

DUI and DWI lawyer

Craig Matthew Hopkins headshot
Craig Hopkins

DUI and DWI lawyer

Anthony J Li headshot
Anthony Li

DUI and DWI lawyer

Rachel E Shinville headshot
Rachel Shinville

DUI and DWI lawyer

Donald J Molnar headshot
Donald Molnar

DUI and DWI lawyer

Benjamin R Scissors headshot
Benjamin Scissors

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Freedman headshot
Thomas Freedman

Criminal defense lawyer

Mary Sofia headshot
Mary Sofia

Criminal defense lawyer

George Gilbert headshot
George Gilbert

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark C Cogan headshot
Mark Cogan

Criminal defense lawyer

James R Gregory headshot
James Gregory

Criminal defense lawyer

Casey A Kovacic headshot
Casey Kovacic

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Adam Haber headshot
Michael Haber

Criminal defense lawyer

Kimberly Olivia Weingart headshot
Kimberly Weingart

Unknown lawyer

Graham C Fisher headshot
Graham Fisher

Criminal defense lawyer

Laura L Mancuso headshot
Laura Mancuso

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Mark S Gorski headshot
Mark Gorski

Criminal defense lawyer

Jordan Michael New headshot
Jordan New

Unknown lawyer

Yunus M. Paisner headshot
Yunus Paisner

Unknown lawyer

Christopher A Slater headshot
Christopher Slater

Discrimination lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Top-rated DUI-DWI attorney in Portland, Oregon, Oregon Super Lawyers

2024

Top-rated DUI-DWI attorney in Portland, Oregon, Oregon Super Lawyers

2023

Top-rated DUI-DWI attorney in Portland, Oregon, Oregon Super Lawyers

2017

Selected by his peers for inclusion in field of DUI/DWI Defense, The Best Lawyers in America

2017

Top Rated DUI-DWI Attorney in Portland, OR, Oregon Super Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Oregon Super Lawyers

2011

Rising Star, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Oregon Super Lawyers

2010

Rising Star, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Oregon Super Lawyers

2009

Rising Star, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Oregon Super Lawyers

2008

Rising Star, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Oregon Super Lawyers

2004

Michael E. Haglund pro bono award, Multnomah Bar Association, Legal Aid Services of Oregon Volunteer Lawyers Project

Work Experience

2025 - Present

Attorney, Creighton & Rose PC

2024 - 2025

Senior Associate, Reynolds Defense Firm

2022 - 2024

Municipal Judge pro tem, Oregon City

2021 - 2024

Municipal Judge, City of Gaston

2021 - 2024

Municipal Judge pro tem, City of Saint Helens

2002 - 2024

Managing Partner, Oberdorfer Law Firm LLC

1997 - 2002

, Rieke & Savage, PC

Associations

2002 - Present

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

2021 - 2024

Oregon Municipal Judges Association

member

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Oregon v. Dohoon Kim

Complete dismissal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

Lewis & Clark Law School

Juris Doctor cum laude

1996

University of Oregon

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2022

Oregon Municipal Judges Association Noon CLE

Substance Use Disorders and Legal Practice

2022

OCDLA DUII Conference

Zealous Advocacy and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Helping Suffering Clients

2021

MPD CLE

DMV Collateral Consequences

2020

DUII Skills Presentation

DUII Jury Selection, Theme, Cross-Exam, Closing Argument, Client Relations

2018

Taking the High Road: Impaired Driving and DUII Defense

Investigation, Discovery, and Focusing Your Cross-Examination

2016

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association DUII Conference

Cross-Examination of the Lab Technician

2013

Traffic Tickets and Landlord-Tenant Court

Defending Traffic Cases

2013

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Annual Conference

Jury Selection in DUII Cases

2012

Oregon State Bar DUII Conference

DUII Diversion

2010

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association DUII Conference

Coordinator and Moderator

2009

Understanding Oregon DUII Cases Seminar

Jury Selection in DUII Cases

2007

DUII and Driving Offenses Seminar

Litigating Issues Related to Prior Convictions

Publications

2020

2020

www.oberlaw.com Oregon Speedy Trial Rights

2016

www.oberlaw.com Oregon DMV Hearings FAQs

2015

2014

www.oberlaw.com IID Employer Exemption

2014

2013

www.oberlaw.com Canada & DUII Diversion

2013

2006

Criminal Law Formbook Witnesses

2006

Criminal Law Formbook Release from Custody

2004

The DUII Trial Notebook Discovery

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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