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Peter J Carini

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2013. Read more
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Avvo Rating6.9
  • Medford, OR
  • Licensed for 27 years
  • Free consultation
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About Peter

You should know that I was suspended for 30 days for, in essence, inconveniencing the court. I was found to have engaged in conduct that was deemed prejudicial to the administration of justice. That conduct consists of: (1) appearing by telephone without prior authorization of the Josephine County Court; (2) not answering the telephone call of the Josephine County Court because either the receptionist was using the bathroom at the time of the call or the office telephone system malfunctioned; (3) missing a court appearance in Josephine County because my calendaring clerk made a clerical error; and (4) the late filing of a motion to postpone a trial in Josephine County.  In my experience, Josephine County Oregon is a unique place. As a result of the suspension, I have changed the way that I handle my business. I have replaced the office telephone system and I personally attend to all of my calendaring needs. I no longer rely on any employee in any dealing with the Josephine County Court.    Commonly, lawyers are suspended for misconduct for an act of fraud, deceit, dishonesty, criminal conduct, or misrepresentation that reflects adversely on the lawyer's fitness to practice law. I was not suspended for anything like that. I hope that you will read my reviews and qualifications and conclude that I am worthy of your trust. 

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Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

    27 years, 2,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 50%

    27 years, 2,000 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1489699 1394734953

Contact

1555 E. McAndrews Rd.
address map

1555 E. McAndrews Rd.
Medford, OR, 97504

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    WAAdministrative Suspension199302/24/2021
    ORActive199302/10/2021

    Professional misconduct


    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority.

    • Suspension Stayed, Probation
      issued in OR, 2010

      updated on 03/13/2014

      This means the attorney did something wrong and could have temporarily lost his or her license to practice law. Instead the Hearing Board placed the suspension on hold, monitoring the attorney’s behavior for a period of time.

      Peter's comment:“I was sanctioned, in essence, because I failed to timely file a motion to postpone a trial in Josephine County. I had a trial set in Multnomah County that was delayed by that court which caused a scheduling conflict with a trial date in Josephine County. I called the Josephine Court and the prosecutor to tell them the need for a postponement but I would be unable to submit the written motion that day because I was in transit from Multnomah County. Court said not good enough.”

    • Suspension - Disciplinary
      issued in OR, 2013

      updated on 11/26/2014

      This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

      Peter's comment:“I was suspended for, in essence, inconveniencing the Josephine County Court. The legal name for what I did was "to engage in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice." The conduct was as follows: (1) appearing by telephone for a court appearance without having called the Josephine Court court clerk in advance; (2) not knowing that the Josephine county court called my office; and (3) missing a Josephine County court appearance because of a clerical error made by my calendaring clerk.”

    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers94
    Legal guides1
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Annual Premier DUI Defense SessionOhio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers2014
    Annual Summer Criminal Defense SessionOregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association2011
    Forensic Chromatography IV: Theory and PracticeAmerican Chemical Society2011
    Mastering Scientific EvidenceNCDD/TCDLA2011
    Grad 1Trial Lawyers College2011
    Annual Summer Criminal Defense SessionOregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association2010
    NCDD summer session at Harvard LawNational College for DUI Defense2010
    NCDD Summer Session at Harvard lawNational College for DUI Defense2009
    Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI/DWI CasesNCDD2006
    NCDD Summer Session at Harvard LawNational College for DUI Defense2006
    Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI CasesNCDD2006
    Drug Recognition Evaluation and Classification Student CourseNHTSA/IACP2006
    Intoxilyzer 8000 Operators CourseODOT2006
    NCDD Summer Session at Harvard LawNational College for DUI Defense2005
    Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor CourseNHTSA/IACP2005
    Intoxilyzer 5000 Operators CourseODOT2005
    Graduate AwardNHTSA SFST Course2004
    Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI/DWI CasesNCDD2003
    Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI/DWO CasesNCDD2002
    NCDD Summer Session at Harvard LawNational College for DUI Defense2001
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    PartnerCARINI and FRANCIS2010 - Present
    Senior AttorneyPeter Carini P.C.1999 - 2010
    Staff AttorneySouthern Oregon Public Defenders Office1994 - 1999
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Oregon Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2011 - Present
    Untited States Court of Apeals for the Ninth CircuitMember2002 - Present
    National College for DUI DefenseMember2001 - Present
    National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember1995 - Present
    Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationLife Member1994 - Present
    Jackson County Bar AssociationMember1994 - Present
    Oregon State BarMember1993 - Present
    Jackson County Bar AssociationPresident-Elect2014 - 2015
    Oregon State BarHouse of Delegates2012 - 2014
    National College of DUI DefenseState Representative2001 - 2009
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    JCBALawyer Quick Guide to the Midnight Client Call2005
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Willamette University College of LawJuris Doctor1993
    Pace UniversityB.B.A.1985
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Ohio Annual DUI Defense ConferenceVoire Dire2015
    NCDD Winter SeminarVoire Dire2015
    The Annual OACDL Premier DUI Defense SeminarTrial Skills2014
    Jackson County Inns of CourtVoire Dire2014
    OCDLA DUII ConferenceHead Space Gas Chromatography2012
    DUII Law for PoliceImplied Consent Searches2009
    DUII Do's and Dont'sDUII Practice2009
    Jackson County BarDUI2007
    Oklahaoma DUI DefenseDrug Recognition Evaluations for DUI cases2005
    Oregon DUII ConferenceDrug Recognition Evaluation - Fact or Fiction2004
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    State v. LongDismissal
    State v. FreytagNot Guilty by Jury
    State or Oregon v. McCoyAcquitted on felony DUI
    State of Oregon v. HiggenbothamDUI case dismissed on trial date
    State or Oregon v. BowersAcquitted by Jury of DUI
    State of Oregon v. ZechAcquitted DUI, Disorderly Conduct and Harassment
    State of Oregon v. DriverFound Not Guilty by Jury

    Reviews

    (49)
    5 Star
    		98%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		2%
    Review Peter Carini

    If you are or going to be a criminal...

    Posted by

    I recently had an unfortunate incident that required the skills of an experienced defense attorney...I let my "fingers do the walking" and found Mr. Peter Carini. Right off the batt, I could tell this gentleman not only knew his business, but seemed to have been doing it here in this area quite a while. Both turned out to be true. He was a wealth of accurate information and a Pitbull in the courtroom, both of which I badly needed... On top of that he "held my hand" for lack of better words and made what was a very stress full time in my life bearable... Two of my very best friends from high school who I've known some 47+ years who I see to this very became attorneys and I would NOT let them defend my pet Hamster What I appreciate most is most attorneys could have/would have milked this cow for a lot more $$$ and not had any better resolution... So, like the tittle say's...If you are, or going to be a criminal..... you are going to want this man in your corner. Marshall H.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Far Beyond Exceptional

    Posted by

    Initially, when we were pulled over in Central Point by local police, we were not concerned. My girlfriend had not violated any traffic laws so we were expecting to be on our way quickly. But instead, after smelling marijuana and discovering that we were medical marijuana patients, the police officers began conducting field sobriety tests. She passed all field sobriety tests, and blew a 0.0% blood alcohol level, yet was arrested. After making dozens of phone calls and interviewing many local criminal defense attorneys, she hired Peter Carini. Not only did Mr. Carini ease our minds with his extensive knowledge of DUII law, he made himself available ANY time my girlfriend needed to speak with him. Mr. Carini kept my girlfriend's license active and in good standing while we awaited trial. His easy going nature and charismatic charm made us both feel at ease about the impending trial. It was obvious that Mr. Carini would not only be the right attorney to handle the case, but he was also a trusted friend and a really nice man. The trial of my girlfriend took two days. Before we even entered the court room there was a buzz in the lobby that Mr. Carini would be handling a DUII case. There were numerous people there to watch Mr. Carini's case. During the two-day trial Mr. Carini brought vast amounts of police documents and training manuals to illuminate how these officers were supposed to have handled a suspected DUII case. She was found not guilty. With the rapidly changing climate of marijuana law, it is imperative to have an ally. Peter Carini is not only that ally, but he exceeds your expectations. Therefore, his combination of calm confidence, warmth, and his vast expertise in DUII and DUI law make him a rare gem.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    THE BEST!!

    Posted by

    When my husband was arrested for DUII we hired a lawyer, paid a deposit and had our initial conference. We left that meeting feeling uneasy. We were referred to Peter Carini days later and after meeting him for a free consult felt like there was hope. He put us at easy enough to forgo the deposit we made with the other lawyer and hire Peter. The trial was delayed 5 different times over the course of a year (we believe because they didn't have a strong case). During the trial it was very evident that Peter knew his stuff. He is actually quit awesome to watch in action. He's so knowledgeable about DUII testing and training that he was actually showing the officer how to read his own manual. Our case ended in our favor. But even if it hadn't, I truly believe Peter did everything possible for us and we were in excellent hands. I would 100% recommend Peter Carini!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

    THE MAN!!

    Posted by

    AMAZING!! If you ever need a defense attorney Peter is the man to see! After waiting over a year to finally get to trail (the state didn't have a case!) the jury came back with a not guilty verdict! Worth every penny! Oh and did I mention he threw out his back the day before trail and still attended instead of delaying it :)

    Many Thanks

    Posted by

    Wow. Way to totally mess up the stereotypes about lawyers!! Mr Carini provided TONS of information over the phone, with no payment whatsoever. His demeanor set our hearts at ease, and all of what he told us would happen came true. And he kept saying the funniest thing: "Save you money, you don't need to hire me." Seriously! I tell you what though---if ever I do have a need, or if any friend has a need, there is only one attorney I will be calling. It is so frustrating to be dealing with "the system" when the authorities give you zero information. Thank goodness this attorney knows what happens and doesn't mind sharing that knowledge.

    Defense Attorney at his best...

    Posted by

    Peter is great at what he does. He is my go to Defense Attorney in Southern Oregon!

    Gig Wyatt

    Posted by

    Mr. Carini is an excellent lawyer with a practice emphasizing the defense of duii. He is well known as an aggressive defender and knows as much or more information on the defense of duii than anyone.

    Not Guilty!

    Posted by

    We waited over a year to finally hear those two words. It was a long and stressful process that was made much easier with the help of Mr Carini and his staff. The court system has its own time schedule and having the confidence to continue with our life while the case worked its way through is priceless. That confidence was due to Mr Carini's extensive knowledge and certifications in the very same equipment, techniques, handbooks, studies, etc that are required of police officers. In fact, he is trained and certified to be an instructor as well. As it happens so was the police officer that made the charge. It was a battle of the instructors and Mr Carini won hands down. He left the officer literally unable or unwilling to answer questions and had to drag out several answers from the officer the hard way. Step by step and often the long way around the obvious. It made an impression on the jury when the officer wouldn't answer positive to terms everyone is familiar with. Especially when answering yes or recognizing that term would be to our benefit and help Mr Carini make the point faster. He even frustrated the DA with his expertise against the officer that she commented on it in open court. As with every trial, jury selection is important and we were impressed with his interviewing skills which helped to introduce the basic concepts of jury duty and reveal jurors who were lacking in various areas. And more importantly, spot jurors who could objectively and effectively listen to the evidence. With the jury selection process he had the jurors so engaged. When he presented the opening statement one juror actually made an audible noise in disgust at what the prosecution was trying to do. It was still a long process breaking down the prosecution's case point by point but he helped to set the stage for what was to come. Obviously, the details of your case will be different than what we went through. But you can have complete confidence that Mr Carini knows exactly where those specific details fit within the law. We would highly recommend Mr Carini for anyone facing a DUII conviction or any other legal issue he handles. I am writing this for my husband so this is actually two recommendations in one. We were very impressed with Mr Carini and his staff and I am confident you will be too. He literally gave our lives back to us. Thank you Mr Carini for everything. Words just don't do justice to express how grateful we are to you!

    review from greg ruppel

    Posted by

    I wanted to thank you for giving all you're work on my behalf and also for doing my case probono. thank you, greg ruppel

    Inocent until proven guilty

    Posted by

    My experience with Peter Carini was more than what I expected. I wanted an Attorney that would go to bat for me and do all that he could to get my case dismissed and that is exactly what he did. Peter was knowledgeable, persuasive and very thurough. I would highly recommend Peter to anyone who is in need of an excellent PC Attorney.
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (30)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    M. Miller, Administrative law Attorney on Jul 2, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    John Choi, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 12, 2013
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Peter has great insight into people. He put jurors at easy with his charming smile and confident demeanor. If I have a run in with the law, I'm calling Peter. He really cares about people and it shows by the passion and sweat he puts into working his cases.

    Eusebio Pastrano, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 16, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Keeley Blanchard, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 11, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I was lucky enough to attend the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College with Peter in July of 2011. It was a pleasure getting to know Peter, and seeing him work was amazing. He is one of those attorneys that is just bursting at the seams with natural talent. The best word that I can think of to describe him is sharp. He is so incredibly smart and witty - he has the ability to have jurors on the edge of their seats. If you're looking for an attorney, I would definitely recommend Peter Carini as one of the best and brightest out there.

    Michaela Canterbury, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 3, 2011
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I met Peter at Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer College and know Peter to be incredibly competent, tenacious, creative, caring and open minded. I strongly endorse this lawyer. You are definately in capable hands with Peter. All of my Oregon criminal defense referrals will go to Peter.

    Randall Hart, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 30, 2011
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Peter is probably the gutsiest and most creative criminal defense attorney I've ever met. I've seen him in action. He's not afraid of anything. His courage and understanding of how to present his client's defense to a jury make him extremely effective. If I was accused of wrongdoing, I'd want Peter at counsel table. I endorse Peter without reservation.

    Benjamin Taylor, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 15, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I had the opportunity to work with Peter this summer and endorse him without hesitation. He is one of the smartest, most aggressive trial lawyers I've ever met. He knows how to present a case to a jury and (most importantly) he knows how to win. He is an asset to the profession and his community. If I were facing criminal charges myself; Peter would be the first person I called.

    Marcelino Lopez, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 13, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I had the opportunity to meet Peter at Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College. Prior to attending the college I knew that Peter's reputation in the community was that of an excellent DUI attorney. After spending time with him I can attest that his reputation is fact - He is an excellent DUI attorney. Beyond that I was consistently impressed with Peter's compassion and dedication for his clients. Peter is the only person I would call if myself or a loved one was facing a DUI in Oregon.

    Michael Jacobs, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 13, 2011
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Peter Carini is the "go to guy" for any DUI/DWI case in Oregon. Peter has an unmatched knowledge of DUI law, a great ability to tell his client's story to a jury and he cares deeply for each person he has the privilege to represent. If my liberty were at stake, I would call Peter.

    Christian Lassen, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 27, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Andrew Kohlmetz, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 16, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I am familiar with Peter's professional dedication to DUII defense. I highly recommend his services to anyone facing a DUII charge or other driving offense in Oregon.

    James Ruane, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 2, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Peter for about 10 years, having met him at an DUI seminar in early 2000. His passion for representing the citizen accused knows no bounds, and I have "stolen" ideas of his for use for my own clients in the area of effective cross examination. If you are looking for a top notch DUI attorney in Oregon, your first consultation should be with Attorney Carini.

    Michael Kessler, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 31, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Pete is a great guy, and a great lawyer. I was astounded once when I spotted him in the audience of a DUI defense seminar I was teaching, because much of what I was teaching, I had learned from him. Pete is respected and admired by his colleagues all across America. When a client of mine has a family member in trouble in Oregon, Pete is the ONLY one I call.

    Jasen Nielsen, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 12, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Carini is a knowledgable and experienced DUI defense attorney. He dedicates himself to every case and will do his very best to secure a favorable outcome for you. If you have a DUI in the Medford area, call Mr. Carini.

    Megan Annand, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 25, 2010
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer's work. Peter is an excellent trial lawyer and person. No one knows the courtroom better than Peter. Peter travels the country attending the premier seminars on DUI defense. If there is case law which will help your case, Peter knows it. He has a great sense of humor and you will find him easy to talk to. But don't let his easy manner fool you, this is one tough lawyer.

    Ben Eder, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 18, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Peter Carini is an aggressive advocate that is very active in DUII defense. When I think of southern and eastern Oregon criminal defense, I think of Peter Carini.

    Garth O'Brien, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 17, 2009
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Carini is a tenacious drunk driving defense attorney. He dedicates himself to every case and will do his very best to secure a favorable outcome for his clients.

    Theodore Vosk, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 10, 2009
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have worked with Peter on several matters and know him to be a tireless advocate, dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for those lucky enough to have retained him. One of the things that makes Peter so good is his innovation and ability to see and argue novel issues. In the field of DUI defense, this skill, more than any other, can often times mean the difference between guilt and innocence. You can feel confident knowing that Peter will provide a top notch defense.

    Andrew Mishlove, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 3, 2009
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Peter Carini is known nationally as one of the best in the business. I would not hesitate to send a family member to him.

    Michael Romano, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 26, 2009
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Peter Carini is well-known throughout the state of Oregon for providing comprehensive, knowledgeable, and aggressive DUII defense. His lengthy experience in defending Oregon DUII cases speaks for itself and his membership in the prestigious National College for DUI Defense further evidences his commitment to excellence in DUII defense. I would recommend Peter to any driver in Medford or Southern Oregon who is in the unfortunate position of having to respond to a charge of DUII.

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