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Jennifer Gerstenzang

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Avvo Rating9.9
  • San Diego, CA
  • Licensed for 9 years
  • Free consultation
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About Jennifer

Jennifer Gerstenzang is a dedicated advocate for her clients.   She is passionate about her work and is committed to defending the accused. She is tenacious, and will not stop fighting for her clients until the best possible result has been achieved. She is not afraid of hard work and investigating every angle of a case. She knows from experience that things are not always as they appear, and the officer's initial judgment almost never tells the whole story.

 

Jennifer knows it is important to think about how her clients' experiences while their case is in the criminal justice system. She is passionate about providing access to justice and has established creative services such as legal coaching to help those in need obtain affordable options when trying to prepare for court. 

 

If you are looking for an attorney who will truly listen and give you the personal attention you need, call Ms. Gerstenzang today.

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Practice areas

Criminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 100%

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

4069087 1424048435

4069087 1556141961

4069087 1556142035

Contact

450 B Street
address map

San Diego Public Defender's Office

450 B Street
San Diego, CA

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      CAActive201102/06/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers107
      Legal guides0
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Best LawyersSan Diego Business Journal2016
      Wiley W. Manuel Certificate For Pro Bono Legal ServicesBoard of Governors of the State Bar of California2011
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Owner and Lead AttorneyGerstenzang Law2015 - Present
      Certified Post-Bar Law ClerkSan Diego County Public Defender2011 - 2011
      Deputy Public DefenderSan Diego County Office Of The Public Defender2011 - 2015
      Certified Legal InternSan Diego County Office Of The Public Defender2010 - 2011
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember of the DUI Committee2017 - Present
      Free to ThriveVolunteer Attorney for Vacatur Proceedings2017 - Present
      California Defense Bar AssociationMember2015 - Present
      Lawyers Club of San DiegoMember2015 - Present
      San Diego Bar AssociationMember2015 - Present
      North County Bar Association: Criminal Defense SectionMember2015 - Present
      National College of DUI DefenseMember2013 - Present
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      North County Lawyer MagazineGetting Out Of Jail Almost Free: Pre-trial Release and Penal Code Section 1203.0182017
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      California Western School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2011
      Emory UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts2006
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Continuing Legal Education at the North County BarPracticing Under the Influence: The Problem, Prevention and Treatment2017
      San Dieguito Academy Juniors and SeniorsReal-Life Applications of Your Constitutional Rights2015
      Public Defender Central Misdemeanor Certified Legal Intern OrientationMisdemeanor Practice2013
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      NOT GUILTY OF SPEEDING 100 MPHNOT GUILTY
      Not Guilty Verdict speeding 51 mph in 35 mph zoneNot Guilty
      Not Guilty Verdict on Petty Theft Charge And Finding Of Factual Innocence GrantedNOT GUILTY AND FACTUAL FINDING OF INNOCENCE GRANTED
      PROBATION VIOLATION DISMISSEDDISMISSED
      Domestic Violence Charges DismissedDismissed
      Not Guilty Verdict on Petty Theft ChargeNot Guilty
      DUI With An Accident And 1 Prior Reduced To Dry RecklessPlea Bargain
      Felony DUI With Prior Strike Conviction Avoids Prison SentenceSTRIKE STRICKEN, NO PRISON COMMITMENT
      Felony Vandalism Reduced to MisdemeanorFELONY REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR
      Case Dismissed After Motion To Suppress GrantedDISMISSAL

      Reviews

      (47)
      5 Star
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      4 Star
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      Review Jennifer Gerstenzang

      Best in the Business

      Posted by

      5 1/2 Stars. Its always a pleasure to engage a professional who delivers excellence. No two cases are alike, but you will find no one better qualified to represent you to achieve the best possible outcome. I engaged Gerstenzang to tie off an unusual case with a long history, and she delivered results with Expert understanding of the law Experience, skills and know-how Advisory, insight and guidance of strategies and tradeoffs Confidence in court rules and procedures Professional character and ethical integrity
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Legal Coaching is a great solution

      Posted by

      When I needed laser focus legal advice Jennifer helped provide the answers through her coaching service. If you are looking to get assistance from a legal professional w/o hiring a full priced attorney I highly recommend this approach. It's a great way to get exactly what you need.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Jennifer Gerstenzang

      Posted by

      In 2017 I was fresh out of college and submerged in a new relationship with someone who I thought was right for me. Time would tell that this wasn’t the case; We were detrimental to each other. Both of us had deep routed issues and a reliance on alcohol. In an emotionally abusive and physically draining relationship, I found myself in a dark place. The longer I stayed the worse it got and the more I spiraled. The constant stress, drinking, dissatisfaction, and torment became the norm for me. I thought these were the hardships of a relationship - that it was what everyone experienced. Naive and new to the world of, not only dating, but being openly gay and with someone of the same sex, I quickly lost myself. I let this partner lead the way. That way led me to some legal issues. I ended up in a great deal of trouble and I had to reach out to my parents for guidance. We heard of Jennifer through a family friend. Jennifer not only gave me professional direction through this predicament, but she also gave me amazing personal advice. I’ve viewed Jennifer as more than just a lawyer; She is an individual to look up to. I’ve always seen lawyers as stern workers just trying to get their job done and win a case. Jennifer is unlike most lawyers. She has exceeded my expectations. Not only does she care about winning your case, but she actually cares about your well-being. Jennifer is extremely understanding and truly wants you to live your best life moving forward. She sees both sides of a story and does everything she can to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. Jennifer spent over an hour with me, not only discussing the legal issues and the actions we must take moving forward, but also discussing the potential personal issues which led me to this place and the life style changes I could choose to make moving forward. Along the way, Jennifer simplified things for me that I didn’t quite understand. She never steered me toward one side or another on how the case may go. She made sure we were aware of ALL the possible outcomes. She made recommendations for therapists/life coaches - both of which I took and had great results. Jennifer herself could be a life coach! She was very good about checking in and staying with us through a long year of seeing where this case would lead. With Jennifer’s recommendations and advice, I took massive action to change the course of my life. I am almost a year sober now, regularly seeing a therapist, in a new and better paying job, and in a healthy new relationship with trust and 100% openness. My lifestyle changes and Jennifer’s help created the BEST possible outcome for me. The case was rejected and I feel incredibly grateful to have had such a great lawyer. I’ve reconnected with my family and I am proud to say I’m in a much better place now. I highly recommend Jennifer to anyone seeking legal advice or guidance. This is especially directed toward young female professionals. Jennifer is someone who can relate to you, care for you, and ultimately help you to get it together and move forward. I don’t believe I would have the same results if we had went with a different lawyer. I have a new life and a second chance due to Jennifer Gerstenzang.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      A beacon of light in the darkness

      Posted by

      Being away from home, our daughter lost her way and got into legal trouble after graduating from college. It was a very dark time and we did not know where to turn. On the advice of a friend, we hired Jennifer Gerstenzang. Jennifer led 2 very frightened parents and their daughter down the path to legal redemption. Jennifer was always there to listen if we had questions. At times, we forgot she was acting as our counsel, as she always showed great compassion and kindness, two things you don't always see in a lawyer. Jennifer had advised that our daughter seek counseling (which she did) and kept up with her progress as she turned her life around. The charges were dropped and I am proud to say that today our daughter is living a very happy and productive life. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Jennifer!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      You won't find any better; Best lawyer!

      Posted by

      I recently found myself in need of a criminal defense attorney, and didn't know where to start. After searching online I came across a review on Jennifer Gerstenzang. I was struck about her excellent legal abilities and also the comments describing her as a very caring individual. And indeed she is. When I first talked to her on the phone I immediately had the feeling to be talking to the right person, right lawyer. She was warm, caring, patient, compassionate and very knowledgeable about my legal situation and immediately reassured me that things were not as bad as my imagination had led me to believe. From the very beginning to the end Jennifer made sure I understood the entire process, best and worst case scenarios, and what my options were. Throughout the entire process, Jennifer followed through with every detail, and kept me to date. I'm so grateful to have met her and for all what she did related to my case. She is amazing and so competent, professional and one of the kindest person I know. She is excellent in court and I highly recommend her.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Legal process consulting service--such an important part of it!

      Posted by

      When our daughter ran into some serious legal trouble, we did not know who to turn to our how to find the best representation for her. And we did not know to what extent we needed to go to make sure she was taken care of. A lawyer friend referred us to Jenny G, who has a service to guide people from arrest through the early parts of the legal process. Her clear advice really helped us know what to do next. I also appreciated that her advice was tailored to our daughter's specific predicament. Her guidance not only saved us time and money, but it eased our minds and helped us know what to do next in the process. I highly recommend Jennifer Gerstenzang to anyone in a similar situation.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Great Defense Lawyer

      Posted by

      First of all, I want to thank Atty. Gerstenzang for helping me succeed in taking my motion to modify my 5 years formal probation to informal probation which was almost impossible because its only been six months since I started my formal probation but we made it possible and succeeded. She was very organized and knowledgeable. What I liked the most from her was her sincerity to her profession where she will spend a lot of time to write and present our argument in the most persuasive and realistic way which made it very powerful. I would highly recommend her to anybody who needs to hire a great defense attorney that will be on your side from the beginning until the end...Thank you very much. It was an honor working with you!!!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Very informative for a family trying to help a mentally ill and chemically addicted brother.

      Posted by

      I paid Jennifer for an initial, one-hour, consulting session for legal advice pertaining to a legal matter specifically in San Diego, CA. Jennifer was very responsive and we arranged to have a video conference call because I am located in another state. Jennifer provided more information and sound legal counseling in one hour than my family had received in the previous few years. We consulted specifically about my brother who is living homeless on the streets of San Diego. He is mentally ill and suffers from drug addiction. He is not compliant and frequently goes in and out of the county jail. We asked some specific questions about his legal rights, the rights of the family, how to navigate the public defender office, and discussion of my proposed actions to attempt to intervene with the inmate's legal situation. Jennifer was compassionate and she demonstrated her expert knowledge of the challenges of this situation. The session was a good value.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Juvenile justice

      Posted by

      Jennifer helped us tremendously in our difficult situation with our son by guiding us in the right direction for court proceedings which we were totally unfamiliar.Shw explained the details and help us navigate which eventually is so crucial in the overall mental wellbeing of a young child .Jennifer writes the details down,explains everything in simple understandable language and overall she shows a genuine care and concern for her clients. I would highly recommend her.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Compassionate to clients, Tough in the court room!

      Posted by

      If you are looking for a lawyer who is compassionate, thorough, who fights hard, does the extra, and will get the job done, Jennifer Gerstenzang is your lawyer. Sometimes the justice system can seem unfair, stacked against you, intimidating, and scary. I researched every single aspect of my case, went through every single outcome, and often times was very nervous about what could happen to me professionally. Every time I consulted with Jennifer, it was like a thousand lbs was lifted from my back. I always knew Ms. Gerstenzang had my best interests at heart, that she would fight for me, and that she was a professional. When faced with intimidating charges and a justice system I dont trust, these attributes were worth more than gold. I had a very unique case that would require 2 lawyers. With the addition of Jennifer Gerstenzang, I feel like my legal counsel was quadrupled. The amount of extra time and care that she took was something that every lawyer should strive for. From explaining every possible outcome to me via phone, or spending a day retracing everything that happened in person, Jennifer goes the extra mile. Watching Jennifer in court was a thing of beauty. Although she was compassionate and caring towards me as a client, her demeanor, focus, and toughness when dealing with a hard charging DA made me realize how much of an asset she was to my case. She battled very passionately and strategically! In the end, after all the time I spent agonizing and worried, everything played out just like Jennifer said it would. Over the course of 18 months, looking back, I was so glad Jennifer joined my counsel. FINALLY!!!!! It got resolved with a favorable outcome that I was happy with. Sometimes lawyers see clients and just a case, a job to do, or just another day in the office. Thats not Jennifer. She made me feel like I was not just some person in the system. Her compassion and generosity with her time made a situation that was extremely scary and intimidating something that I could manage, and in the end, her courtroom toughness and savvy paid off for me. If you find yourself in a situation where you need a piece of mind as well as an Ace in the courtroom, go to Jennifer Gerstenzang.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (32)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Adam Hepburn, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 6, 2017
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer Gerstenzang is an incredible attorney. I worked with Jennifer years ago and she always stood out as someone with immense passion and dedication to her clients. She is a sharp, knowledgeable, and talented trial attorney. You can absolutely trust that you are in good hands when you hire Ms. Gerstenzang.

      Ashley Arcidiacono, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 5, 2017
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jenny is an outstanding attorney. She genuinely cares for her clients. You see that right away because she is always willing to go the extra mile, without hesitation, to make sure her clients feel comfortable, informed and empowered. Jenny is also professional yet very down to earth, which makes her a pleasure to work with, as well. I endorse Jenny without reservation!

      Charles Millioen, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 17, 2017
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer and I worked together and frequently collaborated on cases. She is an amazing advocate for her clients, whether they be charged with a traffic infraction or a serious felony. I hope I get to work together with her again in the future!

      George Stein, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 14, 2017
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer Gerstenzang is a 2nd generation lawyer who has superb legal skills and gives attention to details like no other. Her presence in the courtroom is amazing and she serves her clients well with her advanced legal skills, coupled with a good bedside manner. I endorse this lawyer!

      Troy Owens, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 8, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer. I was able to see her determination, passion, and was impressed by the lengths that she is willing to go to advocate for her clients! Those skills, when paired with her knowledge, make her a true force in the legal community!

      David Beyersdorf, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 10, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Based on her excellent responses to questions presented here, I endorse Ms. Gerstenzang.

      Omar Nassar, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 5, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer is a wonderul attorney who will work tirelessly for her clients. She is fully dedicated to her clients' matters, and I endorse her without reservation.

      Paul Batta, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 21, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. I Ms. Gerstenzang is a great attorney who always strives to obtain the best possible outcome for her clients.

      Dod Ghassemkhani, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 12, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Michael Flemming, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 11, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer Gerstenzang is an amazing attorney. She deeply cares for her clients and offers premier legal representation. As such, she ALWAYS obtains favorable results. Bottom line, you're in wonderful hands if you retain her services.

      Lawrence Taylor, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 11, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer Gerstenzang is what is known in the profession as a "rising star" -- a gifted attorney who is clearly destined to be a leader in the DUI field. In this sense, it is perhaps a legacy: her father, a former Dean of the 1800-member National College for DUI Defense, is one of the brightest and most respected practitioners in the country. Based upon her professional performance to date, Jennifer is certain to follow in his footsteps. I would recommend this remarkable attorney without reservation.

      Aryeh Leichter, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 1, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Helene Colin, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 28, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer's experience as a former Public Defender serves her well in her criminal defense practice. She is caring and passionate, and has a special interest in representing juveniles. I highly recommend Jennifer.

      Larissa Bodniowycz, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 20, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer is the whole package. She's intelligent, compassionate, and a zealous advocate for her clients. Jennifer utilizes her strong understanding of criminal law and the criminal justice system to ensure her client's rights are protected and knows how to explain the law in a way that her clients can understand. I endorse Jennifer.

      Wei Chou, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 31, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer is knowledgeable and experienced on a wide range of matters in criminal defense. She is an excellent attorney and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone.

      Stanley Shar, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 23, 2015
      Relationship: Other

      Jenny and I were classmates. She's a great lawyer and an even better person. I endorse this lawyer.

      Shannon Englert, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 20, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Jennifer Gerstenzang definitely knows criminal defense and criminal law. She has personally guided me on how to handle a criminal defense case, so I saw her knowledge of the law first hand. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a criminal defense attorney.

      William Christoph, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 18, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Ms. Gerstenzang is an excellent attorney who works very hard to achieve the best results for her clients.

      Bart Kasperowicz, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 17, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Ms. Gerstenzang is one of a kind. Highly passionate about her clients' cases and deeply devoted to getting great results. I have personally worked with her on past defense cases and have witnessed her exceptionally high level of work-ethic. The results she has produced speak for themselves. I highly recommend her.

      David Dastrup, Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney on Mar 4, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

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