Attorney Profile

Over twenty-five years of combined experience as a
Criminal Defense Attorney, Police Officer and Private Investigator

Clients expect the best from their attorney.
Criminal Defense Attorney John R. Rodriguez understands his clients depend on his professional skills, and he readily accepts this responsibility. His clients receive the benefit of his experience, reputation and legal knowledge as he defends them in trial or through aggressive negotiation of their case. His combined experience as a former police officer and private investigator with 12 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney has provided a career for over the last 25 years that has helped establish a proven track record with many courtroom victories.

Criminal Defense Attorney
California State Bar License # 190064, 1997 to present
Education
Juris Doctor Degree (JD) - John F. Kennedy University, School of Law
Doctor of Psychology (PhD) - Legal Psychology (in Dissertation phase) - Capella University
Masters Degree (MJA) - Justice Administration, Cum Laude - Norwich University

Professional Training

Masters of Voir Dire (jury Selection) - CPDA May 2009
Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases -TCDLA 2008
Domestic Violence Criminal Practice 2007
Drunk Driving Defense Jury Focus Group Seminar - National College 2007
Trial Tactic, Objections and Strategies 2007
Masters In Cross Examination 2004

Homicide Conference/Seminar 2003 and 2008
Gang violence Cases and Related Defenses 2003
Felony Defense Practice Seminar 2002
Hastings College of Law Trial Advocacy 1998
Juvenile/Criminal Law seminar 1998

Trial Consultant - Legal Psychology Seminars

ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Raising the Bar - 2009

Trial Consulting 101: The Profession of Trial Consulting
Constructing Winning Arguments from Focus Groups
Visual Strategies to Tell Your Story
Storytelling - Understanding Opinion Formation and Practicing Skills

Implicit Unconscious Bias - The Science, the Myths, and the Reality
Research on the Cutting Edge in Juror Decision-Making
Perspectives on Witness Preparation from Three Distinct Disciplines:
Psychology, Communications, and Theater

Professional Experience
Law Offices of John R. Rodriguez
Defense Attorney (1997 to present)

As a criminal defense attorney I have represented juveniles and adults charged with felonies or misdemeanors in state and federal courts. My experience in representing clients has given me the opportunity to apply my knowledge of the law to important legal issues, debate due process violations and fight to protect the constitutional rights of the accused. Many of my cases involve three strikes or gang enhancements that raise complicated legal issues and expose the client to life in prison. I've had the opportunity to work with forensic experts in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, ballistic, witness identification, coerced/involuntary confessions, fibers and crime scene reconstruction. The nature of the criminal justice arena has also helped me fine tune my negotiation and strategy skills. When cases are not resolved they go to trial. My education and trial experience has taught me the art of persuasive argument, the psychology of juror selection, a deeper understanding in the presentation of courtroom evidence and the importance of an effective story presentation during the opening statement and closing argument.

Adjunct Professor
Chapman University - Criminal Justice

Forensic Psychology
Deviant Behavior
Youth at Risk

Theories of Personality
Constitutional Rights
Introduction to Law

University of Northern California - Lorenzo Patino School of Law

Legal Writing

Courtroom Evidence I and II

Other Professional Experience
Police Officer (Oakland Housing Authority Police and U.C. Berkeley Police Dept.)
Police Academy Graduate, Ventura Police Academy 1989

Private Investigator

Professional Associations