Robert Beles | Oakland Criminal Lawyer | California

Top Local Lawyers

About Robert

I have represented people accused of crimes for over forty years.  Every day when I talk to people who are in trouble or whose loved ones are in jail, I become reenergized to help and protect them.

I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  I grew up and went to early high school in San Mateo, California.  My family moved to Ohio.  I finished high school in Ohio and graduated from Ohio University in 1964 with a degree in psychology.

I moved to San Francisco where I attended the University of California, Hastings College of Law.  I graduated in 1967 and began practicing law in 1968.  From 1968 to 1979, I was an Assistant Alameda County Public Defender.

I started my own law firm in 1979.  I have tried over one hundred jury trials (both state and federal), with over twenty acquittals on murder cases alone, including death penalty cases.  I’ve also had extraordinary success at winning sexual assault cases as well as all kinds of serious felonies.  I’ve recently won numerous motions to dismiss cases, suppress evidence and appeals.

I’ve been a State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law since 1975.  This specialization requires a recertification every five years based on reviews by judges and local attorneys as well as continuing education and active participation in trials, motions and court proceedings.

My wife, Sally, and I have been married forty-seven years.  We have three daughters and two granddaughters.  The eldest is a teacher, the youngest daughter is an attorney in New Mexico.  The middle daughter, Annie, is my law partner and also a State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law.

Admission

Verified CA

1968

Education

Ohio University

B.A. (Psychology)

1964

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Certified as a Criminal Law Specialist,
    1975
  • The California State Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California
Honors / Awards
  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ), Sustaining Member
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
  • Northern California Super Lawyers
  • Highest Rating (AV) Peer Review Rated for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability
  • Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers