Reviews

I got a traffic ticket for a Jaywalking violation (driving through an intersection when there was a pedestrian). Anyway, I had a single consultation with Katherine, and she was able to help me write a letter for my trial by written declaration. Because of the way she worded things and her helpful insight on what supporting documentation I should submit, I ended getting the case dismissed! The fee was absolutely worth not having to pay the ticket or get the point on my license (which comes with an insurance price hike). I would highly recommend Katherine to anyone who needs a good, through, and detailed oriented attorney.

I am beyond grateful for Katherine's experience, extensive knowledge and caring demeanor. She has helped me with two cases over the last few years and I would not have survived without her! I highly recommend her for drug and alcohol criminal defense. I initially hired her when I got a DUI about 6 years ago and she helped me through that process. Recently, I found myself facing two new charges and I immediately knew who to call. Katherine was nothing but knowledgeable, thorough, kind and professional with me over the last few months - answering my calls, texts and always available. I was extremely worried about what would happen but she guided me through the process so I actually could relax and go through everything step by step with her. She was so patient with me, caring and extremely knowledgeable about the criminal justice system here in SLO County. I could not have done this without her and HIGHLY recommend her services to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. She is, hands down, the absolute best criminal defense attorney out there and I am so grateful she was available to help me!

Ms. Schwinghammer has experience & proficiency with the law and the courts in her area. In addition, she has great demeanor with her clients. She is patient and explains things carefully to assist you in your process. I was very pleased with her service and believe she will be great representation for your situation.

This is the second time I hired her. She is very skilled at her profession. She treats you like she is defending a family member. She is honest, compassionate, proceeds cautiously, and has a real feel for my situation. Her pre-filing letter was right on point. By the court date my charges were rejected. I feel like she saved my life. She is very fair in her charges. She is an angel to me.

Katherine was very knowledgeable, professional, and kind. She talked us through the process - and delivered wonderful results. Thanks Katherine!

Katherine was prompt and very patient at the same time. She answered all my questions about anything I was unsure about and helped organize my paperwork. She is knowledgable with so many years of experience; not to mention she is super nice!! I would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs an attorney.

I was vacationing in the SLO area from out of state and had never been in any kind of trouble before. After my arrest I was lucky to find Katherine. Upon meeting her she immediately made me feel better, unlike a lawyer more like a mother. She got my charges dropped to far less than I deserved. I didn't even have leave my home state to come back to court. 3 years later she got the court to grant the order for dismissal and now I can put the entire mistake behind me. If you need an lawyer and are lucky enough to find her, look no further.

Katherine represented me for my criminal case. She was professional, prompt, curtious and very knowledgeable. I feel like she worked hard to obtain the best possible resolution for my case. Unequivocally, I recommend Katherine Schwinghammer. She is an abolute pleasure to work with.

I had a wet/reckless case about five years ago...that the knocked out of the park. Circumstances were such that it could go either way... and her excellent approach, skill and professionalism were real assets. I highly recomment Katherine.

Old co-worker was in town and went out for a few drinks. The next thing I know I am in a jail cell on a dui related offense. Was released from jail in the morning feeling unsure about what to do. Reviewed some attorneys in the morning and I knew from her reviews she was the one. I called on a Saturday and to my surprise she picked up! Katherine was awesome from the start. We consulted about my case and she walked me through all the steps even before hiring her. She was comforting and has a real people quality that is hard to find. She's a total professional and has a real keen sense for the law and you want her on your side. Results from my case was the best possible scenario.

Katherine is as honest and genuine as they come. Without her help, I would be in a world of hurt. Instead, I was able to bounce back and recover from a DUI arrest with no severe penalties. Katherine is down to earth and will spell things out clearly to ensure you completely understand her approach and what the possible outcomes are. Highly recommended!

I made the mistake of drinking and driving one night in California and was caught. As an out-of-state driver, this was particularly distressing as I had no idea how to navigate the California Legal System. I was also worried that I would have to come back to California to serve jail time in SLO. But from the minute I called Katherine - on the weekend morning after the incident, no less - I knew I had found someone that was both knowledgeable and completely dedicated to fighting for the best possible resolution of my case. Katherine was able to drag the case out for over 8 months to buy me time to get some matters settled with my professional life. While we were unable to get my conviction reduced to a wet reckless (my BAC was well above the legal limit, so there is definitely only so much you can do), she did prevent me from ever having to come back to California to serve jail time. Considering I live way across the country, this was well worth the fee she charges. The best thing you will get from Katherine, though, may not come from the resolution of your case. For me, it was the fact that she treated me as a human being who made a mistake, not a criminal she can make a quick paycheck from. She recognizes that mistakes happen, and I think that makes her fight even harder for the best possible outcome. Katherine is also full of personal anecdotes and professional experience that often put my fears to ease. Finally, I never had to worry about keeping track of any of the details of my case, which was very convenient. Katherine is an very effective communicator. She went to over eight different court dates for me and either called or emailed me immediately following each case. After hearing horror stories from attorney friends and others, I think I got extremely lucky in finding Katherine. She is a kind, confident, and excellent attorney, and if you’re reading this and thinking of hiring her, JUST DO IT! Her recommendation is well earned, and I look forward to working with together to expunge my conviction following probation.