Reviews
Overall rating
Anonymous
01 Oct, 2024
I hired Rich by referral and I am so glad I did so.
His knowledge and expertise with DUII’s has given me such a peace of mind in a crazy stressful situation. He has sent me all the information I needed to help with my case and has checked in with me to see my process day to day. This is such a difficult road but knowing there is somebody with you holding your hand through this whole nightmare makes a person feel better. Rich sent me an email with all the steps to take prior to court that way I know what to expect and to be ahead of everything. I truly thank him for that.
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Jay
16 Jan, 2019
From the moment I met Rich I was at ease, he just has a very calming and poised presence. He has the accolades to prove his worth and I’m very pleased to have him on my side. Well worth the consult!
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Anonymous
26 Dec, 2018
tldr: I was fortunate to hire Rich mid-case and got the best possible legal outcome (charges dropped and expunged) combined with a DUI attorney and support-office who really helped reduce the anxiety associated with fighting the charge. Had my case gone to trial, I know Rich would have won, but I am also sure his reputation is a big part of the reason the prosecutor/police didn't go to trial.
My case was a low-blow DUII (0.06 at the station). I made aggravating mistakes by talking/lying to the police (don't ever talk to the police) and performing the field sobriety tests (a mixed bag). I had some good facts going for me, but DUII isn't a charge most police or prosecutors will let go.
A few words on DUII charges in Oregon. There is no plea bargaining, so hiring a paper pusher or negotiator won't do it. If charges are not dropped, there is only diversion or going to trial. The law is tilted to make trial difficult for the defense. Most people will have to plead guilty and the state knows this. If you want to avoid charges or go to court you need some good facts and a lawyer who is formidable and known in the courtroom for DUII trial defense. You want someone who relishes the idea of arguing your case or a case like it every day, winning, getting better, and then arguing the same points next year. This is Rich.
I had a non-specialist lawyer representing me after my arrest, but I had grown uncomfortable enough that when I was finally charged, I auditioned Rich (after reading much of his great advice on Avvo). During the initial consultation Rich gave me a preview of how he would try the case on my behalf and it was decisive and convincing. After re-discussing strategy with my original lawyer, I realized I had to switch to Rich if I wanted to fight.
The Oberdorfer Law office handled the case transfer with the utmost kindness and professionalism. Rich outlined the overall trial strategy and developed several new prongs of attack as we got closer. Rich read every long anxious treatise and theory I sent him about my case and responded quickly and firmly to put me back on track. He was experienced enough to tell me why we shouldn't litigate every detail in front of the judge and jury even when it seemed like those details should have been minor points in our favor.
Rich drove out to my town twice to represent me in court as the case moved towards trial. He drafted and consulted with me on several legal motions which he entertained filing but which we ultimately decided to reserve until trial. At all steps he included me in the decision process and treated me with respect beyond what I earned. I was not a perfect client, but I could not have dreamed of a more perfect lawyer.
The end was interesting. We thought we had a case we could win at trial and Rich had run various parts by me several times. The prosecution then scheduled a court date which the officer could not attend. This should have been embarassing for them, but there was an excuse. Then they conferred and scheduled another date with the court which the officer again said he could not attend. Rich carefully explained that we should lay low because prosecutor and police were laying the grounds for dismissing their own case with fingers pointed at each other (so as to have nobody to blame). This was exactly what happened and charges were dropped without prejudice before trial. They were never re-filed.
Would this remarkable set of events have happened without a trial lawyer of Rich's caliber and notoriety? I think the police officer and prosecutor would have found themselves able to read a calendar together.
Was Rich worth every penny I paid? Absolutely.
It was a long time to become eligible for expungement, but Rich and Rob handled it for me without additional charge.
I hope never to be in such a situation again, but I would hire Rich in a heartbeat if I was. I would recommend him for friends and family without hesitation.
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Lois
09 Dec, 2016
We hired Rich to represent our son on a .00 felony DUI/marijuana case. Rich hired necessary experts that showed that there was no recent marijuana use and clearly there was no alcohol in his system. This was a long case with 3 dismissals. Rich charged a flat fee, which was very reasonable. Rich was prepared, straightforward, and able to explain the case and the defenses so that we felt informed at all times on the status of the case. Rich won a final dismissal on a Motion, in which the Court found that the state had been "grossly negligent" in attempting to serve our son with the third indictment outside the statute of limitations. We are civil attorneys and would highly recommend Rich's services to anyone that needs criminal defense.
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Scott
07 Dec, 2016
Rich has been incredible throughout the entirety of my lengthy and unusual case! He was extremly knowledgable and very accessible. My case was dismissed and reissued multiple times resulting in many more court appearances than originally planned. Rich never once asked for more money after our one time agreement. He was great in trial and always kept me up-to-date on my case. I don't know what experiences people have with other attorneys but i can't imagine a much better attorney than Rich. I HIGHLY recommend him to anybody who needs a great attorney for a very reasonable rate!
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Anonymous
19 May, 2016
I had my driving privileges permanently revoked in 2006 after a 3rd offense misdemeanor DUII. Rich was extremely knowledgeable regarding the petition process, and helped guide me through the steps outlined in the statute (ORS 809.235). After 10.5 years of not having a license, yesterday I took my DMV drive test and had my Oregon driving privileges reinstated! Thanks Rich for your help and advice!
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Anonymous
11 Feb, 2016
Mr. Oberdorfer helped me with a boating under the influence case in Jefferson County. It was a .003 case with a damning police report on what I allegedly said to the officer at the time of arrest. I was offered diversion, but I knew I was innocent. We took the case to trial, and with his expertise in this field, I was found not guilty. Richard fully prepared me for what to expect at trial. I have never been in this kind of trouble and Richard made a very stressful situation bearable. I don't foresee needing a lawyer again, but he would be the first I would call.
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Andars
24 Aug, 2015
Richard Oberdorfer is the man! From day one he made me feel comfortable and optimistic about my situation. He is very experienced and would always make sure that I understood everything that was going on in my case. Communication was always prompt and thorough. I always felt completely prepared when entering the court room. Not only is he a great attorney but he is also a caring and kind man that I trust. What a great guy.
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Eric
20 Aug, 2014
We found Richard to be a very nice and pleasant person to work with. The case was complicated, long and arduous. For the entire duration he was very persistent in paying attention to detail and in keeping us immediately informed with developments and progress.
Richard demonstrated an excellent ability to develop and implement a definite plan, but remained flexible to move in another direction as it became necessary (which it did on more than one occasion during the course of the case).
Richard's efforts led to an acquittal.
Richard's fee and terms were communicated clearly in the beginning and there were no changes despite the length of the case.
I would recommend Richard.
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Steve
20 Mar, 2014
I found this Firm on the Net and had good Reviews, so i called them when i received 2-traffic citations,and felt they were wrongfully given to me,and i was not guilty.they explained to me on the phone about their fees,and what they will do for you.I decided to go to their Firm to pay them,and i must say a very 1st class Firm,and office,i was happy to pay them their fees.after i did this,Emily took my case on,Made calls,got all court Doc's, and Police notes,after her research,and time she was able to work things out to my Advantage. And I was Very Happy with Her,and Her Firm,and i would recommended this Law Firm to Anyone. I got not only great service, I got Good Results.Well worth the fees.Again Thank-You Emily,and your Firm.
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Elizabeth
28 Jan, 2014
In reflecting on this rough year after the DUI and Diversion program, I would highly recommend Rich Oberdorfer! He (and Rob) were understanding, compassionate, knowledgeable and ON IT every time! With me being in Nashville, TN, I was afraid it'd be harder to communicate. Not at all. Every time I needed them for advice or information, they were quick to respond. And snags in the process were handled efficiently and smoothly! Plus they didn't nickel and dime me. Thanks so much to Oberdorfer Law Firm. I would highly recommend!
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Anonymous
17 Sep, 2013
Richard Oberdorfer provides excellent legal support and expertise knowledge in criminal defense matters. Richard made what was an extremely stressful situation very smooth and painless. He has always been nothing but professional, sensitive to the situation, and available when I needed him, not to mention going above and beyond what was necessary (he drove me to the DMV following a suspended license issue). I would highly recommend his legal services in the future to friends/family, should the need arise for representation. Thanks again, Richard!
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