John E. Gutbezahl, LLC

Former prosecutor in Oregon and Washington

Knows that:

It is never too early to obtain a lawyer

If you have been or are being investigated or have been arrested your liberty is at stake

The government has police officers, investigators, experts and prosecutors working for it . . .

Protect yourself by obtaining counsel that has over nine years as a prosecutor and three years as a defense lawyer . . . John will work for you at all stages, including but not limited to investigation, court hearings, negotiations, disposition and trial . . .

Gutbezahl graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1987. After moving to Portland in 1990 he graduated from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College in 1993.

During law school he was a certified law student at the Metropolitan Public Defenders office and gained his first courtroom experiences, including jury trials. After graduation, he opened up his own practice, and through association with and referrals from other attorneys his practice began to thrive.

In December 1995 he was hired by a firm in St. Helens, Oregon representing individuals charged with crimes by the government and tried many cases. After a brief stint with a firm in Beaverton, he was hired by the Columbia County District Attorney’s office in April 1997.

Over his 8+ years as a deputy district attorney he tried cases ranging from DUII all the way to capital murder. He tried over 100 felony trials murder, including capital murder, attempted murder, solicitation to commit murder, and many sexual assault, burglary, felony assault, firearm, meth lab, theft, and stolen vehicles. He has worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Cowlitz County Washington for the last year specializing in sexual and violent crimes. He has also written appeals in both states.

I am specializing in criminal defense in Oregon and Washington. I can handle all levels of offenses as well as appeals and post conviction relief.

I am also working on expungements of convictions or having convictions set aside. I will also be doing civil work in the fields of estate planning, real estate, personal injury, immigration, civil rights, elder law, and small business and contract work.

I am a former prosecutor in Oregon and Washington. Prior to being a prosecutor, I was in private practice and in my 14 years of practice I have tried over 100 cases, ranging from misdemeanors, including domestic violence and DUII all the way to capital murder. I was in charge of drug prosecutions and sex offense prosecution in Columbia County. In Cowlitz County, Washington, I handled felony property and person crimes. I also have appellate experience in both states and am also admitted to the federal district of Oregon.

In the two years since going into private practice I have obtained acquittals in Attempted Murder, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, and Assault cases.  I have obtained dismissals after successfully having evidence suppressed in drug cases.  I have pressured the state to dismiss in other domestic violence cases and assault cases.  Furthermore, I have successfully negotiated complex cases to ensure a just result for my clients.

I have offices in downtown Portland and St Helens, Oregon and I am admitted to practice in the states of Oregon, Washington and New York as well as the federal District for Oregon.