San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorney
Providing Aggressive, Passionate, Effective Criminal Defense
The Law Office of John M. Runfola has always focused exclusively on criminal defense. For more than 30 years, we have provided rigorous defense representation to a wide range of clients throughout the United States and U.S. Territories.
John M. Runfola, possesses a depth of experience gained from handling thousands of cases in both state and federal court. Whether representing adults or juveniles, he is committed to applying this experience, helping our clients achieve the most favorable outcome.
We are available 24 hours a day for emergencies at 415-391-4243, or you can contact our law office online. All consultations are completely confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege. For more information regarding our practice and how we can help you, contact San Francisco criminal defense lawyer John M. Runfola today.
Our Criminal Defense Practice
We are committed to providing the highest level of defense to people facing the most difficult situations of their lives. We offer expertise in all federal and state crimes. Our cases range from major drug conspiracy and white collar cases to assault and homicide prosecutions.Find more information on these specific practice areas by clicking below:
Preparing Strong Defenses on Behalf of Our Clients
Our first effort is to prevent charges from being filed. By providing favorable information regarding our clients and the situation being investigated, we are frequently able to favorably influence a prosecutor's charging decisions.
If a client is charged, we work tirelessly and aggressively on his or her defense.
Our office vigorously prepares a client's case for a jury trial while simultaneously attempting to negotiate a settlement most favorable to our client. We will investigate government witnesses, challenge the government's allegations, work to exclude potentially damaging evidence, build affirmative defenses, and deal with the media when necessary. The office also has access to the best investigative and expert resources necessary to aggressively challenge the actions and inactions of law enforcement, prosecutorial and judicial powers.
Above all, we work with our clients to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Setting the Standard, Raising the Bar — San Francisco and Oakland Defense Attorney John M. Runfola
Mr. Runfola has a deep commitment to justice and is keenly aware of the daunting prospect an individual or corporation faces when squaring off against the government with its tremendous reservoirs of resources and power. He comes from a tradition of the strongest legal advocacy and ethics, having seen his father, Joseph P. Runfola Sr., work as a prominent criminal defense lawyer and a groundbreaking president of the Erie County Bar Association in New York state.Our cases are first and foremost about people. Mr. Runfola provides responsive, personalized service in each case he handles. Our goal is to inform our clients of their options and to position them as favorably as possible, even pre-indictment or arrest. We want them to be an integral part of their cases, and make sure their needs and concerns are addressed at every stage of the process.
Our Results Are the Measure of Our Success
We have a proven track record at all stages of a criminal proceeding, including pre-indictment investigations, pre-trial proceedings, jury trial and appeal. A small sampling of our cases includes:
A Taiwanese woman charged in connection with the largest seizure of heroin in U.S. history. Her case received world-wide press in a case the federal government eagerly portrayed as a major victory in its war on drugs. After four years of hearings and appeals, the government capitulated to our demands for a settlement that involved no jail time, no cooperation and a dismissal of all but one minor charge.
A young African-American man was confronted with a firestorm of hateful rage and a contentious district attorney when a racist altercation with a white man turned deadly. Initially charged with first-degree murder and threatened with special circumstances, we worked tirelessly and eventually earned an eight-month sentence to a manslaughter charge, which was served outside the walls of San Quentin. He has since earned a master's degree in psychology and is writing a thesis on criminal justice.
A 21-year-old Grateful Dead fan who played a minor role in an LSD conspiracy faced a 10-year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence and a 17-year government recommendation. Our advocacy brought national scrutiny to his case and federal sentencing law. After years of appeals, we secured a dramatic reduction of his sentence to four years.
A U.S. citizen from Yemen was indicted on federal charges under the post-9/11 Patriot Act for wiring money back to Yemen without government authorization. Defense investigation was used to convince the federal government that their prosecution was misguided. The case was dismissed.
Prepared to Fight the Charges Against You
Despite what the police or prosecutor might claim, no criminal case is an "open and shut matter." The actions and statements of law enforcement, lab technicians, prosecutors and the press can jeopardize even the strongest case. Our office has the experience, resources, ability and tenacity to deal with the press and to attack the prosecution's case.Call us today at 415-391-4243 or send us an e-mail to arrange a confidential consultation about your case. We represent clients in San Francisco, Oakland, and the San Jose area.
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