Bay Area Criminal Defense · 40+ Years in the Courtroom
For more than four decades, the Law Office of John Halley has defended people facing criminal charges across San Mateo County and the Bay Area — with the judgment and steadiness that only a career in the courtroom can bring.
Licensed in California since 1983 · Redwood City & the Bay Area
Practice Areas
A deliberately narrow practice, so every case gets the attention and experience it deserves.
From DUI and misdemeanors to serious felony charges, John Halley represents clients at every stage — arraignment, motions, trial, and sentencing. Each defense is built around the facts, the law, and what is actually at stake for you. You work with a lawyer who has stood before Bay Area judges and juries for forty years.
Discuss your caseA criminal charge can carry consequences that reach well beyond the courtroom — including deportation, denial of naturalization, or loss of a green card. John advises non-citizen clients and shapes a defense that accounts for immigration consequences from the very first decision, working to protect both your liberty and your ability to remain in the country.
Discuss your caseWhen a conviction or ruling needs a second look, appeals demand a different skill set — a careful reading of the record, disciplined legal writing, and command of the issues. John handles appeals and post-conviction matters with the same rigor he brings to trial. If something went wrong below, he can help you understand your options.
Discuss your case
About John Halley
John Halley has defended the accused in California courts for over four decades. He earned his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1979 and his J.D. from UC Davis School of Law in 1983, and has been licensed to practice law in California since December 12, 1983.
Across that career he has represented clients in matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies — always with the same commitment: an honest assessment of where you stand, a defense built carefully around your case, and personal attention from the attorney himself rather than a rotating cast of associates.
As a solo practitioner based in Redwood City, John handles every case personally. When you call the office, you reach the lawyer who will actually be standing next to you in court.
Client Reviews
Sample contentPlaceholder reviews for this demo — replace with real reviews before launch.
“John walked me through every option in plain English and never once made me feel judged. He was steady the whole way and got my charges reduced.”
“I was terrified about what a conviction would mean for my green card. John understood the immigration side cold and built the case around it.”
“Four decades in the courtroom shows. He knew the judges, knew the process, and told me the truth even when it wasn't what I wanted to hear.”
“After a rough result at trial, John took my appeal seriously when other lawyers wouldn't even return my calls. Clear, thorough, and honest.”
“You reach John himself, not a receptionist and three associates. That personal attention made a hard time a lot less frightening.”
Contact
Tell John a little about your situation and he’ll get back to you promptly. Your message is confidential and there is no obligation.
