H. Ernesto Castillo  The Ordway Building 1 Kaiser Plaza, Suite 2300 Oakland, California 94612

I have been with the Law Offices of Robert J. Beles for nine years.  During that time, I have defended hundreds of cases throughout the Oakland – San Francisco Bay Area.  I possess the experience of a criminal law specialist and I take pride in taking tough cases to trial.

My successful track record of trial experience includes topics on DNA, gangs, ballistics, fingerprints, false confessions, mistaken witness identification, sexual assault medical exams, possession for sale of narcotics, the compassionate use act, manufacturing of methamphetamine, and accident reconstruction.  My trials have ranged from simple assault to more complex matters such as domestic violence, robbery, sexual assault, homicides and the sales of narcotics, including the largest seizures of meth and heroin in Oakland.  Many of my clients are involved in high-profile cases. 

In June of 2011, I successfully fought for a client wrongly accused of murder in Oakland by forcing the prosecution to a preliminary hearing and convincing a judge in Oakland to dismiss the murder charge without a trial.

During a jury trial in Hayward, California in September of 2010, I represented a successful entrepreneur against multiple felony charges, including forcible sexual assault, which resulted in verdicts of not guilty on all sex counts.

In July of 2010, I represented a client facing murder charges in Merced County where our investigation discredited the prosecution’s case, including an eyewitness’ identification.  The case resulted in a plea agreement for probation and no jail time.

Current Employment Position(s):

Of Counsel

Year Joined Organization:

2003

Areas of Practice:

Criminal Defense

Education:

Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco, California, 2002

Honors: Rose Bird Award

Law Review: Golden Gate University Law Review, Associate Editor

San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, 1996

Bachelor of Arts

Major:  Social Science

Languages:

English, Spanish