San Francisco criminal defense, from a former prosecutor.
Owens Defense, P.C. represents people who are arrested, charged or under investigation — felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, violent, drug and white collar cases — in San Francisco and across the Bay Area.
Credentials & experience
State Bar of California
Active license #349456
California Lawyers Association
Criminal Law Section member
Alameda County District Attorney
Former Deputy District Attorney
Contra Costa County District Attorney
Former Deputy District Attorney
Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Former Judicial Law Clerk
We know how the case against you was built.
James Paul Owens served as a Deputy District Attorney in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and as a judicial law clerk before founding Owens Defense. He now uses that inside knowledge to find where cases are vulnerable — and to apply pressure at the moments that matter.
Meet James OwensDefense for serious charges
Felony & Misdemeanor Defense
Defense from arrest through trial in San Francisco and Bay Area courts.
Learn more 002/DUI Defense
Court case and DMV hearing, handled together.
Learn more 003/Assault & Violent Crimes
Serious allegations met with careful, evidence-driven defense.
Learn more 004/Drug Crimes
Possession, sales and transportation charges.
Learn more 005/White Collar & Financial Crimes
Fraud, embezzlement and financial investigations.
Learn more 006/Investigations & Pre-Charge Representation
Act before charges are filed.
Learn more 007/Defense of Licensed Professionals
Protecting your career, not just your case.
Learn more 008/Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
A second look at a conviction or sentence.
Learn moreFrom first call to resolution
- 01
Call or write
Tell us what happened. Your first conversation is confidential.
- 02
Case review
We review the charges, police reports and deadlines, and explain your options plainly.
- 03
Strategy
We investigate, file motions and negotiate from a position of strength.
- 04
Resolution
Dismissal, reduction, diversion or trial — the path that best protects your future.
Common questions
- Who is the criminal defense lawyer at Owens Defense in San Francisco?
- Owens Defense, P.C. is led by James Paul Owens, a former Deputy District Attorney in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and a former Judicial Law Clerk at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. He is licensed by the State Bar of California (#349456).
- Where is Owens Defense located?
- The office is at 1390 Market St., Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94102, near Civic Center. The firm represents clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
- What types of cases does Owens Defense handle?
- Felonies and misdemeanors, DUI, assault and violent crimes, drug crimes, white collar and financial crimes, investigations and grand jury matters, defense of licensed professionals, and appeals and post-conviction relief.
- Should I talk to the police before I speak to a lawyer?
- In general, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely say you will not answer questions without a lawyer, and contact a criminal defense attorney before any interview.
Know your rights
What to do after an arrest in San Francisco
The first 48 hours after an arrest shape everything that follows. Here is what to do — and what not to do.
California DUI: the 10-day DMV rule explained
After a DUI arrest you face two separate cases. One of them has a deadline most people miss.
Under investigation? Why the pre-charge stage matters most
If a detective calls, you may already be a suspect. What you do next can decide whether charges are filed.
Charged, arrested or under investigation?
Talk to a former prosecutor today. Confidential.