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Owens Defense
About Owens Defense

A defense practice built on a prosecutor's experience.

Founded in San Francisco in 2025, Owens Defense, P.C. focuses on cases where the consequences extend beyond the courtroom — to reputation, career and professional standing.
Our team

The attorney on your case

JP

James Paul Owens

Founder & Principal Attorney

James Owens is the founder and principal attorney of Owens Defense, P.C. He concentrates his practice on criminal defense and other high-stakes matters where the consequences reach beyond the courtroom — into a client's career, reputation and professional license.

Before opening the firm in 2025, James served as a Deputy District Attorney in Alameda County and in Contra Costa County, and as a Judicial Law Clerk at the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. He knows how cases are built from the inside — and where they are vulnerable.

Each matter is handled by James directly, supported where appropriate by investigators, forensic experts and other specialists.

Experience & credentials

  • Former Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County
  • Former Deputy District Attorney, Contra Costa County
  • Former Judicial Law Clerk, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
  • Admitted to the State Bar of California, 2023 (Bar #349456)
  • J.D., University of Minnesota Law School
  • Member, California Lawyers Association — Criminal Law Section
How we work

Direct, strategic, discreet

Every matter is handled directly by the principal attorney. Strategy is grounded in how prosecutors actually build cases — where they are vulnerable, and when pressure is most effective. When a case carries licensing or public-scrutiny risk, representation is coordinated to address those exposures too.

  1. 01

    Call or write

    Tell us what happened. Your first conversation is confidential.

  2. 02

    Case review

    We review the charges, police reports and deadlines, and explain your options plainly.

  3. 03

    Strategy

    We investigate, file motions and negotiate from a position of strength.

  4. 04

    Resolution

    Dismissal, reduction, diversion or trial — the path that best protects your future.

Charged, arrested or under investigation?

Talk to a former prosecutor today. Confidential.

Call (510) 560-5631Send a message