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John Gilroy, Criminal Defense Attorney in Portland, Oregon

focused on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI

Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Portland.

2
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Quick answer

John Gilroy is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. Currently practicing at Gilroy Napoli Short.

Based in
Portland, OREGON
Experience
attorney
Known for
Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI
  • Handles Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI matters from Portland, OREGON.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026).

About John Gilroy: John Gilroy is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. Currently practicing at Gilroy Napoli Short.

Areas of practice

Legal matters John takes on

John concentrates on criminal defense and dui/dwi. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Portland, Oregon

John takes criminal defense matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Portland, Oregon

John takes dui/dwi matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet John Gilroy — criminal defense lawyer in Portland

John Gilroy is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. Currently practicing at Gilroy Napoli Short.

John Gilroy is a founding partner at Gilroy Napoli Short, LLC, located in Portland, Oregon. Before starting the firm, he gained substantial experience as a Deputy District Attorney in the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, known for being one of Oregon's largest prosecutor’s offices. There, John prosecuted an array of criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. This role afforded him extensive insight into the criminal justice system, which he leverages to defend clients in criminal defense, DUI/DWI defense cases, and personal injury matters. Learn more about the firm's criminal defense services here.

John Gilroy's dedication and effectiveness in serving his clients have been recognized through several nominations, including being named an Oregon Super Lawyer for five consecutive years. In 2014, he was also selected as a member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization recognizing notable attorneys. These honors reflect his commitment to providing quality legal representation in criminal defense and trial advocacy.

John's approach to criminal defense cases

John Gilroy is a founding partner at Gilroy Napoli Short, LLC, located in Portland, Oregon. Before starting the firm, he gained substantial experience as a Deputy District Attorney in the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, known for being one of Oregon's largest prosecutor’s offices. There, John prosecuted an array of criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. This…

Clients John works with

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and dui/dwi matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Santa Clara University

    B.S. · 1993

  • University of Oregon

    J.D. · 1998

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

  • Oregon, Oregon State

    ACTIVE

  • Washington, Washingt

    ACTIVE

John studied at B.S. in Santa Clara University and J.D. in University of Oregon.

Law school and academic background

John completed B.S. in Santa Clara University and J.D. in University of Oregon. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

John has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — DUI / DWI Defense

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — DUI / DWI Defense (2026).

Locations

Office locations for John Gilroy in Portland, Oregon

John's primary office is at Portland, Oregon, 12755. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Gilroy Napoli Short

Portland, Oregon 12755

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Client feedback

Client reviews of John Gilroy

John has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire John Gilroy — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Portland, Oregon

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John Gilroy

  • How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does John offer a free consultation?

    John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

  • How long do criminal defense cases in Oregon typically take?

    Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can John take my case if I'm outside Portland?

    John is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with John?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is John accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon

John handles criminal defense matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.