Peter Keith Ottenweller, Criminal Defense Attorney in Santa Rosa, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatPeter Ottenweller
Santa Rosa, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Santa Rosa since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Peter Keith Ottenweller is a member based in Santa Rosa, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Peter has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Peter Ottenweller. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Santa Rosa, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Litigation · Personal Injury
- Handles Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury matters from Santa Rosa, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Peter Keith Ottenweller: Peter Keith Ottenweller is a member based in Santa Rosa, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Peter has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Peter Ottenweller. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Peter's practice areas in Santa Rosa
Peter concentrates on criminal defense, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Criminal Defense cases in Santa Rosa, California
Peter takes criminal defense matters in Santa Rosa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Santa Rosa, California
Peter takes litigation matters in Santa Rosa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Santa Rosa, California
Peter takes personal injury matters in Santa Rosa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Biography
Peter Keith Ottenweller, criminal defense attorney serving Santa Rosa
Peter Keith Ottenweller is a member based in Santa Rosa, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Peter has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Peter Ottenweller. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. Peter works from Santa Rosa, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Peter Keith Ottenweller is a lawyer practicing criminal law, personal injury, civil litigation. Peter received a B.A. degree from New College of California in 1976, and has been licensed for 44 years. Peter practices at Peter Ottenweller in Santa Rosa, CA.
How Peter handles criminal defense matters
Peter Keith Ottenweller is a lawyer practicing criminal law, personal injury, civil litigation. Peter received a B.A. degree from New College of California in 1976, and has been licensed for 44 years. Peter practices at Peter Ottenweller in Santa Rosa, CA.
Who Peter represents
Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, litigation, and personal injury matters in Santa Rosa and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Peter studied and practices
Hastings College of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1980
New College of California
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Peter's state bar admissions
California
1982 · ACTIVE
Peter studied at J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in New College of California.
Law school and academic background
Peter completed J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in New College of California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Peter's legal honors and published work
Peter has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Peter's professional memberships and bar associations
Sonoma County Bar Association Redwood Empire Trial Lawyers Association Sonoma County Consumer Attorney Association
membership
Locations
Peter Keith Ottenweller's office in Santa Rosa
Peter's primary office is at 3333 Mendocino Avenue, Suite 202, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Peter Keith Ottenweller — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Peter. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Santa Rosa.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Peter Keith Ottenweller claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Peter Keith Ottenweller — 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 Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Peter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter'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; Peter will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Santa Rosa, California
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 Peter
Peter 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. Peter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Peter'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 Peter Keith Ottenweller
How much does it cost to hire Peter for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Peter walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Peter offer a free consultation?
Peter charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Peter's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California 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. Peter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Peter take my case if I'm outside Santa Rosa?
Peter is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Peter 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 Peter?
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. Peter will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Peter accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Peter'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 Santa Rosa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Peter handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
- Santa Rosa1,482 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
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