About Us
Award Winning Attorney
Over 25 Years of Experience
Former District Attorney
Professional And Experienced Family Law Attorney
Attorney Mario Andrews
It is no mystery why Mario Andrews gets extraordinary results for his clients. Mr. Andrews is the perfect storm in the world of criminal defense…a former police officer, investigator, and prosecutor. Very few defense attorneys have a better understanding of how the other side works.
This background benefits his clients in many ways. If a case is in the pre-file stage (no charges have been filed yet), Mario can anticipate how the police will conduct their investigation and can advise you appropriately. If we’re preparing for trial, Mr. Andrews years as a prosecutor gives him the insight to poke holes in the state’s case until it crumbles.
During Mr. Andrews time as a prosecutor, he spent four years working on the Oakland Citizen’s Police Review Board and even chaired it one year. This is an agency that monitors police misconduct and responds to complaints about possible abuses. This experience led Mario to realize that he wanted to work on the other side….to defend individual rights.
Mario has always been dedicated to children and to the community. During his time as a police officer, he spent time teaching classes at schools. He has also served as a board member of both the East Oakland Youth Development Center and of Scholar Athletes, Inc.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
City and County of San Francisco
(9/98-2/06)
www.sfgov.org/da
Presented the prosecution of criminal jury trials, court trials, preliminary hearings, grand jury presentations and various motions. Prepared cases and witnesses for trial and hearings. Reviewed investigations presented by local police and other law enforcement agencies for prosecution or not. Legal research and writing, motions and pleadings. Public speaking of behalf of the office at community events, seminars and public meetings. Follow new criminal legislation and propositions. Taught prostitute abatement classes. Reviewed arrest and search warrants. Trained new attorneys and supervised interns.
OAKLAND’S CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD
(2/02-7/06)
www.oaklandnet.com
Reviewed the Oakland Police Department’s policies and procedures for the officers and non sworn employees to make recommendations for change based on the majority view of the entire Commission. Conduct public hearing on police conduct and policy. Make recommendations to the City Council, Mayor, Chief of Police and City Manager based on our findings. Public speaking and community meetings on behalf of the Commission. Commission Chairman for 2004.
ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER
INVESTIGATOR
County of Contra Costa
(3/95-9/98)
www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/pubdef
Helped with the investigation of criminal defense theories. Found and interviewed witnesses. Wrote and served subpoenas for people and documents. Transported witnesses and clients. Testified the findings of my investigations.
BAR CERTIFIED LAW CLERK
San Francisco District Attorney (1/92-5/92) www.sfgov.org/da
Alameda County District Attorney (8/91-12/91) www.acgov.org/da
San Clara County District Attorney (5/91-8/91) www.santaclara-da.org
Legal research and writing. Presented motions, preliminary hearings and juvenile trials before the courts. Learned trial techniques from attorneys. Attended MCLE training classes with the attorneys, interviewed witnesses and victims of crimes, rode along with the police in San Jose.
POLICE OFFICER
City of Berkeley
(3/81-12/89)
www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police
Uniformed patrol to investigate crimes and other issues in every part of the City. Trained new officers and reserve officers. Wrote search and arrest warrants which I presented to Judges. Issued citations and wrote reports on my investigations. Traffic control, vehicle collision investigations and crowd control for various events. Taught various classes in schools on several issues throughout the City. Testified in court about my investigations. Presented investigations to the District Attorney for prosecution. Basic, Intermediate and advanced POST certificates.
Education & Volunteer
Hastings College of the Law
JD 1992
www.uchastngs.edu
San Francisco State University
BA 1984
www.sfsu.edu
Contra Costa College
AA 1979
www.contracosta.cc.ca.us
Other Volunteer Experience
East Oakland Youth Development Center Board Member (1996-2005)
Board Chairperson (2001) www.eoydc.org
Scholar Athletes Inc. Board Member (1992-2006)
Board Chairperson (1999) www.slamnjam.org