The Law Offices of Robert J Beles

I had some old charges from 20 years ago in San Francisco, that I was under the impression were taken care of. Back when the event occurred, being entrapped by undercover cops, accusing me of selling drugs. I was notified after a NCIC background check for a firearm purchase that I still had a warrant from 1997.
I was actually in disbelief.
So I found that I indeed did have a warrant. I was only in San Francisco for a few weeks when the event occurred. I have had some light interactions with the police nationwide since the event and nothing ever showed up on when they ran my identity.
Knowing that I need to have this taken care of, I contacted a local lawyer I knew. He told me that I would need to find a lawyer in the San Francisco area to represent me and that it may be hard to do so, since some may not want to deal with headache of my situation and that also it could end up being very costly. That maybe I should just ignore it.
I did some in depth research online via Unilocal and some other sites, looking at old headlines of cases the different law groups have handled. I also looked at the backgrounds of the law firms lawyers and the types of schools they went too. I had already had Beles in mind, when I decided to contact a family member who is a lawyer for Bechtel, that does business in San Francisco sometimes. He name Beles as one of the few, that he thought would be a good match.
I talked and dealt with Renato Manay, he was very level headed and patient. His approach was very calculated and direct, after receiving all the information in regards to my case. He also obtained feedback from Mr. Beles as things progressed, to make sure everything would go as they had planned for getting my case dismissed. I was looking at 2 felony charges and 2 misdemeanor as well as recalling an out of state warrant, which is actually fairly difficult to do an a felony case, without making a appearance by the defendant.
What I don’t understand on seeing some of negative reviews on here concerning Beles Law. Is that people don’t understand the importance of having an ex prosecutor, who knows the ins and outs of system and how to navigate it. Plus having relationships of 30+ years in the local jurisdictions and a reputation of someone who wins, is a very big deal. I’m sure most DA’s see that Beles is representing some one and give them different treatment, then some other less known law firm. Knowing that Beles Law could drop the hammer if they had too. Most DAs so not want to go trial for any reason, especially in a more congested urban areas.
I have had to use lawyers two times for representation, in dealing with criminal affairs. The other time being a Safety check for a DUI, because I refused to blow or do the field sobriety test. I hired an ex prosecutor for that and had the same results, case dismissed. The name and experience plus the skill of Beles Law is worth every dollar. Don’t be fooled by people’s reviews saying otherwise. Of course there will always being negative feedback.
My experience from the first call was call was very reassuring all the way to final email, stating my case was dismissed and that the warrant was recalled. Without me having to travel cross country.
I very highly recommend Beles Law. They protected me and my family’s future from a very wrongful, mishandled attempt at justice via entrapment.

I contacted Robert Beles to get some information regarding fraudulent credit card charges/​identity theft. He gave me some valuable insight into how I could go about getting reimbursed for the time and money that was taken from me. Unfortunately he later pointed out that I wasn’t quick enough in reporting the fraudulent charges so the most I could be reimbursed for was fifty dollars which isn’t great considering the charges were well over a hundred. After clearing the fraudulent information from my credit report I decided to chalk it up as a loss and move on. I still very much appreciate Robert taking the time to provide me with a layout of legal options even if it didn’t pan out how I would have liked. Thanks again.

I’m thrilled to look back on the job Beles law did for me. I know it could have been so much harder if I went with another firm or tried representing myself. Of all the people we have dealt with, especially Robert Beles, they have proven to be more than just attorneys but great people as well.
My fiancé’s father was a migrant worker in his youth and we want him to come live with us in America. He was caught driving with a .08 BLA and they told us he would be deported. We hired Beles to prevent this from happening. I met with Robert in person, he was very understanding and reassured he would do his best. They kept us informed of the process and updates on a regular basis and the case was finally just settled. Beles won our case and my soon to be father in law would be able to stay in the country. I’m very pleased with our outcome!

My husband needed assistant with a lawyer and I sign on. Now I was very pleased when the first lawyer Mr. Adams came on but when he left my husband case has not even been dealt with properly. It frustrated me because I don’t even have a degree an I feel that we can better represent ourselves. This law firm is a joke. If I didn’t already place lots of money in this company I surely would have left. If I also had the funds for MR. Adams I would surely switch. Don’t GO HERE UNLESS YOUR DESPERATE!

I posted 8 months ago and no paper work has been filed in my in-​laws case. I have no trust in these people. Prayer may better than spending your money. Sorry, just keeping it real.

My life was going smoothly until I found myself in a situation thanks to an ex. I needed a lawyer and fast.
Robert Beles made me feel at ease and even cracked jokes with me. He never made me feel judged.
I worked primarily with Bob Beles and Demetrius Costy. And, don’t let me forget to mention Manny– Beles’ assistant that would make himself available on his personal cell phone and always replied when I was a nervous wreck. He was always friendly, and really cared enough to take my calls no matter how late.
Bob and his associates move easily through he courts with confidence. It’s clear I made the right decision.
Thank you to the Beles firm for believing in me and for getting me through this difficult experience in my life!!!
I highly recommend the Beles firm!!!

Robert Beles is by far the most outstanding lawyer I have ever worked with. He is fair and honest, which was not my experience with lawyers to this point. He has defended my family in the most stressful situation and has made us feel more confident at put us at ease. He and his staff are brilliant in their defense strategies and gives 110% to make sure all defensive options are explored. His assistant was always available immediately through text and email and I was always able to speak to Mr. Beles when I needed too. I would recommend Mr. Beles to anyone that needs a Criminal Defense Lawyer.

I only gave one star because Unilocal need a least one star to start. I hired and paid Mr. Beles firm $ 10,000. I started with him more than 1 ½ years ago. I started with my attorney but due to a death in the family my attorney couldn’t continue.(deepest sympathy) my second attorney I went to the office to meet this one he ask what I would like I told him I like my son to be next to me telling you but at this point it’s not going to happen all I want is that you inform me and my son with a letter keep us updated in his case and what it would cost for him to visit my son and he said that my son will get a visit from his attorney. We agreed and I was on my way home the following weeks later my attorney wrote me a letter that he is no longer in the firm with Mr. Beles and I was being appointed with another attorney in the firm. (fine out he still working for the firm just out side) Next I call this attorney and ask if she could keep me and my son updated with a letter answer was NO she likes phone calls. OK I continue at this they were suppose to be working on his opening brief and extension and extension my son submit in his own opening brief I call to talk to my attorney I ask what is the problem the yelling started and I stated if you don’t want to do my opening brief GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK after that I never talk to that attorney again it was Mr. Beles turn he got on the phone told me it don’t work like that I told him to push my son’s opening brief during the next week or my son submit his own opening brief. My son brief was sent back because he had a attorney on file after the extension ran out Mr. Beles submit my son’s opening brief the only thing Mr. Beles did was put his name and Mr. Paul McCarthy name on my son’s opening brief. (I have my son’s copy of his brief and it’s the same my attorney submitted) Next phase is getting my sons bail on appeal now this was really the big one while my son was working and helping Mr. Beles with his opening brief he took my son’s collect call’s after submitting his opening brief he STOP. I was told they could not take my sons collect calls to expense Now I pay for my son’s collect calIs I send a money order each month for my son collect calls Now back to the bail on appeals months pass and I was asking to submit his bail no movement at the law office again my son submitted his bail on appeal it was return after calling and calling and calling his staff Mr. McCarthy was working hard on my son’s bail and was making it strong after calling and calling attorney submitted his bail on appeal it was denied my son call Mr. Beles and told my son that he did nothing on my son’s bail on appeal and it was his fault that he didn’t get bail after all lies that the staff was giving to me and my son how they were making the bail of appeal strong (conversations being recorded you lied). Next phase the RIT, I was told that the rit was going to be done on a Friday then Tuesday then Wednesday I went on Thursday morning to pick up my copy of the rit, I said good morning to the reception and said I came to pick up my copy of the rit and the respond from the ATTORNEY GENERAL on my son’s opening brief after time after time waiting I was told No rit was ready even though it was to be done then I ask for out line came back no out line of the rit after long conversation with one of the staff Mr. Beles came out started yelling you can not come to his office with out a appointment and I said don’t need appointment did not come to see you came to pick up papers after that my son call me and the call Mr. Beles talk with him and call me back and told me to ask the receptionist that we are NOT firing Mr. Beles were Not firing Mr. Beles and to ask Mr. Beles if he QUIT on the conversation with my son he said I told you if your mother or family comes in I Quit my son explain I came in for my copies of the rit after that my son call Mr. Beles again at this time my son was talking to a staff member and Mr. Beles was over hearing took the phone from his staff and said he Quit that he could not work on my son’s declaration because it was 8 pages. Mr. Beles you have been rude to me in front of your staff (never go to office alone) if I have a appointment your rude if I am there to pick up papers your rude and in front of your staff Now you QUIT please one thing Mr. Beles I paid you not my son and my son did his own opening brief you just put your name on it he did his own bail on appeal your did nothing on that (your phone is being record) my son did his own RIT and you don’t want to continue with my son after all the work my son has done were is my MONEY as of Thursday my son is with out an attorney

Please do your research before hiring any attorney. I made the mistake of hiring this law firm without doing any research and if I would have even looked on Unilocal it would have been a great help. I have the same exact experience as all of these other Unilocalers and it’s very sad that an attorney that you pay to help you would take your money and run. It seems the going rate for this law firms help is $ 2500 as I was charged the same thing. Calls were never answered or returned after the initial first visit. The first visit wasn’t all that assuring either as I had originally spoken to Robert Beles and ended up meeting with Jerry Lipkin who wasn’t at all interested in my case. After paying the $ 2500 upfront it was over before it started. I had limited contact with Jerry as he was never available. Lucky for me no charges were ever pressed against me and I was excited about this and was looking forward to the rest of the work this law firm was supposed to perform for me. However I was informed I was being charged $ 400 dollars an hour! Which I then requested a refund as at this time no work had been performed besides the initial meeting. I was sent a letter that I could file a complaint with the state bar association and request fee arbitration if I liked and they would be willing to assist me further if necessary. Ha Ha Ha I was thinking this had to be a joke! Only in America can you pay someone $ 2500 dollars for services and receive nothing. I am going forward with any process I can to get any refund back as $ 2500 is a lot of money especially when you borrowed it!

I got nervous after reading these reviews as we had just hired Anne Beles on a DUI charge. She was able to get the charge reduced to a wet and reckless which we were very happy about at the time and which may ultimately be helpful at some point in the future? It’s hard to tell because we eventually found out that because it was a commercial license the CA DMV has a mandatory one year suspension regardless. Of course no employer or union will hold a job for a year.
The most frustrating thing was that the communication really fell apart after the court date. We had to make a lot of calls to the DMV in Sac, the Safety office and finally to another attorney when Anne wouldn’t return our calls in order to figure that out. It’s like she didn’t want to deliver bad news or maybe didn’t want to deal with the DMV part after the hearing? Weeks later she asked us if we had any questions? This law firm would have more clients if they were just straight up w/​people and didn’t pull the «she’s in trial and can’t return your call» crap.

I told my new attorney David Reagan I would write a review because I was so pleased with his work. My original attorney was John McCurley but apparently he is not with the firm anymore. In any case I was very pleased with the outcome of my case. I have no priors and was facing a misdemeanor which was eventually dismissed, but the record would still be there (not a big deal to most but it is to me and my profession). David Reagan was able to get my record sealed and destroyed with the district attorneys strong opposition. I was more than ecstatic to hear the good news and I can strongly recommend Mr Reagan since he handled my case in a timely and efficient manner. He was VERY responsive and I had no issues communicating with him. After reading his profile on the law firms website I was very impressed with his education and experience and was not surprised he did not fall short of my expectations. GREAT JOB DAVID! THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN!

I have to agree with both posters below. This is by far one of the worst law firms. They have a big office near Lake Merritt, and then run clients through here like a factory.
They’re good on selling you to sign them on, but after that everything goes down hill. You just become another client; and in fact there’s nothing more to gain from you because you’ve already paid.
Everything from lack of action, to poor response, to doing just the bare minimum. Once they take your money, they try to get rid of you as soon as possible. You pay good money to get proper representative, and what you get here is the complete opposite.
Here’s a clue. Just sitting in their waiting room, you’ll see many clients try to call in to get an update on their case. People who have paid thousands of dollars. Instead, you get the receptionist who seems to have an excuse for everything. I’ve seen many clients try to get a chance to talk with their lawyer only to be turned down over and over again by the receptionist.
Before you hire, Beles and his team, I would caution you of these horror stories. Not only do you not get proper representation, but you’ll probably get screwed in the end. A public defender would probably do better.
The day of my court appearance, not only do I not get Beles, I get his incompetent partner. I paid good money, and he’s running around handling like 10 other cases the same day. Horrible. Stay away!
A good lawyer is not a given. Call around, do some research. Something worse than no representation is horrible, indifferent representation.
03÷20÷12 Update: Someone from the office took notice of this review and has sent me a short reply via Unilocal.They mentioned fee refund below, and perhaps better quality control. So far nothing has come of it. Does a leopard changes its spots? I don’t know, until I see further, I’ll keep this review up.
08÷03÷12: It just shows how low Mr. Beles and his law firm will go. It looks like this review is doing its job and warning others to stay away from this law firm. Mr. Beles and his team have taken notice, and just recently disclosed confidential information about my case through his Unilocal response! What happened to attorney-​client relationship? I guess it doesn’t matter to him; he’ll throw you under the bus inside & outside the courtroom. I had to contact Unilocal,to get this information removed from the site.

I hired this firm in 2009 for my husband who was facing criminal and immigration issues (deportation). Our entire livelihood was on the line here and I put all my trust in these attorneys and I am so glad I did because their performance was absolutely remarkable. The communication between us superseded that of other offices I have dealt with. The entire staff is very friendly and helpful. Sonia was super nice every time I called and very helpful and always returned calls. If anyone were to ask me for a recommendation on a great attorney in the Bay Area, I would not hesitate one bit on referring the Law Office of Robert Beles. My family is so happy and appreciative of the excellent work performed by the attorneys in this firm. More specifically, Attorney Jesse Adams, who is an extraordinary person and who finalized the case on January 9, 2012 with the Judge rending the decision in our favor. On top of that, their prices were very reasonable and we never had a single issue with them. So again, I would like to thank this office for the amazing job they did in relation to my husband’s case.

Annie Beles at the firm is an amazing lawyer! You get what you pay for with this firm. Quality, professional representation, and great assistants. I personally retained ANNIE For a criminal case facing 10 years, Annie reduced charges to 16 months. Case 2, I again retained Annie in Contra Costa County, Annie was able to not only get the bail amount taken away and defendant let out that day (o.r.) But she knew the judge! Annie grew up in the law firm and is very well known and liked. Dont let the short skirts fool you. Honestly, no she is not in the office everytime you call. But… MANNY Her assistant is there office hours, and will give you his undivided attention and get back to you within 24 hours. I can only speak for Annie and Manny and I would trust them with my life and family members if you were subject to jail. I def would call heres the number 8 360 100… lol I know it by heart… you should too!

Beles law office can handle anything in the criminal law world. Robert has been practicing many many years and can handle anything. My experience with them has been great.
Mike

This was the worst experience ever!!! Attorney John McCurley who took my case for a certificate of rehabilitation was absolutely unprepared timid.
He relied on his briefs and was not able to argue the accolades of my attendance of college, 10 years of work in the public sector as a Firefighter and EMT. John McCurley is not a strong orator, nor a strong attorney. He is unrehearsed, and cannot be relied upon to defend the facts. Do not spend your hard earned money on Beles Law Firm and avoid Mr. McCurley especially.
This was a waste of $ 2500 and a waste of nearly 14 years of trying to clear my name, John McCurley and The Beles Law Firm failed in every sense of the word. Paperwork was not filed in ample time, was not filed with enough time for the judge to review the case. In court Attorney John McCurley did not meet the energy of the judge nor the district attorney, was not able to name my awards, certificates, college credentials, job history. As my family watched in the courtroom abject horror as years of toil, hard work and sacrifice, were timidly glazed over by this inept attorney and the firm he represents. My dreams of being free from mistakes I made as a child. Now have to wait years before I may try again. Avoid Beles Law firm at all costs, they will just take your money, and you will probably have better defense by a paralegal.

Robert Beles’ law office did a superb job handling my case. I cannot express enough gratitude that I feel for the outstanding way in which Robert Beles represented me. Mr. Beles met with me personally. He is not arrogant or judgmental. He does not «talk down to you», as one might expect from high-​powered attorneys. Instead, Mr. Beles is very kind, extremely bright, truly competent, and an excellent listener. He put me at ease. I felt better about my situation immediately after meeting Mr. Beles (he’ll insist you call him ‘Bob’). I could tell right away he was going to work hard in making my problem all but disappear. He believed in me, and because I could tell this about him, I believed in him. He made me feel confident that everything was going to be alright. All the promises he made to me came true. He did not BS me, and he did not make false claims about his abilities or what he could do for me. He was honest, sincere, and genuine. I put my full trust in him and I was not disappointed. Mr. Beles was able to take my case (that was potentially devastating) and get it down to something minor. It won’t even appear on my record. Incredible. I am grateful for all that Robert Beles was able to do for me, and if I ever need a top-​notch attorney again, I won’t hesitate to contact Mr. Beles. If you need legal help, I advise you to seek Robert Beles as your representation.