About Us |
I look forward to meeting you and working with you to obtain the best possible outcome to your unique circumstances. Sincerely, Jonathan Che Gettleman |
The Practice I practice various different areas of law, among these areas are: I grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in a family of lawyers. Both of my parents were criminal defense attorneys: My father with a focus on capital and drug cases and my mother with a focus on juvenile justice. I spent the better part of my childhood in the courtroom studying the various participants in their unique social roles. I have been professionally engaged in the practice of law since 2002 when I was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. I started my practice of law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hung my own shingle and ventured out looking for justice for my clients. My wife Elizabeth and I had a thriving law practice. In Pittsburgh, I successfully tried a variety of criminal misdemeanor and felony cases with a specialty in drug cases and suppression hearings. Upon moving to Santa Cruz and being admitted to the California bar, I began working at the California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) in Salinas, CA. My focus at the CRLA was primarily litigation related to recovering unpaid wages and benefits for migrant field workers and various other low income individuals. After being in a large urban environment for so long it was nice to help rural clients. During this time, I also independently maintained a criminal case load. After leaving CRLA, I opened my own law firm in Santa Cruz, California. My mission is through tireless effort, to bring all facts, witness biases, science and truth to light to facilitate the most favorable outcome for your case. If your case is triable, I want to try it. However, not every case results in an acquittal or dismissal. Sometimes a negotiator is more advantageous than a gladiator. I have studied the art of negotiation including the various steps required to create the best environment for favorable negotiation to thrive. In my practice, I try various types of criminal and civil cases. I especially value cases with challenging facts. I contract with excellent investigators and experts to present your facts in the most favorable and compelling light. I have practiced in front of every judge in Santa Cruz County. I believe everyone has a right to excellent representation at a reasonable cost. I offer my services to Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito County communities for a reasonable fee to assure those in need are able to afford excellent representation. I also believe everyone deserves an advocate that will fight hard for them in difficult times. I practice fighting hard for your benefit. I also enjoy going to trial when appropriate and having your case resolved by a cross section of our community. I look forward to meeting you and discussing your unique case. Please feel free to call or email my office for a free confidential consultation. |
I have been admitted to practice in the following courts: 1) All California State Courts 2) United States District Court for the Northern District of California 3) United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 4) All Pennsylvania State Courts 5) United States District Court for the Western District of PA 6) United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA (Pro Hac Vice) 7) United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Pro Hac Vice) |
Several of my cases have been nationally published setting legal precedent: 1) State v. Crowley, 41 P.3d 618 (AZ.App.2002), Brammer, P.J. (briefing) 2) Com v. Burton, 2007 PA Super 319 (P.A. Super. 2007), Pannella, J (lead counsel on habeas petition) 3) Fernandez v. Cal. Dept. of Pesticide Reg, (2008) 164 Cal.App.4th 1214, Stein, P.J. (lead counsel on appeal) |