Beyond the Courtroom: A Voice for Systemic Change
Arezou isn’t just an attorney—she’s a speaker on civility in legal practice, legal ethics, and systemic bias. Through Continuing Legal Education programs across California, she challenges attorneys, judges, and policymakers to confront uncomfortable truths about how the justice system operates and their responsibilities to clients and communities.
Arezou Bakhtjou’s influence extends throughout California’s criminal justice landscape. Arezou has served two terms on both the Board of Governors and Legislative Executive Committee of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ), helping shape criminal justice policy at the state level. She co-founded and co-chaired the Criminal Law Section of the Alameda County Bar Association, creating vital forums for collaboration between attorneys and judges. Additionally, she completed two terms on the Alameda County Judicial Appointments Evaluation Committee (JAEC), working directly with the Governor’s Office to ensure that judicial appointees possess the experience, temperament, and commitment to justice that criminal cases demand. Arezou has served several years on various Executive Board Committees of the California Lawyers Association (CLA).
As an investigative journalist and legislative activist, Arezou continues working toward meaningful reform while providing zealous representation to those facing charges.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services
Arezou Bakhtjou represents clients facing serious criminal charges throughout Oakland, and overall, the Bay Area:
DUI: A DUI arrest threatens your license, livelihood, and freedom. California DUI laws are complex, with consequences including substantial fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, and jail time. Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI, felony DUI with injury, or drug-related impaired driving charges, Arezou will challenge field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and procedures, zealously protecting your driving privileges and your record.
Domestic Violence: These allegations carry severe consequences and are often complicated by false accusations or overzealous prosecution. Arezou understands the sensitive nature of these cases and works diligently to present the full context, challenge weak evidence, and protect both your legal rights and family relationships.
Robbery Charges: Robbery is a serious California felony involving taking property through force or fear. Whether facing first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, or charges enhanced by gang allegations or weapon use, you need experienced representation. Arezou will examine every element of the charges.
Burglary Charges: California burglary law doesn’t require actual theft—entering a structure with intent to commit a felony is sufficient. First-degree burglary (residential burglary) is a strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law, making skilled representation essential to protecting your future.
Trespassing Charges: While trespassing may seem minor, it can result in criminal penalties, harm employment opportunities, and escalate to more serious charges. Arezou thoroughly examines the circumstances of your case, whether involving private property, remaining after being asked to leave, or school grounds trespassing.
Drug Crimes: Charges for possession, possession for sale, transportation, and manufacturing carry serious consequences. Arezou understands both the law and the reality of substance abuse issues and will work towards securing treatment-focused outcomes when appropriate while vigorously defending against overreaching prosecution.
Violent Crimes: Assault with a deadly weapon and other violent crime charges carry grave consequences. Arezou carefully investigates claims of self-defense and defense of others, working to exclude unreliable witness testimony and improperly obtained evidence.
White Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and other white-collar offenses often involve complex financial evidence and can result in both criminal penalties and civil liability. Arezou collaborates with forensic accountants and other experts to zealously represent the clients facing White Collar charges.
Deep Knowledge of Local Courts
Effective criminal defense in Oakland, Alameda County, and overall California courts requires more than understanding California law—it demands familiarity with local court procedures and how cases are handled in practice. Arezou has spent her career in California courtrooms, from the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland to courts throughout the Bay Area, bringing invaluable local knowledge to every case.
A Strategic, Client-Centered Approach
Every criminal case is unique, and every client deserves representation tailored to their specific circumstances. Arezou’s approach begins with listening—understanding not just the charges you face, but your concerns, goals, and what’s truly at stake in your life. From there, she conducts a thorough investigation and develops a comprehensive defense depending on the facts of the case.
Throughout the process, Arezou keeps you informed and involved. The criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially when facing life-changing consequences. You’ll always understand what’s happening in your case, what options are available, and what to expect next.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, or anywhere in Alameda County or the Bay Area, don’t face the California criminal justice system alone. Contact Attorney Arezou Bakhtjou for a consultation to discuss your case and understand your rights.
Your future is too important to leave to chance.
