San Jose

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Richard A. Wingerden's interest in criminal law was sparked while he was an undergraduate in Political Science at San Jose State University. His criminal legal experience began in 1991 with a one and a half year internship at the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office. The internship provided him with firsthand experience with the criminal justice system, which solidified his commitment to criminal law. While in law school, Mr. Wingerden continued to work in the criminal justice system by working as an Own Recognizance Release Specialist at the Santa Clara County Office of Pretrial Services. As an Own Recognizance Release Specialist, Mr. Wingerden was assigned to the Santa Clara County Department of Corrections where he worked with judges to release inmates on their own recognizance. This valuable experience allowed Mr. Wingerden to become even more familiar with the criminal judicial system and understand the pain and vulnerability of nearly every inmate in the correction system. He is a strong advocate for inmates’ rights, and developed strong relationships and respect with Judges, prosecutors, officers and jail personnel.