Charlie Dresow has practiced criminal law since Day 1. Here’s why, and what one of Marin’s leading criminal defense lawyers enjoys doing when he’s not serving his clients.

When did you decide to be a lawyer, and why did you choose criminal law?
I think that as soon as I was old enough to be realistic about what I wanted for a career, which was when I was in college, I wanted to be a lawyer. Ever since my first jury trial, I’ve enjoyed trial work and criminal representation. I enjoy being in court and working to equalize the balance between the prosecution and my client’s interests.

What do you find rewarding in your work?
I like finding the path forward for people in a difficult situation and helping people through something that most of the time they don’t have the ability to get through on their own.

Do you have anyone who mentored you in your career or give you any good advice?
I’ve been pretty independent in that regard. My dad and grandfather were career criminal defense lawyers, and my dad always told me to look the judge and the jury in the eye and represent your client to the best of your ability.

What would you change about the practice of law?
I would like to be rid of the volume of cases that forces the legal system to worry about the overwhelming number of cases, and give it the ability to put more focus on each individual case.

What do you do to separate work from the rest of your life?
You have to leave work at work, and the way I do that is to be satisfied that I’ve worked hard and put my heart and soul into the case. You can control that. My background in sports helps with this. You can get beat up and you may have worked and tried all you could to achieve a successful outcome, but sometimes things don’t work out. You still have to move forward and give your other clients your best effort as well.

Have you ever been scared in your job?
This is another benefit from having played sports for a number of years. I found that by preparing properly, I can harness that nervousness into a productive emotion, and once I’m in a courtroom and get rolling, I’m comfortable.

You spent much of your career as a solo practitioner, but now belong to a larger Marin firm, Ragghianti Freitas. What prompted the change?
I’ve always respected the firm, and I was good friends with a number of the practitioners at the firm before I became a partner there. It’s a good fit, and I love being there.

Why are you involved in the MCBA and serve as a Director?
I believe the Bar is important for its support of the profession policy-wise and to provide services to its membership. I’ve always been interested in having a leadership role. I’ve worked on revitalizing the Criminal Law Section because all criminal law attorneys (prosecutors, public defenders, and private defense counsel) can benefit from a Section that provides education and the ability to meet and mingle with each other outside the courtroom.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy being with my family, and I have a 10-month old daughter. I also enjoy reading. I choose to read mostly non-fiction history books and some legal books.

Why did you choose to stay in Marin for your career and your family?
We’re close to the ocean and mountains. I was fortunate enough to travel around the world through the years, and I like it here.