Areas Of Practice

A Reputation For Success In Federal Cases



When facing a federal criminal investigation or charges, it’s vital that you have a respected, dedicated criminal defense attorney fighting for you as the outcome of your case will have irreversible, life-long consequences.

For five decades, John Runfola has handled innumerable federal cases, attracting national and international attention. Mr. Runfola’s past cases have ranged from multimillion dollar fraud allegations to international billion dollar drug conspiarcies, terrorism and organized crime. Mr. Runfola has represented corporate leaders, bankers, organized crime figures and federal agents, in cases which have featured publicity hungry prosecutors, intense media scrutiny and behind-the-scenes political drama.

  • Conspiracy in federal cases
  • White collar crimes
  • Mortgage Fraud
  • Embezzlement and theft
  • Mail and wire fraud
  • Drug offenses
  • Marijuana cultivation and drug manufacturing
  • Embezzlement and theft

Uncompromising Defense Against Federal And State Drug Charges



The Law Offices of John M. Runfola has assembled a knowledgeable team of attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and experts, all dedicated to providing high-quality advocacy.

Our team will thoroughly examine the evidence in your case, prepare you and witnesses willing to testify on your behalf, and conduct an independent investigation to create a powerful and persuasive defense strategy and presentation. Mr. Runfola’s experience in the courtroom also extends to his knowledge of the inner workings of prosecutor’s offices, personnel, media, and government agencies, including, the FBI, Homeland Security, and DEA.

Mr. Runfola has saved the reputations, jobs, and freedom of countless clients through his litigation experience and motions practice. He is well-versed and respected in federal and state courts, where he has successfully defended local and foreign clients in large scale and complex drug cases.

  • Drug manufacturing/cultivation
  • Drug trafficking/distribution/transportation
  • Drug transportation
  • Drug possession

Violent Crimes: Defend Your Liberty And Your Reputation



Being charged with or investigated for a violent crime carries with it the possibility of years or decades in prison.  Simple disputes can quickly escalate into violence.  Even a threat of violence is a crime.

Mr. Runfola understands that another individual’s lies, misperceptions, or aggression towards you can permanently alter your life without an aggressive defense strategy and attorney.  He possesses extensive courtroom experience and knowledge of the tactics and techniques used by law enforcement, prosecutors, and forensic laboratories.

Mr. Runfola works tenaciously to defend his clients at every stage of the legal process. He thoroughly examines and analyzes the evidence in his client’s case, looking beyond law enforcement’s reports and conclusions. He seeks to exclude damaging evidence and to understand the context of the events and the behaviors of his client and the alleged victim and witnesses while exploring defense strategies based on motive, mistake of fact, identity, self-defense and/or defense of others.

Mr. Runfola assembles a team of professionals who provide critical insight and assistance in formulating a defense strategy. These professionals include forensic evidence specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, private investigators, and other professionals.  Mr. Runfola understands the gravity of the consequences his clients face and works tirelessly to preserve their freedom.

  • Assault and battery
  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Aggravated assault
  • Weapons offenses
  • Arson
  • Date rape
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual Assault
  • Terrorist/Criminal Threats
  • Title IX Violations
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder

Immigration Crimes: A Lawyer Who Stands Up For Your Rights



Immigration fraud is a broad term used to describe a wide variety of fraudulent immigration-related acts, including falsifying information on immigration documents to secure entry into the United States, entering into a fraudulent marriage solely for immigration reasons, or fraudulently providing another person with invalid immigration services.”

Whether you are accused of misconduct in attempting to enter or remain in the U.S. or offering fraudulent immigration-related services or assistance to another person, you can face federal criminal charges and other serious penalties as a result of your alleged crime. If you or someone you love has been charged with immigration fraud, or if you have reason to believe you are a target in a federal immigration fraud investigation, you need to retain the services of a skilled federal criminal defense attorney before speaking with the authorities. Allegations of federal immigration fraud should never be taken lightly.  Mr. Runfola will do everything in his power to achieve the best possible outcome for his client’s immigration fraud case.

Aggressive and Versatile Criminal Defense



In addition to the defense services that Mr. Runfola offers against charges of drug crimes, white collar crimes, violent crimes, and immigration-related crimes, he also supports his clients in a number of areas that do not fit easily into those larger categories. These other services include:

Pre-arrest representation: Legal support for those who believe they may be charged with crime in the future. By taking preemptive legal “steps”, it is often possible to avoid being charged or face less severe charges.

Grand Jury Representation: “Advocacy” for those who have been subpoenaed by a grand jury, whether it be as a witness, subject or target.

Weapons offenses: The presence of a weapon can significantly increase the penalty for any crime, and even everyday items like cutlery, tools and sports equipment might be considered a weapon by prosecutors. California has the most restrictive and harsh gun laws in the nation, weapons which are legal in 42 other states are felonies in California. Mr. Runfola works with a retired law enforcement gun expert to develop defenses for those charged with weapon offenses. Common items such as cutlery, hunting knives, tools and sports equipment might be considered a weapon by prosecutors.

Property Crimes and Theft Charges: Defense for charges from petty theft to grand larceny.

Juvenile Offense: Criminal defense tailored to the unique rules of California’s juvenile justice system and the accused minor.

Restraining Orders: Our office can help you seek relief, regain access to your home and custody of your children.

Post-conviction relief: A conviction is not the end of a case. Appealing a conviction to a higher court can result in a conviction being overturned or a sentence reduced. Additionally, criminal convictions can be expunged or dismissed.

DUI and Vehicular Crimes: Punishment for DUI offenses can range from no time in custody to years in prison and lifetime revocation of a person’s driving privilege, technical defenses, the use of accident reconstruction experts, experienced toxicologists and pharmacologist are employed when defending our clients.

 
  • Pre-arrest representation
  • Grand jury representation
  • Weapons offenses
  • Property Crimes and Theft charges
  • Juvenile Offenses
  • Restraining orders
  • Post-conviction relief
  • DUI and Vehicular crimes