Wesley J. Schroeder

Wesley J. Schroeder is a San Jose criminal defense attorney whose practice is limited to criminal, juvenile, and dependency court matters. He represents individuals accused of serious offenses, including homicide, sex crimes, and domestic violence. His work also covers expungement and matters involving children and families in juvenile court. He brings experience as both a public defender and a private practitioner to protecting clients’ legal rights.

Schroeder earned a B.A. in English with honors in his major from Whitman College and a J.D. from the University of California, Davis, King Hall School of Law. He won a moot court competition during law school. His legal education and courtroom training informed a career focused on constitutional protections, trial advocacy, and ensuring that people accused of crimes receive a meaningful opportunity to present their defense.

Schroeder previously served as a senior trial attorney with the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office, supervising juvenile and dependency matters and the Palo Alto branch. In private practice since 1981, he has handled more than 12,000 criminal, juvenile, and dependency matters and more than 200 jury trials. Those trials include homicide, sex offense, and domestic violence cases, along with complex court-appointed defense work.

Wesley J. Schroeder has contributed to the legal community through criminal law instruction, moot court judging, professional associations, and service on committees addressing criminal justice. He has also served as a judge pro tem for small claims and traffic matters. His professional approach emphasizes investigation, preparation, courtroom advocacy, and the rights guaranteed to accused individuals under the United States Constitution.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Office of Wesley Schroeder
• Member, The State Bar of California
• Judge Pro Tem, Santa Clara County Court Small Claims and Traffic
• Member, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
• Judiciary and Criminal Justice Committees, Santa Clara County Bar Association
• Board Member, Santa Clara County Sentencing Alternative Program
• Member, California Public Defenders Association

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of California, Davis, King Hall School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Whitman College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges