Education:

• Willamette University College of Law, J.D. 
• Northwest Christian University, B.A.

Affiliations:

• Admitted Oregon State Bar
• Admitted Oregon Federal District Court
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Oregon State Delegate, Selected by Peers, National College of DUI Defense
• Member of Impaired Driving Committee, National College of DUI Defense (with published articles)
• National Top 100 Trial Lawyers 

Reviews:

https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/authorized/97338-or-neil-halttunen-5147689#reviews

About:

Neil Halttunen is a seasoned criminal trial attorney dedicated to defending the rights of individuals facing criminal charges. With experience spanning from misdemeanors to complex murder cases, Mr. Halttunen is known for his zealous advocacy and commitment to fighting for his clients.

He earned his law degree from Willamette University and began his legal career at his current firm, where he quickly distinguished himself as a skilled litigator and effective negotiator. Clients value Mr. Halttunen's blend of compassion and tenacity, trusting him to provide strong, detail-oriented representation through every phase of a case. From his early days clerking at the firm, he gained hands-on experience in both criminal defense and civil matters, developing a comprehensive understanding of litigation strategy. His extensive collection of successful legal motions and memoranda often leads to favorable outcomes before trial. When trial becomes necessary, Mr. Halttunen brings a strong work ethic and proven track record to the courtroom.

Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Halttunen worked as a police officer, including as a detective investigating financial fraud. This background gives him a unique perspective when defending fraud cases—often uncovering defenses others might miss. He also led major crash investigations, many involving serious injuries or fatalities, and served as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) for his department. He attended the IPTM Traffic Crash and Homicide Investigation school, gaining in-depth knowledge of crash reconstruction and impairment-related manslaughter charges—complex cases that require careful analysis of scientific and expert evidence. His insight into police procedures allows him to identify investigative errors that can be pivotal to his clients' defense.

Mr. Halttunen is especially respected for his expertise in DUII cases. Drawing on two years of full-time DUII enforcement and his certification as a DRE, he is frequently consulted by attorneys across Oregon. Following the legalization of marijuana, he noticed a rise in questionable marijuana DUII arrests, prompting him to create and teach a 12-hour course on defending drug-related DUII cases. This course has received outstanding reviews, and many attorneys have credited their courtroom success to his instruction. Mr. Halttunen serves on the Impaired Driving Committee of the National College for DUI Defense and was selected as Oregon's State Delegate to the organization by his peers.

Outside the courtroom, Mr. Halttunen enjoys barbequing, traveling and riding motorcycles. He is also actively involved in Pop Warner Football.

Mr. Halttunen understands that an arrest does not define a person. He approaches each case with empathy, recognizing the stress clients face, and strives to provide not only legal defense but peace of mind.

Case Examples:

False allegations happen. Client was facing lengthy prison sentence after being accused of sex crimes against a family member. Mr. Halttunen conducted his own investigation and was able to produce evidence in trial proving the allegations could not have happened. Mr. Halttunen also engaged the right experts to demonstrate the complainant was experiencing mental health symptoms that may explain the allegations. At trial, the client was acquitted of all eight felony counts he had been charged with by the state.

False allegations. Police responded to the client's residence and the primary officer made assumptions about perceived "injuries" to the alleged victim. Mr. Halttunen was able to demonstrate at trial that the "victim" was actually the assailant and had rubbed the client's blood all over herself after the assault to give herself the appearance of being the victim. The client was charged with, among other things, a Measure 11 Assault in the Second Degree and was facing a lengthy prison term. Mr. Halttunen was able to assemble the right panel of experts to disprove both causation and that there was no serious physical injury. Client was acquitted of all four counts in the indictment. 

Client was married and on the brink of divorce. His wife accused him of rape, filed a restraining order to remove him from the home, and took possession of all the marital assets including a large sum cash in the family safe. Mr. Halttunen was able to prove the wife lied about the rape allegations to gain financial advantage in the divorce.  Client was acquitted of all charges.  

Client of the firm was facing multiple charges including Manslaughter in the First Degree. Mr. Halttunen noticed a defect in the indictment. That defect was challenged at trial resulting in the most serious charge being dropped.

Mr. Halttunen represented a very young client who had a substance abuse problem. The client had engaged in a crime spree that was going to cost this young man a prison sentence that would span from age eighteen until his early forties. The evidence in the case was overwhelming. Mr. Halttunen negotiated a resolution that resulted in the client receiving a sentence that will allow for his release in 3-4 years depending on his participation in prison programs.   

Client was arrested for DUII and their blood alcohol content measured .19. Mr. Halttunen successfully challenged the DMV suspension. Police made procedural errors in the case.  Mr. Halttunen filed a motion to suppress and demonstrated to the judge that the officer was not being truthful on the witness stand, so much so that the judge advised the officer of his right to remain silent. The motion to suppress was granted and the case was dismissed. Mr. Halttunen also secured a financial settlement from the police in favor of his client for the violation of her rights.

Client charged with a controlled substance DUII. Police suspected the client was intoxicated by methamphetamines and marijuana. The prosecutor used two police officers, including a drug recognition expert, and a forensic toxicologist in an attempt to convict the client. Mr. Halttunen used his own background as a drug recognition expert to demonstrate to the jury that the police and prosecutor were wrong.  The client was acquitted of DUII. 

Client charged with felony level assault and recklessly endangering another person. Mr. Halttunen demonstrated to the jury that the client used lawful force in defense of another person. Client acquitted.