Joseph J Wiseman

I have over 30 years experience as a federal criminal trial and appellate lawyer, which gives me a unique perspective on what works and does not work with defending serious, complex federal charges. I prepare each case for trial, since a good result is only attainable if the lawyer is prepared and willing to go to trial. And I expect my clients to be actively involved in participating in their defense. I also have specialized expertise in American Indian Law and a law professor and Tribal Court Judge.

• White Collar Crime
• Native American Law
• Appeals & Appellate

• Federal Criminal Law

• Credit Cards Accepted

California

Since 1982

5th Circuit

Since 1983

7th Circuit

Since 2011

9th Circuit

Since 1982

10th Circuit

Since 1983

Federal Circuit

Since 2003

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Since 2011

U.S. District Court for the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California

Since 1982

U.S. Supreme Court

Since 2005

U.S. Tax Court

Since 1984

Chief Judge

Northern California Intertribal Court System

2015 - Current

Chief Justice

Round Valley Indian Tribes, Court of Appeals

2015 - Current

Tribal Court Judge

Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians

2012 - Current

Professor of Law

Empire College School of Law

1996 - Current

Attorney

Private Law Practice

1982 - Current

University of California - Los Angeles

Undergraduate Degree (1978)

University of Oregon School of Law

Law Degree (1982)

1979 - 1982

Super Lawyer (White Collar Crime)

Super Lawyers

2016

Invited Member

National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Association of Nation's Top Attorneys

Super Lawyer (White Collar Crime)

Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer (White Collar Crime)

Super Lawyers

2014

Invited Member

Rue's Rating of Best Attorneys in America

2013

California Tribal Court Judges Association

Vice-Chair

2016 - Current

National American Indian Court Judges Association

Member of Board of Directors Steering Committee

2012 - Current

American Bar Association

Member

1995 - Current

California State Bar # 107403

Member

1982 - Current

The Thin Blue Line in Indian Country: A Short Primer on the Power of Tribal Police to Detain Non-Members

SSRN

April 13, 2015

Plenary Session, Annual Meeting, Monterey, CA

November 18, 2016

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform

Presenter on current issues involving CCRCs in California

Public Law 280: Unraveling Its Mysteries and Correcting Misconceptions, Law Day, Hopland, CA

July 23, 2015

Northern California Intertribal Court System

Indian Tribes: Emerging Power in Land and Water Management, Dividing the Waters Program, Eugene, Oregon

May 17, 2014

National Judicial College

Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country, Criminal Justice Panel, Eastern District of California, Sacramento, CA

January 22, 2014

Federal Defenders

Continuing Care Retirement Communities: Continuing Care Contracts/Frequently Asked Questions, Webinar

April 20, 2016

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform

Mineral and Oil and Gas Developement in Indian County, Spring Meeting, St. George, Utah

February 12, 2016

Utah Bar Assocation

Q. .. Can a parent who is indian file custody in tribal court,when the other parent is not indian

1 November 2016

A: Generally, yes; however there is the question of whether the tribal court has jurisdiction over the non-Indian parent. That question is being litigated around the country and there is no clear answer. A lot depends on the specific facts, so you should seek out competent counsel for advice.

Q. If a Native American marries a non native, when he dies is she entitled to his casino royalties?

6 February 2014

A: The answer to your question depends on a variety of facts that should be explored by competent counsel. Your should consult with an attorney who is familiar with federal Indian Law and probate law. Good luck.

Q. Who would take on a civil case where I am the plaintiff suing a casino?

8 December 2012

A: I am assuming the casino is operated by a Indian tribe. If so, only an attorney who is familiar with the concept of tribal sovereign immunity should handle your case. In general, unless the tribe has waived its immunity, it will be difficult to proceed with a case. You should consult with an attorney experienced in that area of law.