Lincoln N. Mintz, a well-known criminal defense attorney who practiced law in Oakland for more than 30 years, died March 21 at Kaiser Hospital in Hayward after suffering a series of illnesses. He was 70.

Mr. Mintz was involved in several high-profile cases, including murder trials. His clients also included professional and college athletes. He was a familiar figure in East Bay courtrooms and was on friendly terms with several judges.

However, he began neglecting his practice in the mid-1990s, though he still had cases pending. As a result, he got into difficulties with the State Bar and was disbarred in 2000.

"I spent 30 years fighting," he said at the time, "and after I left the practice, I realized I was tired of fighting."

Michael Healy, a friend for years, said he thought Mr. Mintz had "simply burned out."

A native of Oakland, Lincoln Mintz was the son of Herman Mintz, who was also an attorney and later a judge in Alameda County. Lincoln Mintz attended Oakland High School, UC Berkeley and its Boalt Hall school of law. He began his law practice in his father's firm in 1966. Mr. Mintz is survived by two daughters, Melanie Mintz of El Cerrito and Jennifer Mintz Kline of Castro Valley; a son, Michael of San Mateo; and three grandchildren. Another son, Jimmy, died some years ago.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Tower Chapel at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.

The family prefers donations to the Lair of the Golden Bear summer camp, c/o UC Berkeley Alumni Association, or to the Oakland SPCA.

Carl Nolte is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. cnolte@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page C - 5 of the San Francisco Chronicle