Fee Type: Flat fee or hourly |
Typical Range: $2,500 – $35,000 |
Retainer: $2,500–$10,000 upfront
How San Diego Criminal Defense Attorneys Charge
Misdemeanor: $2,500–$7,500 flat. Serious felony: $10,000–$35,000. Murder/special circumstances: $50,000–$150,000+.
California-Specific Considerations
Public Defender available if financially eligible. San Diego DA's office handles all county criminal cases. Proposition 47 reduces many drug possessions to misdemeanors. Three Strikes law (PC §667) dramatically increases exposure for repeat felons.
Fee Structure Details
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Fee type | Flat fee or hourly |
| Typical cost range | $2,500 – $35,000 |
| Retainer / upfront | $2,500–$10,000 upfront |
| Key statute | Penal Code §1538.5 |
Factors That Affect Your Cost
- Felony vs misdemeanor
- Potential prison exposure
- Priors/strike history
- Whether case goes to trial
- Expert witnesses needed
- Federal vs state court
Free Consultation Policy
Most San Diego Criminal Defense attorneys who work on contingency offer a free initial consultation. For hourly-billing attorneys (family law, business, estate planning), consultations typically cost $150–$350. Always confirm the consultation fee before scheduling. Bring any relevant documents — contracts, police reports, medical records, or demand letters — to maximize the value of your consultation.
How to Evaluate an Attorney's Quote
When comparing San Diego Criminal Defense attorneys, ask these questions:
- Is this a flat fee or an estimate? What triggers additional fees?
- What exactly is included — all court appearances? Expert witnesses?
- Who specifically will handle my case — you or a junior associate?
- What is your billing cycle for hourly work?
- Is the retainer refundable if my case resolves quickly?
- What are the likely total costs including court filing fees?
Verify First: Always confirm any San Diego attorney's license at
calbar.ca.gov and check for any disciplinary history before hiring.
How much does a San Diego Criminal Defense attorney cost?
Misdemeanor: $2,500–$7,500 flat. Serious felony: $10,000–$35,000. Murder/special circumstances: $50,000–$150,000+.
Do San Diego Criminal Defense attorneys offer free consultations?
Many San Diego Criminal Defense attorneys offer a free initial consultation, particularly for contingency-fee cases. For hourly-fee cases, consultations typically cost $150–$350. Always confirm before scheduling.
Is it worth hiring a Criminal Defense attorney in San Diego?
For most Criminal Defense cases, yes. Represented clients typically achieve better outcomes — higher settlements, reduced charges, or faster resolution — than unrepresented individuals. The cost of an attorney is usually less than the cost of a poor outcome. Many Criminal Defense attorneys offer free consultations so you can evaluate whether representation makes sense for your specific situation.
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