The short answer
For most cases in Sacramento County, here are my fees:
| Your case | My fee |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor, including DUI | $2,500 |
| Felony | $7,000 to $10,000 for most felonies |
| Not charged yet | Usually half now, the rest only if charges are filed |
For any DUI, misdemeanor or felony, my fee includes your DMV hearing. Juvenile cases cost the same as adult cases. Trial isn’t included in any fee (more on that below).
Cases I quote at the consultation
Some cases don’t fit the table. For these, I’ll give you a price in writing at your free consultation:
- Cases outside Sacramento County. These cost more.
- Strike cases, homicide, and cases that could mean a life sentence. These cost more. A strike case includes any new felony charge when you have a prior strike.
- Felonies that need much more work than most, such as cases with many witnesses or a large amount of evidence.
- Felonies after the preliminary hearing, and any case close to trial.
- Probation violations, appeals, writs, post-conviction motions, and DMV hearings without a criminal case.
- More than one open case. I lower the combined fee.
Not charged yet?
If a detective wants to talk to you, or you think charges are coming, I price it by what I expect the DA to file: a misdemeanor or a felony. For most investigations, you pay half now. You pay the rest only if charges are filed. What to do before charges are filed
What changes the price
- Whether the case is a misdemeanor or a felony.
- The county.
- How far along the case is when you hire me.
- Whether it’s a strike case or could mean a life sentence.
- Whether it goes to trial.
What doesn’t change it: whether it’s your first misdemeanor DUI or a repeat, how high your blood alcohol was, or your record. The one exception is a prior strike, which can make a new felony a strike case.
What the fee covers
Included: every court date except trial; reviewing the police reports, video, and other evidence; negotiating with the prosecutor; any motions I decide your case needs, such as a motion to suppress evidence; for a DUI, the DMV hearing; and my direct line for texts and voicemails.
In almost every misdemeanor case, including DUI, I go to court for you at every hearing, and you don’t have to go.
Not included: trial, and experts or investigators.
DMV writ appeals. A writ comes with its own costs, including the court’s filing fee and the hearing transcript. If the judge finds the DMV’s decision was arbitrary or capricious, the judge can order the DMV to pay back some or all of the legal fees you paid for the writ, up to $7,500.
After your case: when you become eligible to clear your record, I typically do it for you at no additional charge. I don’t just wait for “automatic” relief, which often doesn’t happen.
Experts and investigators
Some cases benefit from an expert witness or an investigator. You pay for these, and I only hire one with your OK. An expert or investigator might help your case a little or a lot. I’ll tell you which, and you decide whether it’s worth the money. Most misdemeanors never need one, and many felonies don’t either.
Why trial isn’t included
Like many defense lawyers, I price trial separately. Most cases end without a trial, and trial is the least predictable part of a case. Building it into every fee would make every client pay for the few cases that go to trial. If your case ever heads to trial, I’ll quote that work separately.
Questions to ask any lawyer about fees
- Is it a flat fee or hourly? If hourly, what’s the estimate?
- What’s included? Is trial? Is the DMV hearing?
- Who will actually handle my case and go to court with me?
- How do I reach the lawyer directly?
When you hire me, you get me. I have no staff to hand your case off to. I go to court, review the evidence, and do the research and writing myself. More about me
Paying
I take credit and debit cards, checks, cash, and Zelle. Payment plans are available through LawPay.
If you can’t afford a lawyer
If you’re charged with a crime and can’t afford a lawyer, you can ask the judge at your first court date to appoint one, usually the public defender.
Questions
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. Call (916) 313-3133 any time. My answering service can book a free phone consultation with me, usually the same day.
Does my record change the price?
No. The one exception is a prior strike, which can make a new felony a strike case. I quote strike cases at the consultation.
Will you tell me the price on the first call?
Yes, after we talk about your case. I start by asking a little about you and what happened. Then I give you my honest read of the case and what I’d expect. Then I give you the price and walk you through what happens from there. Then I answer your questions.
I already have a public defender. What would it cost to switch?
It depends on how far along the case is. Call me and I’ll give you a price at the free consultation.
Can a family member pay for my case?
Yes. Family members often pay. I still represent you, not them, and what you tell me stays between us. You decide how much I share with them, even when they’re paying. Most clients are fine with me giving their family at least basic updates. If your loved one was arrested.