CRIMINAL DEFENSE:
The American justice system, while theoretically built on principles of fairness and due process, is structurally aligned to favor the prosecution. From years of “tough on crime” laws to the vast resources and awesome might of the state, the system is stacked against you. There is only one point in the vast apparatus of the state with the power to push back, question, challenge and protect you from injustice - the criminal defense attorney.
You need nuanced, thoughtful and aggressive criminal defense representation, and my 15 years of experience as a public defender have honed my skills to deliver just that. I'm not just an attorney; I'm an experienced litigator and a skilled negotiator who understands the intricacies of the justice system from every angle. I am also an advocate – criminal defense is not just a profession for me, it is a calling.
My background as a public defender means I've handled a vast array of cases, gaining invaluable experience in the courtroom and at the negotiation table. I'm particularly adept at navigating specialty courts like mental health court, drug court, and veteran's court, where a nuanced approach can make all the difference. Beyond initial proceedings, I have extensive experience with post-conviction supervision, including parole, probation, and AB109 matters, ensuring comprehensive support for my clients.
When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a defense attorney with proven experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape. My 15 years of dedicated service as a public defender have prepared me to advocate fiercely and effectively for you.
RATES:
Although many attorneys of equal or even lesser experience charge much higher hourly rates, I feel strongly that I want to remain accessible to the Southbay community and therefore keep my hourly rate at $350.00 per hour.
That being said, I put in a considerable amount of work and time into every case that I have. I am honored that you are considering engaging me and feel a tremendous responsibility to provide you with the best possible service. This means that the amount of time I put into your case may be extensive. Therefore, I offer the following PRE-TRIAL, FLATE RATE packages. This means that for the listed price I will thoroughly review all discovery and relevant documentation, research relevant codes, jury instructions and caselaw, conduct further interviews and investigation as necessary, prepare a mitigation package, negotiate your case, attend all court appearances, research, write, file and litigate all relevant motions, litigate all hearings and most importantly communicate and consult with you at every step.
The vast majority of cases will resolve by the end of this process. However, if it becomes necessary to go to trial we can either switch to an hourly rate or negotiate another flat fee package.
FELONIES:
Felonies are more serious matters and require a much more robust preparation - especially if professional credentials or military status on the line. I offer PRE-TRIAL / FLAT RATE PACKAGES from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the extent of the preparation. I am purposefully not listing what type of charges fall into what category for felonies because it is my experience that the amount of preparation in felony cases varies wildly with the circumstances, the extent of investigation needed and the extensiveness of the mitigation package.
MISDEMEANORS:
Depending on the severity of the charge and complexity of our case strategy, I offer PRE-TRIAL / FLAT RATE PACKAGES of $1000 (For low level offenses such as Cal. Vehicle Code 12500 - Driving without a license) to $4000 for serious misdemeanors such as domestic violence or sexual battery.
DUI
I walk the line - Johnnie Cash. But maybe you didn’t. DUIs require an attorney who is familiar with the science - and junk science - of Blood Alcohol Content and Field Sobriety Tests as well as an attorney who is knowledgable about suppressing evidence based on illegal stops and improper police procedures.
I am that attorney. As a public defender I handled hundreds of DUI cases. most settled but many went to trial.