How to find a licensed California criminal defense attorney, using the State Bar search, your county bar association, or the public defender. What to ask, what it costs, and what to watch out for.
Calls may be answered by a licensed bail bond agent.After an arrest in California, a criminal defense attorney, also called a criminal defense lawyer, is the single most important resource for the defendant. The decisions made in the first 48 hours after arrest can significantly affect the outcome of the case.
After an arrest in California, having qualified legal representation is critical. A criminal defense attorney can advise on bail conditions, negotiate charge reductions, challenge improper procedures, and represent the defendant at all court hearings. California provides public defenders for those who cannot afford private counsel, but private attorneys typically provide more personalized representation.
An attorney present at arraignment can argue for reduced bail, own-recognizance release, or modified bail conditions. This alone can save thousands of dollars.
Defense attorneys often negotiate with prosecutors before charges are formally filed. Early intervention frequently results in reduced charges or diversion programs.
An attorney handles all court appearances, motions, and hearings. They know the local courts, judges, and prosecutors, which matters significantly to outcomes.
Defense attorneys investigate arrests, review police procedures, and identify procedural violations that may suppress evidence or result in dismissal.
There are several reliable, official ways to locate a licensed criminal defense attorney in California. Always verify any attorney's license status through the State Bar before paying a retainer.
The official directory of all licensed California attorneys. Search by name, city, county, or practice area. Verify license status and check for any disciplinary history before hiring anyone.
Most California county bar associations operate a certified lawyer referral service. Attorneys in these programs have been screened. An initial consultation is typically $25–$35.
LA: (213) 243-1525 · San Diego: (619) 231-0781 · SF: (415) 989-1616
If you cannot afford a private attorney, the court will appoint a public defender at arraignment. Request one immediately, you have a constitutional right to representation. They are licensed, county-employed attorneys.
Tell the judge: “I cannot afford an attorney and request a public defender.”
Our number is answered by licensed California bail bond agents. They help locate inmates, explain bail, and post bonds, but cannot recommend or connect you to an attorney. For attorney help, use the State Bar search or your county bar association above.
California criminal defense attorneys handle a wide range of cases. Knowing the general category of the charge helps you understand what kind of experience to look for in an attorney and what the likely process will be.
Driving under the influence is one of the most common criminal cases in California. A first-offense DUI is typically a misdemeanor. A third offense or any DUI involving injury can be charged as a felony. An experienced DUI attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer results.
California drug offenses range from simple possession (often eligible for diversion) to drug trafficking and manufacturing. Proposition 47 reclassified simple possession of most drugs as a misdemeanor. A defense attorney can evaluate diversion program eligibility, which may allow charges to be dismissed upon program completion.
Theft under $950 is a misdemeanor in California after Proposition 47. Burglary, robbery, and grand theft are felonies. A defense attorney can challenge identification evidence, intent elements, and whether the prosecution can prove all elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assault, battery, domestic violence, and other violent crimes carry serious penalties in California. Many involve mandatory minimum sentences and affect professional licenses and immigration status. Early attorney involvement is critical for these charges.
Every major California county bar association operates a certified Lawyer Referral Service (LRS). These services have screened attorneys for competence and experience. Initial consultations through a bar association LRS are typically $25 to $35 for 30 minutes.
Phone: (213) 243-1525
Website: lacba.org
The LACBA Lawyer Referral Service covers all criminal defense practice areas. Available Monday through Friday. Attorneys are certified by the California State Bar.
Phone: (619) 231-0781
Website: sdcba.org
San Diego's LRS covers criminal defense, DUI, drug offenses, and felony representation. Serves all San Diego County courthouses including Vista and El Cajon.
Phone: (415) 989-1616
Website: sfbar.org
The BASF LRS covers criminal defense for all San Francisco Superior Court matters. Available Monday through Friday during business hours.
Phone: (916) 448-5550
Website: sacbar.org
Covers criminal defense in Sacramento County including all misdemeanor and felony matters. Also serves Placer and El Dorado county cases.
Phone: (949) 440-6700
Website: ocbar.org
OCBA's LRS covers all criminal defense matters in Orange County Superior Court including Westminster, Harbor, and Central Justice Centers.
Visit the California State Bar website at calbar.ca.gov and click "Find a Lawyer" to access LRS programs for all California counties. You can also use the State Bar's main attorney search to find individual licensed attorneys without going through a referral program.
Attorney fees vary significantly based on the charge severity, attorney experience, and geographic location. Here is what to expect across the main fee structures used by California criminal defense lawyers.
Most California criminal defense attorneys charge a flat fee for the full case. Typical ranges: Misdemeanor DUI: $1, 500 to $5, 000. Felony (non-serious): $5, 000 to $15, 000. Serious or violent felony: $15, 000 to $50, 000+. Complex federal or capital cases: $50, 000 to $250, 000+. Flat fees typically include arraignment, negotiations, and any plea agreement. Jury trials may cost extra.
Some California criminal defense attorneys charge by the hour, typically $250 to $600 per hour depending on the attorney's experience and the county. Hourly billing is more common for complex cases with unpredictable time requirements. A retainer (upfront deposit) is usually required. You receive detailed billing statements showing how time was spent.
Most California criminal defense attorneys offer a free initial consultation of 30 to 60 minutes. Use this consultation to assess the attorney's experience with cases similar to yours, their communication style, their honest assessment of your situation, and their fee structure. Get fee agreements in writing before retaining. Referrals through county bar association LRS services typically cost $25 to $35 for the first consultation.
If you cannot afford a private attorney, the court will appoint a public defender at your arraignment. California's county public defender offices are staffed by licensed attorneys who specialize in local criminal courts. You have a constitutional right to representation.
At your arraignment, tell the judge: "I cannot afford an attorney and request a public defender." The court will have you complete a financial eligibility form. If you qualify, a public defender will be assigned to your case at no cost. You cannot choose which public defender is assigned.
Public defender eligibility is based on income and assets. Guidelines vary by county. Generally, if your income is near or below the federal poverty level, you will qualify. The court may charge a nominal administrative fee (typically $25 to $50) even if you qualify for a public defender, though this can be waived.
When the public defender's office has a conflict of interest (for example, when representing multiple co-defendants), the court appoints a "conflict panel" attorney from a separate pool of private attorneys who contract with the county. These attorneys are also paid by the county and represent you at no cost.
Not all criminal defense attorneys are the same. The quality and experience of your attorney can have a major impact on the outcome of a case. Here is what to look for when choosing representation.
All licensed California attorneys are listed in the State Bar of California's public directory at calbar.ca.gov. You can search by name, bar number, or city and verify their license status, any disciplinary history, and their practice areas. Always verify before paying any retainer.
Public defenders are licensed attorneys employed by the county to represent defendants who cannot afford private counsel. They are often highly experienced in local courts. However, they carry very heavy caseloads -- sometimes hundreds of cases at a time -- which limits the personal attention each case receives. Private attorneys typically handle fewer cases and may spend more time on individual case strategy.
Immediately. Do not speak to police investigators without an attorney present. The first 24-48 hours after an arrest are critical. An attorney can potentially intervene before charges are formally filed, argue for reduced or modified bail at arraignment, and begin building a defense while evidence is fresh.
Do not wait. First, locate the person using the county jail search or our free line. Second, find out the bail amount and charges. Third, contact an attorney before the arraignment if possible. An attorney present at arraignment can argue for reduced bail and begin building a defense before prosecutors formally file charges. Arraignment must occur within 48 hours of arrest in California.
Yes. After reviewing police procedures, witness statements, and evidence, a defense attorney may identify grounds to challenge the arrest, suppress key evidence, or negotiate reduced charges before trial. Prosecutors often file charges based on initial arrest reports before defense review. Early attorney involvement before formal charging gives the most opportunity for this kind of intervention.
Call our free line and get connected with a licensed California bail specialist who can assist you 24 hours a day.