As a certified criminal law specialist since 1988, twice the award recipient of Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, recognition as Trial Attorney of the Year, and with almost 35 years of criminal defense experience, the Law Offices of C. Bradley Patton offers the highest quality legal representation in San Diego County.

LEGAL FEES

Our legal fees are generally quoted on a flat fee basis covering all services up to trial. Investigative and expert fees are charged separately on an as needed basis. Our fees are reasonable and competitive. We accept check, credit cards, and will occasionally allow a payment arrangement.

CRIMINAL LAW CERTIFICATION

To assist you in finding an experienced and qualified lawyer who can handle your criminal case, the California State Bar offers a Legal Specialization program for members of the state bar. The program is designed to help the public make informed decisions when seeking a competent lawyer.

A lawyer who is a member in good standing of the California State Bar and who meets the strict standards prescribed by the Bar may become a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Those standards require the attorney to pass a written examination, demonstrate a high level of experience in criminal law, fulfill ongoing education requirements, and be favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with the attorney’s work.

For more information about this certification process, please visit the California State Bar at www.calbar.ca.gov

C. Bradley Patton was one of the first attorneys in the State of California to be certified as a criminal law specialist. Mr. Patton received his certification in 1988 and has been specializing in criminal defense for over 30 years.

BAIL

If you or a loved one has been arrested, the best thing to do is immediately contact an attorney before deciding whether or not to post bail. The pre-arraignment bail amount is automatically set by the jail at a very high level based on a uniform bail schedule. However, a person who has been arrested must be arraigned in court within 48 hours excluding weekends, holidays, and non-business hours or released by the jail. At the arraignment, the issue of bail can be addressed with the court. The judge has the authority to reduce the bail or release a person on his or her own recognizance, which is a promise to return to the court appearances without having to post bail.

Waiting until the arraignment to post bail may, in some cases, allow an individual or his/her family to save a significant amount of money in bail premiums. However, in some cases, it may be better to post bail immediately to allow the individual to appear in court out of custody. In deciding whether to post bail, it is imperative to contact an attorney for a consultation and expert legal advice.

EXPERT WITNESSES

In addition to our full-time legal staff, we utilize the professional services of a select group of psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors, forensic toxicologists, accident reconstruction specialists, expert witnesses, and consultants who are ready to assist us in building a successful defense for your case. These expert witnesses are considered among the best in their respective field and are well respected by the court.

INVESTIGATION

Our office does not just rely on police reports to defend a case. We utilize the services of an independent licensed private investigator to conduct a thorough investigation of the case. Our investigator is a former federal agent and police officer with over thirty five years of criminal investigation experience.