San Francisco criminal defense attorney. Criminal defense lawyer San Francisco.

My Philosophy

Criminal Defense Attorney in San Francisco

Welcome to the law offices of Brian Dinday, criminal defense lawyer

I think that your criminal defense attorney should be approachable, not a stuffed shirt. He should also make sure that his clients understand each step of the process. Too often I hear people complain "I don't know what's happening with my criminal case." In most cases, I will grant an initial interview without charge.

These interviews will not be used to advise you about your problem or assist you in representing yourself, but are for the purpose of determining whether or not I can help you, and whether or not you wish to hire me. With criminal charges, I have no set fees, but I will tell you what I need to charge after the initial interview, which will be a "flat fee." This means that you know the total fee before beginning, and your rights will be set out in a written agreement for your protection. You should never hire a lawyer without a written agreement.

I understand that for most people the criminal justice system is confusing and intimidating, and I try to put my clients at ease by explaining the criminal courts process to them. The client is involved of course with every major decision as we work together.

My fees in criminal cases do not include trial. This is not to “hide” the cost or increase it, but is for the opposite purpose. Ninety to ninety-five per cent of cases do NOT go to trial. Why should you pay a fee that includes trial? In the event that you decide you want to fight the charges right through trial, we will reach an agreement on trial fees.

It is very important that you have a relationship of trust with your criminal defense attorney. If that trust breaks down, you have every right to change lawyers. The time usually comes when the District Attorney makes an offer to let you plead guilty to reduced charges or offers a limit on the sentence. When your defense attorney gives you his opinion on whether you are better off fighting or making a deal, you need to believe in him.