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Albert William Arena, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, California

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review

San Diego, CA

Practicing criminal defense in San Diego since 1984.

42+
Years practicing
4.5 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Albert William Arena is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation. Albert has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
San Diego, CA
Experience
over 42 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Litigation
  • Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation matters from San Diego, CA.
  • Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Albert William Arena: Albert William Arena is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation. Albert has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Albert takes on

Albert concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Albert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California

Albert takes criminal defense matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Albert agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in San Diego, California

Albert takes dui/dwi matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Albert agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in San Diego, California

Albert takes litigation matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Albert agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Albert William Arena — criminal defense lawyer in San Diego

Albert William Arena is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation. Albert has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Albert William Arena is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, criminal law, driving while intoxicated and 1 other area of law. Albert received a B.A. degree from St. John's University in 1980, and has been licensed for 42 years. Albert practices in San Diego, CA.

How Albert handles criminal defense matters

Albert William Arena is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, criminal law, driving while intoxicated and 1 other area of law. Albert received a B.A. degree from St. John's University in 1980, and has been licensed for 42 years. Albert practices in San Diego, CA.

Who Albert represents

Albert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and litigation matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • California Western School of Law

    J.D. · 1983

  • St. John's University

    B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Albert's state bar admissions

  • California

    1984 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1984 · ACTIVE

Albert studied at J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.A. in St. John's University.

Law school and academic background

Albert completed J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.A. in St. John's University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Albert runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Albert William Arena's office in San Diego

Albert's primary office is at 110 W 'C' St Ste 1709, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

110 W 'C' St Ste 1709

San Diego, CA 92101

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Albert William Arena — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Albert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in San Diego.

4.5

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Albert William Arena claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Albert William Arena — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Albert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Albert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Albert's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Albert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in San Diego, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Albert

Albert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Albert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Albert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Albert William Arena

  • How much does it cost to hire Albert for a criminal defense case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Albert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Albert offer a free consultation?

    Albert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Albert's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Albert's current terms during booking.

  • How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?

    Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Albert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Albert take my case if I'm outside San Diego?

    Albert is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Albert will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Albert?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Albert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Albert accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    Albert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Albert handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Albert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.