Alethea Murray Sargent, Criminal Defense Attorney in Oakland, California

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

• Criminal Defense

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Alethea's primary office is at 1301 Clay St # 3, Oakland, CA, 94612-5599. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

Alethea 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.

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

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

• Does Alethea offer a free consultation?

  Alethea charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alethea's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Alethea'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. Alethea gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Alethea take my case if I'm outside Oakland?

  Alethea 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 — Alethea 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 Alethea?

  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. Alethea will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Alethea accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

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