Brian Joseph Stretch, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 33 years of legal practice · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Dist. Atty.atSidley Austin LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing criminal defense in San Francisco since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Brian Joseph Stretch?
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Quick answer
Brian Joseph Stretch is a dist. atty. based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Brian has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Brian Joseph Stretch: Brian Joseph Stretch is a dist. atty. based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Brian has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Brian Joseph Stretch
Brian concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in San Francisco, California
Brian takes criminal defense matters in San Francisco, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Brian Joseph Stretch — Over 33 years of California criminal defense experience
Brian Joseph Stretch is a dist. atty. based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Brian has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Brian Joseph Stretch is a lawyer practicing criminal prosecution, criminal defense. Brian received a B.A. degree from Dartmouth College in 1986, and has been licensed for 33 years. Brian practices at Sidley Austin LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Brian's approach to criminal defense cases
Brian Joseph Stretch is a lawyer practicing criminal prosecution, criminal defense. Brian received a B.A. degree from Dartmouth College in 1986, and has been licensed for 33 years. Brian practices at Sidley Austin LLP in San Francisco, CA.
The kind of cases Brian takes
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Brian Joseph Stretch's legal education and bar admissions
Georgetown University
J.D. · 1992
Dartmouth College
B.A. · 1986
Jurisdictions
Brian's state bar admissions
California
1993 · ACTIVE
Brian studied at J.D. in Georgetown University and B.A. in Dartmouth College.
Law school and academic background
Brian completed J.D. in Georgetown University and B.A. in Dartmouth College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Brian Joseph Stretch
Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Brian Joseph Stretch's office in San Francisco
Brian's primary office is at 555 California St., Ste. 2000, San Francisco, CA, 94104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Brian Joseph Stretch — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in San Francisco.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian Joseph Stretch claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Brian Joseph Stretch — 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 Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian'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; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, 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 Brian
Brian 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. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brian'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 Brian Joseph Stretch
How much does it cost to hire Brian for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Brian'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. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Brian 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 — Brian 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 Brian?
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. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Brian'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 Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Brian 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.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in California
If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




