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.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Brian Phillip Berson, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 4.4/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews

MemberatLaw Offices of Brian P. Berson

San Francisco, CA

Practicing criminal defense in San Francisco since 1983.

43+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 7 client reviews
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Drug Crimes DUI/DWI General Sex Crimes Theft +2 more →

Are you Brian Phillip Berson?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Brian Phillip Berson is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Brian has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Brian P. Berson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 43 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI

Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from San Francisco, CA.
Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Brian Phillip Berson

Brian concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, general, and sex crimes. 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.

Drug Crimes cases in San Francisco, California

Brian takes drug crimes 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.

DUI/DWI cases in San Francisco, California

Brian takes dui/dwi 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.

General cases in San Francisco, California

Brian takes general 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.

Sex Crimes cases in San Francisco, California

Brian takes sex crimes 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 Phillip Berson — Over 43 years of California criminal defense experience

Brian Phillip Berson is a lawyer practicing criminal law, criminal defense, drug crimes and 15 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from George Washington University in 1978, and has been licensed for 43 years. Brian practices at Law Offices of Brian P. Berson in San Francisco, CA.

Working with Brian on a criminal defense matter

Who Brian represents

Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Brian Phillip Berson's legal education and bar admissions

Tulane University of Louisiana
J.D. · 1983
George Washington University
B.A. George · 1978

Jurisdictions

Brian's state bar admissions

California
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
Louisiana
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE

Brian studied at J.D. in Tulane University of Louisiana and B.A. George in George Washington University.

Law school and academic background

Brian completed J.D. in Tulane University of Louisiana and B.A. George in George Washington University. 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 Phillip Berson

Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Brian Phillip Berson's office in San Francisco

Brian's primary office is at 1000 Brannan St., Suite 488, San Francisco, CA, 94103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Brian P. Berson

1000 Brannan St., Suite 488

San Francisco, CA 94103

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Brian Phillip Berson — 4.4/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews

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

7 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian Phillip Berson claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Brian Phillip Berson — 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 Phillip Berson

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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Brian Phillip Berson. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What should I do if I’m arrested for assault in California?
I was arrested in Los Angeles, CA, for assault during an altercation at a bar last weekend. I didn’t start the fight, and there are witnesses who can back me up. I'm really anxious
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · California
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

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.

More counsel

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.