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

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

Does Charles offer a free consultation?

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

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

Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?

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

Is Charles accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Charles Lewis Rees, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, California

Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatLaw Offices of Charles L. Rees

San Diego, CA

Practicing criminal defense in San Diego since 1999.

27+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Drug Crimes DUI/DWI Federal Crimes General Juvenile +3 more →

Are you Charles Lewis Rees?

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

Charles Lewis Rees is a member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Charles has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Charles L. Rees. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: San Diego, CA
Experience: over 27 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI

Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from San Diego, CA.
Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Charles's practice areas in San Diego

Charles concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, federal crimes, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California

Charles 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in San Diego, California

Charles takes drug crimes 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in San Diego, California

Charles 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

Federal Crimes cases in San Diego, California

Charles takes federal crimes 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

General cases in San Diego, California

Charles takes general 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

Biography

Charles Lewis Rees, criminal defense attorney serving San Diego

BACKGROUND

Charles Rees is a former Assistant United States Attorney and an experienced trial lawyer who has practiced before the federal courts of the Ninth Circuit for twenty years. He began his career as a law clerk to a federal judge in Las Vegas. Following his clerkship he worked as an Assistant United States Attorney at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California in San Diego in the General Crimes Unit. During his time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office he tried numerous cases to trial, conducted investigations, presented cases to the Grand Jury and argued cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. After leaving the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Rees joined the prestigious multinational law firm Baker McKenzie where he represented subjects and targets of federal and state criminal investigations and practiced civil litigation. Since starting his own practice, Mr. Rees has defended numerous individuals and businesses charged in high-profile complex federal criminal cases, including: RICO conspiracies, Ponzi schemes, wire fraud, Medicare/Tricare fraud, computer hacking and drug conspiracies.

With his background as an Assistant United States Attorney and experience handling complex criminal and civil cases, Mr. Rees is particularly suited to represent whistleblowers and file successful Qui Tam actions under the False Claims Act.

EDUCATION

Mr. Rees earned his law degree, with Distinction, from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1998. During law school Mr. Rees won the American Jurisprudence award for Legal Writing and competed nationally as a member of the Trial Advocacy Competition Team.

He received his B.S. in Finance from California State University, Sacramento in 1994.

AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

* State Bar of California

* United States District Court for the Southern District of California

* United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

* Federal Bar Association (Qui Tam Section)

How Charles handles criminal defense matters

Charles Rees focuses his practice on Complex White-Collar Federal Criminal Defense and Qui Tam / Whistleblower actions under the False Claims Act. His clients include individuals, businesses, government officials and industry insiders. BACKGROUND Charles Rees is a former Assistant United States Attorney and an experienced trial lawyer who has practiced before the federal courts of the Ninth…

The kind of cases Charles takes

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

Credentials

Credentials — where Charles studied and practices

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
J.D. · 1998
California State University, Sacramento
B.S. Finance · 1994

Jurisdictions

Charles's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1999 · ACTIVE
California
1999 · ACTIVE

Charles studied at J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.S. Finance in California State University, Sacramento.

Law school and academic background

Charles completed J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.S. Finance in California State University, Sacramento. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Charles's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Charles's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of California
membership

Locations

Charles Lewis Rees's office in San Diego

Charles's primary office is at 424 F Street, Suite 205, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Charles L. Rees

424 F Street, Suite 205

San Diego, CA 92101

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Charles Lewis Rees — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Charles Lewis Rees claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Charles Lewis Rees — 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 Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles'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; Charles 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 Charles

Charles 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. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Charles'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 Charles Lewis Rees

How much does it cost to hire Charles for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Charles'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. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?
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. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Charles'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 Charles Lewis Rees. 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 Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Charles 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 Charles'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.

Charles Lewis Rees, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, California

Quick answer

Charles's practice areas in San Diego

Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California