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

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

Does David offer a free consultation?

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

Can David take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

David 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 — David 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 David?

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

Is David accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

David Elliott Wise, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatDavid Elliott Wise

San Francisco, CA

Practicing criminal defense in San Francisco since 1993.

33+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense DUI/DWI General Litigation Military Personal Injury +2 more →

Are you David Elliott Wise?

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

David Elliott Wise is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General. David has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at David Elliott Wise. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 33 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · General

Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General matters from San Francisco, CA.
Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in San Francisco

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

Criminal Defense cases in San Francisco, California

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in San Francisco, California

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

General cases in San Francisco, California

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in San Francisco, California

David takes litigation 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 David agrees to represent you.

Military cases in San Francisco, California

David takes military 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 David agrees to represent you.

Biography

David Elliott Wise, criminal defense attorney serving San Francisco

Mr. David Elliott Wise is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, criminal law, personal injury and 8 other areas of law. David received a B.S. degree from San Francisco State University in 1990, and has been licensed for 33 years. David practices at David Elliott Wise in San Francisco, CA.

David's approach to criminal defense cases

Clients David works with

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

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

University of San Francisco
J.D. · 1993
San Francisco State University
B.S. · 1990

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2000 · ACTIVE
California
1993 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.S. in San Francisco State University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.S. in San Francisco State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

David's legal honors and published work

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

David Elliott Wise's office in San Francisco

David's primary office is at 360 Ritch, Ste. 201, San Francisco, CA, 94107. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

David Elliott Wise

360 Ritch, Ste. 201

San Francisco, CA 94107

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Client feedback

Client reviews of David Elliott Wise — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of David. 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 David Elliott Wise claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Elliott Wise — 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 David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

Payment methods and payment plans

David'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 David Elliott Wise

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

David 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 David'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.