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 Ventura?

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 Michael Lehr, Criminal Defense Attorney in Ventura, California

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

FounderatDavid Lehr Law

Ventura, CA

Practicing criminal defense in Ventura since 1993.

33+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 5 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Criminal Defense DUI/DWI General Juvenile Violent Crimes Weapons

Are you David Michael Lehr?

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 Michael Lehr is a founder based in Ventura, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General. David has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at David Lehr Law. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

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

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

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in Ventura

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

Criminal Defense cases in Ventura, California

David takes criminal defense matters in Ventura, 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 Ventura, California

David takes dui/dwi matters in Ventura, 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 Ventura, California

David takes general matters in Ventura, 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.

Juvenile cases in Ventura, California

David takes juvenile matters in Ventura, 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.

Violent Crimes cases in Ventura, California

David takes violent crimes matters in Ventura, 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 Michael Lehr, criminal defense attorney serving Ventura

David M. Lehr, Esq., is a defense attorney whose credentials include 13 years of experience with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. As a practitioner in the field of Criminal Law, Attorney Lehr has had the opportunity to exercise his legal talents both as a prosecutor and an advocate for offenders accused of criminal misdemeanor and felony charges.

At the onset of his career, Lehr's focus and aplomb were implemented in pursuits of justice on the behalf of Ventura County and the State of California. During his tenure as a prosecuting attorney, Lehr was able to develop and demonstrate his substantial courtroom skills and work his way from being the new Deputy District Attorney in 1993 to being recognized as the Outstanding Team Prosecutor of 2006. During his prosecutorial career, Mr. Lehr was responsible for successfully bringing ninety-nine jury trials to verdict, and in 2006 alone he resolve more than 1,000 felony cases, without going to trial.

By the end of his tenancy with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, Mr. Lehr had determined that his skills might be better put to use by practicing criminal defense. The insights and experience that he had gained through his work as a prosecuting attorney provided him with an advantageous perspective of the law and the strategies utilized to bring suspected criminals to justice. And his advantageous perspective could be utilized as an invaluable asset to help accused offenders face, fight and, in some cases, even defeat the charges being leveled against them.

Dedicated, steadfast and well-versed with the intricacies of legal procedure, Attorney Lehr has received several acclamations and commendations for his work:

Honors & Awards

• 1996 Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Prosecutor of the Year

• 1998 Victims' Rights Week Prosecutor of the Year

• 2006 Senior Prosecutor - Outstanding Team of the Year (Ventura County DA's Office)

Commendations

"... [David] served the people of this community well and with distinction. He is very bright and an outstanding trial lawyer. This, combined with his high ethical standards and work ethic, will make him one of the county's premier private practitioners... I am very proud of his accomplishments!" - Michael D. Bradbury, Esq.

"David is an experienced, top-level trial attorney and will provide excellent representation to any person facing a criminal charge of any nature or degree of seriousness... It is a great advantage to a criminal defense attorney's client to have an experienced trial attorney who is able to analyze a case from the unique perspective of the prosecutor in planning strategy and anticipating tactical moves." - Louis "Chuck" Samonsky, Esq.

Professional Affiliations

• 1993 California State Bar #165490

• 1998 - 2006 Criminal Justice Attorney's Association of Ventura County, Treasurer

• 1998 - 2006 Ventura County Prosecutor's Association, Treasurer

• 2006 - Present Ventura County Inns of Court Member, Board of Directors

David's approach to criminal defense cases

The kind of cases David takes

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

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

Golden Gate University School of Law
J.D. · 1992
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1990

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

California
1993 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in Golden Gate University School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Golden Gate University School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara. 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 Michael Lehr's office in Ventura

David's primary office is at 770 County Square Drive, Suite 215, Ventura, CA, 93003. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

David Lehr Law

770 County Square Drive, Suite 215

Ventura, CA 93003

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Client feedback

Client reviews of David Michael Lehr — 4.4/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

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 Ventura.

4.4

5 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Michael Lehr claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Michael Lehr — 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 Ventura, 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 Michael Lehr

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 Ventura?
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 Michael Lehr. 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 Ventura, Los Angeles and San Francisco 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 Ventura handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

David Michael Lehr, Criminal Defense Attorney in Ventura, California

Quick answer

David's practice areas in Ventura