Debra B Branse, Criminal Defense Attorney in Walnut Creek, California
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation
Senior CounselatHirsch, Closson, McMillan & Schroeder, APLC
Walnut Creek, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Walnut Creek since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Debra B Branse is a senior counsel based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation. Debra has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hirsch, Closson, McMillan & Schroeder, APLC.
- Based in
- Walnut Creek, CA
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Walnut Creek, CA.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Debra B Branse: Debra B Branse is a senior counsel based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation. Debra has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hirsch, Closson, McMillan & Schroeder, APLC.
Areas of practice
Debra's practice areas in Walnut Creek
Debra concentrates on criminal defense, insurance, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Debra handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Criminal Defense cases in Walnut Creek, California
Debra takes criminal defense matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Debra agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Walnut Creek, California
Debra takes insurance matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Debra agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Walnut Creek, California
Debra takes litigation matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Debra agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Walnut Creek, California
Debra takes real estate matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Debra agrees to represent you.
Biography
Debra B Branse, criminal defense attorney serving Walnut Creek
Debra B Branse is a senior counsel based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation. Debra has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hirsch, Closson, McMillan & Schroeder, APLC. Debra works from Walnut Creek, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Debra B Branse is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, civil litigation, insurance and 1 other area of law. Debra received a B.A. degree from University of California, Berkeley in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. Debra practices at Hirsch, Closson, McMillan & Schroeder, APLC in Walnut Creek, CA.
Working with Debra on a criminal defense matter
Debra B Branse is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, civil litigation, insurance and 1 other area of law. Debra received a B.A. degree from University of California, Berkeley in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. Debra practices at Hirsch, Closson, McMillan & Schroeder, APLC in Walnut Creek, CA.
Clients Debra works with
Debra reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, insurance, and litigation matters in Walnut Creek and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Debra studied and practices
University of Michigan
J.D. · 1994
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. · 1991
Jurisdictions
Debra's state bar admissions
California
1995 · ACTIVE
Debra studied at J.D. in University of Michigan and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Debra completed J.D. in University of Michigan and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Debra runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Debra B Branse's office in Walnut Creek
Debra's primary office is at 2175 North California Blvd., Ste. 424, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Hirsch, Closson, McMillan & Schroeder, APLC
2175 North California Blvd., Ste. 424
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Debra B Branse — 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 Debra usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Debra charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra'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; Debra will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Walnut Creek, 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 Debra
Debra 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. Debra confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Debra'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 Debra B Branse
How much does it cost to hire Debra for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Debra walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Debra offer a free consultation?
Debra charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Debra'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. Debra gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Debra take my case if I'm outside Walnut Creek?
Debra 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 — Debra 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 Debra?
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. Debra will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Debra accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Debra'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 Walnut Creek, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Debra 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.
- Walnut Creek2,120 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 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
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