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 Calabasas?

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.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Debra S. White, Criminal Defense Attorney in Calabasas, California

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

AttorneyatDebra White Criminal Defense Specialists

Calabasas, CA

Practicing criminal defense in Calabasas since 1999.

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

Practices in

Criminal Defense Federal Crimes Sex Crimes

Are you Debra S. White?

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

Debra S. White is an attorney based in Calabasas, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, and Sex Crimes. Debra has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Debra White Criminal Defense Specialists. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Calabasas, CA
Experience: over 27 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Federal Crimes · Sex Crimes

Handles Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, and Sex Crimes matters from Calabasas, CA.
Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Debra S. White

Debra concentrates on criminal defense, federal crimes, and sex crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case Debra handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Calabasas, California

Debra takes criminal defense matters in Calabasas, 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.

Federal Crimes cases in Calabasas, California

Debra takes federal crimes matters in Calabasas, 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.

Sex Crimes cases in Calabasas, California

Debra takes sex crimes matters in Calabasas, 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

About Debra S. White — Over 27 years of California criminal defense experience

Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Debra S. White brings more than 25 years of courtroom experience defending clients in state and federal courts throughout Los Angeles. As the founder and lead attorney of Debra White Criminal Defense Specialists, she provides hands-on representation to clients facing the full spectrum of criminal charges, including sex crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, felony DUI, drug offenses, fraud, weapons charges, white-collar offenses, and complex federal prosecutions.

Debra S. White is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization — a distinction held by less than 1% of California attorneys. She has earned an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by Super Lawyers for excellence in criminal defense for more than a decade.

Ms. White is known for strategic advocacy, meticulous preparation, and an unwavering commitment to protecting her clients’ rights, freedom, and reputations. She is trusted to navigate high-profile and sensitive cases with discretion and skill, often working to achieve favorable outcomes before trial — or even before charges are filed.

Whether defending a first-time offense or a major federal prosecution, Ms. White works closely with every client to guide them through the process, safeguard their future, and deliver the strongest possible defense.

⸻

Highlights

• 25+ years of criminal defense experience in state and federal courts• Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the California State Bar• AV-Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell• Recognized by Super Lawyers for criminal defense for 10+ years

Debra's approach to criminal defense cases

Clients Debra works with

Debra reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, federal crimes, and sex crimes matters in Calabasas and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Debra S. White's legal education and bar admissions

University of California School of Law, Los Angeles
J.D. · 1998
University of California at Los Angeles
B.A. Philosophy · 1995

Jurisdictions

Debra's state bar admissions

United States Distri
2005 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
2000 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
2000 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
2000 · ACTIVE
California
1999 · ACTIVE

Debra studied at J.D. in University of California School of Law, Los Angeles and B.A. Philosophy in University of California at Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

Debra completed J.D. in University of California School of Law, Los Angeles and B.A. Philosophy in University of California at Los Angeles. 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.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Debra S. White

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Debra S. White's office in Calabasas

Debra's primary office is at 26565 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Calabasas, CA, 91302. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Debra White Criminal Defense Specialists

26565 Agoura Road, Suite 200

Calabasas, CA 91302

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Debra S. White — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Debra S. White claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Debra S. White — 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 Calabasas, 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 S. White

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 Calabasas?
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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Debra S. White. 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 Calabasas, 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.

More counsel

If Debra's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Calabasas handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.