
John George Cotsirilos, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatJohn G. Cotsirilos
San Diego, CA
Practicing criminal defense in San Diego since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John George Cotsirilos?
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Quick answer
John George Cotsirilos is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. John has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John G. Cotsirilos. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John George Cotsirilos: John George Cotsirilos is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. John has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John G. Cotsirilos. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Diego, California
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John George Cotsirilos — criminal defense lawyer in San Diego
John George Cotsirilos is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. John has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John G. Cotsirilos. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John George Cotsirilos is a lawyer practicing state and federal, trial and post-conviction, criminal defense. John received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1971, and has been licensed for 50 years. John practices at John G. Cotsirilos in San Diego, CA.
John's approach to criminal defense cases
John George Cotsirilos is a lawyer practicing state and federal, trial and post-conviction, criminal defense. John received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1971, and has been licensed for 50 years. John practices at John G. Cotsirilos in San Diego, CA.
Clients John works with
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
DePaul University
J.D. · 1975
University of Michigan
B.A. · 1971
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1990 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
California
1976 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1976 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in University of Michigan.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association
President, 1994) California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (President, 2003) National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers Club (President, 1995 · membership
Locations
John George Cotsirilos's office in San Diego
John's primary office is at 2442 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John George Cotsirilos — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. 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 John George Cotsirilos claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John George Cotsirilos — 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 John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John 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 John
John 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John'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 John George Cotsirilos
How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John'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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
John'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 San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
John 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.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 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
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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