Jonathan Earl Karesh, Criminal Defense Attorney in Santa Clara, California
Over 41 years of legal practice
Supr. Ct. J.
Santa Clara, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Santa Clara since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Jonathan Earl Karesh?
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.
Quick answer
Jonathan Earl Karesh is a supr. ct. j. based in Santa Clara, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Jonathan has over 41 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Santa Clara, CA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from Santa Clara, CA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Jonathan Earl Karesh: Jonathan Earl Karesh is a supr. ct. j. based in Santa Clara, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Jonathan has over 41 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Jonathan takes on
Jonathan concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jonathan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Santa Clara, California
Jonathan takes criminal defense matters in Santa Clara, 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 Jonathan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Jonathan Earl Karesh — criminal defense lawyer in Santa Clara
Jonathan Earl Karesh is a supr. ct. j. based in Santa Clara, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Jonathan has over 41 years of legal experience.
Jonathan Earl Karesh is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Jonathan received a A.B. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Jonathan practices in Santa Clara, CA.
Jonathan's approach to criminal defense cases
Jonathan Earl Karesh is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Jonathan received a A.B. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Jonathan practices in Santa Clara, CA.
Clients Jonathan works with
Jonathan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in Santa Clara and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1985
University of California at Berkeley
A.B. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Jonathan's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
California
1985 · ACTIVE
Jonathan studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and A.B. in University of California at Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Jonathan completed J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and A.B. in University of California at Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jonathan runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Jonathan Earl Karesh's office in Santa Clara
Jonathan's primary office is at 3979 Freedom Cir Ste 850, Santa Clara, CA, 95054-1452. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jonathan Earl Karesh
Jonathan has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Jonathan Earl Karesh can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Jonathan Earl Karesh — 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 Jonathan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jonathan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jonathan'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; Jonathan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Santa Clara, 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 Jonathan
Jonathan 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. Jonathan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jonathan'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 Jonathan Earl Karesh
How much does it cost to hire Jonathan for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jonathan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jonathan offer a free consultation?
Jonathan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jonathan's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Jonathan'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. Jonathan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jonathan take my case if I'm outside Santa Clara?
Jonathan 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 — Jonathan 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 Jonathan?
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. Jonathan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jonathan accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Jonathan'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 Santa Clara, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Jonathan 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.
- Santa Clara783 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
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in California
If Jonathan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Santa Clara handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




