Luanne Rutherford, Criminal Defense Attorney in Walnut Creek, California
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and Litigation
Walnut Creek, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Walnut Creek since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Luanne Rutherford is an attorney based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Litigation. Luanne has over 35 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Walnut Creek, CA
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense and Litigation matters from Walnut Creek, CA.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Luanne Rutherford: Luanne Rutherford is an attorney based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Litigation. Luanne has over 35 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Luanne's practice areas in Walnut Creek
Luanne concentrates on criminal defense and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Luanne handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Walnut Creek, California
Luanne 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 Luanne agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Walnut Creek, California
Luanne 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 Luanne agrees to represent you.
Biography
Luanne Rutherford, criminal defense attorney serving Walnut Creek
Luanne Rutherford is an attorney based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Litigation. Luanne has over 35 years of legal experience. Luanne works from Walnut Creek, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Luanne Rutherford is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, complex litigation, defense litigation and 1 other area of law. Luanne received a B.S. degree from John Carroll University in 1984, and has been licensed for 35 years. Luanne practices in Walnut Creek, CA.
How Luanne handles criminal defense matters
Luanne Rutherford is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, complex litigation, defense litigation and 1 other area of law. Luanne received a B.S. degree from John Carroll University in 1984, and has been licensed for 35 years. Luanne practices in Walnut Creek, CA.
Who Luanne represents
Luanne reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and litigation matters in Walnut Creek and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Luanne studied and practices
Pepperdine School of the Law
J.D. · 1990
John Carroll University
B.S. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Luanne's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania
1992 · ACTIVE
California
1991 · ACTIVE
Luanne studied at J.D. in Pepperdine School of the Law and B.S. in John Carroll University.
Law school and academic background
Luanne completed J.D. in Pepperdine School of the Law and B.S. in John Carroll University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Luanne runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Luanne's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Luanne Rutherford's office in Walnut Creek
Luanne's primary office is at Mcnamara Dodge Ney Et AL, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Luanne Rutherford
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Luanne Rutherford — 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 Luanne usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Luanne charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Luanne'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; Luanne 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 Luanne
Luanne 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. Luanne confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Luanne'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 Luanne Rutherford
How much does it cost to hire Luanne for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Luanne walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Luanne offer a free consultation?
Luanne charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Luanne's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Luanne'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. Luanne gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Luanne take my case if I'm outside Walnut Creek?
Luanne 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 — Luanne 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 Luanne?
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. Luanne will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Luanne accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Luanne'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
Luanne 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
More counsel
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