How much does it cost to hire Murray for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Murray walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Murray offer a free consultation?

Murray charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Murray's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Murray'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. Murray gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Murray take my case if I'm outside Westlake Village?

Murray 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 — Murray 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 Murray?

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. Murray will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Murray accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

Murray's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Murray Stuart Berns, Criminal Defense Attorney in Westlake Village, California

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law

MemberatLaw Office of Murray S. Berns

Westlake Village, CA

Practicing criminal defense in Westlake Village since 1976.

50+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law Juvenile Litigation Personal Injury +4 more →

Are you Murray Stuart Berns?

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Quick answer

Based in: Westlake Village, CA
Experience: over 50 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Estate Planning · Family Law

Handles Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law matters from Westlake Village, CA.
Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Murray's practice areas in Westlake Village

Murray concentrates on criminal defense, estate planning, family law, juvenile, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Murray handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Westlake Village, California

Murray takes criminal defense matters in Westlake Village, 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 Murray agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Westlake Village, California

Murray takes estate planning matters in Westlake Village, 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 Murray agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Westlake Village, California

Murray takes family law matters in Westlake Village, 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 Murray agrees to represent you.

Juvenile cases in Westlake Village, California

Murray takes juvenile matters in Westlake Village, 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 Murray agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Westlake Village, California

Murray takes litigation matters in Westlake Village, 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 Murray agrees to represent you.

Biography

Murray Stuart Berns, criminal defense attorney serving Westlake Village

Murray Stuart Berns is a member based in Westlake Village, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Murray has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Murray S. Berns. Murray works from Westlake Village, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.

Murray Stuart Berns is a lawyer practicing juvenile law, residential real estate, probate and 6 other areas of law. Murray received a B.A. degree from University of Southern California in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years. Murray practices at Law Office of Murray S. Berns in Westlake Village, CA.

How Murray handles criminal defense matters

The kind of cases Murray takes

Murray reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, estate planning, and family law matters in Westlake Village and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Murray studied and practices

Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1976
University of Southern California
B.A. · 1973

Jurisdictions

Murray's state bar admissions

California
1976 · ACTIVE

Murray studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of Southern California.

Law school and academic background

Murray completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of Southern California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Murray runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Murray's professional memberships and bar associations

The State Bar of California Los Angeles County Bar Association San Fernando Valley Bar Association Juvenile Courts Bar Association
membership

Locations

Murray Stuart Berns's office in Westlake Village

Murray's primary office is at 3835R E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 300, Westlake Village, CA, 91362. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Office of Murray S. Berns

3835R E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 300

Westlake Village, CA 91362

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Murray Stuart Berns

Murray has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Murray Stuart Berns — 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 Murray usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Murray charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Murray'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; Murray will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Westlake Village, 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 Murray

Murray 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. Murray confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Murray'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 Murray Stuart Berns

How much does it cost to hire Murray for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Murray walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Murray offer a free consultation?
Murray charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Murray's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Murray'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. Murray gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Murray take my case if I'm outside Westlake Village?
Murray 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 — Murray 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 Murray?
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. Murray will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Murray accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Murray'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 Murray Stuart Berns. 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 Westlake Village, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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