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

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

Does Peter offer a free consultation?

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

Can Peter take my case if I'm outside San Diego?

Peter 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 — Peter 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 Peter?

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

Is Peter accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Peter Blair, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, California

Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Founding AttorneyatBlair Defense Criminal Lawyers

San Diego, CA

Practicing criminal defense in San Diego since 2010.

16+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Criminal Defense Drug Crimes DUI/DWI DV Defense DV Protection Federal Crimes +8 more →

Are you Peter Blair?

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

Peter Blair is a founding attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Peter has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: San Diego, CA
Experience: over 16 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI

Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from San Diego, CA.
Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Peter takes on

Peter concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, dv defense, and dv protection. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California

Peter 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in San Diego, California

Peter takes drug crimes 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in San Diego, California

Peter takes dui/dwi 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in San Diego, California

Peter takes dv 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

DV Protection cases in San Diego, California

Peter takes dv protection 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Peter Blair — criminal defense lawyer in San Diego

Attorney Peter Blair is the lead and founding attorney of Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers. He has worked solely in criminal defense in San Diego as well as the neighboring counties throughout southern California. Mr. Blair has litigated thousands of cases and has taken cases to trial ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, rape, child molest to domestic violence.

Mr. Blair was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He grew up playing sports year round and ultimately received multiple baseball scholarships for college. He attended the University of Washington and graduated with a 3.7 grade point average while working full time.

In 2005, Mr. Blair decided to moved to San Diego to pursue law and become an Attorney for the sole purpose of helping people. During Law School, Mr. Blair held a number of clerkships, but worked primarily at a prestigious criminal defense law firm where he developed great a passion for helping people in unfortunate situations.

After graduating, Mr. Blair took on a position as the single associate in an extremely high volume law firm handling some of the most serious violent crimes and major narcotics cases in in San Diego.

He developed a strong reputation through out the San Diego legal community as an aggressive litigator with integrity and grit. In the 10 plus years since he began his legal career, his clients continue to benefit from this which he continues to strive to maintain.

Mr. Blair strives to live by the code and impress upon his staff that we are only as good as last case. What we have accomplished as a firm for the past decade is impressive, but it means nothing if we do not obtain the absolute best possible result for our clients today.

Awards

Super Lawyers, 2020

10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo

The National Trial Lawyers Top 100

Clients’ Choice Award 7 consecutive years

Top Lawyer in California by the Legal Network

America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2020

Top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers, 2020

Top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers, 2019

Top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers, 2018

Memberships

California State Bar

San Diego County Bar Association

Research Certification by Westlaw, 2006

Working with Peter on a criminal defense matter

Clients Peter works with

Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Thomas Jefferson School of Law
J.D. · 2009
University of Washington
B.A. · 2005

Jurisdictions

Peter's state bar admissions

California
2010 · ACTIVE

Peter studied at J.D. in Thomas Jefferson School of Law and B.A. in University of Washington.

Law school and academic background

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

Affiliations

Peter's professional memberships and bar associations

California State Bar Association San Diego County Bar Association
membership

Locations

Peter Blair's office in San Diego

Peter's primary office is at 225 Broadway, Suite 1740, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers

225 Broadway, Suite 1740

San Diego, CA 92101

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Peter Blair — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Peter. 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 Peter Blair claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Peter Blair — 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 Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Peter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter'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; Peter 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 Peter

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Peter'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 Peter Blair

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

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

Peter Blair, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, California

Quick answer

Legal matters Peter takes on

Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California