Robert Ciaffa, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 44 years of legal practice
Asst. U.S. Atty.
San Diego, CA
Practicing criminal defense in San Diego since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Robert Ciaffa is an asst. u.s. atty. based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Robert has over 44 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Robert Ciaffa: Robert Ciaffa is an asst. u.s. atty. based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Robert has over 44 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Robert's practice areas in San Diego
Robert concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
Robert Ciaffa, criminal defense attorney serving San Diego
Robert Ciaffa is an asst. u.s. atty. based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Robert has over 44 years of legal experience. Robert works from San Diego, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Robert Ciaffa is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Robert received a B.A. degree from John Hopkins University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Robert practices in San Diego, CA.
How Robert handles criminal defense matters
Robert Ciaffa is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Robert received a B.A. degree from John Hopkins University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Robert practices in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases Robert takes
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Robert studied and practices
Georgetown University
J.D. M.S.F.S. · 1982
John Hopkins University
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Robert's state bar admissions
California
1995 · ACTIVE
Florida
1989 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1982 · ACTIVE
Robert studied at J.D. M.S.F.S. in Georgetown University and B.A. in John Hopkins University.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. M.S.F.S. in Georgetown University and B.A. in John Hopkins University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Robert Ciaffa's office in San Diego
Robert's primary office is at 880 Front St, San Diego, CA, 92101-8897. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Robert Ciaffa
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Robert Ciaffa — 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 Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert 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 Robert
Robert 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert'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 Robert Ciaffa
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Robert'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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Robert'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
Robert 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
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