Ronald Urcel Carter, Criminal Defense Attorney in Bakersfield, California
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Immigration, and Litigation · 4.3/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
PrincipalatRonald U Carter
Bakersfield, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Bakersfield since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 10 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Ronald Urcel Carter?
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Quick answer
Ronald Urcel Carter is a principal based in Bakersfield, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Immigration, and Litigation. Ronald has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ronald U Carter. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
- Based in
- Bakersfield, CA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Immigration · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, Immigration, and Litigation matters from Bakersfield, CA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Ronald Urcel Carter: Ronald Urcel Carter is a principal based in Bakersfield, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Immigration, and Litigation. Ronald has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ronald U Carter. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Ronald takes on
Ronald concentrates on criminal defense, immigration, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ronald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Immigration
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Litigation
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Criminal Defense cases in Bakersfield, California
Ronald takes criminal defense matters in Bakersfield, 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 Ronald agrees to represent you.
Immigration cases in Bakersfield, California
Ronald takes immigration matters in Bakersfield, 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 Ronald agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Bakersfield, California
Ronald takes litigation matters in Bakersfield, 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 Ronald agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Ronald Urcel Carter — criminal defense lawyer in Bakersfield
Ronald Urcel Carter is a principal based in Bakersfield, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Immigration, and Litigation. Ronald has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ronald U Carter. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
Ronald Urcel Carter is a lawyer practicing criminal law, trial practice, immigration and 1 other area of law. Ronald received a M.Div. degree from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in 2000, and has been licensed for 41 years. Ronald practices at Ronald U. Carter in Bakersfield, CA.
How Ronald handles criminal defense matters
Ronald Urcel Carter is a lawyer practicing criminal law, trial practice, immigration and 1 other area of law. Ronald received a M.Div. degree from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in 2000, and has been licensed for 41 years. Ronald practices at Ronald U. Carter in Bakersfield, CA.
The kind of cases Ronald takes
Ronald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, immigration, and litigation matters in Bakersfield and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Golden Gate University
J.D. · 1985
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
M.Div. University · 2000
Jurisdictions
Ronald's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2006 · ACTIVE
California
1985 · ACTIVE
Ronald studied at J.D. in Golden Gate University and M.Div. University in Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Law school and academic background
Ronald completed J.D. in Golden Gate University and M.Div. University in Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ronald runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Ronald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Ronald's professional memberships and bar associations
Kern County Bar Association (Criminal Law Division) The State Bar of California (Member, Criminal Law Section) The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
membership
Locations
Ronald Urcel Carter's office in Bakersfield
Ronald's primary office is at 1712 19th Street, Suite 123, Bakersfield, CA, 93301. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ronald Urcel Carter — 4.3/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Ronald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Bakersfield.
4.3
10 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ronald Urcel Carter claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ronald Urcel Carter — 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 Ronald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ronald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ronald'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; Ronald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Bakersfield, 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 Ronald
Ronald 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. Ronald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ronald'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 Ronald Urcel Carter
How much does it cost to hire Ronald for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ronald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ronald offer a free consultation?
Ronald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ronald's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Ronald'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. Ronald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ronald take my case if I'm outside Bakersfield?
Ronald 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 — Ronald 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 Ronald?
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. Ronald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ronald accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Ronald'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 Bakersfield, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Ronald 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.
- Bakersfield995 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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If Ronald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Bakersfield handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




