How much does it cost to hire Sally for a appellate case?

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

Does Sally offer a free consultation?

Sally charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sally's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Sally's current terms during booking.

How long do appellate cases in California typically take?

Simple appellate 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. Sally gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Sally take my case if I'm outside Fresno?

Sally 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 — Sally 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 Sally?

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

Is Sally accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli, Appellate Attorney in Fresno

Quick answer

Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli is a criminal and juvenile defense attorney based in Fresno, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Sally has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Proper Defense.

Based in: Fresno, CA
Experience: over 11 years
Known for: Appellate · Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI

Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI matters from Fresno, CA.
Over 11 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Sally's practice areas in Fresno

Sally concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, dui/dwi, expungement, and federal crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sally handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Fresno, California

Sally takes appellate matters in Fresno, 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 Sally agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Fresno, California

Sally takes criminal defense matters in Fresno, 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 Sally agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Fresno, California

Sally takes dui/dwi matters in Fresno, 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 Sally agrees to represent you.

Expungement cases in Fresno, California

Sally takes expungement matters in Fresno, 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 Sally agrees to represent you.

Federal Crimes cases in Fresno, California

Sally takes federal crimes matters in Fresno, 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 Sally agrees to represent you.

Biography

Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli, appellate attorney serving Fresno

Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli is a criminal and juvenile defense attorney based in Fresno, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Sally has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Proper Defense. Sally works from Fresno, California and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Sally Vecchiarelli is the owner and founder of Proper Defense Law Corporation, providing criminal and juvenile defense all over California, with offices in Fresno and Beverly Hills. She has exclusively practiced criminal and juvenile defense for her entire career, handling cases ranging from misdemeanor DUIs to complex gang murder cases. Known for her billboards, “Arrested in Cali, Call Sally,” she has taken her reputation in the courtroom as a fierce advocate for her clients, known especially for her innovative motion practice, and coupled it with her flair for style to create her memorable legal persona. Sally is an advocate of female leadership and empowerment, volunteering her time to mentor female students in the local charter school in the law and policy department. Sally’s firm funds a scholarship at the law school she attended in her hometown to assist a graduating student with bar preparation. As a philanthropist, her law firm has sponsored fundraising events for Saint Agnes Hospital as the presenting sponsor for the past four years. She is passionate about juvenile development and representation and is actively involved with the California Youth Defender Center to work on legislature that would impact youthful offenders. She has been recognized by California Super Lawyers since 2019 and is presently the only female criminal law Super Lawyer in Fresno.

How Sally handles appellate matters

Sally Vecchiarelli is the owner and founder of Proper Defense Law Corporation, providing criminal and juvenile defense all over California, with offices in Fresno and Beverly Hills. She has exclusively practiced criminal and juvenile defense for her entire career, handling cases ranging from misdemeanor DUIs to complex gang murder cases. Known for her billboards, “Arrested in Cali, Call Sally,”…

Who Sally represents

Sally reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and dui/dwi matters in Fresno and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Sally studied and practices

San Joaquin College of Law
JD · 2015
California State University, Fresno
B.S. San · 2011

Jurisdictions

Sally's state bar admissions

California
2015 · ACTIVE

Sally studied at JD in San Joaquin College of Law and B.S. San in California State University, Fresno.

Law school and academic background

Sally completed JD in San Joaquin College of Law and B.S. San in California State University, Fresno. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sally runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli's office in Fresno

Sally's primary office is at 2300 Tulare St., Ste. 215, Fresno, CA, 93721. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Proper Defense

2300 Tulare St., Ste. 215

Fresno, CA 93721

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli

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

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sally usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Fresno, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Sally

Sally discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate 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. Sally confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Sally's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli

How much does it cost to hire Sally for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sally walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sally offer a free consultation?
Sally charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sally's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Sally's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in California typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Sally gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sally take my case if I'm outside Fresno?
Sally 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 — Sally 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 Sally?
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. Sally will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sally accepting new appellate clients right now?
Sally'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 appellate attorneys like Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What are the steps to appeal a DUI conviction in California?
I was convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles last month, and I really believe the breathalyzer results were inaccurate. I have some new evidence that could potentially exonerate me. I w
1 verified answer · Appellate · California
How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Fresno, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Sally handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

Sally Sofija Vecchiarelli, Appellate Attorney in Fresno, California

Quick answer