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Criminal Defense Lawyer · San Francisco, CA/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Francisco, CA

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can be a daunting task. In San Francisco, the stakes are high, and the right representation can make all the difference.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceSamuel Geller | Geller Law
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 San Francisco-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

In a city like San Francisco, facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming. The right criminal defense lawyer is essential for navigating the complexities of the legal system, especially in a market where trust is still forming among service providers.

We evaluated ten criminal defense lawyers in the San Francisco area, focusing on their ratings and review counts. With a total of 604 reviews across all ranked providers, we aimed to identify those who not only excelled in client satisfaction but also demonstrated a consistent track record of success.

10criminal defense lawyers evaluated in San Francisco
4.88average rating across the field
604customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in San Francisco? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Samuel Geller | Geller Law

★★★★★5.0(84 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 84 reviews, Samuel Geller at Geller Law is praised for his thorough understanding of criminal law and personalized approach.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Silveira Law - A Professional Corporation

★★★★★4.9(115 reviews)

Silveira Law holds a strong 4.9-star rating based on 115 reviews.

Read full review
Best for Young Adults
93Score

Pelta Law

★★★★★4.9(111 reviews)

Pelta Law has garnered a 4.9-star rating from 111 reviews.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
84Serious criminal charges
2
94Score
4.9★★★★★
115DUI defense
3
Pelta Law
Pelta Law
Best for Young Adults
93Score
4.9★★★★★
111Young adults facing legal issues
4
89Score
4.9★★★★★
60Aggressive defense strategies
5
88Score
4.9★★★★★
44Compassionate legal support
6
86Score
5.0★★★★★
32First-time offenders
7
85Score
5.0★★★★★
28Complex criminal cases
8
81Score
4.7★★★★★
70Supportive legal environment
9
80Score
4.7★★★★★
39Meticulous representation
10
78Score
4.8★★★★★
21Personalized legal representation
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 criminal defense lawyers.

To create this ranking, we analyzed the Vetted Scores of local criminal defense lawyers based on their ratings, number of reviews, and overall client feedback. Each lawyer's performance was evaluated to ensure that only the best made it to our list.

Our rankings are updated monthly, and no one pays for placement. This ensures an unbiased assessment that reflects the current state of the market, allowing you to trust the information provided in this guide.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Samuel Geller | Geller Law

★★★★★5.0(84 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 84 reviews, Samuel Geller at Geller Law is praised for his thorough understanding of criminal law and personalized approach. Clients commend his responsiveness and dedication, making him an ideal choice for those facing serious charges. However, the firm is relatively new, so its long-term track record is still developing.

Pros

  • Personalized legal strategy
  • Highly responsive
  • Strong understanding of criminal law

Cons

  • Newer firm with less established history
Best forSerious criminal charges
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$200 to $600 per hour
2
Most Reviewed

Silveira Law - A Professional Corporation

★★★★★4.9(115 reviews)
94Score

Silveira Law holds a strong 4.9-star rating based on 115 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm's expertise in navigating complex legal issues and its commitment to client care. This firm is especially noted for its effectiveness in DUI cases. One downside is that some clients feel the initial consultations could be more detailed.

Pros

  • Expertise in DUI cases
  • High client satisfaction
  • Thorough legal guidance

Cons

  • Initial consultations could be more detailed
Best forDUI defense
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$250 to $500 per hour
3
Best for Young Adults

Pelta Law

★★★★★4.9(111 reviews)
93Score

Pelta Law has garnered a 4.9-star rating from 111 reviews. Reviewers highlight the firm's approachable nature and effective communication, making it a good fit for young adults facing legal challenges. However, some clients have noted that response times can vary, which may be a concern in urgent situations. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is young adults facing legal issues. It serves San Francisco, with $200 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are response times can vary.

Pros

  • Approachable and friendly
  • Effective communication
  • Great for young adults

Cons

  • Response times can vary
Best forYoung adults facing legal issues
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per hour
4
89Score

Summit Defense has a solid rating of 4.9 stars from 60 reviews. Clients appreciate their aggressive defense strategies and knowledge of the local legal system. However, the firm has a thinner review base compared to others, making it a less proven option for some. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is aggressive defense strategies. It serves San Francisco, with $250 to $550 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thinner review base.

Pros

  • Aggressive defense strategies
  • Knowledge of local laws

Cons

  • Thinner review base
Best forAggressive defense strategies
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$250 to $550 per hour
5

The Law Offices of Jonah Chew

★★★★★4.9(44 reviews)
88Score

With a 4.9-star rating from 44 reviews, The Law Offices of Jonah Chew is recognized for its compassionate approach and thorough case preparation. Clients feel supported throughout the legal process. However, the firm's smaller client base may affect its experience with more complex cases. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is compassionate legal support. It serves San Francisco, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller client base may limit experience.

Pros

  • Compassionate approach
  • Thorough case preparation

Cons

  • Smaller client base may limit experience
Best forCompassionate legal support
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
6

The Pakneshan Firm

★★★★★5.0(32 reviews)
86Score

The Pakneshan Firm has received a perfect 5-star rating from 32 reviews. Clients commend their personalized service and strategic legal advice. This firm excels with first-time offenders. However, with fewer reviews, it remains a promising but unproven choice for those with serious charges. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is first-time offenders. It serves San Francisco, with $250 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are fewer reviews may indicate less experience.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Strategic legal advice

Cons

  • Fewer reviews may indicate less experience
Best forFirst-time offenders
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$250 to $500 per hour
7

Gasner Criminal Law

★★★★★5.0(28 reviews)
85Score

Gasner Criminal Law holds a 5-star rating from 28 reviews. Clients appreciate their thorough approach and dedication to defending clients' rights. This firm is particularly noted for handling complex cases. However, its limited review count raises questions about its long-term reliability. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is complex criminal cases. It serves San Francisco, with $250 to $600 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review count.

Pros

  • Thorough approach
  • Dedication to client rights

Cons

  • Limited review count
Best forComplex criminal cases
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$250 to $600 per hour
8

Morales Law Firm

★★★★★4.7(70 reviews)
81Score

Morales Law Firm has a solid 4.7-star rating from 70 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm's friendly staff and thorough explanations of legal processes. This firm is best for those seeking a supportive environment. However, some clients have mentioned that the firm’s availability can be inconsistent. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is supportive legal environment. It serves San Francisco, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent availability.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Thorough explanations

Cons

  • Inconsistent availability
Best forSupportive legal environment
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
9

The Law Office of Valery Nechay

★★★★★4.7(39 reviews)
80Score

The Law Office of Valery Nechay has a 4.7-star rating from 39 reviews. Clients commend the firm for its attention to detail and effective communication. This office is well-suited for clients looking for meticulous representation. However, some clients report delays in response times. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is meticulous representation. It serves San Francisco, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are delays in response times.

Pros

  • Attention to detail
  • Effective communication

Cons

  • Delays in response times
Best forMeticulous representation
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
10

Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson

★★★★★4.8(21 reviews)
78Score

The Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson has a 4.8-star rating from 21 reviews. Clients appreciate her personalized attention and thorough legal strategies. While she excels in communication, the limited number of reviews suggests a less proven track record. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized legal representation. It serves San Francisco, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews.

Pros

  • Personalized attention
  • Thorough legal strategies

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
Best forPersonalized legal representation
Service areaSan Francisco
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco

When selecting a criminal defense lawyer, you should consider several factors that can significantly impact your case. Here are key aspects to keep in mind:

Review Ratings and Feedback

Look for lawyers with high ratings and a substantial number of reviews. Analyze client feedback to understand their experience and outcomes.

Experience with Similar Cases

Choose a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours. Their familiarity with specific charges can be a significant advantage.

Consultation Availability

Schedule consultations with potential lawyers. This allows you to assess their communication style and whether they understand your needs.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in San Francisco

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco varies widely based on experience and the complexity of your case. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

Basic Consultation$100 to $300 for an initial consultation, which may cover case evaluation and basic advice.
Hourly Rate$200 to $700 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and reputation.
Flat Fees for Specific Cases$1,500 to $10,000, depending on the nature of the charges and the complexity of the case.
Retainer Fees$2,000 to $25,000 to secure legal representation, especially for serious offenses.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hiring a criminal defense lawyer cost in San Francisco?

Fees can vary widely, typically ranging from $200 to $600 per hour. Some lawyers may offer flat fees for specific cases.

What should I consider when choosing a criminal defense lawyer?

Look for experience with cases similar to yours, the lawyer's track record, and client reviews. The number of reviews can indicate reliability, especially in a market with thin data.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most San Francisco residents: <strong>Samuel Geller | Geller Law</strong>

For criminal defense lawyers in San Francisco, Samuel Geller | Geller Law takes the lead with a perfect 5-star rating based on 84 reviews, proving a strong reputation among clients. Following closely behind is Silveira Law - A Professional Corporation, with 4.9 stars from 115 reviews, showcasing reliability and extensive feedback. Lastly, Pelta Law, also at 4.9 stars but with 111 reviews, rounds out the top three, indicating substantial client satisfaction. Choose based on your needs, but Geller's proven track record makes him the strongest option for most cases.