Dear Potential Client,

Every Case I have ever worked on is different from the last, and required(s) a different amount of professional services, travel, court time, stress, paperwork, etc.  Because of this variability, there is no standard menu price for any of my work.  But I can give you a quick, private and free quote any time. Just send me an email with some info to cdort(at)dortlaw.com and I'll be happy to discuss it with you.

We accept payment by credit or debit card, PayPal, cash, money order, Cashier's Check - online, and even over the phone. We try to make it very easy for you.  Personal Checks, pesos, and promises to pay later not are not accepted.

Here are some general thoughts on my fees to give you a sense of how to get me Advocating for you:

Civil Personal Injury cases are on a no fee unless you get paid fee plan.  Most criminal cases I handle on a flat fee basis up to trial.  For trials, I charge by the day.  Some work, such as defense in a civil litigation case can only be done on an hourly basis.  Here are some examples of my basic legal services and sample prices:

• Pro Bono Work (free) - many hours donated every month to giving free legal help. Send an email with your request and I will review it.
• General hourly work:  I can do work on an hourly basis if it works for you - $89 for the 1st hour, $200-$400 per thereafter. I dont charge for travel time or phone calls under 15 minutes.
  
• Cases involving destruction of trees, animals or forest on private land - Maybe free, Contingency fee possible
• Hourly consultations for small businesses on insurance / liability problems - approx $50 hr. (special small business rate)
• Personal Injury Representation - Contingency fee = 20%-33% depending on whether or not law and facts are on your side.  We will meet or beat competitors' fees!
• Failure to appear warrant on a marijuana possession charge (Vehicle Code 40508a warrant with Health and Safety Code 11357 or similar) Reduced rate = $750 (recently lowered due to change in law makes it easier! email me)
• Motion to Terminate Probation / Motion to Reduce Felony to Misdemeanor after probation = $1000
  
• 1 Hr. to discuss your upcoming court appearance - $89
• Jail Visit Time - $400 per hour (If I have to go visit your son in jail, for example)
  
• Misdemeanor probation violation with warrant $900-1800
• DUI Expungement, Nor Cal Counties - $850
• First Offense Veh. Code 23152 representation (pre trial litigation - trial, if req. extra) - $1800- +
• Petty Theft Misdemeanor (Penal Code 666) - $1000
• Burglary - $4000 - (no one ever has the money it seems for this one . . . )
• Felony charges - Starting at $5,000
• Jury Trial Work, per day = $1800 2 day minimum
  

It is rare that I can accept criminal cases of any type for less than $1000, because it takes effort, thought and experience to do a good job.

I do negotiate special fees for civil personal injury or other tort cases, such as bicycle injuries. Let me bid on your case!

I am happy to do web video conferences to give you advice on a small problem, or to get you prepared for a court date.  $89 for 1 hr. and I will review your paperwork.

Fees are generally not refundable except as required by law or State Bar regulation.  Fees must be paid in advance.  All fees over $1000 require written fee agreements.  We cannot guarantee results.  I make great efforts and wish all clients to get great results, but great results are no possible for all clients in this business.

OK - send me an email, get a free quote.  cdort[at]dortlaw.com. Make sure you tell me where the issue is.