Legal Services Provided by Attorney Addison Steele, Santa Barbara, California
Pre-Filing Advocacy
Addison has extensive experience in handling all criminal defense cases. With twenty-five years of experience as a criminal defense attorney handling at least 10,000 cases either by negotiating with the district attorney, working out a resolution with the judge, or taking cases to a jury trial, he is dedicated to using the most strategic and thoughtful case litigation plan to get you the best possible outcome. He has successfully handled cases from DUIs and petty theft all the way to rape, robbery, murder, and even death penalty cases.
Appear in Court for You
If your case is a misdemeanor, I can appear in court for you on most, if not all, of your court dates. If your case is a felony, I will likely be able to appear for you on many of your court dates. That means that you will not need to travel to the courthouse for court appearances, you will not need to miss work or school for court appearances, you will not need to make childcare arrangements for court appearances, and mostly, you will not have the stress of going to court unless it is absolutely necessary that you are there.
Communicate With Your Lawyer
You will be able to easily communicate with me. My clients have my cell number and can call or text me anytime. Unless I’m in court or meeting with a client, I respond quickly. I will keep you informed as I work on your case.
Communicate With Your Lawyer
You will be able to easily communicate with me. My clients have my cell number and can call or text me anytime. Unless I’m in court or meeting with a client, I respond quickly. I will keep you informed as I work on your case.
Time You Need With Your Lawyer
You will be able to take all the time you need to talk to me. When I was working at the Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office, I was carrying up to 200 cases on a felony caseload. I now limit my private practice to twenty or fewer active cases, so I have time to spend with each client.
A Flat Fee That Includes a Jury Trial
I will quote you a reasonable flat fee for all aspects of representing you up to and including a jury trial. Most attorneys do not include a jury trial in their quotes. I have done more than 100 jury trials, and about two-thirds of those were felonies, including a dozen murder trials. I am very experienced and comfortable being in front of a jury, and I have a track record of not just doing jury trials but winning them. Willingness to go to trial is extremely important for negotiating a case.
Alternative Solutions
I will get to know you and explore all possible alternative means to resolve your case. If there’s a Diversion program that works for your case, we’ll take advantage of it. If addiction treatment or mental health treatment can resolve your case in a favorable way, we’ll take advantage of that. We will work together to find alternative solutions for your case.
Experienced and Successful Attorney
You will have an extremely experienced and knowledgeable lawyer with a proven track record of success. Jury trial experience, success in jury trials, and more than twenty-five years of experience defending those who have been accused of committing crimes equal successful negotiation with the district attorney. If you don’t hire me, at least make sure that you have a highly qualified lawyer. Ask how many trials he or she has done. Trials are held in public courtrooms and are public record; there’s nothing secret about cases that have gone to trial. Don’t accept answers such as, “I’ve done plenty of trials,” or, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing,” ask for the number and type of trials, and then ask to see the lawyer’s trial list. I’m happy to share my jury trial list with you.
Honest Assessment of Your Case
I will be straight with you about your case. Sugarcoating your situation doesn’t help you. Exaggerating your risk doesn’t help you either. I would rather be truthful and frank with you about your situation and have you not hire me than tell you what I think you want to hear and have you hire me. An honest assessment from a skilled and experienced attorney is as important as an honest diagnosis from a skilled and experienced doctor.