Criminal Defense Throughout the Bay Area Since 1991

The Law Office of R. Scott Guite, located in Petaluma, California, is an established firm with over 21 years of criminal defense experience throughout the Bay Area. Mr. Guite also represents clients in matters related to criminal cases such as DMV license suspensions and TROs.

After years of focusing on criminal law, Attorney Guite has come to the conclusion that the initial task in every new case is to evaluate the case objectively and advise the client as to what he feels is the attainable goal for the case. As a rule, he does not just tell clients what they want to hear nor tries to scare them by belaboring the theoretical but unlikely consequences of their predicament. He will however, speak honestly about what he feels is best for the client. Mr. Guite's will provide a number of viable options, the cost of pursuing those various options, and the various likelihood of success.

Contact Mr. Guite today at 707-200-7705 if you need legal assistance with any of the following:

• Criminal Defense
• All Felonies and Misdemeanors
• Occasional Traffic Court
• Driving Under the Influence
• Domestic Violence
• One, Two or Three Strike Cases
• Defending the Alcohol or Drug Addicted Client
• Defending the Client with Mental Health Issues
• Defending the Military Veteran
• California Department of Motor Vehicles License Suspensions
• Temporary Restraining Orders

If you are located in Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Solano, Lake, Contra Costa or Alameda County and need a criminal defense lawyer, call Attorney R. Scott Guite today at 707-200-7705 to arrange your free initial consultation.

Attorney Profile

Attorney Guise has represented criminal defendants in most of the Northern California counties as well as the U.S. District Court in San Francisco; but the bulk of his practice is in the Bay Area counties of Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Solano, Lake, Contra Costa and Alameda.

Licensed In:

• California

Admitted to the Bar:

• 1991

Education:

• Duke University with a B.A. in History in 1983
• University of San Francisco with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1990

Professional Memberships:

• Member: California State Bar

Professional Achievements:

• Served in the U.S. Army, during which time he attended a number of special operations and leadership training courses including Airborne and Ranger Schools

Fees

For most people cost is a factor in determining whether to hire private defense counsel and who to hire.  While I am willing to charge by the hour, most of my clients prefer flat fee agreements because of the degree of certainty those agreements afford.  

In misdemeanor cases, the fee varies based on the type of case, but the average is approximately $1,250.  The fee is graduated meaning that it does not include the cost of drafting motions, hiring investigators, hiring experts, trial preparation, or trial.  Those additional services are paid for as needed and as authorized by the client.  However, many misdemeanor cases are resolved without the need to draft motions, and most are resolved short of going to trial.  Thus, in the majority of my misdemeanor cases the initial fee does in fact pay for all of the legal services necessary to see a case through to its conclusion.   

In felony cases, the average initial fee is approximately $2,500, but can be significantly more in complex and/or serious cases.  Like misdemeanor cases, the vast majority of felony cases are resolved short of going to trial, but the more serious felony cases oftentimes do require pre-trial evidentiary hearings, motions, an investigator and extensive trial preparation even if the case  does not ultimately go to trial.  Those additional services are paid for as needed and as  authorized by the client.

A fee related question I am often asked is whether I accept payments.  I do within reason. In the smaller and medium fee cases ($5,000 and below), I require at least half the fee up front and the remainder within a few weeks.  In the higher fee cases, I am more flexible on payments as long as I am convinced that the client or the client’s family ultimately has the financial means to pay for his or her defense.