Alicia Wilson Cortrite, Criminal Defense Attorney in Santa Monica, California
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Chf. Dep. City Atty.
Santa Monica, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Santa Monica since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Alicia Wilson Cortrite is a chf. dep. city atty. based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Government. Alicia has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Santa Monica, CA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Government
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Government matters from Santa Monica, CA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Alicia Wilson Cortrite: Alicia Wilson Cortrite is a chf. dep. city atty. based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Government. Alicia has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Alicia's practice areas in Santa Monica
Alicia concentrates on criminal defense, general, government, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Alicia handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Government
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Zoning
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Criminal Defense cases in Santa Monica, California
Alicia takes criminal defense matters in Santa Monica, 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 Alicia agrees to represent you.
General cases in Santa Monica, California
Alicia takes general matters in Santa Monica, 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 Alicia agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Santa Monica, California
Alicia takes government matters in Santa Monica, 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 Alicia agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Santa Monica, California
Alicia takes zoning matters in Santa Monica, 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 Alicia agrees to represent you.
Biography
Alicia Wilson Cortrite, criminal defense attorney serving Santa Monica
Alicia Wilson Cortrite is a chf. dep. city atty. based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Government. Alicia has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Alicia works from Santa Monica, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Alicia Wilson Cortrite is a lawyer practicing zoning, planning and land use, criminal prosecution, administrative law and 1 other area of law. Alicia received a B.A. degree from San Francisco State University in 1978, and has been licensed for 41 years. Alicia practices in Santa Monica, CA.
How Alicia handles criminal defense matters
Alicia Wilson Cortrite is a lawyer practicing zoning, planning and land use, criminal prosecution, administrative law and 1 other area of law. Alicia received a B.A. degree from San Francisco State University in 1978, and has been licensed for 41 years. Alicia practices in Santa Monica, CA.
The kind of cases Alicia takes
Alicia reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and government matters in Santa Monica and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Alicia studied and practices
Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1985
San Francisco State University
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Alicia's state bar admissions
California
1985 · ACTIVE
Alicia studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in San Francisco State University.
Law school and academic background
Alicia completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in San Francisco State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Alicia runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Alicia's legal honors and published work
Alicia has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Alicia Wilson Cortrite's office in Santa Monica
Alicia's primary office is at 1685 Main St, Santa Monica, CA, 90401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Alicia Wilson Cortrite — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Alicia. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Santa Monica.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Alicia Wilson Cortrite claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Alicia Wilson Cortrite — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Alicia usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Alicia charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alicia'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; Alicia will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Santa Monica, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 Alicia
Alicia discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. Alicia confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Alicia's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Alicia Wilson Cortrite
How much does it cost to hire Alicia for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Alicia walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Alicia offer a free consultation?
Alicia charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alicia's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Alicia's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. Alicia gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Alicia take my case if I'm outside Santa Monica?
Alicia 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 — Alicia 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 Alicia?
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. Alicia will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Alicia accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Alicia's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Santa Monica, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Alicia handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in California
If Alicia's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Santa Monica handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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