Douglas Clayton Foster, Criminal Defense Attorney in Merced, California

Douglas concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, expungement, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Douglas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Criminal Defense

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• Drug Crimes

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• DUI/DWI

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• Expungement

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• General

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• Juvenile

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• Sex Crimes

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• Theft

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• Violent Crimes

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• White Collar

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Douglas's primary office is at 139 W. El Portal Drive, Suite D, Merced, CA, 95348. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Douglas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Douglas 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.

• How much does it cost to hire Douglas for a criminal defense case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Douglas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Douglas offer a free consultation?

  Douglas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Douglas's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Douglas'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. Douglas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Douglas take my case if I'm outside Merced?

  Douglas 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 — Douglas 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 Douglas?

  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. Douglas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Douglas accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

  Douglas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.