How much does it cost to hire Ernest for a consumer case?

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

Does Ernest offer a free consultation?

Ernest charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ernest's office. Some consumer attorneys offer free consults — check Ernest's current terms during booking.

How long do consumer cases in California typically take?

Simple consumer 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. Ernest gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Ernest take my case if I'm outside Modesto?

Ernest 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 — Ernest 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 Ernest?

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

Is Ernest accepting new consumer clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Ernest M. Spokes, Jr, Consumer Attorney in Modesto, California

Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Consumer, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes

MemberatThe Law Office of Ernest M. Spokes, Jr.

Modesto, CA

Practicing consumer in Modesto since 1979.

47+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Consumer Criminal Defense Drug Crimes DV Defense General Juvenile +4 more →

Are you Ernest M. Spokes, Jr?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Ernest M. Spokes, Jr is a member based in Modesto, CA. The practice focuses on Consumer, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. Ernest has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Ernest M. Spokes, Jr..

Based in: Modesto, CA
Experience: over 47 years
Known for: Consumer · Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes

Handles Consumer, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes matters from Modesto, CA.
Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Ernest takes on

Ernest concentrates on consumer, criminal defense, drug crimes, dv defense, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ernest handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Consumer cases in Modesto, California

Ernest takes consumer matters in Modesto, 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 Ernest agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Modesto, California

Ernest takes criminal defense matters in Modesto, 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 Ernest agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Modesto, California

Ernest takes drug crimes matters in Modesto, 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 Ernest agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Modesto, California

Ernest takes dv defense matters in Modesto, 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 Ernest agrees to represent you.

General cases in Modesto, California

Ernest takes general matters in Modesto, 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 Ernest agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Ernest M. Spokes, Jr — consumer lawyer in Modesto

Ernest M. Spokes, Jr is a lawyer practicing death penalty, criminal defense, murder and 10 other areas of law. Ernest received a B.A. degree from California State University, Fullerton in 1973, and has been licensed for 47 years. Ernest practices at The Law Office of Ernest M. Spokes, Jr. in Modesto, CA.

Working with Ernest on a consumer matter

Who Ernest represents

Ernest reviews new inquiries case-by-case for consumer, criminal defense, and drug crimes matters in Modesto and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Western State University
J.D. · 1979
California State University, Fullerton
B.A. · 1973

Jurisdictions

Ernest's state bar admissions

California
1979 · ACTIVE

Ernest studied at J.D. in Western State University and B.A. in California State University, Fullerton.

Law school and academic background

Ernest completed J.D. in Western State University and B.A. in California State University, Fullerton. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ernest runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Ernest's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of California Criminal Courts Bar Association of Stanislaus County
Past President, 2000 and 2001 · membership

Locations

Ernest M. Spokes, Jr's office in Modesto

Ernest's primary office is at 900 H Street, Suite B, Modesto, CA, 95354. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

The Law Office of Ernest M. Spokes, Jr.

900 H Street, Suite B

Modesto, CA 95354

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Ernest M. Spokes, Jr

Ernest has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Ernest M. Spokes, Jr can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Ernest M. Spokes, Jr — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Ernest charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ernest'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; Ernest will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a consumer attorney in Modesto, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many consumer 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 Ernest

Ernest discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in consumer practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every consumer 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. Ernest confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ernest's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many consumer practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Ernest M. Spokes, Jr

How much does it cost to hire Ernest for a consumer case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ernest walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ernest offer a free consultation?
Ernest charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ernest's office. Some consumer attorneys offer free consults — check Ernest's current terms during booking.
How long do consumer cases in California typically take?
Simple consumer 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. Ernest gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ernest take my case if I'm outside Modesto?
Ernest 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 — Ernest 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 Ernest?
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. Ernest will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ernest accepting new consumer clients right now?
Ernest's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by consumer attorneys like Ernest M. Spokes, Jr. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What can I do if a company won't honor its warranty in California?
I bought a new refrigerator from a store in Los Angeles, California, which came with a two-year warranty. When it broke down after just six months, the company refused to fix it, c
1 verified answer · Consumer · California
What to do if my credit report contains incorrect information in Illinois?
I recently checked my credit report and found a $2,500 debt listed that I don’t recognize. I live in Chicago, Illinois, and this is negatively impacting my credit score. I’ve tried
1 verified answer · Consumer · Illinois
What should I do if my bank won't remove a fraudulent charge in Oregon?
I live in Portland, Oregon, and just noticed a $200 charge on my bank statement that I didn’t make. I reported it, but the bank refuses to remove the charge, claiming it appears le
1 verified answer · Consumer · Oregon
Can a travel agency refuse to give me a refund in Washington?
I booked a vacation package through a travel agency in Seattle, Washington, but had to cancel due to a family emergency. They are refusing to provide me a refund, citing their poli
1 verified answer · Consumer · Washington
Can I be charged extra fees for paying my medical bill early in Florida?
I received a medical bill for $5,000 from a clinic in Miami, Florida, and I wanted to pay it off early. However, they informed me that there would be a 5% processing fee if I paid
1 verified answer · Consumer · Florida
What recourse do I have for receiving defective merchandise in Virginia?
I ordered a laptop online from a retailer in Richmond, Virginia, and when it arrived, it was defective and didn’t turn on. I attempted to return it, but they are refusing to accept
1 verified answer · Consumer · Virginia

Areas served

Consumer attorneys serving Modesto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Ernest handles consumer matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified consumer attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Ernest's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these consumer attorneys in Modesto handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Ernest M. Spokes, Jr, Consumer Attorney in Modesto, California

Quick answer