Jess Raphael, Criminal Defense Attorney in Napa, California
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatThe Law Office of Jess Raphael
Napa, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Napa since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Jess Raphael?
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Quick answer
Jess Raphael is an attorney based in Napa, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Jess has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Jess Raphael. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Napa, CA
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Napa, CA.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Jess Raphael: Jess Raphael is an attorney based in Napa, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Jess has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Jess Raphael. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Jess takes on
Jess concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, dv defense, and expungement. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jess 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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DV Defense
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Expungement
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General
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Juvenile
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Probation
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Sex Crimes
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White Collar
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Theft
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Criminal Defense cases in Napa, California
Jess takes criminal defense matters in Napa, 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 Jess agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Napa, California
Jess takes drug crimes matters in Napa, 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 Jess agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Napa, California
Jess takes dui/dwi matters in Napa, 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 Jess agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in Napa, California
Jess takes dv defense matters in Napa, 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 Jess agrees to represent you.
Expungement cases in Napa, California
Jess takes expungement matters in Napa, 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 Jess agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Jess Raphael — criminal defense lawyer in Napa
Jess Raphael is an attorney based in Napa, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Jess has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Jess Raphael. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Jess Raphael is a lawyer practicing domestic violence, driving under the influence, pre-charging protection and 8 other areas of law. Jess received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Jess practices at The Law Office of Jess Raphael in Napa, CA.
How Jess handles criminal defense matters
Jess Raphael is a lawyer practicing domestic violence, driving under the influence, pre-charging protection and 8 other areas of law. Jess received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Jess practices at The Law Office of Jess Raphael in Napa, CA.
The kind of cases Jess takes
Jess reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Napa and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Colorado
J.D. · 1988
University of California at Los Angeles
B.A. · 1985
Jurisdictions
Jess's state bar admissions
Colorado
1989 · ACTIVE
California
1989 · ACTIVE
Jess studied at J.D. in University of Colorado and B.A. in University of California at Los Angeles.
Law school and academic background
Jess completed J.D. in University of Colorado and B.A. in University of California at Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jess runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Jess's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Jess Raphael's office in Napa
Jess's primary office is at 845 Jefferson Street, Napa, CA, 94559-2422. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jess Raphael — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Jess. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Napa.
4.8
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jess Raphael claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Jess Raphael — 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 Jess usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jess charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jess'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; Jess will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Napa, 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 Jess
Jess 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. Jess confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jess'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 Jess Raphael
How much does it cost to hire Jess for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jess walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jess offer a free consultation?
Jess charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jess's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Jess'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. Jess gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jess take my case if I'm outside Napa?
Jess 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 — Jess 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 Jess?
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. Jess will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jess accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Jess'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 Napa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Jess 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.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in California
If Jess's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Napa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.