Kim James Kakadelas, Criminal Defense Attorney in Carlsbad, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation · 3.5/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
MemberatLaw Office Of Kim James Kakadelas
Carlsbad, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Carlsbad since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 3.5 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Kim James Kakadelas is a member based in Carlsbad, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. Kim has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office Of Kim James Kakadelas. Rated 3.5 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Carlsbad, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation matters from Carlsbad, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Kim James Kakadelas: Kim James Kakadelas is a member based in Carlsbad, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. Kim has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office Of Kim James Kakadelas. Rated 3.5 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Kim takes on
Kim concentrates on criminal defense, general, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kim handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Criminal Defense cases in Carlsbad, California
Kim takes criminal defense matters in Carlsbad, 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 Kim agrees to represent you.
General cases in Carlsbad, California
Kim takes general matters in Carlsbad, 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 Kim agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Carlsbad, California
Kim takes litigation matters in Carlsbad, 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 Kim agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Carlsbad, California
Kim takes personal injury matters in Carlsbad, 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 Kim agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Kim James Kakadelas — criminal defense lawyer in Carlsbad
Kim James Kakadelas is a member based in Carlsbad, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. Kim has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office Of Kim James Kakadelas. Rated 3.5 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Kim James Kakadelas is a lawyer practicing general practice, civil litigation, personal injury litigation and 3 other areas of law. Kim received a B.A. degree from Brigham Young University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Kim practices at Law Office of Kim James Kakadelas in Carlsbad, CA.
How Kim handles criminal defense matters
Kim James Kakadelas is a lawyer practicing general practice, civil litigation, personal injury litigation and 3 other areas of law. Kim received a B.A. degree from Brigham Young University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Kim practices at Law Office of Kim James Kakadelas in Carlsbad, CA.
Who Kim represents
Kim reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and litigation matters in Carlsbad and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1981
Brigham Young University
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Kim's state bar admissions
California
1982 · ACTIVE
Kim studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in Brigham Young University.
Law school and academic background
Kim completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in Brigham Young University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kim runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Kim has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
Kim James Kakadelas's office in Carlsbad
Kim's primary office is at 2794 Gateway Rd., Carlsbad, CA, 92009-1730. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Office Of Kim James Kakadelas
2794 Gateway Rd.
Carlsbad, CA 92009-1730
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Kim James Kakadelas — 3.5/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Kim. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Carlsbad.
3.5
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kim James Kakadelas claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kim James Kakadelas — 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 Kim usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kim charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kim'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; Kim will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Carlsbad, 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 Kim
Kim 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. Kim confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kim'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 Kim James Kakadelas
How much does it cost to hire Kim for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kim walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kim offer a free consultation?
Kim charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kim's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Kim'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. Kim gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kim take my case if I'm outside Carlsbad?
Kim 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 — Kim 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 Kim?
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. Kim will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kim accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Kim'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 Carlsbad, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Kim 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 Kim's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Carlsbad handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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