Melecio Manuel Santos, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 50 years of legal practice · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Off. of Pub. Def.
San Francisco, CA
Practicing criminal defense in San Francisco since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Melecio Manuel Santos?
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.
Quick answer
Melecio Manuel Santos is an off. of pub. def. based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Melecio has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Melecio Manuel Santos: Melecio Manuel Santos is an off. of pub. def. based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Melecio has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Melecio takes on
Melecio concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melecio handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in San Francisco, California
Melecio takes criminal defense matters in San Francisco, 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 Melecio agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Melecio Manuel Santos — criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco
Melecio Manuel Santos is an off. of pub. def. based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Melecio has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Melecio Manuel Santos is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Melecio received a B.A. degree from University of California, and has been licensed for 50 years. Melecio practices in San Francisco, CA.
Working with Melecio on a criminal defense matter
Melecio Manuel Santos is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Melecio received a B.A. degree from University of California, and has been licensed for 50 years. Melecio practices in San Francisco, CA.
Who Melecio represents
Melecio reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California School of Law, Davis J.D.
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University of California B.A.
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Jurisdictions
Melecio's state bar admissions
California
1976 · ACTIVE
Melecio studied at — in University of California School of Law, Davis J.D. and — in University of California B.A..
Law school and academic background
Melecio completed — in University of California School of Law, Davis J.D. and — in University of California B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melecio runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Melecio has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Melecio Manuel Santos's office in San Francisco
Melecio's primary office is at 555 7th St, San Francisco, CA, 94103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Melecio Manuel Santos — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Melecio. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in San Francisco.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Melecio Manuel Santos claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Melecio Manuel Santos — 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 Melecio usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Melecio charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melecio'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; Melecio will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, 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 Melecio
Melecio 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. Melecio confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Melecio'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 Melecio Manuel Santos
How much does it cost to hire Melecio for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melecio walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Melecio offer a free consultation?
Melecio charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melecio's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Melecio'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. Melecio gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Melecio take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Melecio 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 — Melecio 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 Melecio?
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. Melecio will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Melecio accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Melecio'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 San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Melecio 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.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 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
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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If Melecio's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




