Susan Louise Metsch, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Juvenile
Appellate Defenders, Inc.
San Diego, CA
Practicing criminal defense in San Diego since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Susan Louise Metsch is an appellate defenders, inc. based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Juvenile. Susan has over 45 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Juvenile
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Juvenile matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Susan Louise Metsch: Susan Louise Metsch is an appellate defenders, inc. based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Juvenile. Susan has over 45 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Susan takes on
Susan concentrates on criminal defense, general, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Juvenile
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Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California
Susan takes criminal defense matters in San Diego, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Diego, California
Susan takes general matters in San Diego, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in San Diego, California
Susan takes juvenile matters in San Diego, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Susan Louise Metsch — criminal defense lawyer in San Diego
Susan Louise Metsch is an appellate defenders, inc. based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Juvenile. Susan has over 45 years of legal experience.
Susan Louise Metsch is a lawyer practicing criminal law, juvenile law, dependency law. Susan received a B.A. degree from Occidental College in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. Susan practices in San Diego, CA.
Working with Susan on a criminal defense matter
Susan Louise Metsch is a lawyer practicing criminal law, juvenile law, dependency law. Susan received a B.A. degree from Occidental College in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. Susan practices in San Diego, CA.
Clients Susan works with
Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and juvenile matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1981
Occidental College
B.A. University · 1975
Jurisdictions
Susan's state bar admissions
California
1981 · ACTIVE
Susan studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. University in Occidental College.
Law school and academic background
Susan completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. University in Occidental College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Susan Louise Metsch's office in San Diego
Susan's primary office is at 6754 Green Gables Ave, San Diego, CA, 92119-2953. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Susan Louise Metsch
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Susan Louise Metsch — 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 Susan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Susan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan'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; Susan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in San Diego, 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 Susan
Susan 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. Susan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Susan'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 Susan Louise Metsch
How much does it cost to hire Susan for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Susan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Susan offer a free consultation?
Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Susan'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. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Susan take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Susan 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 — Susan 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 Susan?
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. Susan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Susan accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Susan'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 Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Susan 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 Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 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
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