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Thomas Arthur Purtell, Criminal Defense Attorney in Woodland, California

Over 71 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatThomas A. Purtell

Woodland, CA

Practicing criminal defense in Woodland since 1955.

71+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Thomas Arthur Purtell is a member based in Woodland, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. Thomas has over 71 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas A. Purtell. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Woodland, CA
Experience
over 71 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · General · Litigation
  • Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation matters from Woodland, CA.
  • Over 71 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Thomas Arthur Purtell: Thomas Arthur Purtell is a member based in Woodland, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. Thomas has over 71 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas A. Purtell. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on criminal defense, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Woodland, California

Thomas takes criminal defense matters in Woodland, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

General cases in Woodland, California

Thomas takes general matters in Woodland, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Woodland, California

Thomas takes litigation matters in Woodland, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Thomas Arthur Purtell — criminal defense lawyer in Woodland

Thomas Arthur Purtell is a member based in Woodland, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. Thomas has over 71 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas A. Purtell. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Thomas Arthur Purtell is a lawyer practicing trial practice, criminal law, criminal defense and 1 other area of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1951, and has been licensed for 71 years. Thomas practices at Thomas A. Purtell in Woodland, CA.

Thomas's approach to criminal defense cases

Thomas Arthur Purtell is a lawyer practicing trial practice, criminal law, criminal defense and 1 other area of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1951, and has been licensed for 71 years. Thomas practices at Thomas A. Purtell in Woodland, CA.

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and litigation matters in Woodland and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Hastings College of Law, University of California

    J.D. · 1956

  • University of California at Santa Barbara

    B.A. · 1951

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • California

    1955 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Yolo County Bar Association (President, 1970) The State Bar of California California Trial Lawyers' Association The Association of Trial Lawyers of America

    membership

Locations

Thomas Arthur Purtell's office in Woodland

Thomas's primary office is at 430 - 3rd St., Woodland, CA, 95695. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Thomas A. Purtell

430 - 3rd St.

Woodland, CA 95695

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Arthur Purtell — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Thomas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Woodland.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Arthur Purtell claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Arthur Purtell — 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 Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Woodland, 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 Thomas

Thomas 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas'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 Thomas Arthur Purtell

  • How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a criminal defense case?

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

  • Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

    Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas'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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Woodland?

    Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?

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

  • Is Thomas accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    Thomas'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 Woodland, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Thomas 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

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