Charged with a misdemeanor in San Francisco? Your case will be heard at the Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street. ASH Legal is based a few blocks away and defends those cases on a flat fee starting at $3,500 — one lawyer, one number, from arraignment through resolution.
The first call is free. You'll get an honest read on the charge, whether diversion can end it in a dismissal, and exactly what representation costs — before you commit to anything.
Misdemeanor Defense in San Francisco
ASH Legal is a misdemeanor-focused criminal defense practice headquartered in San Francisco, at 15 Boardman Place — a few blocks from the Hall of Justice. San Francisco is home base, and Ahmed appears in San Francisco Superior Court for clients charged across the city.
A misdemeanor in California carries up to one year in county jail. For most first-offense, lower-level charges the real exposure is far less — and for many, the right path ends in a dismissal rather than a conviction. The point of hiring counsel early is to steer toward that outcome from the first hearing, not to react after the case has hardened.
The San Francisco Courthouse
San Francisco is a consolidated city and county — all San Francisco County criminal matters run through the San Francisco Superior Court. Misdemeanor cases are heard at the Hall of Justice. The department and date are on your citation or arraignment notice.
Hall of Justice
850 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. Where San Francisco misdemeanor and criminal matters are heard.
Charges We Defend
The misdemeanor charges handled most often in San Francisco include:
- DUI — VC 23152. See the DUI defense page.
- Domestic violence — PC 273.5, PC 243(e)(1). See the domestic violence page.
- Petty theft & shoplifting — PC 484, PC 459.5. See the petty theft page.
- Drug possession — HS 11350, HS 11377. See the drug possession page.
- Vandalism — PC 594. See the vandalism page.
- Public intoxication — PC 647(f). See the public intoxication page.
- Trespassing — PC 602. See the trespassing page.
- Assault & battery — PC 240, PC 242. See the assault & battery page.
- Resisting arrest — PC 148. See the resisting arrest page.
Not sure where your charge fits? See the full misdemeanor defense overview, or just call and ask.
Diversion & Dismissal Paths
For many first-time misdemeanor clients, diversion is the difference between a conviction and no record at all. San Francisco's bench actively uses judicial diversion:
PC 1001.95 — Judicial Misdemeanor Diversion
A judge can divert most misdemeanors, set conditions, and dismiss the case on completion — no guilty plea required. Carve-outs apply to domestic violence, PC 290-registerable offenses, and stalking (PC 646.9). DUI is separately barred by Vehicle Code 23640, not by PC 1001.95 itself. How PC 1001.95 works.
PC 1001.36 — Mental Health Diversion
For qualifying charges connected to a diagnosed mental health condition. How mental health diversion works.
PC 1001.80 — Military Diversion
For servicemembers and veterans — and the only diversion available for a DUI. How military diversion works.
What to Expect
A misdemeanor case moves through a predictable sequence: arraignment (where the charges are read and a plea is entered), pretrial conferences (where negotiation and motions happen), and — if it doesn't resolve — trial. For many misdemeanor clients, the defendant does not have to personally appear at every hearing; counsel can appear on your behalf under Penal Code 977, so your work and life aren't put on hold for every court date.
The goal from the first hearing is the same: understand the charge, find the leverage in the report, and steer toward the best available resolution — dismissal, diversion, or a reduction — rather than letting the case drift toward a conviction.
Flat-Fee Cost
ASH Legal handles San Francisco misdemeanor cases on a flat fee starting at $3,500. One number, all-inclusive, in writing — arraignment, court appearances, negotiation with the District Attorney, motions, and resolution. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. Payment plans are available. DUI matters are quoted separately given the added DMV and defense work involved.
Free 30-Minute Consultation
Tell me what you're charged with in San Francisco. I'll tell you the realistic outcomes, whether diversion applies, and exactly what representation costs.
Schedule Free ConsultationAbout the Attorney
Ahmed S. Hasan
Criminal Defense Attorney · State Bar of California #364992
Ahmed S. Hasan is the founder of ASH Legal, a misdemeanor-focused criminal defense practice based in San Francisco. The firm runs on flat-fee representation: one lawyer, one fee, from arraignment through resolution. No hourly billing.
Ahmed is a graduate of Emory University School of Law and a member in good standing of the State Bar of California (Bar #364992). He represents clients across San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. The main office is at 15 Boardman Place, Suite 301, San Francisco, with a Redwood City office available by appointment.
Free 30-minute consultations are available by phone or Zoom. (510) 545-6515 · ahmed@ashlegal.com