Best San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers

The San Diego criminal defense attorneys listed below have protected clients' rights throughout Southern California's courts. These battle-tested legal teams know local prosecutors, judges, and the California justice system from years of daily courtroom work.

List of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in San Diego, California

Screenshot of the Law Office of Bradley R. Corbett Website
440 S Melrose Dr STE 204, Vista, CA 92081, USA

The Law Office of Bradley Corbett is a San Diego criminal defense firm specializing in DUI and domestic violence cases. With over a decade of experience, Bradley Corbett has secured not guilty verdicts throughout San Diego County. They offer free consultations, 24/7 availability, and serve Carlsbad and Chula Vista.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC Website
2150 First Ave. Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Law Office of Vikas Bajaj is a top San Diego criminal defense firm. Attorney Bajaj has over 20 years of experience defending thousands of cases with numerous jury trial victories. The firm handles domestic violence, federal charges, and complex criminal matters. Clients benefit from aggressive pre-investigation work that often leads to reduced or dismissed charges. Bajaj's proven track record protects your freedom and future.

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Screenshot of the Monder Law Group Website
424 F St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Monder Law Group is a San Diego criminal defense firm with attorneys holding LL.M. degrees in criminal defense. They specialize in assault, sex crimes, and other serious charges. The firm has secured numerous dismissals and reduced charges for clients. Their approach combines legal expertise with personalized service. Call 619-405-0063 for a free consultation.

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Screenshot of the Attorney Peter M. Liss Website
380 S Melrose Dr #301, Vista, CA 92081, USA

Peter Liss is a Vista criminal defense attorney with 40 years of experience in San Diego County courts. A UC Berkeley Law graduate, he has tried over 100 jury trials. Peter handles DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, and juvenile cases. His practice offers affordable rates and 24/7 availability for immediate legal help throughout North County San Diego.

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Screenshot of the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum Website
501 W Broadway Ste 1660, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

We are a law firm helping people accused of crimes protect their future. Our skilled attorney, a former prosecutor, builds the strongest defense to fight for your freedom. We take an aggressive approach, investigate, and prepare to win your case. Call us for a free consultation.

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Screenshot of the Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers Website
225 Broadway Suite 1740, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers is a San Diego criminal defense firm led by attorney Peter Blair. He holds a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating and has won thousands of cases since 2010. Blair was named Top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers and received Super Lawyers recognition. The firm handles DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, and serious felonies. They offer free consultations and fight aggressively for client rights throughout San Diego County.

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Screenshot of the Christoph Law Offices Website
400 S Melrose Dr # 101, Vista, CA 92081, USA

Christoph Law Offices specializes in criminal defense and DUI cases in Vista, California. Attorneys William and Nicholas Christoph have handled over 5,000 DUI cases in 55+ years of practice. The office is located directly across from Vista Courthouse for convenient access. You get free consultations and experienced representation for drug charges, theft, and domestic violence. The firm serves North County communities including Oceanside, Escondido, and Carlsbad.

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Screenshot of the Dod Law Website
380 Melrose Dr Suite 372, Vista, CA 92081, USA

Dod Law provides criminal defense services across San Diego, Orange County, and Vista. Their team specializes in DUI, assault, domestic violence, and drug crimes. Founder Dod Ghassemkhani was named San Diego County's 2023 Trial Lawyer of the Year. They offer 24/7 legal support for clients facing serious criminal charges.

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Screenshot of the Griffin Law Office, APC - San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Website

Griffin Law Office, APC represents San Diego clients facing criminal charges from drug crimes to federal offenses. Lead attorney Patrick Griffin is a skilled trial lawyer who has managed over 1,000 criminal cases with proven success in charge reductions and case dismissals. The firm provides personalized defense strategies through meticulous case preparation and a deep understanding of the legal system. Clients receive complimentary consultations and personalized representation, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for their cases.

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Screenshot of the Bernal Law Felony Crimes & Criminal Defense Lawyer Website

Bernal Law provides San Diego criminal defense with unique prosecutorial insight. Attorney Pedro Bernal served as a prosecutor for 10 years before founding his practice. He handles misdemeanors and white-collar crimes in state and federal courts. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, he teaches at California Western School of Law. The firm offers free consultations for all criminal matters.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of George Gedulin Website
12636 High Bluff Dr, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92130, USA

George Gedulin leads a San Diego law practice focusing on criminal defense and family law matters. His firm provides mediation services and offers personalized attention to each case. The office handles divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and various criminal charges. Clients receive free consultations to discuss their legal options and case strategy.

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Screenshot of the Law Offices of Brian White Website

Brian J. White is a California State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist in San Diego. He holds the highest AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been named a Super Lawyer since 2008. Brian defends serious felony cases, including murder, drug crimes, and domestic violence. His firm has been serving San Diego since 1992 with personalized criminal defense representation.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Daniel S. Castañeda, APC Website

The Law Office of Daniel S. Castañeda, APC delivers comprehensive legal services in San Diego for immigration, criminal defense, and civil litigation matters. Attorney Daniel Castañeda brings over ten years of experience serving the Latino community with bilingual Spanish-English representation. Services include deportation defense, family-based immigration, business visas, citizenship applications, and criminal defense for DUI, assault, and domestic violence cases. The firm offers personalized attention, including free consultations.

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Screenshot of the Law Offices of Michael Anthony Hernandez Website
402 W Broadway Suite 1720, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Law Offices of Michael Anthony Hernandez focuses on federal and state criminal defense in San Diego. The firm offers no-cost case evaluations for criminal charges and record clearance services. Attorney Hernandez brings nearly 20 years of experience to complex criminal cases. You get expert guidance through the legal system from a San Diego County Bar Association member. The practice handles both misdemeanor and felony criminal matters.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Nicole Irmer Website

The Law Office of Nicole Irmer is a San Diego professional licensing defense attorney with over 20 years of experience. Nicole focuses on protecting doctors, nurses, accountants, and real estate professionals from licensing board actions. Her firm handles criminal defense cases that affect professional licenses. She offers free consultations and serves clients throughout California in both state and federal courts.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Joshua R. Bourne Website
185 F St Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

The Law Office of Joshua R. Bourne offers criminal defense representation throughout San Diego County. Attorney Bourne brings over 20 years of experience and a unique prosecutorial background to DUI and domestic violence cases. The firm provides free consultations and serves communities from Alpine to Winter Gardens with dedicated criminal defense advocacy.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Gregory Garrison Website
402 W Broadway Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Gregory Garrison leads a criminal defense practice in San Diego with over 30 years of legal experience. The former law enforcement officer and prosecutor handles all criminal matters from DUI to murder cases. You receive aggressive representation and privacy protection throughout your case. Garrison provides free consultations to discuss your legal options.

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Screenshot of the Herbert Weston & Tanya Weston, Criminal Lawyers Website

Herbert Weston & Tanya Weston are criminal defense attorneys in Vista, San Diego County, with over 50 years of combined experience. They have successfully handled over 4,000 cases and more than 500 jury trials. Mr. Weston is a board-certified criminal law specialist. Their practice areas include domestic violence, drug charges, DUI/DWI, gang crimes, murder, theft, sex crimes, and white collar crimes. The firm offers free consultations and Spanish-speaking services.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Domenic J. Lombardo Website

Domenic J. Lombardo is a San Diego criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience. His downtown office handles cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including drug crimes, domestic violence, and theft charges. Lombardo offers free consultations and has earned respect in San Diego courts. Member of multiple criminal defense associations with proven case dismissals and not guilty verdicts.

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Screenshot of the McKenzie Scott Civil Rights & Criminal Defense Lawyers Website

McKenzie Scott Civil Rights & Criminal Defense Lawyers fights for justice in San Diego with over 20 years of legal experience. The firm specializes in civil rights violations, police misconduct, excessive force cases, and serious criminal defense matters. Their attorneys have secured landmark verdicts, including the largest excessive-force case in history. They challenge systemic unfairness while providing robust defense strategies for clients facing serious felony charges and civil rights violations.

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Screenshot of the Law Offices of John D. Kirby, APC Website

John D. Kirby practices federal criminal defense law in San Diego, California. His unique background includes 10 years as a U.S. Federal Prosecutor. This former prosecutor provides valuable insight into federal case strategies. Kirby handles white-collar crimes, drug charges, and financial fraud cases. His 25+ years of legal experience helps clients face complex federal charges. San Diego defendants get top-tier representation and strategic defense planning. The firm focuses exclusively on federal criminal matters.

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Screenshot of the Nasseri Legal Website
380 S Melrose Dr Suite #363, Vista, CA 92081, USA

Nasseri Legal serves San Diego with criminal defense and immigration law services. Attorney Saman Nasseri offers free consultations and has successfully reduced charges while preventing deportation for clients. The firm handles criminal defense cases, immigration matters, and civil disputes throughout Southern California. They provide 24/7 availability and flexible payment plans. With offices in San Diego and Vista, the firm educates clients about the legal process throughout their cases.

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Screenshot of the Zentz & Zentz Criminal Defense Attorneys Website
895 Park Blvd STE 546, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Zentz & Zentz Criminal Defense Attorneys serve San Diego and Las Vegas with over 30 years of combined experience. They focus on criminal defense, personal injury, and DUI cases. The firm provides aggressive representation with personal attention and fast action. They handle everything from drug charges to car accidents. Their attorneys have secured favorable outcomes for thousands of clients throughout California and Nevada.

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Screenshot of the The Law Office of Paul Neuharth, Jr. APC Website
402 W Broadway Suite 720, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Paul Neuharth, Jr., APC specializes in criminal defense and administrative law in San Diego. A Top 10 Attorney with over 30 years of experience, Paul provides aggressive defense strategies. As a former prosecutor, he brings unique insights to each case. The firm handles drug crimes, violent crimes, and professional licensing issues.

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Screenshot of the Ezekiel E. Cortez Law Offices Website
550 West C St #620, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Law Offices of Ezekiel E. Cortez provides federal criminal defense with over 40 years of experience. Mr. Cortez, certified by the California State Bar, leads a skilled team handling complex federal trials, appeals, and constitutional issues. Based in San Diego, they serve clients nationwide with proactive defense strategies and holistic support addressing psychological and emotional needs.

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Screenshot of the Pat Ford Appeals Website
1901 1st Ave. ste 400, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Pat Ford Appeals is a top criminal defense legal practice in San Diego, California. It specializes in appeals, writs of habeas corpus, and post-conviction relief. Pat Ford, an award-winning appellate lawyer, leads the team. The firm has a proven track record of overturning convictions and reducing sentences.

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Screenshot of the The Law Office of Alicia C. Freeze, APC Website
Emerald Plaza, 402 West Broadway, Suite 1760, San Diego, CA 92101

The Law Office of Alicia C. Freeze is a San Diego criminal defense and family law firm. Attorney Alicia Freeze personally handles each case, providing dedicated representation for divorce, child custody, DUI, and criminal charges. Super Lawyers rated and a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 member. She offers free consultations and post-conviction relief, including expungements. Located in downtown San Diego's Emerald Plaza.

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Screenshot of the Stewart Law Group Website
600 W Broadway Suite 700, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Stewart Law Group is a San Diego criminal defense and personal injury law firm. Attorney L. Marcel Stewart is a former federal prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience. The firm handles criminal defense, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse cases. You get aggressive representation from an attorney who understands both sides of the legal system. Stewart Law Group has recovered millions for clients throughout Southern California.

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Screenshot of the Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law: San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Website

Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, provides experienced criminal defense representation throughout San Diego County. This former Public Defender handles DUI, drug crimes, theft, violent crimes, domestic violence, and weapons offenses. Bilingual attorney offers personalized defense strategies for clients in San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon, and Vista. Flexible payment plans are available.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I'm arrested in San Diego?

If you're arrested, remember these vital rights. Stay calm and polite with officers. Tell them you want a lawyer before answering questions. Call a family member or friend who can help contact an attorney. Write down everything you remember about your arrest as soon as possible.

When should I contact a criminal defense lawyer?

Contact a defense attorney right away if police want to question you or if you're arrested. Early legal help often leads to better case outcomes. Many San Diego defense lawyers offer 24/7 phone lines for emergencies. Talking to a lawyer helps protect your rights even if you're just under investigation.

What does a criminal defense lawyer cost in San Diego?

Defense attorney fees vary based on case complexity:

Case Type Typical Fee Range
Misdemeanors
Standard felonies
Complex felonies
$3,000-7,500
$7,500-15,000
$15,000-50,000+

What happens after an arrest in San Diego?

The criminal process follows these key steps:

  • Booking at the police station with fingerprints and photos
  • Initial court appearance within 48 hours if in custody
  • Bail hearing to determine release conditions
  • Arraignment where charges are formally presented
  • Pretrial conferences to discuss evidence and possible plea deals

How do I choose the right criminal defense lawyer?

Look for these important qualities in a defense attorney:

  • Experience with your specific type of criminal charge
  • Knowledge of San Diego courts and local procedures
  • Clear explanation of your case and defense options
  • Realistic assessment of possible outcomes
  • Strong track record of case dismissals and reduced charges

What's the difference between a felony and misdemeanor in California?

California classifies crimes by severity levels:

  • Felonies can bring state prison time over one year
  • Misdemeanors typically mean up to one year in county jail
  • Some charges called "wobblers" can be filed either way
  • Felony convictions have more serious long-term consequences
  • Different courts handle each type of case

Can a criminal record be cleared in California?

California offers several options to clean up records:

  • Expungement dismisses eligible convictions under PC 1203.4
  • Certificate of rehabilitation helps with serious felonies
  • Prop 64 allows marijuana conviction reduction
  • Sealing arrest records if no conviction occurred
  • Early termination of probation in some cases

What defenses work best in criminal cases?

Common defense strategies include:

  • Constitutional rights violations during arrest or search
  • Lack of probable cause for police actions
  • Mistaken identity or alibi evidence
  • Self-defense or defense of others
  • Mental state issues affecting criminal intent

Will my case go to trial?

Most criminal cases resolve before trial through:

  • Negotiated plea agreements with prosecutors
  • Dismissal of charges after motion hearings
  • Diversion programs for eligible defendants
  • Informal resolution with the court
  • Alternative sentencing options

What about immigration consequences?

Criminal charges can seriously affect immigration status. Non-citizens should tell their lawyers about their immigration situation immediately. Some convictions trigger automatic deportation. Others may block citizenship or green card applications. Special plea agreements might help avoid immigration problems.

What happens at a preliminary hearing?

A preliminary hearing serves as a mini-trial where prosecutors must show enough evidence to justify moving forward with felony charges. The judge decides if probable cause exists to believe you committed the crime. Defense attorneys often use this hearing to test the strength of the prosecution's case and spot weaknesses in their evidence. While the standard of proof is lower than at trial, this hearing provides a crucial opportunity to challenge the charges early.

How do search and seizure laws protect me?

The Fourth Amendment shields you from unreasonable searches by law enforcement. Police typically need a warrant to search your home, car, or belongings, though several exceptions exist. If officers violated search rules, your lawyer might suppress evidence they found illegally. This could lead to dismissed charges or better plea offers. Understanding your rights helps you recognize when police overstep their authority.

What should I know about domestic violence charges?

Domestic violence cases in San Diego involve special considerations:

  • Courts often issue protective orders even if the alleged victim objects
  • Prosecutors may pursue charges even when victims want to drop them
  • Conviction affects child custody and gun ownership rights
  • Treatment programs are usually mandatory if convicted
  • Immigration consequences can be particularly severe

How do DUI cases work in San Diego County?

DUI cases involve both criminal court and DMV proceedings:

  • You have just 10 days to request a DMV hearing to save your license
  • Blood or breath test refusal brings automatic license suspension
  • Prior convictions within 10 years mean enhanced penalties
  • Field sobriety test results can often be challenged
  • Alternative sentencing may include treatment instead of jail

What about drug possession charges?

California's drug laws have changed significantly. Many former felonies are now misdemeanors. Treatment options often replace jail time for personal possession cases. However, sales or trafficking charges remain serious felonies. Drug court programs offer supervision and treatment instead of traditional prosecution for eligible defendants.

Can police search my phone or computer?

Digital privacy rights have grown stronger. Officers generally need a warrant to search your electronic devices. However, they may seize them temporarily to prevent evidence deletion while getting a warrant. Complex rules govern password protection and encryption. Tell your lawyer immediately if police took or accessed your devices.

What if the police didn't read my Miranda rights?

Miranda violations don't automatically dismiss your case, but they matter in specific ways:

  • Police must read rights before custodial questioning
  • Statements made without warnings might be excluded from trial
  • Physical evidence found through illegal questioning may still be used
  • Rights apply even after you start talking
  • Some police questioning doesn't require Miranda warnings

How do sentencing alternatives work?

San Diego courts offer several alternatives to traditional sentencing:

  • Work furlough lets you keep your job while serving time
  • Electronic monitoring replaces jail in appropriate cases
  • Veterans courts provide specialized treatment programs
  • Mental health courts focus on treatment over punishment
  • Community service can substitute for fines or custody

Note: This information serves as a general educational guide only. Criminal charges are serious matters. For legal advice about your specific situation, please consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately.

Note: This information serves as a general educational guide only. Criminal charges are serious matters. For legal advice about your situation, please immediately consult a qualified criminal defense attorney.