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The moments after your arrest and throughout the criminal court proceedings can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience as you face various potential life-altering uncertainties. Therefore, you must seek legal representation from a seasoned defense lawyer with a proven track record of success defending similar criminal charges.

With many years of combined experience in the California criminal justice system, San Diego Criminal Attorney has represented hundreds of defendants in court. We use extensive experience and resources to assist our well-esteemed clients in fighting for the best possible case results.

We believe that aggressively fighting the criminal charges results in a better outcome for defendants. Generally, our tenacious legal approach involves bringing and litigating different pretrial motions.

We take pride in maintaining a reputation in the legal community for honesty, transparency, compassion, and integrity. The dedication to preparing for trial and motion hearings results in better negotiations with the prosecution. While some cases are settled before trial, trial preparation is equally essential. Whether proving an illegal search and seizure or your innocence, our lawyers will stand with you throughout this challenging time.

For our law firm, representing clients charged with law violations is never about defending criminals but protecting people, their rights, and freedom. While some defendants are falsely accused, others might have made mistakes. Whether you seek mercy or justice, it is a privilege and honor to represent you to the best of our capacity and ensure you are treated per the principles and standards of justice.

Our mission is to ensure we uphold the principle of justice and defend our clients' constitutional rights, freedom, finances, family, future, and life.
Our service area includes the city of San Diego, North County, and all of San Diego County.

We also provide professional board license defense in California.

Our Commitment to Our Clients

We hold ourselves to high standards of professionalism and accountability to all our clients. Our clients are our priority, and we are committed to improving their quality of life and protecting their rights and freedom through proper use of the law.

Here is what we can do for you:

Protect Your Rights

If accused of a crime in San Diego, you require an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense counsel by your side who can diligently fight to protect your rights. Our award-winning lawyers have devoted their legal careers exclusively to defending criminal cases in the criminal justice system, ensuring you receive the skilled defense essential to vindicate your constitutional rights.

Our lawyers have taken an oath to comply with the U.S. Constitution, meaning we take your rights seriously. We play a significant role in ensuring the constitution remains true, and we would never engage in an act that compromises the function. We are passionate about upholding your constitutionally guaranteed entitlement to be presumed innocent. We strongly believe that you are entitled to zealous and aggressive defense irrespective of the alleged offense and the case facts.

We will ensure the prosecution proves their case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. We will also seek to demonstrate the weaknesses in the prosecutor's case and cast doubt. Most of our clients find themselves eligible for a pretrial intervention program, allowing them to avoid a conviction, mainly if they are first-time defendants.

Use a Client-Centered Legal Approach

At San Diego Criminal Attorney, we recognize that every case is unique and is potentially life-altering to any person charged with a crime or under investigation. As a result, we take a team approach to all clients that walk through our doors. That means all cases receive our undivided attention and experience.

As defense attorneys, we will listen to your side of the story, thoroughly review California laws and your case facts, interview witnesses, and review police reports. We can also engage forensic experts and private investigators to help put on the defense. Building robust defense can help you win your case and places us in the best position to negotiate for a case dismissal, probation, amendment to reduced charges, and alternative punishments. We are committed to working with you to acquire the most favorable case outcome. 

When you hire us, you will work directly with an accomplished lawyer. We will not pass you off to assistants or inexperienced lawyers. Developing a cordial, professional relationship with you means we can talk honestly and intelligently about your legal predicament so you can understand your options and make informed decisions.

The client-centered approach has helped our legal team earn a documented and proven reputation for success. Our clients and their families rely on our expertise, and lawyers throughout San Diego refer clients to us.

Offer Competent Legal Assistance for Various Matters

Our lawyers are well-experienced law practitioners. With experience as former prosecutors, judges, and civic and community leaders, these professionals are dedicated to serving defendants throughout San Diego.

Due to our commitment to ethical standards and exceptional legal knowledge, most of our attorneys have been recognized with AV and BV ratings, which commands respect from the legal community peers.

Common Questions Regarding Criminal Defense in San Diego

Suppose you are under investigation or have been charged with an offense. In that case, you will naturally have numerous questions about keeping your employment, your family, maintaining your quality of life, your future, constitutional rights, freedom, and going to jail if found guilty. Below are some of the questions the experienced lawyers at San Diego Criminal Attorney have answered repeatedly.

If you fail to see your question in the list below, do not hesitate to contact our team at 619-880-5474. We will be glad to address your concern round the clock.

What is Plea Bargain? Should I Accept One?

1

A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor. Generally, the defendant pleads guilty to a less severe crime for a reduced sentence.

Whether you should accept a plea bargain offer depends on your case circumstances. Also, when you accept a plea agreement, you surrender your right to appeal your conviction. Therefore, it is essential to talk with a skilled lawyer before pleading guilty or no contest. Your attorney can evaluate the strengths of your criminal case and the possible outcome at trial against your plea. The lawyer can even negotiate a better case outcome.

1

What is Plea Bargain? Should I Accept One?

A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor. Generally, the defendant pleads guilty to a less severe crime for a reduced sentence.

Whether you should accept a plea bargain offer depends on your case circumstances. Also, when you accept a plea agreement, you surrender your right to appeal your conviction. Therefore, it is essential to talk with a skilled lawyer before pleading guilty or no contest. Your attorney can evaluate the strengths of your criminal case and the possible outcome at trial against your plea. The lawyer can even negotiate a better case outcome.

2

Do I Require a Criminal Defense Attorney If I'm Innocent?

In a perfect world, the answer to this question is no. The California criminal justice system should acquit you of the charges and allow you to live a happy life. Regrettably, we live in a far from perfect world, and innocent people are jailed daily.

If you want to minimize the likelihood of a guilty verdict, it would be prudent to engage an experienced defense lawyer, even when you are innocent. Your lawyer will assist you in fighting the allegations by:

  • Protecting your rights
  • Helping you understand the details of the charge against you and the potential penalties
  • Developing a practical legal defense strategy for your case
  • Offering sound legal guidance and advice
  • Collecting relevant proof that builds your defense
  • Representing you at court during the trial

3

What Should You Do After Your Arrest?

The police officers will book you and read your Miranda Warnings when you are arrested. They will try to interrogate you at some point. If they do, you ought to exercise your entitlement to remain silent. They can use anything you say against you.

You should also consult a lawyer straight away. Do not discuss case facts with any person other than your lawyer.

4

How Does a Misdemeanor Differ From a Felony?

A misdemeanor is a less severe crime than a felony. Felonies carry lengthy prison or jail sentences and significant fines. Nevertheless, that does not mean you should accept a misdemeanor conviction. Any criminal conviction can have life-altering consequences.

5

What are Miranda Warnings?

If you are arrested and being interrogated about your crime, the police officer should advise you of specific constitutional rights called Miranda Rights.

Here is a summary of the Miranda warning:

"You have a right to remain silent. You are entitled to have your defense lawyer present when we question you, and if you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one for you. If you waive the rights and speak with us, we can use anything you say against you in court. Do you understand your rights?"

It is not a must the police read you the rights before your arrest. The same applies if you have been arrested but have not been questioned.

6

What is Bail?

Bail is the amount of money you must post with the court to secure your release until your trial. Bail is neither fines nor meant to punish you. Its purpose is to ensure you appear at all scheduled court hearings and comply with your release terms and conditions.

Generally, bail is refunded to the person who posted it once the criminal case is closed, minus the administrative fee.

If You have Been Arrested or Under Investigation then Call San Diego's Top Ranked Criminal Defense Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation

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Practice Area/Service Area

As far as criminal law is concerned, both felonies and misdemeanors require a knowledgeable and skilled defense lawyer by your side to ensure your constitutional rights are protected from probable cause to the arrest and the formal charges to the trial.

At San Diego Criminal Attorney, our experienced criminal defense attorneys represent defendants facing the following charges:

Assault and Battery

While commonly interchanged, battery and assault are two different crimes. California law defines assault as an illegal attempt coupled with the ability to inflict an injury on somebody else. On the other hand, battery is the deliberate application of force to another person. In other words, assault is attempted violence, while battery is the violence itself.

The penalties are harsh whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. For instance, if convicted with simple battery or assault, you will pay fines, perform community service, and spend six months in jail. The penalties can also be increased if aggravating factors like the use of weapons and crime against a peace officer exist. 

The criminal penalties and collateral consequences of assault and battery can be detrimental. Only a skilled lawyer can advise you of your rights and defend your name and reputation if charged with battery or assault. At San Diego Criminal Attorney, we do not presume guilt. We recognize that there are two sides to the story. We can review your case facts and identify gaps and errors in the prosecutor's investigation to assist you in avoiding conviction. We are dedicated to ensuring our clients obtain the most favorable case outcomes. We invite you to contact us today at 619-880-5474 to discuss the case facts.

Why Our Reviews Matter and How We Can Improve our Services

30 years of experience matters when it comes to criminal cases. I highly recommend the San Diego Criminal Attorney for your criminal defense matters. His experience and tenacity in the courtroom is the advantage you want on your side. 

Los Angeles Bankruptcy Attorney

Bankruptcy Attorney

~ Justin Lo

Call Us Today So We Can Help

Any conviction can lead to lifelong and severe consequences. California law gives a wide range of consequences and penalties for different crimes, including incarceration, fines, court costs, restitution, and probation. While these consequences are harsh and life-altering, they are only the beginning. Educational institutions could turn down your applications, banks deny you loans, and face challenges securing lucrative employment. Since the penalties of a conviction are awful, you cannot afford to take chances.

Consult with the lawyers at San Diego Criminal Attorney to build your defense. We will give your legal issue the attention it deserves and go out of our way to meet your legal needs and goals. We provide flexible appointment options, allowing you to reach us round the clock. From negotiation with the prosecutor to aggressive litigation in court to identifying grounds of an appeal, we explore all available legal avenues to lower adverse consequences and penalties as much as possible.

Our Award-Winning Lawyers are committed to serving clients throughout San Diego, North County San Diego, and Other Communities in the San Diego County Region.

We also provide professional board license defense in California.

Please call us at 619-880-5474 to set up your initial, confidential, and no-obligation appointment.

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