San Diego Criminal Defense Blog

The air in the courtroom is cold and still. You are sitting on a hard wooden bench, surrounded by strangers, waiting for your name to be called. For the judge, the prosecutor, and even the bailiff, this is just another Tuesday morning.  For you, it is the moment a felony DUI charge becomes terrifyingly real. […]

The word “felony” echoes with a terrifying finality. When the San Diego District Attorney charges you with felony domestic violence, they are not just accusing you of a crime. They threaten to take years of your life, brand you as a violent felon, and strip you of your fundamental rights, including the right to own […]

The letter arrives in a plain government envelope. Inside, a single page informs you that you are the “target” of an investigation. Or, perhaps, two sharply dressed agents from the FBI appear at your office with a search warrant.  In that moment, you are pulled into a world of immense complexity and high stakes. But […]

The police officer shines his flashlight across your backseat, and his tone changes instantly. The routine traffic stop transforms into a high-stakes criminal investigation.  In the officer’s report, the story will be simple: a gun was found in a car you were driving, therefore, you are guilty. This is a dangerous legal fiction. The law […]

In media and casual conversation, the term “violent crime” seems self-explanatory, suggesting any offense involving physical aggression. The California legal system, however, operates with much greater precision.  The classification of violent crimes in California is not based on opinion but on a specific list defined by law. This designation is one of the most significant […]

An accusation turns your world upside down. One moment you are planning a trip to Balboa Park, and the next you are facing a serious allegation. Being accused of burglary or robbery is a frightening experience that demands a calm and measured response.  While people often use these terms interchangeably, they are distinct crimes in […]

A common belief is that if an alleged victim returns home safely, any potential kidnapping charges will simply disappear. This is a dangerous misconception.  In California, the crime of kidnapping is completed the moment a person is moved a substantial distance through the use of force or fear. The subsequent actions of the alleged victim, […]

Facing a homicide allegation is a dire situation, and a San Diego murder and manslaughter defense attorney is often the first line of defense in protecting a person’s rights and future.  In popular culture, the words “murder” and “manslaughter” are thrown around as if they mean the same thing. In the California legal system, however, […]

A lot of people think reckless driving only means speeding or cutting someone off in traffic. However, the legal definition is more specific, and the consequences are much more serious than a regular ticket. If you drive in San Diego, it’s important to know what the law considers to be reckless driving and what can […]

Burglary has a long history as a crime. It was one of the original felonies under English common law before the U.S. was even founded. Since the nation’s birth, burglary charges have carried severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment. Originally, burglary only occurred when someone entered a dwelling. This definition has expanded to include entering vehicles, […]

One of the most common complaints about prostitution crimes is that prostitution and solicitation charges are often associated with different punishments. California Penal Code 647(b) determines much jail time for prostitution in California. Under this law, customers and prostitutes face the same punishments for solicitation or prostitution convictions. This means that sex workers and those […]

After getting involved in a car accident in California, it’s vital to ensure you stop at the accident scene. If you fail to do so, prosecutors may be able to pursue criminal charges against you. A conviction for a hit and run accident can result in harsh penalties, including jail time, fines, and driver’s license […]