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Chula Vista Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to our Chula Vista criminal defense lawyer today!
Were you arrested for DUI, drug possession, or domestic battery? Being charged with a misdemeanor or felony is scary, and you need answers. Don’t retain the first criminal defense attorney you find. Contact Elite Criminal Defense for immediate legal assistance. Our top-notch DUI defense lawyers are here to fight for your rights.
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Chula Vista Criminal Defense Guide
Our Services
Facing criminal charges? Our Chula Vista criminal defense lawyers are available 24/7 to defend your freedom. Elite Criminal Defense has a top-tier record of defending people accused of serious crimes. Our award-winning attorneys enjoy a 4.9 Google Review rating based on dozens of client reviews. We will protect your rights today.
Terroristic Threats
California Penal Code 422 makes a Chula Vista terrorist threat a serious crime. It is against state law to threaten another person in a way that could cause severe injury or death. A terroristic threats lawyer in Chula Vista will defend you against the claim that you intentionally made the person fear being severely injured or killed.
Prostitution & Solicitation
Soliciting prostitution in Chula Vista is illegal under California Penal Code 674(b). Specifically, it is a misdemeanor to engage in sexual activities for compensation. It also is against the law to agree to or offer sexual activities for money. Your prostitution lawyers in Chula Vista will create a strong defense.
Assault & Battery
Assault and battery is a serious crime that involves causing fear or apprehension of imminent violence, whether it is attempted or threatened. It is usually charged as a misdemeanor. Our Chula Vista assault attorney knows many robust defenses that may help you achieve an acquittal. Assault and battery attorneys will defend your rights.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
California treats carrying a concealed weapon in Chula Vista harshly under California Penal Code 25400. Simply having a firearm in your trunk can lead to a carrying a concealed weapon charge. Our Chula Vista concealed weapons lawyer will review your case today and construct a robust defense.
First Degree Murder
A conviction for first degree murder in Chula Vista can lead to life in prison. But there is hope in this grave situation. The prosecutor must prove malice aforethought, and first-degree murder lawyers in Chula Vista know how to fight this serious charge successfully.
Possession with Intent to Sell
Possession of drugs with intent to sell is illegal according to California Health and Safety Code 11351. Unlike simple possession, an intent to sell charge makes you ineligible for a drug diversion program. Our drug lawyer in Chula Vista may aggressively question whether you possessed the substance or intended to sell it.
Hit and Run
Under California Vehicle Code 20002a VC, hit-and-run is usually a misdemeanor. Six months in jail and a $1000 fine are possible. Our hit and run attorney in Chula Vista may question the charge by arguing that you didn’t know there was a crash and other defenses are possible. A DUI lawyer in Chula Vista will protect your rights.
Forgery
A Chula Vista forgery charge can result in a felony conviction that ruins your life. California Penal Code 470 makes forgery a crime, but a Chula Vista fraud lawyer will help you deal with the state’s confusing forgery laws. Our forgery defense lawyer will create a strong defense against a forgery charge.
DUI Defense
Being arrested for DUI is a nightmare, but our Chula Vista DUI defense lawyer may help beat this charge or reduce it to reckless driving. Our DUI attorneys in Chula Vista may question the field sobriety tests, breathalyzer accuracy, etc.
Drug Trafficking
Chula Vista drug trafficking is illegal according to California Health and Safety Code 11352. Transporting and selling even a tiny amount of illegal drugs can lead to many years in prison and tens of thousands in fines. A Chula Vista drug lawyer knows you are innocent until proven guilty and can help.
Corporal Injury to a Spouse
A corporal injury to a spouse charge means willfully inflicting a physical injury causing a traumatic injury on an intimate partner. You can be convicted even if your partner wants to drop the charges. Our domestic violence attorney at Elite Criminal Defense is ready to help.
Domestic Battery
Domestic battery in Chula Vista is a serious offense that involves offensive touching of a spouse or domestic partner. You could receive up to a year in jail and lose gun rights for 10 years. But our Chula Vista domestic battery lawyers will create a strong defense.
Attempted Murder
An attempted murder charge is serious under California Penal Code Section 664/187. You can receive a life sentence for a Chula Vista attempted murder conviction. You don’t even have to touch the person to be convicted. But our attorney for attempted murder in Chula Vista can provide elite legal defenses today.
Assault With Deadly Weapon
Assault with a deadly weapon is illegal under California Penal Code Section 245(a)(1). An assault with weapon charge can be a misdemeanor or felony. The prosecutor must prove you acted intentionally, so an experienced assault with deadly weapon lawyer in Chula Vista can help you prevent a conviction.
Felony Reckless Evading
Felony reckless evading is charged when someone drives away from law enforcement recklessly and dangerously. Our felony reckless evading attorney in Chula Vista will fight to help you beat this charge today. Chula Vista felony reckless evading lawyers will defend your freedom.
Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor Child
Lascivious conduct with a minor in Chula Vista is serious and can negatively affect your life forever if convicted. California Penal Code 288(a) makes it illegal to perform lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under 14. However, our lewd and lascivious lawyer in Chula Vista will build an effective defense.
Get Help Now
If you or someone you know has been arrested, Don’t wait! Contact us right now for a free consultation. The sooner you have a criminal defense attorney on your criminal or DUI case, the better your chances of taking the correct steps to getting the results you want.
Criminal Defense
Facing criminal charges in Chula Vista is daunting. The legal system is complex, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. At Elite Criminal Defense, we understand the fear and stress you may feel. Our top-notch criminal defense lawyer stands ready to mount the most rigorous defense and safeguard your rights. A skilled Chula Vista criminal law firm will be with you every step of the way and ensure your voice is heard. Whether you face a drunk driving or drug possession charge, an elite criminal law firm in Chula Vista will ensure your rights are respected.
DUI Defense
If you are arrested in Chula Vista for DUI, be careful. A DUI conviction can put you in jail, and you can lose your license. However, our DUI attorneys in Chula Vista may utilize many effective defenses to protect your freedom. We may raise potential breathalyzer test errors, cite a lack of probable cause for the traffic stop, or point to an inadmissible or inaccurate blood test. You have just 10 days from the date of arrest to protect your driver’s license, so speak to an Elite Criminal Defense attorney in Chula Vista today. Our DUI defense attorney in Chula Vista will defend your rights.
Domestic Violence
When the police believe there is domestic violence, they are required in California to arrest someone. If you were arrested for domestic violence, our Chula Vista domestic violence attorney is highly skilled in robust legal defenses that could lead to a charge reduction or case dismissal. There is a five-year statute of limitations for a domestic violence case, so you could be charged with a crime years after the alleged event. Our domestic violence lawyer will fight your domestic violence charges aggressively.
Why Elite Criminal Defense?
The very foundation of our practice is based on the belief that each client’s case is unique and that regardless of their circumstances, every client deserves the absolute best representation possible. That’s our promise, to each and every client we represent, that it does not matter what you’ve done or what you’re being accused of, we will fight for you and be beside you every step of the way.
Burglary
Being charged with second degree burglary in California is a grave situation. You could receive a year in county jail for a misdemeanor but up to three years for a felony. The fine can be up to $10,000. However, a breaking and entering attorney in Chula Vista may construct many formidable defenses. For example, your Chula Vista burglary attorney may argue a lack of intent. You can’t be convicted if you didn’t intend to commit burglary. Our criminal defense lawyers have an excellent track record of obtaining favorable case results for burglary charges. Contact us today so we can protect your rights.
Drug Possession
Don’t think that a drug possession or minor in possession charge are minor matters. You can be hit with felony drug possession in California for having even a tiny amount of illegal narcotics. You may receive years in prison for holding small amounts of heroin, cocaine, prescription painkillers, and others. You should contact an elite Chula Vista drug possession attorney immediately. Possession with intent to sell is challenging to prove, and our Elite Defense attorneys will employ various effective defenses to protect your rights. You could qualify for a drug diversion program that can avoid the most severe punishments for drug possession.
Sexual Assault
A sexual assault charge can be devastating, and a conviction is disastrous. You must understand your legal rights when a sexual assault charge is levied against you. You can receive jail time and be required to register as a sex offender, so choosing an elite sexual assault defense attorney is critical for your future. Our skilled Chula Vista sexual assault attorney will defend you against these serious charges as early as possible. We may be able to arrange for you to turn yourself in to avoid an embarrassing arrest. Then, we will construct a robust legal defense to obtain the best case result. We are available for 24/7 consultations to fight your sexual battery charge.
recent victories
Case Dismissed
Client was accused of multiple counts of child abuse. After Interacting with the District attorney’s office. All charges were dropped.
TRO Dismissed
Client was being accused by his neighbor of harassment. Firmed handled response and the Restraining Order was dismissed at trial.
TRO Dismissed
Client was being accused of assault by her roommate. Firm fought the Temporary Restraining Order in court and won in favor of our client.
Charges Reduced
Client was facing 15 years to life in Prison for multiple Felonies. After preparing for trial our firm was able to secure an offer that allowed our client to be placed into probation and avoid any jailtime.
Trial Victory
Client had received multiple offers from the prosecution in an attempt to settle the case. Firm advised client not accept any offers and fight the case. All charges dismissed at trial.
Charges not filed.
Client was under investigation for sexual misconduct with a minor. Police were looking for client to detain and interrogate. After client retained our firm, we were able to avoid an arrest and after interacting with DA and Law Enforcement, case was closed and no charges were ever filed.
Not Guilty On All Counts
Client was charged with Burglary and 2nd degree Murder. Jury fully acquitted client after less than one day of deliberations.
Charges Reduced
Felony DUI with Serious Injury reduced to 3 years probation
Not Guilty
Client was charged with Child molestation of his step daughter. Not guilty through trial.
Not Guilty
Client was charged with 3 counts of armed robbery. All charges dismissed at trial.
Charges Not Filed
Client was accused of stealing over 150,000 from his employer. After carful negotiations with his employer and the District Attorneys office, no charges were ever filed against him.
Charges Reduced
14 drug charges, with prior convictions client was facing many years in prison all dismissed before trial
Awards
testimonials
Get Help Now
If you or someone you know has been arrested, Don’t wait! Contact us right now for a free consultation. The sooner you have a criminal defense attorney on your criminal or DUI case, the better your chances of taking the correct steps to getting the results you want.
Criminal Defense FAQ
If you’re arrested in Chula Vista, your case will be heard at the South County Regional Center (also known as the Chula Vista Superior Court), located at 500 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista. This courthouse handles all criminal, traffic, and minor offense cases for the region.
When booked after an arrest in Chula Vista, you’ll go through the Chula Vista City Jail booking facility at 315 4th Avenue, a short-term holding center for up to 96 hours. If bail isn’t posted, you’re transferred to the South Bay Detention Facility or other San Diego County jail. Bail is set based on the county bail schedule, and early payment—via cash, surety bond, or property bond—can expedite release.
You can request your police or arrest report through the Chula Vista Police Department Records Division, either online or in-person. Report processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Additionally, you can search for case information via the San Diego Superior Court’s Online Case Search using your name or case number.
A conviction in Chula Vista can result in:
- Criminal penalties: county jail for misdemeanors, state prison for felonies,
- Fines, probation, and court-ordered programs,
- Collateral consequences: criminal record, professional license risks, immigration issues, firearm restrictions, and insurance impacts.
If you’re arrested, you should:
- Remain calm and avoid resisting.
- Invoke your right to remain silent—do not talk without an attorney.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
- Document the events while details are fresh and collect witness info if possible.
- Comply with court conditions to avoid additional criminal charges.
Acting quickly can protect your legal rights and shape a stronger defense.
You have the right to an attorney the moment you are detained or charged, including during interrogation. If you cannot afford a private attorney, the court will appoint a defense lawyer via the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office. You may also request a Marsden motion to replace appointed counsel if necessary.
At Elite Criminal Defense, fees are based on a flat-fee structure tailored to your specific case—not hourly billing. The total cost depends on case details, complexity, and required work. Once you’re retained, the fee remains fixed through case completion.
If you’re facing charges in or around Chula Vista, it’s important to understand which institutions will be involved:
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office – South Bay Branch: responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor and felony offenses in Chula Vista and the surrounding South County area.
- Oceanside Police Department (OPD): investigates alleged crimes occurring within the city limits of Oceanside and works closely with the DA’s office to submit evidence for review and potential charges.
- San Diego Superior Court – North County Regional Center (Vista): where most criminal cases from the northern and coastal areas, including Oceanside, are heard—covering everything from arraignments to jury trials.
Elite Criminal Defense – Chula Vista Office
Address: 333 H St
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-642-2871
We proudly serve clients in Downtown Chula Vista, Otay, Harborside, Castle Park,
Eastlake, Otay Ranch, San Miguel Ranch, Bella Lago, Terra Nova, Bonita Long Canyon, Greg Rogers, Lincoln Acres, and surrounding areas.
