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El Cajon Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to an El Cajon criminal defense lawyer now!
Did the police arrest you for DUI, domestic battery, or drug possession? Facing a misdemeanor or felony criminal charge is overwhelming, and your future is at risk. You need proven legal defense immediately to defend your rights and freedom. Hire the skilled criminal law attorneys in El Cajon now for outstanding criminal defense.
El Cajon Criminal Defense Guide
Our Services
Elite Criminal Defense in El Cajon has a top-notch record of criminal defense case results for our many satisfied clients. Our award-winning attorneys boast a 4.9 Google Review rating, which shows how often we obtain case dismissals and charge reductions. We are here to defend your legal rights 24/7 to the following charges.
Terroristic Threats
Making terroristic threats in El Cajon is a grave crime according to California Penal Code 422. You could spend years behind bars, so you need a skilled terroristic threats lawyer in El Cajon to defend your freedom. Our terroristic threats lawyer in El Cajon is committed to offering the best defense against this serious allegation.
Prostitution & Solicitation
Soliciting prostitution in El Cajon is a serious crime that can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal history. An El Cajon prostitution and solicitation defense attorney can employ several effective defenses to get your charges dismissed potentially.
Assault & Battery
An assault charge in El Cajon is alarming. Fortunately, our El Cajon assault attorney will fight your charge so you don’t end up in jail. Our assault lawyer El Cajon will question the prosecutor’s case aggressively.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
A carrying a concealed weapon El Cajon charge is a severe crime, and you can go to jail if convicted. Just having a handgun in the back of your vehicle in a sealed container can lead to this grave charge. Retain an elite concealed weapons lawyer now to defend your freedom immediately.
First Degree Murder
An El Cajon first-degree murder charge can put you in prison for life if you’re convicted. But the prosecutor must prove you had ‘malice aforethought,’ and our first-degree murder lawyers in El Cajon are dedicated to defending your freedom.
Possession with Intent to Sell
Possession of drugs with intent to sell is a dire matter, and you can be put in prison for a long time. Our drug lawyer in El Cajon understands your situation and will immediately build a convincing defense. We’re available 24/7 to defend you.
Hit and Run
Hit-and-run is a serious crime in El Cajon. The penalty could be jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Fortunately, our El Cajon hit-and-run attorney has years of experience beating these charges for our delighted clients.
Forgery
Being charged with forgery in El Cajon can lead to a long time in prison, heavy fines, and probation. This is a serious felony, but don’t be alarmed. A proven fraud lawyer in El Cajon is ready 24/7 to investigate your case and create a convincing defense.
DUI Defense
Did the police pull you over for drug driving in El Cajon? Your driver’s license and freedom are at stake, and you need immediate legal assistance. Retain the best DUI lawyer in El Cajon to increase the odds of your case being thrown out.
Drug Trafficking
El Cajon drug trafficking is taken seriously because of the harm it causes the community. You can be imprisoned for up to nine years if convicted. An El Cajon drug lawyer will construct a formidable defense immediately.
Corporal Injury to a Spouse
Were you charged with corporal injury to a spouse in El Cajon? You must wonder what your future will be. Our domestic violence attorney will contest the charge that you willingly and illegally inflicted an injury on another person.
Domestic Battery
A charge for domestic battery in El Cajon can affect your freedom and reputation. You can go to jail and be known as a domestic abuser if convicted. Contact our domestic battery lawyers today for a robust defense.
Attempted Murder
Attempted murder charges in El Cajon mean you attempted to kill someone but were unsuccessful. You need a highly skilled attorney for attempted murder to beat this serious charge. Our attempted murder lawyer will build the best case to create reasonable doubt.
Assault With Deadly Weapon
An assault with weapon charge in El Cajon can put you in prison and a criminal record that changes your life for the worse. Getting a job could be impossible. You need a proven assault with deadly weapon lawyer in El Cajon now.
Felony Reckless Evading
A felony reckless evading charge means you allegedly fled law enforcement while endangering others. You should retain our proven El Cajon felony reckless evading lawyers so you don’t have a permanent criminal record.
Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor Child
Lewd conduct charges in El Cajon are serious because you can go to jail and be required to register as a sex offender. It’s against the law to perform lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under 14. Contact a lewd and lascivious lawyer in El Cajon for immediate legal assistance.
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
There is no time to waste when charged with a misdemeanor or felony in El Cajon. You can be imprisoned for years if you are convicted of a serious crime, and your criminal record is virtually impossible to avoid. However, our tenacious criminal law attorneys in El Cajon are renowned for getting grave charges dismissed or reduced. Our El Cajon criminal defense attorney can attack your charges to get the best case result. DUI, drug possession, or domestic violence charges don’t intimidate us. Our lawyers can sometimes even prevent charges from being filed. We know the local courts and prosecutors and are here 24/7 to defend your freedom.
DUI Defense
A DUI charge may seem hopeless, but that isn’t so. It’s possible you can be put in jail and lose your license if you are convicted. But our DUI lawyer in El Cajon knows how to create reasonable doubt in the prosecutor’s case. Our DUI attorneys in El Cajon have defended many people against misdemeanor and felony drunk driving charges with outstanding results. Our elite DUI lawyer may create doubt about the police stop, blood test, or DUI roadside tests. Our attorneys will negotiate for the most reasonable sentence even if you’re convicted. We are here to defend you against drunk driving charges today.
Domestic Violence
Society views domestic violence dimly, and prosecutors will work aggressively to put in jail for up to a year for a misdemeanor charge. A skilled El Cajon domestic violence attorney knows how to create reasonable doubt. We may argue that it was an accident, self-defense, and many other defenses are available. A first offense domestic violence charge can be filed up to five years after the incident. You need a proven domestic violence lawyer right away to start defending your rights. Our lawyers are here 24/7 to fight for you.
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
A 2nd-degree burglary charge in El Cajon means burglary of a commercial structure and can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony. This is also known as breaking, months in jail is possible if you are convicted. However, an El Cajon burglary attorney may argue that you didn’t know the items didn’t belong to you. Or, your attorney will argue that you didn’t intend to commit a crime. Other possible defenses are entrapment, coercion, or false accusation. Our El Cajon burglary attorney have a proven record of achieving charge reductions and dismissals.
Drug Possession
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that drug possession is a minor charge in El Cajon. If convicted, you can be imprisoned for up to 12 months. A minor in possession drug charge can lead to fines, community service, and drug counseling. A possession with intent to sell conviction can lead to a lifetime criminal record, making it difficult to get a job. You should contact a proven, experienced El Cajon drug possession attorney to defend your freedom. Our criminal defense lawyers have an excellent record of beating drug possession charges by arguing that the defendant didn’t have control over the drug or they had a valid prescription.
learn more about Drug Possession
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault charges can be terrifying, and you face a serious jail term and having to register as a sex offender when released. Sexual assault and sexual battery mean touching someone intimately without having their consent. The charge is usually a misdemeanor, but it can be a felony with aggravating circumstances. Common aspects of sexual assault charges are unwanted kissing, forced penetration, and attempted rape. A sexual assault allegation isn’t always as straightforward as some think, and many accused defendants are innocent. Our El Cajon sexual assault attorney understands your situation and is committed to building your best defense.
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
At Elite Criminal Defense, we don’t charge by the hour like most firms. Instead, we use a flat-fee structure—so you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay up front.
- Fees are customized on a case-by-case basis, depending on the complexity, type of charges, and expected time commitment.
- Once you become a client, your rate is locked in and won’t change throughout the duration of your case.
- This transparent pricing ensures no surprise bills or hidden costs, and gives you clarity and peace of mind.
To get a personalized quote, we recommend scheduling a free consultation to evaluate your specific situation.
Criminal cases originating in El Cajon are heard at the East County Regional Center in El Cajon, part of San Diego County Superior Court. This courthouse handles misdemeanor and felony cases, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and motio
Following arrest, you’re typically booked at the El Cajon City Jail (operated by the San Diego County Sheriff). Bail procedures include:
- Processing at local jail
- Initial court appearance within 48–72 hours, where bail is set,
- Release may be granted on own recognizance or bail amounts determined by charge severity, criminal history, and flight risk.
Experienced attorneys can assist with bail release or recall motions.
Following arrest, you’re typically booked at the El Cajon City Jail (operated by the San Diego County Sheriff). Bail procedures include:
- Processing at local jail
- Initial court appearance within 48–72 hours, where bail is set,
- Release may be granted on own recognizance or bail amounts determined by charge severity, criminal history, and flight risk.
Experienced attorneys can assist with bail release or recall motions.
When meeting with an El Cajon criminal defense lawyer for the first time, prepare to provide:
- Arrest or court paperwork (citations, bail forms),
- Incident details and your version of events,
- Witness names or contact information,
- Relevant evidence (photos, videos, texts),
- Any prior convictions or relevant defense documents.
This information allows your attorney to better assess your case and begin developing a defense strategy immediately.
If you are charged with committing a crime in El Cajon, the penalties can vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Possible consequences include:
- Misdemeanor charges: Up to 1 year in county jail, fines, probation, community service, and a permanent criminal record
- Felony charges: Years in state prison, larger fines, parole or supervised release, and loss of rights (e.g., firearms or voting in some cases)
- Collateral consequences: These may include immigration issues, difficulty obtaining employment or housing, loss of professional licenses, and increased insurance rates
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help mitigate these penalties and fight for the best possible outcome based on your specific case.
Experienced lawyers may employ a variety of defense strategies, including:
- Challenging probable cause for arrests or searches,
- Disputing evidence admissibility (e.g., chain-of-custody, eyewitness reliability),
- Negotiating plea reductions or diversions based on circumstances,
- Seeking sentence mitigation, including probation or program-based alternatives,
- Filing pretrial motions such as warrant recalls or Marsden motions for new counsel.
Criminal charges in El Cajon are handled through a system of local legal bodies responsible for law enforcement, prosecution, and court proceedings, such as:
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office – East County Branch (El Cajon): This branch prosecutes all felony and misdemeanor cases in the East County region, including El Cajon. It evaluates evidence provided by law enforcement and files formal charges in criminal court.
- El Cajon Police Department (ECPD): ECPD is the primary law enforcement agency within city limits. Officers investigate crimes, make arrests, and submit reports to the District Attorney’s Office for review and potential prosecution.
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (SDSO) – El Cajon Civil Office & East County Region: SDSO assists with criminal enforcement in areas not covered by ECPD and manages civil duties like serving legal documents and coordinating with the courts. It also supports operations at the courthouse.
- San Diego Superior Court – East County Regional Center (El Cajon): This courthouse handles all criminal proceedings for the area—including arraignments, hearings, jury trials, and sentencing. It is the central hub for East County criminal cases.
