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Oceanside Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to an Oceanside criminal defense lawyer today!
Are you facing criminal charges for DUI, drug possession, or domestic battery? Were you charged with another crime in Oceanside? A criminal conviction can lead to imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record. You need our aggressive criminal law attorneys in Oceanside to defend your rights today.
Oceanside Criminal Defense Guide
Our Services
Criminal charges in California are scary, but our Oceanside criminal defense lawyers are ready to defend your legal rights aggressively. Elite Criminal Defense boasts an extraordinary case result record and a 4.9 Google Review rating based on 69 reviews. We’re ready to fight for your rights 24/7.
Terroristic Threats
A terroristic threats charge is a crime under California Penal Code 422. You can be imprisoned for years if you are convicted of threatening death or great bodily harm. An aggressive terroristic threats lawyer in Oceanside is available 24/7 to fight for a case dismissal or reduced charge.
Prostitution & Solicitation
Soliciting prostitution in Oceanside is a serious crime, and you can be put in jail for up to six months if convicted. Our Oceanside prostitution and solicitation defense attorney knows how to create reasonable doubt and will work tirelessly to get your case dismissed.
Assault & Battery
Being charged with Oceanside assault and battery can lead to months in jail if you are convicted. A skilled Oceanside assault attorney with an excellent results record can start fighting these charges for you now.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Gun crimes and carrying a concealed weapon in Oceanside are taken seriously by law enforcement. You can be jailed and saddled with a criminal record for life. An experienced and proven concealed weapons lawyer may get your charge reduced or dismissed. Our criminal defense attorney looks forward to defending your rights.
First Degree Murder
A first-degree murder charge in Oceanside is the stuff of nightmares, 1st degree murder sentences in Oceanside include life imprisonment. But the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you killed with malice aforethought. Our first-degree murder lawyers in Oceanside are standing by 24/7 to construct a strong defense to beat the charges.
Possession with Intent to Sell
California Health and Safety Code 11351 states that possession of drugs with intent to sell can result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. You need a proven Oceanside drug lawyer to question whether you had physical possession of the drugs or intended to sell them. We are here to build a strong defense 24/7.
Hit and Run
You fled the accident scene in Oceanside, which is a serious crime. A hit and run penalty can put you in jail for months. However, a hit and run attorney in Oceanside can argue persuasively that you didn’t mean to leave the scene or didn’t understand there was an accident.
Forgery
Being charged with fraud in Oceanside under California Penal Code 470 is scary. You can be sent to prison and have a criminal record, making getting a job almost impossible. An elite forgery attorney in Oceanside with an impeccable case result record will provide the best defense possible.
DUI Defense
You had two glasses of wine and, before you knew it, were arrested for DUI. Your entire future is on the line, and our DUI lawyer in Oceanside will be the person you want to defend you. Our DUI attorneys in Oceanside are ready to protect your rights and freedom vigorously.
Drug Trafficking
Oceanside drug trafficking charges are scary, and years in prison await if you are convicted. However, it’s hard to prove drug trafficking charges. Our drug crime lawyer in Oceanside knows how to create reasonable doubt and will build a strong defense.
Corporal Injury to a Spouse
Did the police arrest you for corporal injury to a spouse? An Oceanside domestic violence attorney, will contest that you illegally caused injuries to your spouse or partner. Our corporal injury to a spouse lawyer will argue for a case dismissal or charge reduction.
Domestic Battery
Being charged with domestic battery in Oceanside means you purposely injured a family member. You can be sent to jail for years and be saddled with a long-term criminal record. Avoid these consequences by retaining the best domestic battery lawyers to defend you.
Attempted Murder
Oceanside attempted murder charges can lead to a felony conviction and years in prison. But proving intent to murder is difficult, and a skilled attempted murder lawyer is essential to help you beat these serious charges. Our lawyers for burglary are here to defend you 24/7.
Assault With Deadly Weapon
Assault with a deadly weapon in Oceanside can land you behind bars for years. A permanent criminal record will complicate your life forever. You need a proven assault with deadly weapon lawyer for the best result in your case.
Felony Reckless Evading
Did you allegedly flee law enforcement and endanger others’ lives? Our accomplished felony reckless evading attorney in Oceanside can construct the best defense to these severe charges. We’re available 24/7 to start defending you.
Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor Child
Lewd conduct charges in Oceanside can put you behind bars for years. You also can be put on the sex offender’s list for life. A robust defense is possible by hiring a lewd and lascivious lawyer in Oceanside to defend you. We’re available 24/7 to defend your freedom and reputation.
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
Are you feeling frightened and bewildered after being charged with a crime? Serious criminal charges can disrupt your life with prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. However, proven criminal law attorneys in Oceanside know the law, local courts, and judges and will build a strong defense to any criminal charge. Proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is challenging, and our Oceanside criminal law firm has hundreds of case dismissals and charge reductions. We’re here to defend you 24/7, so let us start defending you today.
DUI Defense
Drunk driving is taken seriously in California. If you were charged with DUI in Oceanside, understand that the prosecutor will fight tirelessly to convict you. Your initial DUI conviction can land you in jail for up to six months, and your license will be suspended. However, a fierce DUI lawyer in Oceanside with a strong record of results knows how to create reasonable doubt in a jury. Our Oceanside DUI defense lawyer will scrutinize the evidence against you and look for any holes to exploit. We have an excellent record of DUI case dismissals and reductions to reckless driving.
Domestic Violence
The police handcuffed you in Oceanside for first offense domestic violence. You wonder if you will be sent to jail and have your life ruined with a permanent criminal record. You can get up to six months in prison, and the state has up to five years from the date of the alleged incident to charge you. Our Oceanside domestic violence attorney has an outstanding record of helping our clients avoid jail time and other adverse outcomes. We’re available 24/7 to begin building a strong defense against a domestic violence charge.
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 is common in Oceanside and can land you in county jail for up to a year. Three years in prison is possible for a felony conviction. You also could have a criminal record for life that makes employment impossible. However, the county must prove breaking and entering beyond a reasonable doubt, and multiple strong defenses are possible. Our Oceanside burglary attorney will scrutinize your arrest and make the best defense, such as you didn’t know the items were not yours. We’ll fight to get your charge dismissed or reduced.
Drug Possession
A drug charge for minor in possession isn’t something to worry about, right? Wrong! You can be convicted on a drug possession charge and face jail time, fines, and a long-term criminal record that impacts your future. Possession with intent to sell is even worse and can lead to felony charges. You need an elite Oceanside drug possession attorney to fight these charges aggressively. You could see your case dismissed if you call our attorneys today to defend you. Our criminal defense lawyers are available 24/7 to build an aggressive defense.
Sexual Assault
Being charged with sexual battery or sexual assault is a nightmare. You can be imprisoned for many years, and the consequences for your employment and future are limited by a conviction. You also may be placed on the sex offender’s list for life. But a proven Oceanside sexual assault attorney knows how to construct a formidable defense that could get the charge reduced or dismissed. Our lawyer for sexual assault possesses an exemplary record for our many satisfied clients. Let us start today by defending your rights and freedom.
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 arrested in Oceanside, you will typically be booked at the Oceanside City Jail located at 3855 Mission Ave—run by the Oceanside Police Department. It holds detainees awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences under one year. Bail is generally set by court based on the offense (using San Diego County bail schedules) and can be posted at the jail or with a bail bond agent. Failure to post bail within 24–48 hours may result in transfer to a county facility in Vista or San Marcos.
Criminal cases from Oceanside are heard at the North County Regional Center in Vista, which handles both misdemeanor and felony criminal matters for the city. All court proceedings—including arraignments, hearings, and trials—take place at this location.
You must be brought before a judge for arraignment in Oceanside within 48 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. At arraignment, charges are read, your rights are explained, and bail or release conditions like own recognizance or protective orders are set.
Oceanside residents may qualify for North County diversion programs such as drug court, veterans court, mental health court, or other pretrial interventions depending on offense type and eligibility. Successful completion can result in case dismissal or reduced sentencing.
For many misdemeanor cases, your lawyer can file a “977 waiver,” allowing them to appear on your behalf so you are not required to attend court in person. However, felony cases typically require your presence at all hearings and the arraignment.
To obtain an arrest or incident report, submit a request to the Oceanside Police Department Records Division. You can do so online or in person, typically receiving documents within 5–10 business days. Court records are also publicly accessible via the San Diego Superior Court’s online portal (use your name or case number to search).
A conviction in Oceanside can lead to:
- A permanent criminal record with background check implications.
- Fines, probation, jail or prison.
- Professional licensing effects and firearm restrictions.
- Immigration consequences and difficulty in employment or housing.
Even misdemeanors may carry collateral consequences that last beyond sentencing.
Whether you go to jail or prison after being charged with a crime in Oceanside depends on the severity of the offense and your criminal history:
- Misdemeanor charges may result in up to 1 year in county jail, but often allow for alternatives like probation or diversion programs.
- Felony charges can lead to state prison sentences, especially for serious or violent crimes.
- First-time or non-violent offenders may qualify for pretrial diversion or rehabilitative sentencing options to avoid incarceration.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can assess your case and work to reduce or eliminate the risk of jail time.
Criminal defense cases in Oceanside are managed by different local institutions, including:
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office – North County Branch: Handles prosecution of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases originating in Oceanside, including charges like assault, theft, or DUI. Oversees case filings and courtroom strategy.
- Oceanside Police Department (OPD): Primary law enforcement agency in Oceanside. Responsible for initial response, arrest, evidence collection, and crime reporting.
- San Diego County Public Defender’s Office: Provides court-appointed criminal defense to indigent clients in Oceanside, offering representation in both misdemeanor and felony matters.
- San Diego Superior Court – North County Regional Center (Vista): The courthouse where Oceanside criminal cases are adjudicated, handling arraignments, pretrial hearings, trials, and sentencing.
