San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer
San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney
Being charged with a criminal offense in San Diego, CA is a dangerous situation that requires experienced legal representation and support. Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, your life is going to change drastically. From facing initial inconveniences, such as a license suspension or restraining orders, to fines and years of probation, criminal charges are incredibly difficult. A San Diego criminal defense lawyer can help you limit or avoid the consequences of a conviction.
It’s important to hire an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense or DUI lawyer as soon as you can. The sooner you secure the help of an attorney, the more effectively your rights will be protected. Criminal attorneys can start gathering information about your case as soon as you are given a citation. Having a criminal defense attorney will save you time and money in the long run and better your chances in courtroom proceedings.
Criminal Defenses in San Diego with Lee Law Group
Talking to a lawyer before you talk to any police or law official should be your first priority. An affordable criminal attorney, such as those at Lee Law Offices, will assist you with advice for your case. Lee Law Group is your San Diego criminal defense law firm with over 20 years of collective expertise in representing clients in difficult positions, especially those who are facing challenging legal battles and are looking for guidance, support, and answers to their questions.
Our driven lawyers will aggressively fight for the best possible resolution. We have studied various tactics of the prosecution, which allows us to reach a favorable outcome for you. Our team can talk through your case with you and make an informed decision about your defense together. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and needs, and we strongly believe that doing so helps us bring you better legal support.
Our expertise across different facets of the legal profession, along with our grit and dedication, ensures excellent results in your San Diego criminal defense case.
Lee Law Group is one of California’s affordable criminal law firms. Our five-star-rated lawyer services will help you understand what is happening throughout your criminal case and help you get the justice you deserve.
At Lee Law Group, we understand how stressful it is to face criminal charges, regardless of whether or not you have navigated the criminal justice system before. We can help guide you through the process and advocate for your interests the entire time. We will be with you during every part of your case. Our committed team will handle anything from investigation to sourcing witnesses. We will develop a wealth of evidence that will prove your innocence.
The California criminal defense attorneys at Lee Law Group are dedicated to protecting your freedom and fighting for your right to swift justice.
Call Lee Law Group at (619) 566-8085 for a Free Consultation!
What To Do When Arrested in San Diego
Being arrested in San Diego can change your life in a blink of an eye. How you handle yourself in the situation can significantly affect the severity of your legal issues, which will affect your ability to get your life back.
First, keep calm and quiet. It is tough to stop yourself from explaining your side, especially if you want to prove your innocence. You are not required to share information with the police officer other than your name. The officers will attempt to gather as much information as they can from you.
Your Miranda rights will protect you from being forced to disclose information that may put you in a dangerous situation. Any information gathered may be used against you during your criminal trial.
After being read your Miranda rights, politely tell the police officers that you wish to invoke your right to remain silent. Clearly state that you would like to speak with your attorney. It is important that you say it exactly this way to prevent further charges like resisting arrest or obstruction.
Remember, the police officers can legally lie to you. They can apply various strategies, such as misleading you into talking and allowing them to perform a search of your property. Do not consent to any search. This will prevent them from accessing your home without the appropriate warrant.
Reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney in San Diego right away. Keep asking to speak to your attorney until they allow you to contact Lee Law Group at (619) 566-8085 for smart advice and an aggressive legal defense.
Types of Criminal Offenses We Handle at Lee Law Group
There are many different types of criminal charges, and each requires different defense strategies. If you or a loved one is arrested or charged with a criminal offense, you should find an attorney who has experience with those specific charges. At Lee Law Group, we have diligently represented our clients in many areas of criminal law. We have over twenty years of experience in the following areas:
- DUI: DUI, or driving under the influence, is a harshly prosecuted crime in California, whether offenders are under the influence of alcohol, illegal controlled substances, or even prescription drugs. Even a first-time DUI offense can result in days to months in jail and hundreds or more in fines, as well as other penalties like license suspension, education courses, and probation.
Penalties become more severe if there was an accident, if you were more significantly impaired, or if you have prior DUI convictions. DUI offenses in California also include Watson Murder, which is a second-degree murder charge filed if the defendant kills someone because they were driving drunk. This is one of the most serious DUI charges.
- Drugs: The severity of drug offense charges depends on the type of controlled substance, the crime being committed, and the amount of substance that is present. The penalties for these crimes are incredibly harsh, and it is important to do what you can to avoid conviction with the help of an attorney.
- Marijuana
- Narcotics
- Prescription Drugs
- Drug Possession
- Drug Paraphernalia Possession
- Drug Possession With Intent to Sell
- Drug Manufacturing, Cultivation, or Distribution
- Drug Trafficking
- Violent Crimes: Violent crimes include offenses like battery, assault, kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, and domestic violence. These crimes, depending on their severity, can affect more of your life outside of criminal penalties, including preventing you from owning a firearm or even losing custody of your children.
- Felonies: Felonies are the most serious form of state criminal charges, typically resulting in penalties like more than a year in prison and large fines. A criminal record from a felony charge can affect many areas of your future, including educational, housing, and job opportunities. If you are charged with a felony, such as repeat DUIs or manslaughter, it is crucial that you secure the representation of a skilled attorney.
- Misdemeanors: Misdemeanors have less severe penalties than felonies, but that does not mean you shouldn’t fight them. These cases can still result in time in jail, significant fines, and the long-term consequences of a criminal record.
At Lee Law Group, we also have experience in other fields of law, including personal injury cases. It is our goal to provide you the best service possible, no matter what crime you have been charged with. We will do whatever it takes to get you the justice you deserve. Lee Law Group understands good people are sometimes involved in bad situations, and we are here to help.
California’s Three Strikes Law
Criminal penalties can be even more severe in California if a defendant has prior convictions that are considered serious and violent felonies. Under the state’s Three Strikes Law, a third conviction to a serious or violent felony can result in a penalty of up to life in prison and a minimum sentence of 25 years or more.
Even a second offense to a serious or violent felony has harsher penalties under the three strikes law, resulting in an additional five years for each prior conviction. This law can make repeat offenders face significant and life-altering penalties.
San Diego Criminal Defense Process
Processes in the court system can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you are not familiar with them. Here at Lee Law Group, we will take you through each step and inform you of what to expect. We will ensure that you are prepared. Understanding each process ensures that you know how to protect yourself.
Each step is important, as your life can change in the blink of an eye. Being well-prepared with a strong legal team behind you ensures that you are given the justice you deserve.
Investigation: This involves gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the event surrounding the possible crime. You may be questioned and even have your property searched. Even at this early stage, you will benefit from the support of an experienced attorney. A legal expert can help you prepare by advising you on how to conduct yourself, which questions to answer, and your rights during the investigation.
Arrests and Charges: If the investigation points to your guilt, then you may be arrested. At this point, the police can conduct a search without a warrant. However, they need probable cause to charge you with the crime.
Arraignment: This is your first chance to appear in court, where you will be read your charges and explained your rights. You can enter a plea, which will be either not guilty, guilty, or no contest. It is important to consult with your defense lawyer to understand the pros and cons of each plea before making any decisions.
Bail: Bail may be addressed during your arraignment or on a separate hearing. The judge may release you without bail, set bail, or deny bail.
Pretrial: During this step, your defense attorney and the prosecution will build their respective cases. They may file motions to address various legal issues, including any of your rights being violated during the search or investigation. Your lawyer may also challenge any evidence against you.
Trial: Each side will present relevant evidence, testimony, and arguments to a judge or a jury. The prosecutor should prove your guilt beyond any reasonable doubt. You should be backed by an experienced legal team to give you a fighting chance.
Sentencing: This happens in a separate hearing, where the judge will hear recommendations from the prosecution and your defense lawyer about the appropriate sentence.
Having the support of a skilled, experienced attorney in San Diego can greatly affect your ability to obtain a favorable resolution. The dedicated criminal defense trial lawyers at Lee Law Group provide expert legal support during the whole process.
Whether you have been arrested in San Diego for a DUI crime, drug trafficking, drug paraphernalia or other drug charges, white collar crimes, domestic battery, assault and battery, sex crimes or sexual assault, theft charges, child abuse or other felony offenses, our aggressive San Diego criminal attorneys are ready to fight for you.
You Need a Dedicated San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney
Lee Law Group is your comprehensive San Diego criminal defense law firm that can provide you with legal support. With decades of proven results, satisfied clients, and unwavering dedication, there is no better option for you. Do not trust the half-priced lawyers you see on billboards – go with our Super Lawyers for the Best Defense!
No charge is too difficult for the San Diego criminal defense lawyers at Lee Law Group. Our experience, drive, and commitment will get the best possible results for you. Get in touch with our dedicated criminal defense law firm today to get your life back on track.
FAQs
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?
The cost of a criminal defense lawyer in California varies based on many factors of your unique criminal case and the attorney you work with. Most criminal cases are charged on an hourly rate, which can vary. More experienced attorneys with higher success rates are more likely to have higher rates.
If your case is more complex and expected to go to trial, this will also result in a more expensive defense attorney. It’s important to talk through fees with your attorney before you hire them.
How Do I Find a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Diego?
How Do I Find a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Diego?
- Relevant Practice Area: When looking for a criminal defense attorney, you should determine if they represent clients in the relevant area of criminal law.
- Experience Level: Review an attorney’s experience in general law, criminal law, and the area specific to your needs. More experienced attorneys can often craft a more effective defense.
- Reviews and Reputation: Research the reputation of each firm, as well as the reviews that past clients have left them. You can look into online reviews and ask for referrals.
What Is a Mistake of Fact Defense in California?
A mistake of fact defense in California asserts a lack of criminal intent. Many crimes require an element of criminal intent to allow conviction. If the defendant believed a mistaken fact about their actions and did not have criminal intent, this may be an effective defense. This defense may be used for theft charges if the individual believed that they had a right to the property or that they were securing it for the person who owned it.
How Long Does the DA Have to File Charges in California?
The amount of time the DA has to file charges in California within 48 business hours after an arrest if the defendant is still in jail. If the defendant is not in jail and has not been arrested, the statute of limitations that the prosecution has to file charges is longer. In these cases, the prosecutor has one year from the date the offense occurred to file charges for misdemeanors and three years for felonies.
Hiring one of California’s affordable criminal attorneys will help you get your life back to normal. As your dedicated San Diego criminal defense firm, Lee Law Group provides comprehensive legal support.
Specializing in many areas, Lee Law Group offers professional services, including DUI defense. We are familiar with federal, state, and local San Diego laws, as well as those of other cities. We will visit the DMV with you to ensure your driver’s license is not suspended and will make our schedules work around yours.
We will be supporting you through each process. Our experts will provide support, advice, and aggressive negotiation and courtroom skills if your case advances.
Lee Law Group gets you the justice you deserve! You are our top priority.
Let’s Talk Now- Free Consultation
Call Lee Law Group today at (619) 566-8085 for your Free Consultation with a San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer!
