The San Diego Criminal Defense Attorneys at LAWSTACHE™ LAW FIRM know that the attorney you choose can mean the difference between winning and losing. Fifty years ago, the Supreme Court of United States recognized the “obvious truth” that a criminal defense lawyer is a necessity and not a luxury when a defendant faces a criminal charge in State or Federal court. The Court also observed that even an intelligent and educated non-lawyer “requires the guiding hand of counsel at every step in the proceedings against him.” San Diego Criminal Defense Attorneys at LAWSTACHE™ Law Firm are that “guiding hand,” diligently ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the entire duration of criminal proceedings, from criminal arraignment through the duration of the trial.
Our San Diego Criminal Defense Attorneys represent clients throughout Southern California, including San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside. We are licensed in California and Nevada.
If you were charged or indicted in the San Diego Federal Court, click this botton:
San Diego Federal Criminal Defense
California State Criminal Defense
In the following sections our criminal defense attorneys explain common California crimes and defenses. Please click on the Folders, and then select the topic you are interested in.
Domestic Violence
Personal Property Crimes
- Arson | PC 451
- Assault Penal Code Section 240 PC 240
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon | California Penal Code 245(a)(1) [PC 245(a)(1)]
- Battery | California Penal Code 242 [PC 242]
- Resisting Arrest | PC148(a)(1)
- California Gun Crimes
- Brandishing a Weapon, Gun or Firearm | Penal Code 417 | PC 417
- Gestures Alone Are Not Considered to be Criminal Threats [PC 422]
Drug Crimes
- Possession of a Controlled Substance in California | HS 11350 (a)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell | HS 11351
- Transportation for Sale of a Controlled Substance| HS 11352
- Possession of Marijuana | Health and Safety Code Section 11357 | HS 11357
- Marijuana Cultivation, Harvest, Plant | HS 11358
- Possession of Marijuana for Sale | Health and Safety Code 11359 | HS 11359
- Marijuana Sale, Giving Away, Transportation | California Health and Safety Code Section 11360 | HS 11360
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia | California Health and Safety Code 11364 | HS 11364
- Possession of Methamphetamine (Meth) | HS 11377
- Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Marijuana, Hash Oil, etc.) | HS 11379.6(a)
- Proposition 36: Drug treatment program as an alternative to jail time in drug possession cases.
- Driving Under Influence of Marijuana (Marijuana DUI) | California Vehicle Code Section 23152 | VC 23152
- Can a vehicle be searched by police officers if they smell marijuana outside of the vehicle?
- What to do if pulled over with marijuana in trunk of car working for marijuana dispensary?
- Transporting Marijuana across International Border (US-Mexico)
- When can police stop and search my vehicle?
- Modification or Termination of Probation under PC 1203.3
- IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES IN DRUG CASES AND A CHART OF SELECTED CALIFORNIA OFFENSES
Vehicular Crimes
- San Diego DUI Attorneys Overview
- California Reckless Driving| California Vehicle Code 23103 | CVC23103
- Driving Under Influence of Alcohol (DUI Alcohol)| California Vehicle Code Section 23152 | VC 23152
- Driving Under Influence of Marijuana (Marijuana DUI) | California Vehicle Code Section 23152 | VC 23152
- What Should You Do If Pulled Over for DUI? Quick guide!
- Do I have to do field sobriety tests?
- DUI dismissed after police officers move the DUI suspect.
- DMV Administrative Hearing (DUI: Alcohol/drugs)
- Can I complete California DUI school/course out of state?
- What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over For DUI?
- Can I get a DUI while operating a boat (BUI)?
- Are attorneys able and willing to give me an estimate of success rate for DUI case?
- When can police stop and search my vehicle?
- What does it mean to expunge a San Diego DUI?
Theft Crimes
Alcohol Crimes
- Drunk in Public | California Penal Code 647 [PC 647 (f)]
- San Diego DUI Attorneys Overview
- Driving Under Influence of Alcohol (DUI Alcohol)| California Vehicle Code Section 23152 | VC 23152
- Driving Under Influence of Marijuana (Marijuana DUI) | California Vehicle Code Section 23152 | VC 23152
- What Should You Do If Pulled Over for DUI? Quick guide!
- Do I have to do field sobriety tests?
- DMV Administrative Hearing (DUI alcohol/drugs)
- Can I complete California DUI school/course out of state?
- What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over For DUI?
- Can I get a DUI while operating a boat (BUI)?
- Are attorneys able and willing to give me an estimate of success rate for DUI case?
- What does it mean to expunge a San Diego DUI?
Criminal Process
- What Happens Between an Arrest and the Jury Trial?
- How can I get my criminal case dismissed in San Diego?
- What happens at the arraignment?
- Do I need to be present at the arraignment?
- How can I get a court to appoint a lawyer for my case?
- Public Defenders vs Private Attorneys
- I missed the court date and now I have a warrant out for my arrest. What Should I Do?
- Modification or Termination of Probation under PC 1203.3
- Plea Bargaining
- Presumption of Innocence
- Miranda Warning – Custodial Interrogation
- IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES IN DRUG CASES AND A CHART OF SELECTED CALIFORNIA OFFENSES
- What does it mean when asked if you were formally charged?
- FEDERAL CLEMENCY APPLICATION
- What if two statutes seem to criminalize the same conduct? Perjury vs. False Statement
Sentencing
When selecting a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney, it is crucial that you pick an attorney that knows all the alternatives to jail/prison sentences. There is nothing worse than sitting in jail and learning later that you could have been sentenced to home confinement or GPS monitoring. The following are some of the alternatives to custody that you may be eligible. Please discuss these alternatives with an experienced San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney because eligibility depends on the crime, past history, and other factors. These are the most common alternatives in San Diego County, but many are available in other counties such as Riverside and Orange County.
- Can I get resentenced under Prop. 47 | (PC) 1170.18 | San Diego Prop 47 Attorney
- Am I eligible for probation?
- Sentencing and Custody Credits
- Electronic Monitoring in Lieu of Bail. (PC 1203.018)
- San Diego SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring Program
- Home Detention (PC 1203.016 and 1203.017)
- San Diego Work Furlough
- Residential ReEntry Center
- Work Release
FAQ
- When can police stop and search my vehicle?
- Can a vehicle be searched by police officers if they smell marijuana outside of the vehicle?
- Legal Rights Info-Graphic
- Modification or Termination of Probation under PC 1203.3
- Proposition 36: Drug treatment program as an alternative to jail time in drug possession cases.
- Is a misdemeanor conviction public record?
- What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over For DUI?
- Can I complete California DUI school/course out of state?
- What to do if pulled over with marijuana in trunk of car working for marijuana dispensary?
- Are attorneys able and willing to give me an estimate of success rate for DUI case?
- Can I mail marijuana via USPS?
- IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES IN DRUG CASES AND A CHART OF SELECTED CALIFORNIA OFFENSES
- Why is my bail bondsman asking for my license plate number?
- What If No Criminal Charges Were Filed On My Court Date?
- Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney Before Seeking a Bail Bondsmen?
- Public Defenders vs Private Attorneys
- What does it mean when asked if you were formally charged?
- Help! Someone else’s criminal charges are on my record! [LiveScan]
- Federal Court Required Paperwork for Surety Bond
- Can a company be prosecuted in the same way as an individual?
- What does it mean to expunge a San Diego DUI?
Motions
- What is an ARANDA-BRUTON motion?
- Can a company be prosecuted in the same way as an individual?
- What does it mean to expunge a San Diego DUI?
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dear Anton Vialtsin , I would like to thank you for your efforts in taking my case . The work you did was very good.Even though my family and I were worried and uncertain because we didn't know what the future held for me despite knowing I was innocent, you as my lawyer, conducted investigations and made calls,and gave us a lot of hope.You made me feel more secure and confident. That's why I am very grateful for the results of your work , which led to the dismissal of my case, giving me the security, peace of mind, and freedom needed.Thank you Anton VialtsinPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am deeply grateful to have encountered the Lawstanche firm during a time of great difficulty for my family. Anton demonstrated exceptional responsiveness, promptly addressing our concerns and providing consistent guidance throughout a very challenging period. His support brought us not only peace of mind but also much-needed clarity. Beyond explaining legal terminology, he took the time to ensure we understood the practical implications, which made a significant difference to us. We truly appreciate his professionalism, empathy, and dedication.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super helpful and very friendly and professional!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lawstache law Firm is the bestPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best lawyer Antón, he is a very prepared person with a lot of wisdom and knowledge of the laws, very professional.The results were extraordinary from the beginning of the process to the end. I totally recommend it he is the best of the best Thank you very muchPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just want to thank Lawstache Firm.In our most difficult time you have been an Angel in disguise, very professional communicative and efficient, We are very,very happy with your service because you deliver real results. Also the presence you have in court is incomparable. Thank you so much from our family to your Firm. SincerelyPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Estoy extremadamente agradecida con el abogado Antón es una persona muy preparada con mucha sabiduria y conocimiento de las leyes, muy profesional y a la misma vez muy humano en su forma de comunicarse con la familia. Su presentacion en las cortes y su presecia tambien es muy imponente. Los resultados fueron extraordinarios desde el inicio del proceso hasta el final. Lo recomiendo totalmente con ojos cerrados Gracias, gracias, graciasPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. To open this review I must not have enough words to describe the level of performance all around from The Lawstache Firm. Over all a great deal of commitment, Professional Services with great passion for law and over all well being of client. In my experience the level of rapport that was built up through connection was unlike many other, My Federal Defender at the same time my Lawyer, my Friend and My Attorney at its finest level of Respect. The very Best. Mr Anton Vialstin.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful and kept me very informed throughout the entire process!!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Anton was instrumental in helping my wife and me navigate through this difficult case. He was able to reduce her sentence and showed great care and respect throughout the entire process. Anton was consistently informative and reliable. Thank you, Anton.Showing our latest reviewsVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Our office is conveniently located in downtown San Diego at 185 West F Street, Suite 100-D.
You can reach our office by calling (619) 357-6677.
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San Diego Criminal Defense | Chula Vista Criminal Defense | Vista Criminal Defense | El Cajon Criminal Defense
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