Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer | San Diego | Orange County

If you are facing criminal charges in California, you will need an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney on your side. Punishments in California criminal cases can be severe and could alter the rest of your life. Even after release, convicted felons can be prevented from partaking in certain American rights, such as voting, owning a gun, or even joining the military. Most people lack the needed knowledge of the law and the California justice system to be successful representing themselves in a criminal case, which is why your best protection against criminal charges is to hire a San Diego criminal defense  Attorney Dod.

By having San Diego criminal defense Attorney Dod in your corner, you will benefit from working with a reputable law firm focusing on criminal defense to guide you through the complex justice system. Our goal is always to help you achieve the best results possible for your case.

What to look for in a hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

Types of Criminal Cases We Defend in California

The severity of the consequences you may face upon being arrested and charged with an offense depends on several factors, such as whether or not you have an existing criminal record. If you are found guilty of an offense, sentencing may be influenced by prior convictions. At Dod Law, we have represented thousands of criminal cases in the San Diego area. 

We have successfully represented individuals charged with the following crimes:

• Assault and battery: In California, an assault is when someone attempts (and has the ability) to commit a violent injury on another person.Battery, on the other hand, is any actual, intentional force or violence upon another person against their will. A charge of assault or battery in California can result in a sentencing of up to 25 years in prison.
• Domestic violence: A charge of domestic violence can occur when someone threatens or abuses someone with whom they have a close relationship with, such as a family member or romantic partner. Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously in California, where they can result in jail time, counseling, restitution payments, and/or completion of anger management courses.
• Fraud crimes: Charges of fraud can include any activity that grants a person with an unfair or illegal financial advantage or causes harm or loss to another person at your benefit. Fraud charges are “wobbler crimes,” meaning they can either be a misdemeanor or felony. A charge of fraud can also result in deportation if the offender is an immigrant.
• Drug crimes: Drug-related offenses are taken very seriously in California and can lead to steep fines and incarceration. Possible defense strategies a criminal defense attorney may be able to use for drug charges include medical reasons, unlawful search, or inappropriate misconduct.
• Sex crimes: People charged with sex crimes in California don’t just have to worry about jail or hefty fines. If you are convicted of a sex crime in California, you will be branded for life as a sex offender–leaving you unable to live in some areas or be allowed to work certain jobs.
• DUI: A charge for driving under the influence (DUI) is not taken lightly in California. A DUI can cause a person to lose their driving privileges, damage their reputation, and leave them to face incarceration, probation, and substantial fines.
• Theft crimes: Shoplifting or theft is a common charge seen in San Diego County criminal courts. Depending on the dollar amount stolen, these charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies.
• Violent crimes: A conviction for a violent crime can mark you as a felon for the rest of your life and can lead to other severe penalties, such as lifelong incarceration and steep fines. Convictions for violent crimes may impact your life for several months to years after you have served your sentence.
• White-collar crimes: A white-collar crime allegation is typically brought up against business professionals, government officials, or other people who hold a position of power. Often these offenses involve some type of illegal financial gain or other scams on a corporate level.
• Felonies: Felony charges are the most serious charges a person can face in California. A felony conviction may result in lifelong ramifications and could lead to time in a state prison. Certain felony offenses may lead to imprisonment for life.
• Misdemeanors: Although a misdemeanor charge is not as serious as a felony, being convicted of a misdemeanor can affect your future, freedom, and career options. Misdemeanor charges are among the most common offenses in California and can include anything from indecent exposure to concealed weapons charges to prostitution to driving with a suspended license.

We have solid case results in all areas of criminal defense and are dedicated to providing personalized representation. We understand that facing a criminal charge is a serious concern for which you deserve effective counsel. You can explore some of our case results in California by clicking here.

What You Should Do After Being Arrested in California

One of the most common mistakes we see people make after an arrest is waiving their right to remain silent. Many people assume they will be able to talk themselves out of the situation, but that is seldom the case. As stated in your Miranda Rights, anything you say can and will be used against you in court. In other words, what you choose to say may hurt you more than it will help you, so refrain from voluntarily providing information about your actions to police officers but remain respectful throughout your interaction with them. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have had a chance to speak with Attorney Dod.

After being processed and booked into jail, you have the right to request a call to a lawyer. Once you have contacted Attorney Dod, he can advise you on your next steps. Make sure you do not speak to anyone about your alleged crimes outside of the attorneys representing you. Don’t forget that you are not obligated to answer any questions without the presence of your criminal defense attorney.

How a San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You with Your Criminal Case

Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming without a San Diego criminal defense attorney to guide you through the process. Without a compassionate and determined attorney on your side, there is a high likelihood of facing severe consequences. When you partner with Dod Law, your San Diego criminal defense lawyer will research the facts, analyze the case against you, and exercise their negotiation skills to work with the prosecutor to mitigate the impact of your charges. Your attorney may negotiate to have your charges reduced or dismissed, to have your bail lowered, or to ease your sentence upon a conviction. Criminal defense attorneys may also:

• Interview witnesses
• Help formulate a plea
• Investigate the prosecutor’s case
• Evaluate potential sentences
• Gather evidence
• Review search and seizure procedures

Your criminal defense lawyer will also act as your guide, protector, and confidant throughout your case and advise you on any potential consequences you may face due to a plea, conviction, or criminal record–including possible immigration consequences.

Who is Attorney Dod in California?

Attorney Dod of Dod Law has practiced criminal defense for over 20 years and has defended more than 6,500 criminal cases in the San Diego area. During his career, he has handled almost every type of criminal case. Attorney Dod will give everything he has toward a client’s defense and is even qualified by the California State Bar to handle serious capital offenses, such as murder charges for clients with multiple convictions.

Results-oriented Attorney Dod’s favorite words are “not guilty,” and he will work tirelessly to hear those words. He is a skilled negotiator and litigator that is prepared to help you get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. 

Contact a Highly Experienced San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney

Unlike other law firms who split their time and efforts between different types of legal cases, at Dod Law, criminal defense is all we do. We believe that specialization in criminal defense makes all the difference. We have defended all types of criminal charges in the 20 years we have provided effective representation. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in California

Do I need to hire a criminal defense attorney if I plan on pleading guilty?

You should never plan on pleading guilty until an experienced criminal defense attorney has meticulously reviewed your case with a fine tooth comb. It is the Government’s job to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt so you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to make sure you hold them to their burden.

After being arrested, should I speak with a San Diego criminal defense attorney?

You should never talk to any member of law-enforcement and immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony charge in California?

A misdemeanor carries a punishment of a fine and up to one year in county jail. A felony is a much more serious offense and can result in a state prison sentence. A felony can also have severe detrimental effects on employment.