Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in San Diego: Who to Call When You’re in Trouble

Facing criminal charges in San Diego can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with a DUI, assault, theft, or more serious charges, choosing the right legal support is the most important step. In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in San Diego: Who to Call When You’re in Trouble — professionals known for their skills, courtroom confidence, and client satisfaction.
1. The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC
Kerry L. Armstrong is a certified criminal law specialist with over two decades of courtroom experience. His team handles everything from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
They are known for:
- Strong courtroom strategies
- Personalized client attention
- Proven track record in jury trials
NLP Keywords: criminal law specialist, San Diego defense attorney, felony lawyer
2. Sevens Legal, APC
This firm is led by Samantha Greene, one of San Diego’s few board-certified criminal law experts. Sevens Legal is well-known for handling cases like domestic violence, theft, and white-collar crimes.
Why clients choose them:
- 40+ years of combined experience
- Strategic legal planning
- Clear and compassionate guidance
Focus: Defense for families and working professionals facing criminal charges.
3. Law Offices of Brian J. White
Brian J. White offers aggressive criminal defense in San Diego. He focuses on serious offenses, including assault, drug charges, and federal cases.
Key strengths:
- Strong defense strategies
- Fast response time
- Outstanding client communication
His courtroom presence makes him one of the Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in San Diego.
4. Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers
Peter Blair is praised for his passion for justice. His firm specializes in DUI defense, domestic violence cases, and expungements.
What sets them apart:
- Honest assessments
- Detail-oriented defense plans
- Strong negotiation skills
NLP Keywords: San Diego criminal attorney, domestic violence defense, DUI lawyer
5. Dod Law, APC
Dod Ghassemkhani has over 20 years of legal experience. He’s widely known for handling high-profile criminal cases in San Diego.
Why people recommend Dod Law:
- Extensive trial experience
- Recognized nationally for defense work
- Handles violent and sex crime cases
Clients trust him with their freedom when the stakes are high.
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6. Law Offices of Anna R. Yum
Anna Yum is a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney. She knows the system inside-out, which helps her protect her clients’ rights more effectively.
Specialties include:
- Domestic violence
- Sex crimes
- Juvenile defense
Clients praise her investigative skills and confident presence in court.
7. David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys
David P. Shapiro’s firm focuses on restoring clients’ reputations and guiding them through legal stress. Their team helps with a wide range of charges, from DUIs to federal offenses.
Highlights:
- Clear legal advice
- No false promises
- Aggressive case handling
Their motto is: “We help good people regain control of their future.”
8. Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC
Vikas Bajaj has defended hundreds of clients in San Diego courts. His firm tackles everything from assault and theft to fraud and gang-related charges.
Why he ranks among the top:
- Aggressive defense tactics
- Detailed knowledge of California law
- Flexible and available for emergency consultations
9. Law Office of George Gedulin
George Gedulin brings unique expertise to criminal law cases, especially federal and financial crimes. He also represents clients in probation violation and expungement cases.
Why clients trust him:
- Personalized strategies
- Bilingual support (English & Spanish)
- Extensive courtroom experience
NLP Keywords: probation lawyer, expungement attorney, criminal justice San Diego
10. Premier Criminal Defense
Premier Criminal Defense stands out for its client-first focus. The team handles both minor offenses and complex criminal cases.
What they offer:
- Affordable legal support
- 24/7 availability
- Transparent pricing and honest communication
Their team is ideal for first-time offenders seeking to protect their records.
What to Expect When Hiring a Criminal Lawyer in San Diego
Hiring a criminal lawyer isn’t just about legal paperwork — it’s about peace of mind. Here’s what you should expect:
- Free or low-cost initial consultation
- Personalized legal analysis based on your case
- A clear plan of action and updates on progress
The top criminal lawyers in San Diego also offer flexible payment plans to help ease the burden.
Common Criminal Charges in San Diego
The most frequent criminal cases handled by top San Diego lawyers include:
- DUI/DWI
- Drug possession or distribution
- Domestic violence
- Theft and burglary
- Federal crimes and fraud
A skilled lawyer can often get charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed altogether.
How to Choose the Best Criminal Lawyer in San Diego
When choosing a lawyer, focus on:
- Experience in local courts
- Reviews and testimonials
- Availability and communication
- Case results in similar situations
The Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in San Diego listed above are all highly rated and offer client-first service.
Criminal Court Process in San Diego: Step-by-Step
Understanding the court process helps you stay calm:
- Arrest or citation
- Arraignment (first court appearance)
- Pre-trial hearings
- Trial or plea deal
- Sentencing (if found guilty)
Having a defense lawyer at each step improves your chances of a fair outcome.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right legal expert is key when facing criminal charges. The Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in San Diego: Who to Call When You’re in Trouble are trusted professionals with the skills, passion, and experience to defend your rights.
If you’re in trouble, don’t wait — consult one of these experts today and protect your future.
✅ Quick Table Recap
Lawyer / Firm | Specialty Areas | Notable Strengths |
---|---|---|
Kerry L. Armstrong | Felonies, jury trials | Board-certified, top-rated |
Sevens Legal | DUI, domestic violence, theft | Experienced, client-focused |
Brian J. White | Drug, assault, federal charges | Aggressive courtroom tactics |
Blair Defense | Domestic violence, DUI, expungement | Thorough preparation |
Dod Law | High-profile felonies, DUI | National recognition |
Anna Yum | Sex crimes, juvenile defense | Former prosecutor |
David P. Shapiro | DUIs, fraud, assault | Honest legal support |
Vikas Bajaj | Theft, fraud, gang-related crimes | Aggressive, affordable |
George Gedulin | Probation, federal crimes | Bilingual, strategic |
Premier Criminal Defense | General criminal defense | Transparent, responsive |