San Diego Criminal Defense Blog

August 21, 2026 | Criminal Defense | Peter Blair

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you are being investigated, arrested, or charged with a crime, the safest answer is usually: as early as possible. A case can begin long before you enter a courtroom. Statements, evidence, and decisions made at the first hearing may all affect the outcome. Early legal guidance can help you avoid preventable mistakes. When the […]

August 20, 2026 | Domestic Violence | Peter Blair

Can a Domestic Violence Conviction Be Expunged in San Diego, CA?

A domestic violence conviction can follow you for years after your case is closed, affecting everything from your job prospects to where you’re able to live. If you are living with this kind of conviction in San Diego, you may be wondering whether California law offers any path forward. The good news is that many […]

August 4, 2026 | Criminal Defense | Peter Blair

What Is the Average Cost of a Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Diego?

Facing criminal charges in San Diego as a defendant is stressful enough without having to worry about how much a lawyer will cost. However, learning about what you can expect to pay is an important first step in building your defense. The truth is that costs can range widely depending on the type of case […]

July 24, 2026 | Domestic Violence | Peter Blair

How to Successfully Recant a Domestic Violence Statement

A domestic violence allegation can have serious consequences for everyone involved. In some situations, the person who made the original report later decides they want to change or withdraw their statement. However, recanting a domestic violence statement is often more complicated than many people realize, especially once law enforcement has become involved. If a domestic […]

July 3, 2026 | Criminal Defense | Peter Blair

What To Do After Being Arrested

Being arrested in San Diego, California, can leave you with more questions than answers. Whether this is your first encounter with the criminal justice system or you have been arrested before, what you do in the hours and days that follow can affect your case. While every situation is different, taking the right steps early […]

June 22, 2026 | Criminal Defense | Peter Blair

Can AI Be Used to Fabricate Evidence in a Criminal Case?

Artificial intelligence is changing nearly every industry, and the criminal justice system is no exception. San Diego criminal defense attorney Peter Blair recently spoke with NBC 7 San Diego about a concern that legal professionals across the country are beginning to take seriously: the use of AI to create, alter, or fabricate evidence in criminal […]

May 20, 2026 | California Law | Peter Blair

Consent Laws in California

Consent is one of the most important issues in California sex crimes cases. Allegations involving sexual assault, rape, or similar offenses often depend heavily on whether consent was present and whether prosecutors believe it was legally valid. Understanding how California law defines consent may affect how a criminal case is evaluated and prosecuted. California’s consent […]

May 14, 2026 | California Law | Peter Blair

How Long Can You Be Held in Jail Before a Conviction in California?

Being arrested in California can leave people wondering how long they might stay in jail before their case is resolved. In some situations, defendants remain in custody for weeks or even months before a trial takes place. The amount of time someone can be held depends on several factors, including the charges involved, bail decisions, […]

May 12, 2026 | Domestic Violence | Peter Blair

Will Domestic Violence Charges Affect My Security Clearance?

Facing domestic violence charges is stressful enough on its own. However, if your job requires you to hold a security clearance, the stakes can be even higher. A conviction for domestic violence in California can trigger a review of your clearance status and could lead to a revocation in some cases as a result. With […]

April 7, 2026 | Criminal Defense | Peter Blair

What Happens If You Tell Your Lawyer You Are Guilty?

Defendants facing criminal charges often struggle with what they should say to their attorney. One of the most common concerns is whether admitting guilt will somehow hurt their case or be used against them. In California, the answer is more nuanced than many expect. The legal system is structured in a way that allows individuals […]