If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense in San Diego, California, you know your future is on the line. Choosing the right San Diego criminal defense lawyer is essential if you want to put yourself in the best possible position to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. That’s why you should get Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers in your corner right away.
For more than a decade, attorney Peter Blair has been helping the accused regain their freedom and dignity. The prosecution will show no mercy when coming after you. Whether you’re facing DUI charges, murder, rape, or domestic violence charges, you can count on Peter Blair to fight aggressively for you.
Call our San Diego, CA law office at (619) 357-4977 to get started on your case. Your first consultation is 100% free of charge, so contact us now.
Why Should You Call Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers If You’re Facing Criminal Charges in San Diego?
Criminal cases are inherently complex. State prosecutors know the rules, laws, and procedures that will apply to your case, and they know them inside and out. So, the scales of justice won’t be tipped in your favor. Fortunately, you can change that by picking up the phone and calling Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers for help.
Peter Blair has been recognized by numerous national organizations for his tireless dedication to justice, including:
- SuperLawyers
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Attorneys
- Top 40 under 40 National Trial Lawyers
He also maintains a perfect 10/10 rating on Avvo, one of the most well-known and trusted legal rating services.
Here’s how we will work to build your defense:
We’ll Determine If Your Arrest Was Legitimate
You have certain rights that must be respected — no matter what. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers don’t always toe the line. Mistakes are made, gray areas are exploited in the state’s favor. The state cannot be permitted to benefit from a violation of your rights.
Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers will dig deep and analyze every aspect of your interaction with the state. We’ll determine if there were problems with your initial stop or arrest, searches of you or your property, or red flags in your conversations with the police.
If and when we find a problem, we will work tirelessly to prevent prosecutors from using it against you. We’ll stand up for you and demand that the arrest be cast aside, or that the case against you be dismissed immediately.
We’ll Identify Potential Violations of Your Rights
The Constitution guarantees certain rights. Among these are your Miranda rights, your right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and your right to an attorney, to name a few. Our comprehensive investigation will reveal whether your rights were trampled on. Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers is deeply passionate about protecting these rights—it’s important for your case and for the integrity of the justice system.
We scrutinize every detail—you can count on it. If the police or the DA’s office didn’t play by the rules, we’ll get evidence thrown out or otherwise fight to weaken the prosecution’s case.
We’ll Bring in Experts to Help
We know the influence that experts can have on criminal proceedings. That’s why we’ll invest whatever resources are necessary to enlist the aid of specialists and professionals as we build your defense.
We may hire:
- Private investigators
- Forensic scientists
- Ballistics experts
- Former law enforcement professionals
- Toxicologists
- Psychologists and other medical professionals
The District Attorney’s office will have virtually unlimited resources available as it pursues criminal charges against you. We put you on an even playing field when it comes to fighting the evidence. We don’t give them an inch or any opportunity to get the upper hand – call our criminal defense law firm in San Diego and ask for our help.
We’ll Challenge Every Piece of Evidence
We don’t let the prosecution get evidence into trial without a fight. Whether it’s statements that you made, physical evidence collected at the scene, or witness statements against you—we’ll challenge every piece.
We hold the prosecution’s feet to the fire when making them prove your case.
We look for:
- Witness statements that don’t add up
- Chain of custody issues
- Illegally obtained statements
- Signs that evidence was planted (yes, it happens)
We do whatever we can to make the prosecution realize they don’t want to face us in court.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Office in San Diego, CA
Our law offices are conveniently located at 225 Broadway Suite 1740 San Diego CA 92101.
(619) 357-4977
We Handle All Criminal Cases in San Diego
Assault
An assault conviction in San Diego can follow you everywhere – work, home, business, and more. Our San Diego assault attorneys know that assault allegations are often false or overblown, and we’re ready to challenge the claims against you as aggressively as need be.
We’ll carefully investigate the charges and work to build a dynamic strategy that puts you in the best position to walk away with your future intact.
Domestic Violence
Our team knows that all criminal convictions – including those for domestic violence – can cause damage that lasts a lifetime. You can lose the right to spend time with your family, your right to own a firearm and face other collateral consequences.
We also know that many DV charges are based on the claims of an alleged victim. We’ll fight to disprove those allegations or, at the very least, show that they’re exaggerated, at best.
Drug Crimes
Drug-related offenses can be particularly problematic in San Diego. In addition to the watchful eye of local law enforcement, the area is also under surveillance by the feds due to its proximity to the Mexico-U.S. border.
If you are accused of possessing, selling, or distributing a controlled substance, you could be facing incredibly harsh criminal charges – at both the state and federal levels. Fortunately, law enforcement officers tend to make mistakes when making drug arrests. Our attorneys know how to use a violation of your rights to your advantage.
DUI
When you’re stopped for DUI, police officers have to follow very strict rules and regulations. Any misstep can jeopardize the state’s case against you. Our San Diego DUI attorneys will go over your traffic stop and arrest with a fine-toothed comb, searching for any indication that a mistake was made. When we find it, we will leverage it to get evidence tossed or, better yet, the charges against you dismissed.
Federal Crimes
California has its own set of criminal laws. So does the federal government. If you violate the law in San Diego, you’ll face charges in court. In order to defend yourself, you’ll need to be sure that you’re represented by a federal crimes attorney who knows the court system and understands the unique laws and rules that apply. Our team has successfully represented countless clients against federal criminal charges – let us do the same for you.
Juvenile Crimes
Sometimes kids make mistakes. Other times, kids are wrongfully blamed for something they didn’t do. Either way, getting arrested in San Diego as a juvenile shouldn’t create endless barriers to success in the future. Our attorney will aggressively defend your child against allegations of juvenile misconduct, all while providing compassionate support and guidance to you and your family along the way.
Sex Crimes
Nothing will destroy your reputation and future faster than a sex-related criminal conviction. Even minor charges can put you behind bars and land you on the sex offender registry for years to come. In many sex-related offenses, the state lacks substantial direct evidence. Instead, they’re “he said, she said” situations. Our sex crimes attorney will work tirelessly so that the word of one person won’t derail the future you had planned.
Theft Crimes
When you’re accused of theft, your reputation can suffer. Employers might pass you over for other candidates, and landlords might think twice before giving you a place to live. Our San Diego theft attorneys are here to help you defend yourself and minimize these risks. We’ll carefully review the state’s evidence, determine where its case is weakest, and skillfully exploit those shortcomings in your favor.
White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are complicated. They often involve several parties, technology, and the intent to deceive. These crimes can be tough to explain, let alone prove. That can work in your favor as the state attempts to convict. Our San Diego attorneys will fight the prosecution each step of the way, challenging their claims and working to make it as difficult as possible to prove their case.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Arrested in San Diego?
Getting arrested can be scary and intimidating. If so, remain calm, don’t resist arrest, and don’t do anything to escalate the situation. Insist on speaking with a lawyer before you talk with the police.
Keep Quiet
The police probably read your Miranda rights, but they were probably a blur. You have the right to (and should) remain silent until you are able to get an attorney. It’s tempting to try to explain yourself, but resist any urge to speak with police when you’re arrested. The prosecution will not hesitate to use anything you say to build their case against you. Many heat-of-the-moment statements can be misinterpreted. You can’t take them back, and they can harm your case.
Call a Lawyer
Contact a team as soon as you can after you’re arrested. You should contact an attorney regardless of whether you’re charged with a crime right away. Getting an attorney into the mix quickly can increase the chances of walking away with a favorable outcome. Your lawyer can handle conversations with the police, help you negotiate and/or secure bail, and be by your side during your arraignment hearing.
Only Speak To Your Lawyer
This is really important. Don’t talk to anyone but your lawyer about your case—not the allegations, your side of the story, what you think your penalties could be, not a word. Even casual remarks made can be twisted and come back to bite you in the courtroom.
Should I Cooperate With the Police?
It’s not your job to help them build a case against you. So, as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to be polite but decline to have any conversations without your attorney present. The police (and the district attorney assigned to your case) will only be trying to get you to say or do something incriminating. And, as you’ve heard a million times on legal dramas, anything you say can (and will) be used against you. Just let your attorney do the talking.
Do I Need a San Diego Criminal Lawyer If I’m Innocent?
Absolutely. Hiring a top-rated lawyer is equally important if you are innocent. They are arrested and convicted all too often—and many spend decades in prison for crimes they didn’t commit.
You might think that you can just tell the prosecutor or the judge your story and that’s the end of it. Don’t underestimate the pressure that the prosecutor is under to make convictions. They are not going to be eager to let you go. Let our experienced team get ahead of the false allegations before the situation gets out of control.
Criminal Defense FAQ
Below is just a sampling of some of the questions that Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers routinely answers for clients facing criminal charges in San Diego. Be aware that every case is different, and answers to these general questions in your case may vary depending on the circumstances unique to you. It’s important to speak to your lawyer for precise answers to the frequently asked questions in your particular case.
Can I Get Arrested If the Police Don’t Have an Arrest Warrant in San Diego?
It’s possible. In general, under California law, the police can arrest you without one if they believe you’ve committed a crime in their presence or if they have probable cause that you’ve committed a felony. Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers scrutinizes the circumstances of any arrest, but particularly the ones made without a warrant.
Can the Police Conduct a Search Without a Warrant in San Diego?
In some criminal law cases—yes. An obvious one is if you consent. Beware of police who seem to be just striking up a casual conversation or being unusually friendly. They sometimes will try to get you to just let them “have a look around.” It can be tempting to agree, especially when you have nothing to hide.
Police can also conduct a warrantless search if there are “exigent” circumstances. That just means they can perform a search when they reasonably believe that someone is in danger or a suspect could possibly disappear if they don’t enter or search the premises immediately. The laws surrounding search and seizure—particularly with regard to digital evidence—are constantly evolving. Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers is on top of the latest developments in the law and knows what the police can and can’t get away with.
The Police Didn’t Read My Miranda Rights – Will My Case Be Dismissed?
Not without a fight. If you’re placed in police custody, you are supposed to be advised that any statements you make can be used against you and that you have a right to speak to a lawyer. But they are not going to voluntarily admit they failed to read your rights, and the DA isn’t going to just drop the case.
If you made statements while detained by police (meaning you weren’t free to leave) without being advised of your Miranda rights, we can fight to keep those statements out of court. But, the prosecution will likely argue that they have other information that supports the criminal charges against you.
Will My Criminal Case Go to Trial?
In reality, most criminal cases don’t reach the trial phase. Instead, prosecutors convince most defendants to accept a plea bargain. Our criminal law firm will work to negotiate a deal if that’s in your best interest. However, we’ll never advise you to settle if we think that you’ll get better results in court. Attorney Peter Blair is known for being an aggressive litigator with integrity and grit. He knows how to build a defense, discount the state’s allegations, and get the best results for his clients.
What’s a Plea Deal? Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
A plea deal is an agreement made between the prosecutor and the defendant prior to trial. It typically involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for a benefit – like a more lenient sentence or a lesser charge. Often, a plea bargain is in your best interest. But you should always discuss a plea agreement with an experienced criminal lawyer before accepting. Plea deals can be hard to understand. You don’t want to be locked into something you’ll regret.
What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
A misdemeanor in California is punishable by up to one year in county jail and generally up to a $1,000 fine (could be more in some cases). A felony will carry steeper penalties—lengthier sentences, state prison instead of county jail, and heftier fines.
A felony in California is punishable by at least one year in prison and up to life in prison or even the death penalty, depending on the crime. Some offenses are considered “wobblers” in California, which means that the district attorney has the discretion to charge them as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Should I Ask For a Public Defender, or Is It Worth it to Hire a San Diego Criminal Attorney?
There’s no doubt that public defenders have extensive experience with the criminal justice system. They’re often incredibly passionate advocates for those accused of crimes. But, they’re often completely overwhelmed with an overflowing caseload that makes it hard for them to give your case the attention it deserves.
They may try to get you to accept a plea deal – not because it’s in your best interest – but because they simply don’t have time to work on your case, much less prepare it for trial. And, public defenders don’t have the same resources to investigate your case as private firms.
Hiring a private San Diego criminal defense team to fight for you is an investment. But many people quickly decide that it’s well worth it to protect their freedom.
Does California Have a “Three Strikes” Law?
Yes. A “strike” refers to a conviction for a serious or violent felony. Under California’s “three strikes” law, if you’ve had a prior conviction for a serious or violent felony, your conviction for a subsequent felony—of any nature, not just another “serious or violent” one—will carry more severe penalties. The law has evolved over the years and is under constant scrutiny, but it still imposes extremely harsh penalties.
Examples of offenses considered serious or violent for purposes of the three strikes law include murder, rape, arson, or kidnapping.
If you have one “strike” prior and are convicted of a second felony, you face twice the time in prison normally set for the new felony. You aren’t eligible for probation or rehab. In addition, you will serve 80% of your sentence, without the considerations given to “non-strike” prisoners for good behavior or working.
If you have two strikes prior and are convicted of a third serious or violent felony, you will be looking at a minimum of 25-years-to-life in prison.
Speak with a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers Today
When you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, you should choose Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers to help you. Since 2010, attorney Peter Blair has seen thousands of cases through the California criminal justice system. He’s litigated the toughest issues – from murder to rape to domestic violence – and gone up against the most tenacious DAs. His ability to get evidence tossed, get charges dismissed, and win in court are unparalleled.
Contact Peter Blair to provide you with the knowledge you need for the legal process you are facing today. We offer a free consultation to every client, so call today to let us get started with your high-quality legal representation.
Criminal Defense Blogs & Resources
- All about Miranda Rights
- Criminal Defense Resources
- 5 Things To Remember If You’re Up Against False Accusations In Court
Client’s Testimonial
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San Diego, CA Courts
- San Diego Central Courthouse – 1100 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101
- U.S. District Court Southern District of California – 333 W Broadway #420, San Diego, CA 92101
- Court of Appeal Clerk Office – 750 B St UNIT 300, San Diego, CA 92101
- Honorable Edward J Schwartz Court House – 221 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
- Jacob Weinberger United States Courthouse – 329 W F St, San Diego, CA 92101
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Areas We Serve in San Diego, CA
Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, Del Mar Mesa, Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, La Jolla, Pacific Highlands Ranch, Torrey Hills, Torrey Pines, University City, Bay Ho, Bay Park, Harbor Island, Liberty Station, Midway District, Mission Bay Park, Mission Beach, Morena, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Point Loma (La Playa, Loma Portal, Point Loma Heights, Roseville-Fleet Ridge, Wooded Area), Shelter Island, Sunset Cliffs, Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, Downtown, Golden Hill, Hillcrest, Middletown, Mission Hills, Normal Heights, North Park, Old Town, South Park, University Heights, Alta Vista, Bay Terraces, Broadway Heights, Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Jamacha, Lincoln Park, Lomita, Oak Park, Paradise Hills, Redwood Village, Rolando Park, Valencia Park, Webster, Black Mountain Ranch, Carmel Mountain, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Encantada, Rancho Peñasquitos, Sabre Springs, San Pasqual Valley, Scripps Ranch, Torrey Highlands, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Sorrento Valley, Allied Gardens, Birdland, Del Cerro, Grantville, Lake Murray, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, San Carlos, Serra Mesa, Tierrasanta, Barrio Logan, Grant Hill, Logan Heights, Shelltown, Sherman Heights, Stockton, Egger Highlands, Nestor, Ocean View Hills, Otay Mesa, Otay Mesa West, Palm City, San Ysidro, Tijuana River Valley, City Heights, College Area, El Cerrito, Kensington, Mount Hope, Mountain View, Rolando Village, Southcrest, Talmadge.
