Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Lawyer in Poway, California

Accused of a Crime in Poway? Protect Your Future with a Skilled Defense Lawyer

At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our Poway criminal defense attorney understands that the just over 48,000 residents who call this city home need direct access to skilled representation to protect their rights when facing unexpected legal challenges.

Despite its reputation as a safe and family-friendly community, criminal charges can arise from various situations, such as DUIs, drug offenses, or domestic disputes. In these cases, having a knowledgeable attorney with experience in local courts is crucial for navigating the legal process and building a solid defense.

Individuals risk facing harsher penalties without proper legal representation, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record, which can affect their future employment, housing, and personal relationships.

Having immediate access to a criminal defense attorney ensures that residents are prepared to defend their rights and secure the best possible outcome when legal issues arise.

Since founding Griffin Law Office in San Diego, Patrick Griffin has expertly handled over 1,000 criminal defense cases, ranging from first-degree murder to minor misdemeanors. He has achieved jury trial victories in every courthouse throughout San Diego County and secured hundreds of pre-trial wins for our California clients, consistently delivering real results for those facing significant legal challenges.

Contact our knowledgeable California defense attorney today to learn more.

What is the Difference Between a Public Defender and a Criminal Defense Attorney in Poway, California?

Public Defenders are court-appointed attorneys for individuals who cannot afford to hire private counsel. While experienced and knowledgeable, public defenders often handle many cases at once, limiting the time and attention they can dedicate to each client. Due to their heavy caseloads, public defenders may be unable to explore every possible defense strategy, negotiate extensively with prosecutors, or provide personalized legal guidance.

Criminal defense attorneys, on the other hand, are hired directly by clients. These attorneys, like ours, typically manage a smaller caseload, which allows them to dedicate more time to each case.

Our skilled Poway defense attorney offers more tailored strategies, in-depth case analysis, and greater communication availability with clients. With access to additional resources, such as private investigators or expert witnesses, our skilled defense attorney can craft a tailored strategy to achieve the best possible outcome, which may make all the difference in the result of your case. Contact us today to learn more.

How is a Federal Criminal Case Different From a State Criminal Case?

A federal criminal case differs from a state criminal case in several ways, including the laws involved, the agencies that investigate and prosecute the case, and the penalties imposed.

• Jurisdiction: Federal crimes involve violations of federal law, whereas state crimes violate state law. Federal cases are handled in federal courts, while state cases are tried in state courts. Federal crimes typically involve larger-scale issues like interstate activity, federal property, or crimes involving federal agencies.
• Agencies: Federal cases are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS and prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys. State criminal cases are typically handled by local law enforcement and prosecuted by district or county attorneys.
• Penalties: Federal crimes often carry more severe penalties, including lengthier prison sentences, higher fines, and stricter parole terms. Federal sentencing guidelines are also more rigid, while state courts may have more flexibility in sentencing.
• Court Procedures: Federal courts follow different procedures and have more formal rules and guidelines than state courts. This makes federal cases more complex and often more time-consuming.
• Resources: The federal government generally has more resources to investigate and prosecute cases, making federal cases more intense and difficult to defend without an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.

Because of these differences, facing federal charges can be more challenging, and having an attorney experienced in federal court proceedings is essential.

Our specialized skill set is indispensable in high-stakes situations, including federal crime cases involving:

• Drug Trafficking
• Federal Conspiracy
• Federal Gun Charges
• Federal Sex Offenses
• Human Trafficking
• Indictment & Arraignment
• Plea Negotiations
• White Collar Crimes

If you are being investigated or have been arrested and charged with a federal crime in California, contact our skilled federal crime defense lawyer in Poway to discuss your case today so you can get the crucial legal help you need without delay.

Can I Be Charged With Domestic Violence in California if the Alleged Victim Doesn’t Press Charges?

Yes, you can be charged with domestic violence in California even if the alleged victim doesn’t press charges. In California, domestic violence cases are considered criminal matters, and the decision to file charges lies with the state prosecutor, not the victim. Once law enforcement is involved, if they believe there is sufficient evidence of domestic violence, they can forward the case to the district attorney’s office.

The prosecutor can then pursue charges based on the evidence, even if the alleged victim does not cooperate or requests that the charges be dropped. If this has happened to you, and you are looking for a positive way forward, contact our Poway domestic violence defense attorney today to learn more about how we can protect your rights.

What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony DUI in California?

The primary difference between a misdemeanor and a felony DUI in California is the severity of the offense and the potential penalties.

• Misdemeanor DUI: Most DUI charges in California are classified as misdemeanors, particularly for first, second, or even third offenses if they don’t involve aggravating factors. A misdemeanor DUI typically occurs when there are no injuries, no prior felony DUIs, and the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit (0.08%). Penalties for a misdemeanor DUI may include fines, license suspension, DUI education programs, probation, and potentially up to one year in county jail.
• Felony DUI: A DUI is elevated to a felony under specific circumstances. These include:
• Fourth DUI Offense: If you have three prior DUI convictions within the last ten years, a fourth offense is automatically charged as a felony.
• DUI with Injury: If it results in bodily injury to another person, it can be charged as a felony.
• Prior Felony DUI: If you have previously been convicted of a felony, any subsequent DUI is charged as a felony.

Penalties for a felony DUI are significantly harsher and may include several years in state prison, more significant fines, extended license suspension, mandatory DUI programs, and more severe probation terms.

Felony DUIs carry longer-term consequences, including a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. Whether a DUI is charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the specifics of the case, and the consequences can be severe in both situations.

We offer reliable legal defense strategies during all stages of DUI Cases in California, including:

• CDL DUI Defense
• Felony DUI Defense
• First Offense DUI
• Second Offense DUI
• Third Offense DUI
• Request a DMV Hearing Now

Contact our San Diego County criminal defense lawyer today to learn more.

Additional Griffin Law Office Poway Criminal Defense Practice Areas

The Griffin Law Offices’ other skilled California criminal defense practice areas include:

• Assault & Battery
• Child Endangerment
• Drug Crimes
• Drug Offender Registry
• Expungement
• Homicide
• Juvenile Defense
• Probation Violation
• Professional Licensing
• Sex Crimes
• Sex Offender Registry
• Theft & Burglary
• Violent Crimes
• Other Crimes

If you have been arrested for a state or federal crime in California, call 619-269-2131 to speak with our skilled Poway criminal defense attorney today or contact us online. We can explain your legal rights and help you build a defense to pursue the best outcome for your case.

Directions to San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers from Poway, CA

These directions are from Google Maps starting from Poway

Total Est. Time: 26 mins
Total Est. Distance: 22.7 mi

Step-by-Step Directions:

• Start on Poway Rd: Head west on Putney Rd toward Midland Rd (105 feet).
• Turn left onto Midland Rd: Continue for 0.4 miles.
• Turn right onto Poway Rd: Continue for 4.2 miles.
• Continue onto Rancho Peñasquitos Blvd: Travel for 0.2 miles.
• Merge onto I-15 S: Use the right 2 lanes to take the ramp onto I-15 S (0.1 miles).
• Merge onto I-15 S and CA-163 S: Continue for 5.9 miles.
• Keep right to continue on CA-163 S: Continue for 10.5 miles.
• Take exit 1B for 4th Ave: Take exit 1B for I-5 N/4th Ave (0.6 miles).
• Take the 4th Ave ramp: Continue for 0.2 miles.
• Follow 4th Ave and Ash St to Columbia St: Use the right lane to turn left onto 4th Ave (0.2 miles). Turn right onto Ash St and continue for 0.4 miles.
• Turn onto Columbia St: Turn left onto Columbia St. Griffin Law Office, APC will be on your right at 1350 Columbia St, UNIT 401, San Diego, CA 92101.

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Call Us:
619-269-2131

Email Us:
keegan@griffinlawoffice.com

We are located at:
1350 Columbia St UNIT 401,
San Diego, CA 92101