Searching for Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys?
At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our National City criminal defense attorney understands that when any of the just over 55,500 who call this city home need legal representation, they should be able to reach a lawyer directly and without delay.
When you are arrested and charged with a crime, time is of the essence. Having immediate access to a criminal defense lawyer is not just important, it’s crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring a fair legal process. The moments following an arrest are critical, as anything you say or do can significantly impact your case. Our skilled defense attorney can provide immediate guidance, helping you avoid self-incrimination, and can start building a solid defense strategy from the outset.
Since founding the Griffin Law Office in San Diego, Patrick Griffin has successfully handled over 1,000 criminal defense cases, ranging from first-degree murder to minor misdemeanors. He has secured jury trial victories in every courthouse across San Diego County and achieved hundreds of pre-trial successes for our California clients, consistently delivering tangible results for those facing serious legal challenges.

Are All California Criminal Defense Attorneys Qualified to Handle Federal Criminal Cases?
Not all California criminal defense attorneys are qualified to handle federal criminal cases. While many attorneys are experienced in state-level criminal defense, federal cases involve a distinct set of laws, procedures, and courts that require specialized knowledge and expertise. Federal criminal cases often carry more severe penalties, and the legal process is typically more complex, with different rules of evidence and sentencing guidelines.
When facing federal charges, the stakes are high. To effectively defend a federal case, it’s not just important, it’s essential that your attorney is admitted to practice in federal court and well-versed in federal laws and procedures. Therefore, choosing a lawyer with specific experience and qualifications in federal criminal defense is not just a good idea; it’s a necessity.
Our National City federal defense lawyer has the expertise to mount a robust defense, protect your rights, and effectively challenge the federal government’s case, including those involving:
- Drug Trafficking
- Federal Conspiracy
- Federal Gun Charges
- Federal Sex Offenses
- Human Trafficking
- Indictment & Arraignment
- Plea Negotiations
- White Collar Crimes
If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with a federal crime in California, contact our experienced federal crime defense lawyer in National City today to discuss your case and secure the crucial legal assistance you need without delay.
What is the Difference Between a Domestic Violence Charge and a Felony Domestic Violence Charge in California?
In California, our domestic violence defense attorney in National City knows the difference between a domestic violence charge and a felony domestic violence charge lies primarily in the severity of the offense and the resulting legal consequences.
A domestic violence charge typically refers to misdemeanor domestic violence, which is applied in cases where the harm or threat of harm to the victim is less severe. Misdemeanor domestic violence can result in penalties such as jail time (up to one year), fines, probation, and mandatory counseling or treatment programs.
A felony domestic violence charge, on the other hand, is reserved for more severe cases where the victim suffers significant injury or there is a history of violence or other aggravating factors. Felony domestic violence carries much harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences (up to several years), more significant fines, and more severe long-term consequences, such as loss of gun rights and more challenging parole conditions.
The decision to charge domestic violence as a misdemeanor or felony depends on various factors, including the extent of the injuries, the defendant’s criminal history, and the circumstances of the incident.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, contact our National City domestic violence defense attorney today to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
Will I Lose My License After a First-Time DUI in California?
Our National City DUI criminal defense attorney knows that being arrested for a DUI in California has many questions. We also know facing the unknown, including whether you will lose your driving privileges, is terrifying, and we want to help.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) typically imposes an administrative license suspension separate from any criminal penalties, even for a first-time offense. If you are arrested for DUI and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, the DMV will automatically suspend your license for four months unless you request a DMV hearing within ten days of your arrest to challenge the suspension.
In addition to the DMV’s administrative suspension, if you are convicted of a DUI in criminal court, the court may impose a license suspension as part of your sentence. For a first-time DUI conviction, the court can suspend your license for up to six months. However, you may be eligible for a restricted license that allows you to drive to and from work, school, or DUI treatment programs after completing specific requirements, such as installing an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
The exact duration and terms of the suspension can vary based on the specifics of your case, so it’s crucial to consult with a DUI defense attorney to explore your options and potentially mitigate the impact on your driving privileges.
We offer reliable legal defense strategies during all stages of DUI Cases in California, including:
Contact our National City criminal defense lawyer today to learn more about your rights during a DUI stop and the 15 ways to beat a DUI in California.
Additional Griffin Law Office National City 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 National City 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 National City, CA
These directions are from Google Maps starting from National City
Total Est. Time:10 mins
Total Est. Distance: 6.6 mi
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Get on I-5 N
- Head south toward E 8th St (0.8 miles).
- Turn right onto E 8th St (passing Bank of America Financial Center on the right).
- Turn right to merge onto I-5 N (0.2 miles).
- Continue on I-5 N
- Travel for 5 miles on I-5 N.
- Use the 2nd from the right lane to take exit 16B for 6th Avenue toward Downtown (0.2 miles).
- Merge onto Sixth Ave
- Keep left, following signs for Civic Center/Gaslamp Quarter/Petco Park/Convention Center/Embarcadero.
- Merge onto Sixth Ave (154 feet).
- Follow Sixth Ave and Ash St to Columbia St
- Continue on Sixth Ave for 0.3 miles.
- Turn right onto Ash St (0.5 miles).
- Turn left onto Columbia St.
Your destination will be on the right, 1350 Columbia St, Unit 401, San Diego, CA 92101.
Call Us:
(619) 728-2913
Email Us:
keegan@griffinlawoffice.com
We are located at:
1350 Columbia St UNIT 401,
San Diego, CA 92101
