Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Oceanside, California

Searching for a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney?

At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our Oceanside criminal defense attorney understands that if you are one of the just over 172,000 people who call this city home and you’ve been charged with a crime in California, the stakes are high and navigating the legal system can be overwhelming.

Our skilled San Diego County criminal defense attorney can be your strongest ally, providing essential guidance and support throughout the legal process. From protecting your rights during police investigations to building a solid defense strategy, an experienced attorney ensures you receive fair treatment under the law.

We can negotiate with prosecutors, challenge evidence, and advocate on your behalf in court, striving to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. With a knowledgeable attorney by your side, you can confidently face the challenges ahead.

Patrick Griffin has successfully managed over 1,000 criminal defense cases, from first-degree murder to minor misdemeanors, since establishing the Griffin Law Office in San Diego. He has won jury trials in every San Diego County courthouse and achieved hundreds of pre-trial victories for our clients, consistently delivering real results for those facing severe legal challenges.

Understanding the Difference Between State and Federal Crimes and Why You Need a Defense Attorney Who Can Handle Both

Navigating the criminal justice system can be complex, especially when understanding the difference between state and federal crimes. State crimes are violations of state laws and are prosecuted in state courts. These offenses often include theft, assault, and DUI.

On the other hand, federal crimes involve violations of federal law and are prosecuted in federal courts. These offenses typically include crimes such as drug trafficking, immigration violations, and fraud across state lines. The legal processes, potential penalties, and procedures in federal cases are often more stringent and complex than in state cases.

When facing charges, it’s crucial to have a defense attorney well-versed in both state and federal law. That is what our skilled Oceanside defense lawyer provides. With experience in both areas, we can provide comprehensive defense strategies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible representation, regardless of the court in which your case is heard.

This dual expertise is essential for navigating the nuances of each system, challenging evidence, and negotiating with prosecutors to secure the most favorable outcome for your case.

Our Oceanside 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 Oceanside today to discuss your case and secure the crucial legal assistance you need without delay.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in California?

In California, domestic violence is defined as abuse or threats of abuse committed against someone with whom the perpetrator has an intimate relationship. This includes spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, former cohabitants, dating or former dating partners, someone with whom the accused shares a child, or close family members like parents or siblings.

Abuse in this context can take various forms, including:

• Physical Abuse: Any intentional or reckless act that results in bodily harm, injury, or physical pain. This includes hitting, kicking, slapping, pushing, or any other form of physical violence.
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Behavior intended to cause emotional distress, fear, or intimidation. This can include threats of violence, harassment, stalking, or any form of control or manipulation.
• Sexual Abuse: Forcing or attempting to force a partner into sexual activities without their consent.
• Threats of Violence: Threatening to harm or kill the victim or their loved ones, whether or not the perpetrator follows through on those threats.

California law also includes a range of other behaviors that can be considered abusive, depending on the circumstances, such as destroying property or disturbing the peace of the household.

Domestic violence can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the abuse, the extent of the victim’s injuries, and whether the accused has prior convictions. The legal consequences include jail or prison time, fines, restraining orders, mandatory counseling, and loss of child custody or visitation rights.

We can help. Contact our Oceanside domestic violence defense attorney immediately after an arrest to ensure your rights are protected.

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer or Field Sobriety Test in California?

In California, your ability to refuse a breathalyzer or field sobriety test depends on the circumstances and the type of test being requested.

Field Sobriety Tests and Preliminary Breath Tests (Before Arrest)

• Field Sobriety Tests: These are the physical and cognitive tests, like the walk-and-turn or the horizontal gaze nystagmus, that officers often ask you to perform during a traffic stop. In California, you have the right to refuse these tests without immediate legal consequences, as they are voluntary and are typically used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
• Preliminary Breath Test (PBT): This is the breathalyzer test that an officer may ask you to take before you are arrested, often at the roadside. If you are over 21 and not on probation for a previous DUI, you can legally refuse this test without facing immediate penalties. However, refusal might give the officer grounds to arrest you based on other observations of impairment.

Chemical Tests (After Arrest)

Once you are lawfully arrested for a DUI, California’s “implied consent” law kicks in. This means that by driving in California, you have already consented to submit to a chemical test (breath or blood) to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) if lawfully arrested for a DUI.

Refusing to take this post-arrest test can result in serious consequences, including:

• Automatic license suspension: For a first offense, your license can be suspended for one year.
• Increased penalties: If convicted of DUI, refusing the test can lead to additional penalties, including longer license suspensions and potentially more jail time.
• Evidence of guilt: Your refusal can be used against you in court as evidence of consciousness of guilt.

While you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test before arrest, refusing a chemical test after arrest comes with significant legal consequences. It’s important to be aware of these distinctions and consider consulting an Oceanside DUI criminal defense attorney if you find yourself in such a situation.

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 Oceanside County 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 Oceanside 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 Oceanside 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  Oceanside, CA

These directions are from Google Maps starting from Oceanside, CA

Total Est. Time:27 mins
Total Est. Distance: 25.7 mi

Step-by-Step Directions:

• Head northeast on Pier View Wy: Continue towards N Nevada St for 0.2 miles.
• Turn right onto N Horne St: Continue for 367 feet.
• Turn left after Wendy’s: Continue for 0.2 miles.
• Take the ramp onto I-5 S: Use the right lane to merge onto I-5 S (0.3 miles).
• Follow I-5 S toward San Diego: Merge onto I-5 S and continue for 22.1 miles.
• Keep right to stay on I-5 S: Follow signs for Downtown for 14.0 miles.
• Take exit 17 for Front St: Use the right lane to take exit 17 for Front St toward Civic Ctr (0.3 miles).
• Continue onto Front St: Continue for 0.2 miles.
• Turn right onto W Ash St: Travel for 0.2 miles.
• 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