Expertise.com
2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Carlsbad

Our Recommended Top 12

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Carlsbad Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

93

Reviewed

60

Curated

12

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
1902 Wright Pl #200,, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Theft
  • Drug Charges
  • Expungement
  • Violent offenses
  • Sex Crimes

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., represents individuals in and around Carlsbad in criminal cases. It protects the rights of clients against felony and misdemeanor charges, such as DUI, theft, murder, sex crimes, and domestic violence. The firm also handles expungement proceedings, providing individuals with a clean slate by removing or restricting access to their criminal records. The team comprises former judges, prosecutors, and police officers with over five decades of combined courtroom experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
David Chesley - Managing Attorney19 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (199)
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (184)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (116)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Free Consultation 24/7

Carlsbad, CA

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Carlsbad? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Free booking service | Call 848.Book.Pro!

Website
3642 Ocean Ranch Boulevard, Oceanside, CA 92056

Why choose this provider?

The Law Firm of Richard L. Duquette serves individuals facing criminal charges in Carlsbad. It handles a variety of cases from misdemeanor charges to violent crimes. It defends individuals charged with the distribution of controlled substances and narcotics. It also provides assistance in cases of juvenile crimes, petty and grand theft, and assault. Richard L. Duquette, the criminal defense attorney, offers consultation services to discuss defense options to clients. He also practices personal injury law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Richard Duquette - Principal41 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.8 / 5 (35)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (25)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
207 North Ditmar Street, Oceanside, CA 92054

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Joni K. Eisenstein, Criminal Defense Attorney near Carlsbad, offers compassionate and dedicated representation and advice for clients charged with an array of criminal activities. Attorney Eisenstein has been offering her services for more than 27 years, tackling cases involving DUI, traffic violations, domestic violence, theft, assault, and battery. She also represents defendants facing probation violation proceedings or seeking post-conviction relief by way of expungement of criminal records.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Joni Eisenstein - Principal31 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (15)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (14)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
378 Vista Village Drive, Vista, CA 92083

Why choose this provider?

Herbert Weston & Tanya Weston are criminal defense lawyers based in Vista. They serve nearby Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, and other areas in southern California. The Westons are certified criminal defense specialists who have a combined experience of 50 years. They work with homicide, sex crimes, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, drunk driving, and theft offenses. The Westons are members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. They are admitted up to the California Supreme Court.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Herbert Weston - Partner46 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (14)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5858 Dryden Place, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Why choose this provider?

San Diego Criminal Attorney is headed by lead attorney Michael Taibi, a criminal defense attorney in Carlsbad. Taibi has more than 26 years of experience defending the rights and liberties of clients in both federal and state court and has been featured on CNN and MSNBC. The firm boasts a 98.97 percent client satisfaction rating. It represents defendants in nearly all criminal proceedings, including drug crimes, domestic violence, and assault and battery.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Taibi - Lead Attorney32 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
2.8
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)
FindLaw
0.5 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
380 South Melrose Drive, Suite 305, Vista, CA 92081

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of David Pflaum caters to the legal needs of clients in Carlsbad and nearby areas. The firm seeks justice for accused individuals in various kinds of criminal cases, felonies, and misdemeanors. These include domestic violence, sex offenses, drug crimes, theft, juvenile offenses, and traffic violations. Pflaum has been defending clients before the criminal justice system for over 30 years. He is a member of the California Public Defenders Association and is a Barrister Emeritus at the American Inns of Court.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
David Pflaum - Principal36 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (48)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Main Office 1808 Aston Ave #235, Carlsbad, CA

Why choose this provider?

The Law Firm of Sean F. Leslie in Carlsbad takes on nearly all types of criminal defense cases. Attorney Leslie's purview includes the defense of drug charges, sex crimes, theft, domestic violence, burglary and theft, and three-strikes offenses. He also serves clients during parole and probation matters and in seeking pardons. Mr. Leslie is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and legal abilities and is a member of NACDL, SDCBA, PCC, and CACJ organizations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Sean Leslie - Principal34 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
––
Detail
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Website
1808 Aston Ave Ste. 235, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

Based in Carlsbad, Mortlock Law Group handles various criminal defense cases that involve theft crimes and domestic violence. Its head attorney, Bryan E. Mortlock, personally handles each case and handles various legal tasks, such as obtaining evidence and drafting motions against police officers. He also utilizes a practice management software to streamline various legal processes and inform his clients about the state of their cases. Mortlock previously worked as a public defender and has more than five years of experience in the practice.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5857 Owens Ave 300, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of C. Bradley Patton is a criminal defense law firm that represents clients throughout the San Diego County area including Carlsbad, Vista, and Escondido. Its practice areas include juvenile delinquency, minors in possession or consumption of alcohol, driving under influence, drug offenses, theft crimes, and domestic violence. The firm also handles cases related to violent crimes, sex offenses, murder or homicide, federal crimes, internet crimes, and probation violations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
C. Patton - Principal49 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (24)
Google
4.2 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (5)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
400 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Why choose this provider?

Christoph Law Offices primarily focus on developing defense strategies for accused individuals in Carlsbad. With more than 45 years of experience handling DUI and criminal defense matters, the firm's attorneys seek favorable case resolutions. Their legal services cover various crimes, including identity theft, prostitution, domestic violence, felony, and drug-related charges. They help clients navigate the legal system, reviewing circumstances surrounding cases, providing realistic case appraisals, and recommending appropriate legal actions. Christoph Law Offices also offer criminal record clean-up assistance.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nicholas Christoph - Partner17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (76)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (39)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1808 Aston Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Why choose this provider?

The criminal defense lawyer at Boertje & Associates provides legal services in Carlsbad. The firm offers representation to individuals who are being investigated or have been charged with a crime. Its services cover DUI defense, three-strike cases, white-collar crimes, theft, domestic violence, and violent crimes. It provides assistance in processing for bail and the expungement of an individual's criminal convictions. The defense attorney also helps criminal defendants serving formal or summary probation manage the consequences of probation violation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
David Boertje - Principal21 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (18)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Carlsbad, California?

    The non-emergency phone number of the Carlsbad Police Department is 760-931-2197.

  • Will you be charged or convicted of a crime if you get arrested in Carlsbad?

    It depends. If you were arrested for a crime in Carlsbad, it does not necessarily mean that you will be charged with or convicted of that crime. However, law enforcement officers and prosecution will exhaust any means to make sure that you are charged and convicted. This is why it would be wise of you to enlist the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you and protect your legal rights.

  • How can a Carlsbad criminal defense lawyer help you?

    Hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Carlsbad to help your case comes with many benefits. Criminal defense lawyers are trained to uncover the unique elements of criminal cases to build a case that can potentially reduce or dismiss your charges. With their extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, they can also help you understand the legal process while providing you with emotional support throughout your ordeal.

  • What will happen if you’re a first-time DUI offender in Carlsbad?

    Carlsbad takes driving under the influence very seriously, so much so that even if it’s just your first time getting a DUI, you may lose your license, face serious fines, and spend up to 48 hours in jail. You may also be required to attend an alcohol treatment program, which can cost up to $500 and last for up to 180 days. If you were put on probation for three years or longer and you were caught drinking and driving or breaking any other laws, you may face more penalties with no trial.

  • Is it illegal to grow marijuana in Carlsbad?

    While carrying personal amounts of marijuana (up to one ounce) is considered legal in Carlsbad and the rest of California state, the private cultivation, transportation, and sale of the drug are still illegal. If you were charged of cultivating more than six cannabis plants, you may face serious criminal charges, as well as jail time and hefty fines.

  • Can you remove a conviction from your criminal record in Carlsbad?

    a misdemeanor or a felony from your criminal record in Carlsbad. This process involves petitioning the state court where your conviction took place to reopen the case, set aside your guilty plea, your Nolo contendere (no contest) plea, or factual finding of guilt, and set aside the conviction and dismiss the case. If your expungement petition is granted, you will no longer be convicted of the crime and your previous conviction will no longer be visible to the public.