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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Chula Vista

Our Recommended Top 19

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 Chula Vista 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.

177

Reviewed

113

Curated

19

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
585 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Why choose this provider?

Daniel Smith and Jon Pettis are the attorneys of San Diego Defenders and that they have combined 55 years of experience, 30 years and 25 years respectively, defending clients accused of criminal activity in the surrounding counties. The attorneys represent civilian and military clients accused of a wide range of crimes, including DUI, domestic violence, and theft. They also have experience at trial in drug-related cases, such as possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and selling, and in getting felonies reduced to misdemeanors.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Daniel Smith - Founder34 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
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (28)
Yelp
4.5 / 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
2400 Fenton Street, Chula Vista, CA 91914

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Troy P. Owens, Jr. provides legal services to clients in Chula Vista seeking assistance. The criminal defense lawyers of the firm can represent clients facing criminal charges including accusations of drug offenses, assault, and battery. The lawyers of the firm can also handle cases of prostitution and gang violence. The law firm also takes cases involving personal injury. Troy P. Owens, Jr. earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Troy Owens - Principal10 yrs

License Verified:

License: 298649

State Bar of California

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
4.5 / 5 (33)
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (18)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (7)

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.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
402 W. Broadway, Suite 1300, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

David Silldorf Law is a criminal defense firm serving clients in Chula Vista. It handles cases involving federal crimes such as alien smuggling, drug crimes, gun charges, human trafficking, racketeering, and white-collar crimes. The firm also provides representation and advice on state felony offenses, including murder, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, theft charges, and home-invasion robbery. Its lawyer, David Silldorf, is qualified to handle appointments arising under the Criminal Justice Act by the Federal U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

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 (26)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)
FindLaw
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
734 Broadway Unit 1, Chula Vista, CA 91910
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

Immigration Legal Services of Chula Vista assists underserved and marginalized communities in the metro. It seeks legal protection for individuals and businesses accused of illegal conduct. Some of the criminal defense matters that the firm has previously worked on include assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, drug charges, and sex crimes. In addition, the firm handles immigration, labor and employment, and personal injury law concerns. Sole practitioner James Stephen Davis has been in practice for more than two decades.

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.
4.4
Google
4.4 / 5 (5)

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
401 H Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
  • Expungement
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Matthew H. Springmeyer represents people in Chula Vista who have been accused and charged with criminal offenses. The firm's goal is to give clients specialized legal assistance, as well as candid and honest assessments of their cases to assist them in making informed decisions about their future. Its team handles a wide array of services, including domestic violence, DUI charges, murder, theft, and federal crimes. Founder Matthew Springmeyer worked for the San Diego County Public Defender prior to opening the firm.

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
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (15)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

(+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
401 West A Street Suite 1150, San Diego, CA 92101

Why choose this provider?

Domenic J. Lombardo is a criminal defense lawyer serving clients in Chula Vista and the surrounding areas. He represents individuals in state and federal courts for cases involving domestic violence, identity theft, juvenile defense, restraining orders, probation violation, and child pornography. Lombardo has been providing criminal defense and rehabilitation for 29 years. He helps students enter the workforce in the future by providing services such as sealing juvenile records, reducing felonies to misdemeanors, and obtaining certificates of rehabilitation.

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
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (40)
Google
5.0 / 5 (11)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (10)

(+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
750 B St Suite #1710, San Diego, CA 92101
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence

Why choose this provider?

Bernal Law is a practice that serves clients in Chula Vista and the neighboring communities. It provides criminal defense against domestic violence, DUI offenses, drug crimes, and tax evasion. It also represents clients in violent crimes, including home invasion, manslaughter, kidnapping, sexual assault, and homicide. In addition, the firm handles white-collar crimes, such as embezzlement, extortion, money laundering, insurance and securities fraud, and counterfeiting. Principal attorney Pedro Bernal served as a deputy attorney in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Pedro Bernal - Principal12 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.
4.3
Google
4.2 / 5 (24)
Yelp
5.0 / 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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2221 Camino del Rio S #305d, San Diego, CA 92108
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Theft & Burglary

Why choose this provider?

Salmu Law Firm, APLC, represents clients facing criminal offense cases in the Chula Vista metro. The firm defends its clients from various cases including assault and battery, DUI, domestic violence, possession of drugs, possession of a concealed weapon without a permit, and theft. It handles personal injury cases involving brain injuries, car and motorcycle accidents, slips and falls, dog bites, and wrongful death. Salmu Law Firm was awarded the San Diego's Best by the Union-Tribune Readers Poll in 2016.

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
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (4)
Facebook
5.0 / 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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
401 West A Street, Suite 1150, San Diego, CA 92101
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of John D. Kirby is a firm serving Chula Vista and the surrounding communities. It handles a wide range of national and international criminal law cases including drug trafficking, federal seizures, asset forfeiture, and grow houses and meth labs. Its practitioner, John D. Kirby, utilizes his background as a former federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney's Office in representing clients in state and federal courts. He also handles white-collar crimes and criminal appeals and litigation. Spanish services are available.

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 (16)

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
925 B Street, Suite 402, San Diego, CA 92101
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence

Why choose this provider?

Brian E. Watkins & Associates Attorneys at Law offers criminal defense services to the residents of Chula Vista. The firm handles cases of domestic violence, assault, and weapons incidents. It also defends people in non-violent offenses such as embezzlement and fraud. Its cases were featured on major news outlets like CNN and CBS and included acquittals of drug possession charges. Founder and principal attorney Brian E. Watkins has been practicing law since 1997 and was involved in suits over cops’ excessive use of force.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Brian Watkins - Founder & Principal27 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 (31)

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
945 Fourth Ave, Suite 416, San Diego, CA 92101
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Goldman Legal serves clients living in Chula Vista who are facing criminal charges. The firm handles offenses such as assault and battery, drug offenses, and probation violations. The team obtains remedial measures including temporary restraining orders that keep harassers at bay during and after trial. In addition, it provides routine defense pleadings and pursues petitions for expungement for clients who have had their cases dismissed. Principal attorney Jennifer R. Goldman has a criminal justice administration background and is also licensed in the District of Columbia.

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 (38)
Google
4.9 / 5 (11)

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
110 West C Street, San Diego, CA 92101
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Turner Law provides aggressive representation to clients in the Chula Vista metro and the surrounding communities. It handles various types of criminal defense cases, such as assault and battery; burglary; domestic violence; drug manufacturing, possession, and trafficking; and DUI. The firm also works on claims related to embezzlement, homicide, juvenile offenses, and white-collar crimes. Greg Turner, the founding attorney, has represented more than 1,500 clients facing criminal charges since starting his legal career 20 years ago.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jason Turner - Founder25 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
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (27)
Google
4.7 / 5 (18)

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
Symphony Tower Llc 750 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101

Why choose this provider?

The San Diego DUI Attorney helps clients prevent the automatic suspension of their driver's license through the legal services it offers in the San Diego and Chula Vista areas. This criminal law firm evaluates the circumstances of its clients' situation and provides them with options on the most suitable defense they can use. Moreover, it uses all available tools to support the cases of its clients, including witness interviews, evidence analysis, and private investigation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Taibi - Of Counsel32 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 (101)
Yelp
5.0 / 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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
427 C St #306, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

George H. Ramos, Jr. is a law firm that has been representing clients in the Chula Vista area since 2002. It primarily handles criminal cases involving drugs, theft, DUI, domestic violence, and white-collar crimes. Its attorneys are available 24/7 to provide legal counsel during police questioning and prepare a defense for trials. They also help with restraining orders and expungement proceedings. Lead counsel George Ramos Jr. is a former prosecutor with more than 25 years of legal experience.

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.
4.2
Google
4.4 / 5 (36)
Yelp
4.1 / 5 (26)
Avvo
3.7 / 5 (12)

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
185 West F Street, Suite 100-D, San Diego, CA 92101
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Lawstache Law Firm has been serving Chula Vista and its surrounding communities since 2012. It provides criminal defense services to individuals charged with state and federal offenses such as illegal immigration, domestic violence, theft, and white-collar crimes like securities fraud. One of its lawyers, Anton Vialtsin, investigates the evidence against his clients and works with professionals from other industries to counteract the prosecution's theory of the case. He previously worked for the state government and private employers prior to opening a private 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
Google
5.0 / 5 (20)

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
750 B Street, Suite 2820, San Diego, CA 92101
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong APLC is a criminal defense firm that represents clients from Chula Vista and other cities in the San Diego metropolitan area. The firm represents individuals accused of criminal offenses, including drug cases, juvenile crimes, white-collar crimes, and DUIs. Managing partner Kerry Armstrong is one of San Diego County's few board-certified specialists in criminal defense. He was named "Trial Attorney of the Year" for 2012 by the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association.

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
4.8 / 5 (23)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (11)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (9)

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.
3.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
531 H Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of William D. Daley serves clients in Chula Vista and nearby communities. It represents individuals facing criminal charges for murder, DUIs, domestic violence, theft, sexual offenses, and drug offenses. It also helps those with criminal convictions get expungement under California law. In addition, it assists with family law and personal injury cases. William has been in practice since 1975 and is admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court. He is a San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association member.

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
4.2 / 5 (6)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (6)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)

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
501 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Anna R. Yum help clients protect their future through the legal services it offers in the San Diego and Chula Vista areas. The law firm can help clients in every step of the criminal law process, including the pre-arrest questioning, booking, arraignment, preliminary hearing, motion hearings, and trial. Its founder, Anna R. Yum, is a former prosecutor who leverages her knowledge of the criminal justice system to provide a credible defense for the law firm's clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Anna Yum - Principal19 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
5.0 / 5 (78)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (23)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (16)

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
1350 Columbia Street, Suite 600, San Diego, CA 92101
  • ALL CRIMINAL CASES
  • All Crimes
  • Internet Crime
  • Drug Crimes
  • Criminal Defense
  • Felony
  • Murder/Manslaughter
  • Probation Violation
  • Federal Crime
  • Criminal Law
  • Hablamos Espanol
  • White Collar Crimes

Why choose this provider?

McKenzie Scott protects the rights of the accused in Chula Vista and its surrounding communities. It defends clients in cases involving federal crimes, serious state charges, SEC, and grand jury investigations. Its team supports clients from the investigative phase of their cases to discovery review, motion drafting and creation, negotiations with the prosecutorial agency, and trial preparation and presentation. Other areas of practice include personal injury, civil rights, and police misconduct. Tim Scott, one of the firm's partners, co-authored the Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Timothy Scott - Cofounder and Managing Attorney23 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 (10)

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

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 Chula Vista, California?

    Call (619) 691-5151 to report non-emergencies to the local police station in Chula Vista, California.

  • Can a person be charged with a felony for possessing a small amount of drugs in Chula Vista, California?

    Yes. In Chula Vista, California, possession of drugs is considered a felony, regardless of the quantity involved. The penalties for basic drug possession charges include a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year of imprisonment. However, for an individual to be charged with drug possession, the authorities must have sufficient evidence to support the accusation.

  • When is marijuana possession illegal in Chula Vista, California?

    Marijuana possession is considered illegal in Chula Vista, California in certain circumstances, such as growing more than six plants, selling or importing it into the state. The possession of marijuana is only legal for medical use, and only if it has been purchased from stores licensed by the Bureau of Cannabis Control. Failure to follow these rules can result in criminal charges.

  • What are the common defense strategies used for fighting criminal charges in Chula Vista, California?

    The common defense strategies for fighting criminal charges in Chula Vista, California include mistaken identity, deception, lack of evidence, dubious witnesses, and false evidence. Defendants use these arguments to weaken the prosecution's case and create reasonable doubt in the judge or jury's mind. However, it is strongly advised to seek legal counsel to build a strong defense strategy against the charges.

  • What factors increase DUI penalties in Chula Vista, California?

    Several factors may lead to increased DUI penalties in Chula Vista, California, including having a 0.15% or higher BAC level and causing an accident. People driving under the influence may also face severe penalties if they are under 21 years old, they were speeding, and if they have a passenger who's under 14 years old. Drivers who refuse to take a breath or chemical test may also face serious charges.

  • Is assault considered misdemeanor in Chula Vista, California?

    Yes, assaults are usually classified as misdemeanors in Chula Vista, California. However, if a person uses a deadly weapon like a knife or gun, it becomes a felony punishable by up to four years of prison time. Moreover, charges can increase if the victim of assault is a police officer.