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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Vista, CA

Our Recommended Top 12

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

84Reviewed

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12Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

450 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (1)
Justia
10.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Lopas Law is a criminal defense legal firm in Vista that represents individuals facing criminal charges. The firm handles a wide scope of cases in the area of personal injury, ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Specific case types the attorneys take on include drug crimes, property and theft crimes, gang crimes, assault and battery, and weapons offenses. In addition to trial representation, the firm assists clients with expungements and criminal appeals.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Deanna Lopas - PartnerActive17 yrs
Matthew Lopas - FounderActive18 yrs

400 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (6)

Why choose this provider?

JD Law's criminal lawyer in Vista defends individuals charged with or facing charges for criminal offenses. In practice for over three decades, the firm has a focus on getting charges reduced or dropped whenever legally possible. Specific practice areas include DUI/DWI, drug offenses, aiding and abetting, obstruction of justice, and white collar crimes. The firm assists clients with initiating pre-file investigations before formal charges occur, and it works to negotiate sentences for clients facing Three Strikes charges.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joanne Sanchez - Associate AttorneyActive6 yrs
James Dicks - Founder & AttorneyActive36 yrs
Lisbette Baltazar - Associate AttorneyActive6 yrs

380 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

With a criminal justice attorney in Vista, San Diego Criminal Attorney provides legal defense services to parties charged with or under investigation for crimes. The firm has over 25 years litigation experience in state and federal courts in San Diego, and its sole focus is on criminal defense. Specific practice areas include assault and battery including assault on a public official, drug crimes, domestic violence, federal crimes, and juvenile crimes. In addition to trial defense, the firm works with clients on expungements and post-conviction matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Taibi - Lead AttorneyActive32 yrs

501 W. Bobier Drive, Vista, CA 92083

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (75)
Avvo
5.0 (24)

Why choose this provider?

Sanchez & Baltazar Attorneys P.C. defends people accused of crimes in Vista and in the San Diego area. The firm’s lawyers share over 13 years of experience in handling criminal cases, whether representing clients facing a third strike conviction or charges in the military. Co-founder Joanne P. Sanchez interned at the Public Defender’s Office, where she assisted in a murder trial that resulted in acquittal. She worked in the Victims of Crime unit of Casa Cornelia Law Center, litigating cases in the first and second chairs.

  • DWI/DUI

380 S Melrose Dr Suite #363, Vista, CA 92081

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (15)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Nasseri Legal is a firm committed to serving clients in Vista and the local area. The practice serves individuals who have been accused of a felony or misdemeanor. It ensures that clients have proper legal representation at all times and that they fully understand their rights. Attorney and firm founder Saman Nasseri has been practicing law in state and federal court for over 10 years and he provides complimentary consultations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Saman Nasseri - PrincipalActive13 yrs

550 West Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (28)
Yelp
5.0 (6)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of David Gutierrez is a practice serving the Vista area. The firm protects the rights of those accused of criminal activity, ranging from vandalism to assault with a deadly weapon. Mr. Gutierrez can also assist clients who are facing charges for alleged international crimes. Additionally, he handles restraining order matters. Mr. Gutierrez is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association and the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Gutierrez - PrincipalActive29 yrs

380 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (77)
Google
5.0 (24)
Yelp
5.0 (22)

Why choose this provider?

Vista Criminal Law serves clients in Vista and the nearby areas. The firm is prepared to take on criminal law cases of all types and complexities and it can also represent minors accused of serious crimes. It thoroughly investigates clients' cases and argues for reduced bail and charges on their behalf. Attorney and firm founder Peter M. Liss has been practicing law for over 20 years and maintains an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Peter Liss - PrincipalActive41 yrs

207 North Ditmar Street, Oceanside, CA 92054

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (61)
Avvo
5.0 (32)
Yelp
5.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Joni K. Eisenstein, Criminal Defense Attorney serves clients near Vista and the surrounding areas. This firm guides clients throughout the legal process following an encounter with the police or other government agency for alleged criminal activity, such as domestic violence, unlawful drug possession, theft, or assault and battery. Ms. Eisenstein can also assist clients with having charges and convictions expunged from their records. She has been practicing law for over 25 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joni Eisenstein - PrincipalActive31 yrs

380 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of David Pflaum is a practice offering clients representation from a criminal defense attorney. The firm oversees clients' cases and educates individuals on their rights and options after being accused of or arresting for committing a crime. Mr. Pflaum seeks to resolve cases quickly and effectively, often securing reduced or dismissed charges for clients. He is a member of the California Public Defenders Association and the North County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Pflaum - PrincipalActive36 yrs

450 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)
Avvo
4.3 (3)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Andrew Limberg's criminal lawyer in Vista defends individuals accused of or charged with criminal offenses. Areas of practice include violent crimes such as homicide and assault and battery, property crimes including burglary and breaking and entering, and sexual assault offenses. The firm works with clients facing Three Strikes laws and probation revocation, and it conducts thorough investigations on each case to work toward the best possible resolutions.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Andrew Limberg - PrincipalActive22 yrs

400 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (43)
Avvo
5.0 (15)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Based in Vista, Christoph Law Offices represents clients in criminal defense cases. The firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense and DUI, and it has over 45 years combined experience. Criminal defense practice areas include drug crimes such as cocaine and heroin possession, military DUI, prescription drug charges, credit card fraud, identity theft, hit and run defense, and domestic violence. The firm assists clients with record clean-up and expungement matters, and it provides guidance on probation violations and warrant recalls.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Nicholas Christoph - PartnerActive17 yrs

3555 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (37)

Why choose this provider?

Sevens Legal, APC, defends the people of Vista and surrounding metros. The firm takes on various criminal cases concerning domestic violence, DUI, child abuse and endangerment, vandalism, assault, and theft. One of its attorneys, Samantha Greene, has over a decade of legal experience. She studies all of the resources required in the case, from the pieces of evidence to statements, to create a strong defense for her clients. Greene is a certified criminal law specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Lopas Law
450 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
jD LAW
400 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
San Diego Criminal Attorney
380 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
Sanchez & Baltazar Attorneys P.C.
501 W. Bobier Drive, Vista, CA 92083
Nasseri Legal
380 S Melrose Dr Suite #363, Vista, CA 92081
Law Office of David Gutierrez
550 West Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083
Vista Criminal Law
380 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
Joni K. Eisenstein, Criminal Defense Attorney
207 North Ditmar Street, Oceanside, CA 92054
Law Offices of David Pflaum
380 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
Law Office of Andrew Limberg
450 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
Christoph Law Offices
400 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
Sevens Legal, APC
3555 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

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 with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Vista, CA Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    The non-emergency phone number of the Vista Sheriff’s Department is +1 858-565-5200.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Vista, California?

    You can get a copy of a Vista police report by generating a request through the official web page of San Diego County’s Public Records Center: https://sdsheriff.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(lnlljuia3x32gaq1rn2uwz4k))/SupportHome.aspx.

  • How do an infraction, a misdemeanor, and a felony differ in Vista?

    In Vista, an infraction will get you ticketed, meaning you must pay a fine. A traffic ticket is a common example of an infraction. A misdemeanor is a charge that can land you in jail and carries a sentence of no more than one year and a $1,000 fine. A felony is the most serious criminal charge that can result in incarceration in a California state prison.

  • Can you still drive after getting arrested for DUI in Vista?

    When you get arrested for DUI in Vista, you may be granted a temporary driver’s license, also known as a temporary driving permit, which will remain valid for 30 days until your suspension or revocation goes into effect. You will then have to request an Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing with the California DMV, which you can attend in person or over the phone.

  • What are the consequences of becoming a felon in Vista?

    Felons in Vista may face consequences that will impact their day-to-day lives and make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society. After getting convicted, a felon may be prohibited from voting, owning a firearm, or qualifying for assistance programs like food stamps and subsidized housing. Felons may also struggle with finding a job if their conviction appears on their background check.

  • Can you use a lie detector test to prove your innocence in Vista?

    No, you cannot use a lie detector to prove your innocence in Vista. Under California law, evidence from lie detectors can only be admitted to the court as evidence if both parties agree to acknowledge the results. If the lie detector test results help your defense, the prosecution will not permit it. And if the results support the prosecution, your lawyer will not allow it to be used in court. In the end, a lie detector has no legal benefit in proving your innocence.

  • Can you request to remove a conviction from your criminal record in Vista?

    There are some circumstances wherein you may be eligible for expungement or the removal of a conviction from your criminal record in Vista. An expungement is a way to clear your adult record that limits the information that shows up on a background check which can also relieve you of some of the consequences of having been convicted of a crime. You may be granted expungement by the court if you were convicted of an infraction and can complete all the terms of your probation.