Criminal defense services in San Francisco

If you have been arrested, cited or charged with a crime in San Francisco or the Bay Area, the first weeks decide a great deal. We step in early, protect your rights and build a defense aimed at dismissal, reduction or acquittal.

A California DUI starts two cases at once: the criminal case in court and the administrative case at the DMV. You generally have only 10 days from arrest to request a DMV hearing to protect your license.

Allegations of assault, battery, domestic violence or other violent crimes carry serious penalties and can bring protective orders, firearm restrictions and immigration consequences.

Drug charges range from simple possession to possession for sale and transportation. Many cases turn on how the evidence was found — and whether the search was lawful.

Financial and fraud allegations are document-heavy and often investigated for months before charges are filed. Early, discreet representation can shape whether charges are filed at all.

If police, investigators or an agency have contacted you, you may be a suspect even if no charges exist yet. This is the stage where a lawyer can do the most good.

For doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, contractors and other licensed professionals, a criminal case can trigger licensing-board action. The criminal and administrative cases must be handled together.

A conviction is not always the end. Appeals, motions to vacate, record expungement and sentence relief can correct errors or open doors to jobs and housing.