FORMER PROSECUTOR Pedro BERNAL, ESQ.

San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer

You Need The Right Experience To Protect Your Freedom.

Don’t trust your freedom to a translator.
Pedro Bernal speaks both Spanish and English.

Attorney Pedro Bernal

Prior to forming Bernal Law, APLC criminal defense attorney Pedro Bernal served as a prosecutor for almost a decade. He has handled hundreds of cases, ranging from misdemeanors and civil regulatory violations, to complex, white-collar criminal matters and violent felonies in the trial courts, as well as appellate cases in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court throughout his career. Since 2017, Mr. Bernal has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at California Western School, teaching courses in the area of Trial Advocacy and Legal Writing. With a track record of success and an extended period serving as a prosecutor, Pedro Bernal knows what prosecutors look for and how to defend your case. Additionally, Mr. Bernal is fully bilingual and is able to seamlessly assist Spanish-speaking clients facing criminal charges.

TestImonials

Play Video

17 Years of Experience on Both Sides of the Courtroom.

Watch this short video to learn how my experience can help you to get the best possible result for your case.

HAVE YOU RECENTLY BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIMINAL OFFENSE?

If so, you know all too well the emotional, psychological, and financial stress that a criminal charge can bring with it. Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, convictions can result in jail time, high fines, probation, and a bevy of other consequences. Criminal defense laws can be complex and confusing. Furthermore, prosecutors are relentless in their pursuit of convictions. Defendants without legal representation are fighting an uphill battle against a seasoned prosecution. Do not wait until it’s too late to mount a strong defense, contact a top-rated criminal defense attorney in San Diego at Bernal Law today. Learn more about our practice areas below.

WHY MY EXPERIENCE
WILL HELP YOU

As a former prosecutor for 10 years I understand exactly how the State or Feds will prepare their case against you. I know the capabilities they have and their limitations. This experience will give you an advantage so we can build the best defense possible. The attorney you choose is going to be the biggest factor in the outcome of your case.

If you have been arrested the prosecutors are already building a case against you. Tell me about your case and let’s start planning the strongest defense we can to preserve your freedom. Call 609-208-9050 now for a consultation.

WHAT SETS US APART
FROM THE REST

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

For several years, I served as a Deputy District Attorney in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, where I prosecuted complex white-collar crimes, fraud cases, drug trafficking offenses and tried numerous cases to jury verdict. I also worked as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego, prosecuting federal crimes.

PROTECT YOUR FREEDOM

With years of experience on both sides of the courtroom I know what it takes to aggressively defend your rights and understand that your freedom and peace of mind are at stake.

MEDIA APPEARANCES

Pedro Bernal is a frequent contributor to the greater San Diego community, many Hispanic support organizations as well as our city’s legal community. Click on the microphone to learn more about the work Pedro is doing.

Criminal Record Expungement on white torn paper

What Is Expungement and How Can It Affect Your Criminal Record?

Expungement can be a vital tool for those with a criminal record seeking a fresh start. This legal process allows individuals to clear certain offenses from their records, providing a second chance at a clean slate. Whether you’re aiming to improve employment opportunities, secure housing, or simply move forward without the weight of a past conviction, understanding how expungement works and its potential impact on your criminal record is crucial.  At Bernal Law, we can help you understand the intricacies of expungement, including by assisting you in exploring who qualifies, the steps involved, and the long-term benefits of having your

Read More
Gavel of the judge resting on a wooden table

What Are the Best Defenses for Murder Charges in California?

Facing murder charges is not an easy experience to deal with. The mere accusation can tarnish a person’s reputation, disrupt their life, and subject them to severe legal consequences. In such dire circumstances, understanding the available defenses becomes essential. There are multiple different types of defenses, each aiming to provide a compelling argument that either refutes the prosecution’s case or mitigates the severity of the charges. However, the best defense depends on the specific circumstances of your case. This is where an experienced attorney can make the ultimate difference in the outcome of your case.  At Bernal Law, we understand

Read More
Gavel, books and handcuffs on wooden table

What Are Alternatives for Jail and Prison in California?

Facing the possibility of jail or prison time can be an incredibly overwhelming and frightening experience. The fear of being separated from loved ones, losing employment, and the stigma associated with incarceration can weigh heavily on anyone. Fortunately, California offers several alternatives to traditional jail and prison sentences that not only aim to rehabilitate offenders but also allow them to maintain important aspects of their lives. These alternatives provide a more constructive and hopeful path forward, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. At Bernal Law, Attorney Pedro Bernal leverages his extensive experience as a former prosecutor to advocate for the

Read More
Criminal Record Expungement on white torn paper

What Is Expungement and How Can It Affect Your Criminal Record?

Expungement can be a vital tool for those with a criminal record seeking a fresh start. This legal process allows individuals to clear certain offenses from their records, providing a second chance at a clean slate. Whether you’re aiming to improve employment opportunities, secure housing, or simply move forward without the weight of a past conviction, understanding how expungement works and its potential impact on your criminal record is crucial.  At Bernal Law, we can help you understand the intricacies of expungement, including by assisting you in exploring who qualifies, the steps involved, and the long-term benefits of having your

Read More
Gavel of the judge resting on a wooden table

What Are the Best Defenses for Murder Charges in California?

Facing murder charges is not an easy experience to deal with. The mere accusation can tarnish a person’s reputation, disrupt their life, and subject them to severe legal consequences. In such dire circumstances, understanding the available defenses becomes essential. There are multiple different types of defenses, each aiming to provide a compelling argument that either refutes the prosecution’s case or mitigates the severity of the charges. However, the best defense depends on the specific circumstances of your case. This is where an experienced attorney can make the ultimate difference in the outcome of your case.  At Bernal Law, we understand

Read More
Gavel, books and handcuffs on wooden table

What Are Alternatives for Jail and Prison in California?

Facing the possibility of jail or prison time can be an incredibly overwhelming and frightening experience. The fear of being separated from loved ones, losing employment, and the stigma associated with incarceration can weigh heavily on anyone. Fortunately, California offers several alternatives to traditional jail and prison sentences that not only aim to rehabilitate offenders but also allow them to maintain important aspects of their lives. These alternatives provide a more constructive and hopeful path forward, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. At Bernal Law, Attorney Pedro Bernal leverages his extensive experience as a former prosecutor to advocate for the

Read More
PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS

Bernal Law's Recognition For Results

Bernal Law, APLC, a distinguished California white-collar crime law firm, has garnered widespread recognition in the press for a remarkable track record of winning cases and consistently delivering outstanding results for their clients. With a keen legal acumen and unwavering dedication to his profession, Pedro Bernal has become a beacon of excellence in the legal community, securing justice and protecting the rights of those facing complex white-collar crime charges in the Golden State. His expertise and relentless advocacy have undoubtedly left an indelible mark in the realm of white-collar criminal defense law.

Criminal Record Expungement on white torn paper

What Is Expungement and How Can It Affect Your Criminal Record?

Expungement can be a vital tool for those with a criminal record seeking a fresh start. This legal process allows individuals to clear certain offenses from their records, providing a second chance at a clean slate. Whether you’re aiming to improve employment opportunities, secure housing, or simply move forward without the weight of a past conviction, understanding how expungement works and its potential impact on your criminal record is crucial.  At Bernal Law, we can help you understand the intricacies of expungement, including by assisting you in exploring who qualifies, the steps involved, and the long-term benefits of having your

Read More
Gavel of the judge resting on a wooden table

What Are the Best Defenses for Murder Charges in California?

Facing murder charges is not an easy experience to deal with. The mere accusation can tarnish a person’s reputation, disrupt their life, and subject them to severe legal consequences. In such dire circumstances, understanding the available defenses becomes essential. There are multiple different types of defenses, each aiming to provide a compelling argument that either refutes the prosecution’s case or mitigates the severity of the charges. However, the best defense depends on the specific circumstances of your case. This is where an experienced attorney can make the ultimate difference in the outcome of your case.  At Bernal Law, we understand

Read More
Gavel, books and handcuffs on wooden table

What Are Alternatives for Jail and Prison in California?

Facing the possibility of jail or prison time can be an incredibly overwhelming and frightening experience. The fear of being separated from loved ones, losing employment, and the stigma associated with incarceration can weigh heavily on anyone. Fortunately, California offers several alternatives to traditional jail and prison sentences that not only aim to rehabilitate offenders but also allow them to maintain important aspects of their lives. These alternatives provide a more constructive and hopeful path forward, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. At Bernal Law, Attorney Pedro Bernal leverages his extensive experience as a former prosecutor to advocate for the

Read More