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Criminal Defense Attorney San Diego

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. 

Notable Criminal Defense Law Statistics

Criminal laws in the U.S. are strict and sometimes unforgiving. The vast majority of cases end with guilty pleas and never reach trial. The cases that do reach trial are overwhelmingly won by the prosecution. There are many reasons that contribute to these numbers. However, a lot of cases end with an unfavorable ruling due to the defendant’s lack of adequate legal representation. Listed below are a few notable criminal defense statistics to keep in mind. 

  • 90 percent of defendants plead guilty in federal cases
  • Only two percent of cases go to trial
  • More than 80 percent of all defendants that go trial are found guilty
  • Roughly eight percent of cases are dismissed
  • Less than one percent of cases are taken to trial and won by defendants

These statistics shed light on the preparedness of the prosecution and the sometimes lack of preparedness by defendants. Though no criminal defense attorney in San Diego can guarantee a favorable outcome in your case, hiring one can substantially increase the likelihood of decreased or dismissed charges. 

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

We have the ability, experience, and record of success in many criminal defense practice areas. At Bernal Law, our practice areas include insurance fraud, DUI offenses, worker’s compensation fraud, tax evasion, securities fraud, domestic violence, other violent crimes, and gun crimes. Learn more about each below. 

White Collar Crimes 

White-collar crimes are non-violent acts that involve deception. These crimes can be committed by businesses or people. Examples of white-collar crime include fraud, embezzlement, extortion, forgery, credit card fraud, computer hacking, mail fraud, insurance fraud (auto, healthcare, worker’s compensation), securities fraud,  etc. Those convicted of white-collar crimes may face long prison terms, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. 

DUI Offenses

Prosecutors in San Diego aggressively pursue DUI charges. Whether you are charged with a first offense DUI or you have had multiple, it can lead to jail time, probation, license suspension, DUI school, etc. Furthermore, DUI convictions may prohibit you from holding certain jobs and/or titles. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is recommended that you contact a proven criminal defense lawyer in San Diego as soon as possible. 

Tax Evasion 

If you are intentionally underpaying the IRS or engaging in tax fraud, you may face tax evasion charges. However, the IRS must prove that your actions were intentional. Examples of tax evasion include:

  • Intentional understatements of income
  • Failure to file tax returns
  • Inadequate records
  • Not making required tax payments
  • Concealment of taxable assets
  • Failure to cooperate with tax authorities

If the IRS suspects you of tax evasion or you have been charged with tax evasion, it is not a good idea to fight it without the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in San Diego. Tax evasion is taken seriously. Those convicted face the potential of prison time, probation, restitution payments, and fines. 

Violent Crimes

Defendants charged with violent crimes face the potential of stiff penalties if convicted. In most cases, long prison terms are difficult to avoid. However, a skillful criminal defense attorney in San Diego can certainly increase your chances of a favorable outcome. At Bernal Law, we have experience handling complex violent crime cases. A few examples of violent crimes charges include:

  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Manslaughter
  • Sexual assault
  • Kidnapping
  • Assault and battery
  • Home invasions 
  • Homicide
  • Domestic Violence

Gun Crimes

Gun crimes can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are convicted of certain crimes, you may be facing prison (up to life), probation, and a permanent criminal record. Gun crimes can include illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, possessing a firearm while being a felon, illegal sale of firearms, owning an unregistered gun, etc. 

Drug Charges

The most common types of drug charges include illegal possession, possession with an intent to sell, drug trafficking, and manufacturing a controlled substance. The extent and type of charges levied against those of drug crimes will depend on the schedule of the drug, amount, and what their intent was. Penalties can include jail time, probation, license suspension, heavy fines, etc. 

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Diego?

You have the right to represent yourself or seek the counsel of a court-appointed lawyer. However, self-representation is typically not recommended. Furthermore, a court-appointed criminal defense lawyer in San Diego usually has a heavy caseload and is not able to give every case their full attention. 

Working a reputable criminal defense attorney in San Diego is not mandated by law, but it does give you a better chance at reduced charges, dismissal, or lighter punishments. 

Contact Bernal Law Today

Defense attorney Pedro Bernal spent nearly a decade as a prosecutor. At Bernal Law, we take advantage of that experience when defending our clients against any criminal charges. If you are currently being charged with a criminal offense or are being investigated, it is in your best interest to work with a proven criminal defense lawyer in San Diego. We are dedicated to fighting for our client’s rights and liberties. 

Do not risk your freedom by representing yourself or gambling on an unproven attorney. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation, free initial consultation.

Click on the page list to learn more about these crimes and remember that this is only a partial list of crimes that people can be charged with. If you’re charged with a violent crime, call the offices of Pedro Bernal Law today!

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“I hired Pedro during one of the most difficult times in my life. Pedro was compassionate to my situation and knew the law well. He was able to negotiate a resolution that let me move on with my life.”

Annie C.

“Lo recomiendo mucho porque me ayudo mucho con mi cargo de DUI. Excelente trabajo. Súper recomendado”

Francisco Morales

“La experiencia del Sr. Bernal ayudó a descartar un cargo de hit and run. Es altamente profesional, honesto/directo y de mucha confianza. Un abogado fenomenal.”

Sally Piñera

“Pedro Bernal is a very experienced attorney. As a former prosecutor he has the experience and insight necessary to be a true advocate for his clients. He is very professional and diligent in responding to phone calls and emails. Pedro handles a broad array of criminal matters ranging from White Collar crimes to health insurance fraud; he truly knows the ins and outs of how a case is prosecuted and tried in court. I highly recommend Pedro Bernal to any individual that is facing charges or has been arrested for a criminal offense or a civil regulatory violation. He truly provides the one-on-one attention that any client deserves.”

Ronson J. Shamoun

“I called Pedro to get some legal insight on a business partnership that went sour and although his expertise is criminal law, he gave me solid legal advise and referred me to an excellent lawyer that specializes with small businesses. If you want honest legal counsel, no bs, and a straight shooter lawyer, look no further than Pedro Bernal.”

Y. Ramirez

“ Pedro Bernal is a very professional and trustworthy lawyer. I had an amazing experience and I highly recommend him!”

Y. Mendoza

“Attorney Bernal has been extremely professional with my case. He has worked diligently and has responded to all my phone calls and emails.”

I. Heard

“Pedro Bernal is extremely professional and always made sure to answer all my questions. A reliable criminal defense attorney that you can definitely count on. His experience as a former prosecutor made a world of a difference when dealing with my case. Thank you, Mr. Bernal!”

Melissa Marquez

“Hands down one of the best lawyer in San Diego. He helped me with my restraining order against my ex boyfriend. He not only helped me with my case but made me feel safe and was available for every question I had. Will contact him again with any other legal matters.”

Joanna Gallardo

“Pedro was very professional and very tentative to my case. I would definitely recommend and go back when in need of an attorney!”

Fabian Toledo

“Pedro was so helpful with my case. He is definitely worth the $! Glad I retained him.”

Erica Lopez

“I strongly recommend Mr. Bernal for any criminal defense need. He is very attentive and delivers results! Thanks to all the staff at Bernal Law!”

Ruayner Rivas

“He is great! reliable and efficient. Would recommend Bernal Law to anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney. Thank you, Pedro.”

Mariangela Contacessi

“It was a pleasure working with Pedro Bernal. His knowledge & experience was really helpful through this difficult experience. He was referred to us by another attorney we knew and we were so grateful in the end. Look no further... Pedro Bernal is the answer.”

Leann Thompson

“Really recommend Mr Bernal. I was risking being away from my family but he stood by me and fought for my freedom every step of the way . This was my first experience dealing with a case, but he helped me haveba better understanding of what was happening at all times. Thank you for all your help and your great knowledge !”

Antonio Macias

“I would highly recommend Pedro for being the perfect lawyer. Accessible to you at any time... Very professional. Sets your expectations very practically and well prepared at the hearing. You can feel assured that you are in the best of hands”

Punam Garg

“Exceptionally good attorney. Absolutely determined to win and serve to the best interest of his client. He was representing my opponent, and I lost in the court room hearing absolutely everything, even where I was feeling strong in my case. Representing my opponent, he was always very well prepared to the slightest details of the case, he was very well articulate representing his client side during the courtroom hearing session, he made a great positive impression on the judge, and kept his concentration till very end through the lengthy court sessions. He clearly demonstrated very strong motivation to win the case for his client, he did outstanding job educating and preparing his client for the win in the court room settings. His client got fortunate to have him in his corner. He righteously won based on his professional skills and qualities. I was also represented by an attorney, but lost everything where I was not even was supposed to to loose because he was so much better. He completely destroyed all my defense and totally negated all the strong points brought by my attorney in the case. He has all the professional and personal qualities you would look in the attorney to bring your case to victory in the court of the law”

Greg Egoudine

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