Defense areas
What we defend.
Every charge listed below carries consequences that extend well beyond any sentence. Employment, housing, immigration status, professional licenses — the collateral effects are often as serious as the criminal exposure itself. We review the full picture.
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DUI & DMV Hearings
Driving under the influence charges move fast — you have ten days to request a DMV hearing before your license is automatically suspended. Early, aggressive action can change the outcome at both the criminal and administrative level.
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Drug Charges
From simple possession to allegations of distribution, drug cases in California carry a wide range of consequences. Depending on the substance, quantity, and your history, diversion programs, reduced charges, or dismissal may all be viable paths.
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Assault & Violent Crimes
Assault, battery, and violent crime charges carry serious exposure. The prosecution's account of events is not the only account. Witness credibility, physical evidence, and the full context of what happened matter — and they must be investigated before anything is decided.
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Domestic Violence
Domestic violence allegations are treated aggressively by prosecutors from the moment of arrest — often regardless of whether the complainant wants to proceed. If you have been arrested or received notice of charges, do not speak to investigators without counsel.
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Theft & White-Collar
Shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, fraud, and embezzlement — each carries distinct elements the prosecution must prove. White-collar charges in particular involve large volumes of financial records that must be reviewed carefully before any strategy is set.
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Weapons Charges
California has some of the most complex firearms laws in the country. Carrying, possessing, or using a firearm in prohibited circumstances — including prior convictions that are not always obvious — can lead to felony charges. The details of how and where a weapon was found matter.
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Juvenile Defense
The juvenile system is supposed to be rehabilitative, but a sustained petition can follow a young person for years. Early intervention — before charges are filed or a petition is sustained — is almost always more effective than waiting to see what happens.
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Expungement & Record Sealing
A criminal record should not follow you permanently if the law provides a remedy. Depending on your conviction, sentence, and what has happened since, dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4 or record sealing may be available. We review your full history before advising.
Why a former prosecutor
I built cases against people like you. Now I build cases for them.
As a Deputy District Attorney, I presented evidence to grand juries, negotiated plea agreements, and argued in front of San Diego Superior Court. I understand how charging decisions are made — which facts prosecutors emphasize, which witnesses they rely on, and where their cases are weakest.
That perspective is not something you can manufacture by reading case law. It comes from years of being on the other side of the table. When I take your case, I know what the prosecution is looking for — because I once looked for the same things.
There is no judgment in this office about what you are charged with or how you got here. Every person who walks through this door gets the same thing: an honest assessment, plain language about your exposure, and aggressive defense.
No judgment.
Whatever the charge, whatever the circumstances — you are entitled to a defense. This office does not screen clients by the nature of the allegations.
Honest exposure analysis.
We tell you what the evidence shows, what the prosecution is likely to argue, and what realistic outcomes look like. No false optimism. No alarm-inflating.
Plain language, always.
Legal proceedings are confusing enough. We explain every stage in plain terms so you can make informed decisions about your own case.
Courtroom representation
We take cases to trial when it matters.
Most criminal defense attorneys resolve cases through plea agreements. That is not always wrong — sometimes a negotiated resolution is the right outcome. But the prosecution knows which defense attorneys will push back and which ones will not. That knowledge shapes every offer they make.
We prepare every case as though it is going to trial, even when we expect to negotiate. That preparation changes how prosecutors evaluate your case — and it means that if you do want to fight the charge, you are not starting from scratch.
If the evidence supports it, if the prosecution has overcharged, or if the offer on the table is simply unacceptable — we go to trial. That option should always be on the table.
"A defense attorney who never goes to trial gets offers that reflect that. The prosecution knows your willingness to fight — and prices accordingly."
— Marcus T. Whitfield, Whitfield Criminal Defense
Court coverage
San Diego County — all courthouses.
Whitfield Criminal Defense appears throughout San Diego County. Wherever your case is calendared — downtown, North County, East County, or South Bay — we are there.
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Hall of Justice — Central
330 W Broadway, San Diego 92101
Felony arraignments, superior court trials, misdemeanor calendars
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Vista Courthouse
325 S Melrose Dr, Vista 92081
North County Superior Court — felony and misdemeanor
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El Cajon Courthouse
250 E Main St, El Cajon 92020
East County Superior Court — felony and misdemeanor
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Chula Vista Courthouse
500 3rd Ave, Chula Vista 91910
South Bay Superior Court — felony and misdemeanor
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Kearny Mesa — Juvenile
2851 Meadow Lark Dr, San Diego 92123
Juvenile delinquency proceedings, all county
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Downtown Detention — Arraignment
1173 Front St, San Diego 92101
In-custody arraignments, bail hearings
Same-day callback
Confidential. No obligation. Straight answers.
Fill out the form and we will call or text you — your preference — typically within the same business day, and sooner for in-custody or arraignment matters.
Your inquiry is protected. We do not share your information, and contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
FAQ
Questions people ask before they call.
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Should I talk to the police?
No — and this is the single most important piece of advice in criminal defense. You have a constitutional right to remain silent. Politely invoking it is not an admission of guilt; it is the exercise of a right that exists precisely for moments like this. Anything you say will be recorded, and investigators are trained to use your words in ways you may not anticipate. Ask for an attorney and say nothing else until you have spoken with counsel.
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What happens at an arraignment?
An arraignment is your first formal court appearance. You will be advised of the charges against you, enter an initial plea, and the court will address bail. It is not a trial — but it is important. Bail conditions are set here, and the initial plea affects how the case proceeds. Having defense counsel present at arraignment is always preferable to entering a plea alone.
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Can my charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends on the specific facts of your case — the evidence, the charging decisions the prosecution made, and the procedural history. Some cases are dismissed because the evidence was obtained improperly. Others result in reduced charges through negotiation. Some go to trial. There is no honest answer without reviewing what the prosecution has. Call us before making any decisions.
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Do I qualify for an expungement?
California law allows many convictions to be dismissed under Penal Code 1203.4 if you completed probation (or were discharged from probation early), are not currently charged with a crime, and are not serving a sentence. Not all convictions qualify, and the process has specific requirements. We review your full record before advising whether expungement, record sealing, or another remedy applies.
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What are your fees?
Fees vary depending on the charge, the complexity of the case, and whether the matter is likely to resolve pre-trial or go to jury trial. We discuss fees clearly during your initial consultation. We do not advertise flat fees online because an honest number requires knowing your case. What we will tell you: we do not take on matters we cannot work diligently, and we discuss fee arrangements openly.
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What if I'm already in custody?
If someone you know is in custody, time is critical — especially for arraignment and bail. Call the office directly. We maintain availability for in-custody calls and can appear at arraignment on short notice. Do not wait for the public defender to be appointed if you are seeking private representation — the arraignment date moves whether or not counsel is retained.
From past clients
Client testimonials
Verified client reviews will appear here at launch.
We do not fabricate testimonials. This section will display verified Google reviews once the firm goes live. Confidential matters mean many clients prefer not to be identified publicly — those who consent are listed here.