San Diego Criminal Defense Attorneys

Finding Justice for the Accused in San Diego since 1978.

Start with a Free Consultation

Choosing a Criminal Defense attorney is an important decision. Our firm has the skills to address your legal needs and will seek an efficient and fair outcome to your legal matter.

Have you been Accused of a Crime in San Diego?

A criminal conviction can ruin your life and devastate your family. At Coastal Legal Center APC in San Diego, our attorney is dedicated to fighting for the accused and represents clients in the San Diego area and throughout California in criminal defense matters, including DUI, weapons charges, and sex offenses. Fighting for clients since 1978, our attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and uses a team of investigators and criminal experts to build strong and comprehensive defenses. Whether you were arrested for domestic violence, charged with vehicular homicide, or want to know if your criminal record can be sealed, our attorney will thoroughly review your case and explain your options.

We understand the challenges criminal defendants face and represent clients in San Diego County, and throughout California, in criminal defense matters

Criminal Defense Specialties

We handle a diverse range of criminal defense matters for our clients in San Diego County, and across California. Whether you were arrested for a DUI, want to expunge your criminal record, or wrongfully accused of a crime, we will work tirelessly to resolve your case

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Successful Criminal Defense Representation

Sealing or Expunging Criminal Records

Getting your record sealed or expunged can make a big difference in moving forward after an arrest or conviction. In California, expungement is available for minor infractions and some serious offenses where no state prison time was served. Records may be sealed for arrests that did not result in a conviction and some drug cases with sentences to diversion programs. You need a strong advocate during this process, and I will tenaciously seek a positive outcome in your case.

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Common Drug-Related Offenses

Drug offenses are aggressively prosecuted in California, and the state often seeks the maximum allowable penalties.

Some of the most common drug offenses prosecuted include:

  • Drug possession for sale

  • Possession of marijuana

  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

  • Possession of a controlled substance

  • Cultivation of marijuana

These charges require a vigorous defense, and our attorney will develop a thorough strategy to pursue a favorable resolution to your case.

Effective Defenses for Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter means causing the death of another person by driving a vehicle in a negligent or unlawful manner. A conviction can result in up to six years in prison, so you need a strong and knowledgeable attorney fighting for your interests. The following are examples of defenses that, if successful, could avoid a conviction:

  • You were not negligent and acted reasonably under the circumstances

  • You were not driving the vehicle

  • Your actions were not a substantial cause of the death

Our firm knows how to handle these cases and will look for the best evidence to support a dismissal, reduction in charges, or reduced sentence.

Misdemeanor Vs Felony Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, and prosecutors look at the severity of the injuries, as well as any past criminal history, to determine how to file a particular case. If there are minor or no apparent injuries, the case is typically treated as a misdemeanor. More serious injuries, such as broken bones or severe lacerations, are almost always filed as felonies. Our firm’s attorney understands how serious these cases are and will forcefully challenge any excessive or unjustified prosecution.

Start with a Free Consultation

Choosing a Criminal Defense attorney is an important decision. Our firm has the skills to address your legal needs and will seek an efficient and fair outcome to your legal matter.

We Fight for Individuals Accused of Crimes

Aggressive Representation

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Our attorneys work tirelessly to build strong legal strategies and present convincing arguments to judges and juries.

Track Record of Success

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We produce positive outcomes for many of our clients, whether they're facing jail time or wrongfully accused of a crime.

Cost-Effective Rates

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Our firm believes everyone deserves effective legal assistance and offers cost-effective rates, and flat rate fees for legal services.

Personal Approach

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We take the time to fully understand every case and provide a professional and supportive environment to reduce client stress.

Thorough Research

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Our highly effective team regularly works with experts to gain key information and challenge the other side's claims.

Excellent Reviews

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5-star reviews show our attorneys are widely respected by their clients for their high success rate and ethical standards.

Client Reviews

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“There are truly No Words to express how my Attorney Jerry Bodow has been a true blessing in my life. Jerry an his staff have been family to me and have looked out for me throughout a 7+ year case. They have worked tirelessly hard for me and my family. The support, friendship and love they have shown words can't describe enough. Jerry I am blessed to have you as my attorney and friend. Thank you for all your expertise, friendship and love.”

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“Jerry is an incredibly competent, experienced, and knowledgeable attorney whom has a great heart and strives to make the World better through law. He is passionately dedicated to his clients and truly cares about their well being and outcomes. He has decades of experience in Southern California and is well known and respected amongst the law community. He comes highly recommended by many other attorneys, law professionals, and clients, and you can trust Jerry to provide the best legal advice, counsel, and care available.”

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“You could say Jerry saved my life! Couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to help me with my case. 10/10 would recommend if in need of a lawyer.

Thank you so much again!”

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“They (Coast Legal Center APC) have been my top legal advice for the last decade. Extremely happy with how efficient, honest, and easy to communicate with this firm has always been. Highly recommend to anyone looking for amazing legal service.”

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Free Criminal Defense Consultation: Take the First Step

Do you have a legal question we can help you with? With over 40 years of experience representing clients in your situation, we are here to help! Please fill out the form below, or call (619) 231-0724, and one of our attorneys will be in touch with you ASAP.