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5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Diego (2026)

Ranked by real Google ratings and review volume · How we chose

Lorian Hartfield
By Lorian Hartfield, Real Estate and Financial Expert · ✓ Updated · 8 min read

We compared 20 criminal defense lawyers in San Diego on Google Maps · 5 listed · How we rank

An arrest rarely comes with time to shop around, and in San Diego the phone call you make that night shapes what follows. Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers has logged 901 Google reviews at 4.9 stars, and every criminal defense lawyer below holds a rating of 4.9 or better, so the stars won't help you choose. Practice focus, who answers the phone, and how each office talks about fees will.

Short answer: Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers leads this San Diego list with 4.9 stars across 901 Google reviews, and Dod Law, APC carries a perfect 5.0 across 405. Law Offices of Anna R. Yum, David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys and Kersey Law each hold 4.9. Criminal defense fees depend on the charge and the stage of the case, so ask for a written fee agreement before you commit.
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Who to Call When You've Been Charged

# Business Rating Reviews Best for
1 Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers 4.9 ★ 901 DUI and record relief View ›
2 Dod Law, APC 5.0 ★ 405 Felony and violent-crime charges View ›
3 Law Offices of Anna R. Yum 4.9 ★ 271 Attentive, communicative team View ›
4 David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys 4.9 ★ 220 Complex or border-related cases View ›
5 Kersey Law 4.9 ★ 181 Clear explanations up front View ›
5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Diego (2026)

Defense firms, reviewed

Dod Law, APC logo
#2🕑 Open 7 days↩ Responds to reviews

Dod Law, APC

5.0405 Google reviews

Dod Law, APC is a downtown San Diego defense firm at 303 A St, Suite 306. Its website says the phone line is open 24/7 and lists numbers for San Diego, Orange County and Vista. Practice areas run from DUI and domestic violence to drug trafficking, fraud, juvenile crimes and court martial defense.

What people praise

  • Reviewers describe attorneys who explained each step and kept them informed
  • Clients report outcomes such as an expunged felony, a misdemeanor diversion and a reduced sentence
  • Staff are called courteous and patient with questions
  • A perfect 5.0 across hundreds of Google reviews

Worth knowing

  • Some reviews are written with heavy enthusiasm, so weigh the specifics over the tone
Reputation scorecardrank in San Diego
Rating5 / 5
Review volume405 · 93rd
Confidencehigh
Recency8 weeks ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
Rating breakdown99% 5-star
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: A strong match if the charge is serious and you want a firm with breadth across felony and violent-crime work. Ask which attorney will be assigned to you.

Website+1619-814-5110 Directions

303 A St Ste 306, San Diego, CA 92101

Law Offices of Anna R. Yum logo
#3🕑 Open 7 days↩ Responds to reviews

Law Offices of Anna R. Yum

4.9271 Google reviews

Law Offices of Anna R. Yum is a criminal defense practice at 1230 Columbia St, Suite 1140 in San Diego. Its website lists a long run of practice areas, including domestic violence, DUI, drug crimes, gun crimes, fraud, expungement and federal crimes. Reviewers describe a team-based approach, with named attorneys and staff who stayed in contact.

What people praise

  • Clients say attorneys responded quickly and explained what to expect
  • One family credits the firm with a trial result that cleared their son
  • Reviewers describe being treated with compassion during a frightening time
  • A couple who needed a lawyer unexpectedly late in the day say staff answered their questions quickly

Worth knowing

  • Smaller review base than the firms above it, so there is less feedback to compare
Reputation scorecardrank in San Diego
Rating4.9 / 5
Review volume271 · 88th
Confidencehigh
Recency7 weeks ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
Rating breakdown99% 5-star
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: A good fit if you want steady communication and a team that prepares thoroughly. Ask about experience with your specific charge.

Website+1619-728-2948 Directions

1230 Columbia St #1140, San Diego, CA 92101

David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys logo
#4🕑 Open 7 days↩ Responds to reviews

David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys

4.9220 Google reviews

David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys is a San Diego firm at 2550 Fifth Ave, Suite 1050. Its website says it serves all of San Diego County and describes a mission of helping people regain control of their future after a charge. The site also notes a sponsorship with the San Diego Padres radio network. Reviewers describe probation terminations, dismissals and a warrant matter handled quickly.

What people praise

  • Clients say the attorneys explained the process and stayed available
  • One reviewer reports a conviction dismissed and probation ended early
  • A border-area organization writes that it refers people arrested at the San Ysidro and Otay ports of entry to this firm
  • Staff are described as responsive and supportive

Worth knowing

  • A few lower-rated reviews exist alongside the many five-star ones
Reputation scorecardrank in San Diego
Rating4.9 / 5
Review volume220 · 83rd
Confidencehigh
Recency6 weeks ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
Rating breakdown97% 5-star
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: A thoughtful pick for complicated or high-stress matters, including cases that start at the border. The reviews are specific and recent.

Website+1619-762-4503 Directions

2550 Fifth Ave Ste 1050, San Diego, CA 92103

Kersey Law logo
#5🕑 Open 7 days↩ Responds to reviews

Kersey Law

4.9181 Google reviews

Kersey Law is a downtown San Diego criminal defense firm at 427 C St, Suite 313. Its website advertises assault and battery, domestic violence, DUI, drug and gun cases, plus defense for military members and licensed professionals. The firm says it has handled over 1,000 cases, which is its own claim, and notes a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 recognition.

What people praise

  • Reviewers say the attorney took time to listen and explain potential outcomes
  • One client contrasts the firm with others that rushed the phone call and talked price first
  • Parents describe help with a diversion request and a complicated DUI case
  • Responses to reviews are detailed and personal

Worth knowing

  • The newest reviews are a few months old, a little less recent than some other names here
Reputation scorecardrank in San Diego
Rating4.9 / 5
Review volume181 · 78th
Confidencemoderate
Recency4 months ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
Rating breakdown97% 5-star
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: A good fit if you want to be walked through the process before committing. Fewer reviews means less to go on, so ask for a clear plan on a first call.

Website+1619-329-8385 Directions

427 C St Ste 313, San Diego, CA 92101

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How the scorecards work

Every number on this page comes from public Google data on the date shown. Rating is the live Google star average. Review volume is how many people have rated the firm, compared with others in the San Diego pool. Confidence weighs the rating by that volume, so a 4.9 from hundreds of people carries more weight than a 5.0 from a few dozen. Recency reflects how recently clients still leave reviews. No business can pay to change these numbers.

What does a criminal defense lawyer cost in San Diego?

Defense fees in San Diego depend on the charge, whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, how far the case goes and whether it settles or goes to trial. Many firms quote a flat fee for a defined stage, while others bill hourly. We don’t publish figures here because we can’t verify them for these firms, so ask each office for its fee agreement in writing.

Defense help across San Diego County

These offices are clustered around downtown San Diego, with others near the Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue corridors just north of it. Some firms also list offices or phone lines in Vista, Orange County and elsewhere. If you’re searching for a criminal defense lawyer near me, check each card for address and phone, and ask about courthouse coverage in your part of the county.

What to ask at the first call

  • Have you handled charges like mine in San Diego courts?
  • Who will be my attorney, and who will appear at hearings?
  • Is your fee flat or hourly, and what is not included?
  • What are the realistic outcomes and next court dates?
  • Can I reach you or your team after hours?

Frequently asked questions

Should I talk to police before I call a lawyer?

That is a legal question for an attorney. Many people choose to speak to a lawyer first, and a first consultation is a reasonable place to ask what to do next.

Does a high rating guarantee a good result?

No. Ratings reflect how clients felt about service and communication. Every case turns on its own facts, and no lawyer can promise an outcome.

Before you hire

Sevens Legal has the deepest review history here, and Dod Law brings a perfect 5.0 on a wide practice list. Whoever you speak with first, ask who will handle your case and get the fee terms in writing.

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