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When facing criminal charges or restraining orders in San Diego, the choice of your attorney can mean the difference between freedom and incarceration. At The Sullivan Defense, APC, we provide aggressive, strategic defense for clients throughout San Diego County in both state and federal courts. Led by Shaun A. Sullivan, Esq., our firm brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to your defense.
At The Sullivan Defense, APC, we handle a wide range of criminal defense cases, making us your ideal allies both in and out of the courtroom. Our lead attorney, Shaun A. Sullivan, Esq., was raised by a trial lawyer, so he knows his way around the courtroom and is confident and comfortable when in trial. You can count on us for honesty and professionalism in handling your criminal case.
Attorney Sullivan’s team handles many criminal charges, including violent crimes, drug offenses, DUI, sex crimes, misdemeanors, and more. We also offer a free consultation so you can speak with our legal professionals without paying a thing. Call 760-507-2106 today to schedule your free case evaluation with our caring, capable legal team.
What Cases Does Your Law Firm Handle?
The legal team at The Sullivan Defense, APC has over 13 years of experience in criminal defense. We handle both state and federal criminal defense cases, including DUI, violent crimes, and other sensitive issues. You can trust our legal team to handle even the most complex criminal cases, fighting for your rights and ensuring you are treated fairly throughout the process.
Our San Diego criminal defense practice covers a wide range of cases, including:
State Criminal Defense
- DUI and Vehicular Crimes
- Drug Offenses
- Violent Crimes (Assault, Battery, Homicide)
- Sex Crimes
- Theft and Property Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- White Collar Crimes
Federal Criminal Defense
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution
- White Collar Crimes (Fraud, Embezzlement)
- RICO Violations
- Cybercrime
- Federal Firearms Offenses
- Border Crossing Offenses
Restraining Order Defense and Prosecution
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
- Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
- Workplace Violence Restraining Orders
If you have any questions about a criminal matter on behalf of yourself or a loved one, please reach out to our California attorneys today.
What Are the Potential Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in San Diego?
Criminal prosecution in California can be intimidating because a conviction may mean a series of devastating consequences. The severity of your sentencing will depend on the unique details of your conviction. For example, a felony charge generally results in a heftier sentencing than a misdemeanor. Any crime may be enhanced, meaning aggravating circumstances and potentially requiring a stiffer penalty.
Potential Consequences of Criminal Convictions in San Diego
- Incarcertation: in California state cases, county jail for misdemeanors and certain felonies, state prison for sentences in excess of a year; in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California or other federal jurisdictions, federal jails and prisons nationwide.
- Substantial fines and penalties
- Probation or supervised release
- Loss of professional licenses
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Long-term impact on employment and housing opportunities
San Diego Restraining Orders
Restraining orders in San Diego can have significant impacts on your life, including:
- Forced removal from your home
- Restrictions on firearm ownership
- Impact on child custody arrangements
- Potential criminal charges for violations
Many people think that the negative aspects of a criminal conviction are limited to the time in jail or prison. However, the repercussions of a conviction go far beyond the sentencing. The individual may experience rifts between friends and family because of their criminal charges. Some people lose custody of their children, jobs, vehicles, or even their homes. For certain offenses, convicts are limited on where they can live.
Don’t take such risks with so much at stake. Reach out to our criminal law firm for help protecting your rights and avoiding the worst outcomes in your case. Call The Sullivan Defense, APC, today.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Charged with a Violent Crime in California?
Being charged with a violent crime can be terrifying. Some examples of violent crimes in San Diego include murder, assault, armed robbery, rape, and kidnapping. These acts come with a certain stigma, even in the courtroom, where justice should prevail. Prosecutors often want to take a hard line against violent crimes, meaning some innocent individuals face stiff opposition that they don’t deserve.
If you or a loved one is facing charges for a violent crime, you can ensure you get the most fair treatment possible by cooperating with law enforcement officers rather than lashing out and making a scene. While you may naturally want to argue against the charges and resist arrest, this can have a negative effect on how the court views your character in the future.
However, it would be best if you also remembered that you do not need to answer any questions without first speaking with a lawyer. You may invoke your right to remain silent and to get a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are arrested. Even if you made a mistake and committed the crime, you don’t need to admit guilt or answer questions until you have the legal counsel you are entitled to under your constitutional rights.
How Can Your Attorneys Help Me Defeat San Diego Drug Charges?
Drug-related offenses in San Diego may result in serious penalties, including incarceration, fines, housing restrictions, loss of professional licensing, and inability to gain legal immigrant status. If you are facing charges for a drug-related crime, please take these criminal charges seriously and contact a criminal lawyer right away.
At our law offices, we have extensive experience fighting drug crimes, including transportation, manufacturing, and selling drugs. Our experienced criminal defense attorney can help demonstrate that you do not deserve the maximum sentencing for your actions. We can also protect your rights by uncovering ways your constitutional rights were violated during the arrest and investigation. Holding police officers accountable can lead to lower sentencing or even dismissal.
Call our Southern California criminal defense attorney right away for assistance during the legal process and to aggressively defend you.
What Defenses Are Helpful When Fighting a Criminal Charge?
The defense needed in your unique case depends on several factors. Your involvement in the crime and other details will affect how we defend you against your criminal charges. The best way to develop a strong defense against charges in California is to speak with a respected criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Some examples of defenses that can be helpful in a criminal defense case include:
- Mistaken identity, or the fact that you were not the person guilty of the crime
- Self-defense or defense of another person
- Lack of probable cause
- Lack of evidence
- Constitutional rights being denied during the arrest or investigation
- Insanity or lack of mental ability to recognize the action as a crime
- Being coerced or drugged by another person when committing the crime
When facing charges in the California criminal justice system, you deserve legal advice from an experienced criminal lawyer. Contact our Southern California criminal defense attorney right away to learn more about how we can help you develop a solid defense that overcomes your charges.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer if I’ve Been Charged with a Crime in San Diego?
Going it alone is not recommended when facing criminal charges in San Diego. In fact, having a lawyer is a fundamental constitutional right. Your criminal defense lawyer can advise you on your rights and will know how the law applies in your specific circumstances. They can also help you interact with police officers to avoid accidental self-incrimination. Lawyers will support you emotionally at this challenging time and investigate thoroughly to uncover evidence that backs up your story.
With the stigma in the legal system and the stiff penalties that are possible for a conviction, there is too much at stake to confront your charges without a skilled defense lawyer by your side. The consequences of a criminal record are not limited to very serious felonies. Even misdemeanors can affect your employment, social life, and family.
Criminal law is notoriously complex, and prosecutors often come down hard to appear to take a strong opposition to crime in San Diego. You can get protection and safety by hiring the criminal defense team at The Sullivan Defense, APC. We promise to use our skills, knowledge, honesty, and determination to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Are My Rights During a Criminal Investigation?
Being confronted and arrested by the police can be scary, especially if you made a mistake and committed a crime. If you are innocent, you may be confused and frustrated by having false charges brought against you. Whatever your circumstances, you should understand and exercise your rights during your arrest and investigation.
Some rights that you should remember when you are suspected of a crime are:
- The right to leave – So long as you are not leaving the scene of an accident or have not been detained or placed under arrest by law enforcement (often accompanied by a Miranda Rights admonition), you have no legal duty to remain on scene.
- The right to refuse a search – If law enforcement officers do not have a warrant to search your home or car, you may refuse a search according to your privacy rights.
- The right to remain silent – It is never advisable to speak to law enforcement before talking with a lawyer. It doesn’t matter if refusing to answer questions causes law enforcement to suspect you’re guilty; that isn’t evidence. Simply insist you want to speak to a lawyer!
- The right to an attorney – The Constitution protects your right to present a defense and to have an attorney. You should exercise your right to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions during the investigation.
What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Having My Criminal Charges Dropped or Reduced?
Law enforcement officers are trained in getting people to talk to them and make costly admissions that can lead to the wrong outcome.
There are additional tips to keep in mind when going through a criminal investigation, including:
Our premier criminal defense firm offers an aggressive defense for those facing criminal charges in San Diego.
Should You Hire Our San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney?
At The Sullivan Defense, APC, we offer legal counsel and aggressive representation in many practice areas, including domestic violence cases, violent crimes, drug crimes, DUI, and more. Our lead attorney was raised by a trial lawyer, so he feels at home in the courtroom and is well-versed in court procedures and the best possible defenses. We protect our clients’ constitutional rights and fight tirelessly for positive outcomes in every case we encounter.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in San Diego, you may feel worried about what the future holds. However, you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. You can get emotional support, excellent legal counsel, and aggressive representation at The Sullivan Defense, APC. What’s more, you won’t owe us a thing when you contact us for a free consultation.
Please don’t wait any longer to reach out to our law firm. In criminal cases, time is of the essence, and the district attorney’s office won’t wait to gather information to support their charges against you. Call 760-507-2106 right away to speak with our criminal defense lawyer and get the representation you need at this critical time.