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San Diego Burglary Defense: Different Charges for Residential vs Commercial Break-In

By San Diego Attorney on November 17, 2025

Masked individual wearing black gloves attempting to pry open a window with a crowbar, symbolizing San Diego burglary defense cases and the legal differences between residential and commercial break-ins under California Penal Code 459 and 460.

When facing a burglary charge in San Diego, the outcome of your case may depend on whether the alleged offense involved a residential or commercial property. A conviction for residential burglary often carries significantly harsher penalties than commercial burglary, especially when classified as a felony.

Posted in: Theft Crimes

What Happens If San Diego Police Keep Questioning You After You Ask to Leave?

By San Diego Attorney on November 15, 2025

Woman sitting at an interrogation table looking anxious as law enforcement officers question her, representing unlawful police questioning in San Diego and the legal distinctions between custodial interrogation, Miranda rights, and unlawful detention under California law.

When the police stop you and begin asking questions, you have the right to ask: “Am I free to leave?” If the officer says “yes,” you are free to walk away. When police keep questioning you after you have asked to leave, they could be overstepping serious constitutional boundaries. This can turn the interaction into a coercive situation.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Receiving Stolen Property in San Diego: Defenses Based on Knowledge and Value Thresholds

By San Diego Attorney on November 5, 2025

Masked person in a leather jacket and camouflage pants attempting to remove a flat-screen television, symbolizing San Diego receiving stolen property cases and legal defenses based on knowledge, item value thresholds, and California Penal Code 496 under Proposition 47.

Being charged with receiving stolen property in California can be a shock, especially if you were unaware the item in your possession was stolen. This offense can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the property and whether the person knew or should have known the goods were stolen.

Posted in: Theft Crimes

How the Exclusionary Rule Can Dismiss Your Drug Possession Case in San Diego

By San Diego Attorney on November 1, 2025

Handcuffs, cash, syringe, and a plastic bag containing white powder arranged under red and blue lighting, representing San Diego drug possession cases where illegally obtained evidence may be suppressed under the exclusionary rule and Fourth Amendment protections.

If you were arrested for drug possession, the most important issue might be how the drugs were found. Under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to be free from unlawful search and seizure. If police violated that right, your attorney may be able to file a motion to suppress evidence and potentially get the case dismissed.

Posted in: Drug Possession

Are You Facing Conspiracy Charges for Theft or Robbery in San Diego? Here’s What to Know.

By San Diego Attorney on October 30, 2025

Two masked burglars breaking into a house at night, shining a flashlight, symbolizing a serious crime leading to conspiracy theft charges San Diego.

Conspiracy laws in California allow prosecutors to pursue criminal charges, even if the alleged crime was never actually committed. If you are accused of being part of a theft ring or a robbery operation in San Diego, you could be looking at serious jail time.

Posted in: Theft Crimes

Can Police Search Your Cell Phone Without a Warrant in San Diego?

By San Diego Attorney on October 21, 2025

Police officer in uniform and tactical vest operating a smartphone, illustrating the legal question of a cell phone search warrant San Diego and digital privacy rights.

Your cell phone is a personal archive. From private messages and photos to browsing history and GPS data, it stores intimate details about your life. That is why one of the most pressing legal questions in modern criminal investigations is: Can the police search your cell phone without a warrant in San Diego? The short answer is generally no, but there are important exceptions.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Understanding Sentencing After a Criminal Conviction in San Diego

By San Diego Attorney on October 12, 2025

Defendant in an orange jumpsuit standing before a judge during a court proceeding, illustrating the moment of criminal sentencing San Diego.

The sentencing phase of a criminal case is where penalties resulting from a conviction are ultimately decided. In San Diego, the outcome depends on several factors, including the nature of the offense, prior criminal history, statutory guidelines, and persuasive arguments presented by attorneys on both sides. Having an experienced San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney on your side during this time is your best defense.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

What to Expect If You’re Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter in San Diego

By San Diego Attorney on October 2, 2025

Severely damaged car and an ambulance on a wet highway at the scene of a fatal accident, illustrating the gravity of a vehicular manslaughter San Diego charge.

Facing a charge of vehicular manslaughter in San Diego is a devastating experience. If you are under investigation or have been charged, it’s important to find an experienced San Diego vehicular manslaughter defense lawyer who will aggressively defend your rights.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Consequences of DUI Convictions for Military Personnel in San Diego

By San Diego Attorney on September 19, 2025

U.S. military service member in uniform sits at a table holding a glass of liquor with a distressed expression, symbolizing the emotional and legal consequences of DUI convictions for active-duty personnel

San Diego is home to a major population of active-duty service members from the Navy, Marine Corps, and other branches of the U.S. military. With so many bases and military installations in the region, it is no surprise that DUI arrests involving service members are taken very seriously.

Posted in: DUI

Legal Options and Defense Strategies for Theft Charges in San Diego

By San Diego Attorney on September 12, 2025

Man discreetly concealing a food item in his backpack inside a grocery store, appearing to shoplift. His posture and surroundings suggest potential legal implications related to theft or retail security enforcement

Facing a theft charge in San Diego can be a life-altering experience. Theft crimes carry the potential for jail time, hefty fines, and long-term damage to your record and reputation. But with the help of a knowledgeable San Diego criminal defense lawyer, you can take strategic steps to fight the charges and protect your future.

Posted in: Theft Crimes

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