Criminal Defense Attorneys in Carlsbad
Backed by 30 Years' Experience
At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are committed to defending the rights of arrested individuals in Carlsbad, CA. Our firm first opened its doors in 1990 and since then, we have been privileged to represent hundreds throughout North County. If you are currently facing criminal charges, you can count on our team to apply perseverance, talent, and experience to your case. It is rare to find an attorney so committed to your best interests that they take full responsibility for your case, rather than passing it off to a paralegal. This is standard practice at our firm and has been since day one.
Attorney James N. Dicks is proactive about resolving cases swiftly and favorably.
What Sets Criminal Attorney James N. Dicks Apart?
- Board certified in criminal defense
- Former police officer and narcotics investigator
- Three decades of legal experience
- Personally handles every case
Building Cases with Determination and Know-How
When our firm prepares a case, we do so by first assessing the circumstances and closely examining the evidence. Our approach is strategic and based on the overall needs of each unique client. Attorney James N. Dicks applies the knowledge gained as a police officer and narcotics investigator to ensure that our clients have a definite advantage in the courtroom.
If you are facing charges in Carlsbad for any of the following, we can help:
- Federal crimes
- Driving under the influence
- Violent crimes
- Domestic violence
- Restraining order violations
- Theft crimes
- Sex crimes
- Hit and run
- Military crimes
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is a serious crime in California. First-time offenders can lose their licenses, face serious fines, and spend up to 48 hours in jail. An alcohol treatment program may also be mandatory, and those programs can last for 180 days and cost up to $500. Those facing their first offense may also be placed on probation for three years or longer. During this time, if the convicted person is caught drinking and driving or breaking any other laws, more penalties may be incurred with no trial (minor traffic violations do not count). If a person’s blood alcohol level was extremely high, such as 0.20%, stricter penalties may be mandated by the judge even for first-time offenders. In addition to that, if someone causes an accident because he was driving under the influence, he faces felony charges, which carry penalties of one to five years in state prison.
Refusing to submit to a blood or breath test is also a crime. If a person chooses not to perform field sobriety tests, he may be required to go to the police station and have blood or breath tests performed. If he does not, he may face additional penalties.
These are just the minimum penalties when someone has been convicted of driving under the influence in California. With each offense, penalties become more severe, with increased costs and longer jail times. A DUI conviction will remain on a person’s permanent record. That can keep you from finding employment in the future, ruin your reputation, and follow you around for the rest of your life.
But a charge of driving under the influence does not mean that a person is automatically convicted. There are defenses to this charge and jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you fight it.
Drug Crimes
The most common drug crimes in California include:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell
- Being under the influence of a drug
- Driving under the influence of a drug, which is treated more severely than being under the influence of a drug
- Transporting or trafficking a controlled substance
- Possession of drug paraphernalia such as torches, spoons, needles, and syringes
- Prescription drug fraud, including forgery and doctor-shopping
The most common drugs involved in drug crimes in Carlsbad are cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, opium, OxyContin, Percocet, and morphine. While marijuana is now legal in the state of California, there are still laws surrounding it. For instance, individuals without a proper license are not allowed to sell marijuana. And trafficking marijuana it is still a major criminal offense.
Your Criminal Defense Attorney in Carlsbad
jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys is located in Vista, California, a short trip from Carlsbad. If you have been charged with a drug crime, driving under the influence, or any other crime, contact us today at (760) 630-2000. Lead attorney James N. Dicks is local and will make the trip to see his clients in Carlsbad. There is no better attorney for you than Mr. Dicks if you have been accused of or charged with a crime. Call today for a free consultation.
Furthermore, we know that a conviction is not the end of the road.
You may be eligible for expungement, which wipes your record clean, and we have helped many clients successfully start fresh without the damage of a criminal record.
Why Wait? Dial (760) 630-2000 for Your Free Consultation.
Conveniently located near the jail and courthouse, we are able to meet your needs as they arise. Our trusted reputation extends throughout North County and has garnered respect from judges and prosecutors alike. Your free consultation is the first step toward a positive future.
Contact our Carlsbad criminal defense attorney before another day passes.
Don’t Waste Any Time!
Call us today for a FREE Consultation
(760) 630-2000

- Criminal Law Expert - Led by a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Read More
- 100s of Cases Tried - Since 1990, James N. Dicks has represented hundreds of clients. Read Bio
- Client Approved - Read our online testimonials from satisfied jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys Clients. Yelp Reviews

- August 30, 2023
How California’s Work Release Furlough Program … - August 20, 2023
California Determinate vs. Indeterminate Sentences - August 10, 2023
DUI and Commercial Drivers: Unique Challenges and …