The best criminal defense lawyers in San Diego in 2026 include Joshua R. Bourne, a former city prosecutor, Anna R. Yum, a former prosecutor, Griffin Law Office for felonies and federal crimes, Bradley R. Corbett for firearm and hit and run cases, and David M. Boertje for San Diego and Carlsbad clients.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Law Office of Joshua R. Bourne | Downtown San Diego | DUI, domestic violence and felonies | Downtown cases |
| 2. Law Offices of Anna R. Yum | Downtown San Diego | Domestic violence and sex offenses | Serious charges |
| 3. Griffin Law Office | Downtown San Diego | Felonies and federal crimes | Federal and drug manufacturing charges |
| 4. Law Office of Bradley R. Corbett | Mission Valley | Firearms, hit and run and expungements | Clearing a record |
| 5. David M. Boertje | Downtown San Diego | DUI and drug crimes | Carlsbad and North County cases |
Criminal cases here are heard at the Central Courthouse downtown or in branch courts in Vista, El Cajon and Chula Vista, and border cases can quickly become federal. Ask whether a lawyer regularly appears where your case is set.
A former city prosecutor, per the firm.
Joshua R. Bourne says he has practiced criminal law in San Diego for over 20 years and handles DUI, domestic violence, juvenile and felony cases.
185 F St, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101
A former prosecutor, per the firm.
Anna R. Yum's practice covers domestic violence, sexual assault and child-related charges along with DUI.
1230 Columbia St, Suite 1140, San Diego, CA 92101
Pages on federal crimes.
Griffin Law Office handles felonies, DUI and federal crimes, including drug manufacturing, from Columbia Street.
1350 Columbia St, Unit 401, San Diego, CA 92101
Lists expungements.
Bradley R. Corbett handles firearm offenses, hit and run, domestic violence and expungements, with an office in Mission Valley and another in North County.
8880 Rio San Diego Dr, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92108
Available 24 hours, per the firm.
David M. Boertje handles DUI, domestic violence and drug crimes from West Broadway and Carlsbad.
501 W Broadway, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101
Stay polite, give your identifying details, say you want a lawyer and don't answer questions without one. Don't discuss the case on a jail phone, because calls can be recorded.
Many convictions can be dismissed through expungement after probation, and some arrests sealed. Eligibility depends on the offense. Ask a lawyer what applies.
Many charge a flat fee by charge and stage of the case. Ask whether a trial is included. If you can't afford a lawyer and could go to jail, the court can appoint a public defender.