1. Uthman Law Office — SoMa & Bryant Street
A former officer and public defender, per the firm.
Uthman Law Office handles criminal and DUI cases and DMV hearings from Bryant Street.
855 Bryant St, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94103
The 5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Francisco (2026)
The best criminal defense lawyers in San Francisco in 2026 include Uthman Law Office, whose lead lawyer says he's a former officer and public defender, Geller Law, led by a former public defender, Rebecca Feigelson for drug and forfeiture cases, Matt Sullivan, and Summit Defense.
The list at a glance
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Uthman Law Office | SoMa & Bryant Street | Criminal defense and DMV | Cases at the Hall of Justice |
| 2. Geller Law | Financial District | Criminal defense and appeals | Appeals and felony cases |
| 3. Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson | Civic Center & Van Ness | Drug offenses and asset forfeiture | Drug cases and seized property |
| 4. Law Office of Matt Sullivan | SoMa & Bryant Street | Criminal defense | San Francisco and Peninsula clients |
| 5. Summit Defense (San Francisco) | Financial District | Bay Area criminal defense | Clients with cases across counties |
Most San Francisco criminal cases are heard at the Hall of Justice on Bryant Street, and several defense offices are close by. If you aren't a citizen, ask about immigration consequences before any plea.
2. Geller Law — Financial District
Samuel Geller is a former public defender, per the firm.
Geller Law handles criminal defense and appeals as well as felony DUI, from Spear Street.
201 Spear St, Suite 1199, San Francisco, CA 94105
3. Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson — Civic Center & Van Ness
Lists asset forfeiture.
Rebecca Feigelson cites more than 1,000 cases and lists theft, drug offenses, asset forfeiture and domestic violence.
345 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
4. Law Office of Matt Sullivan — SoMa & Bryant Street
San Francisco and Burlingame offices.
The Law Office of Matt Sullivan handles criminal defense from Brannan Street and Burlingame, and offers a free consultation.
1000 Brannan St, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94103
5. Summit Defense (San Francisco) — Financial District
Several Bay Area offices.
Summit Defense has offices around the Bay Area, which helps if your case is in another county.
580 California St, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I'm arrested in San Francisco?
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.
Can I clear my record in California?
Many convictions can be dismissed through expungement after probation, and some arrests sealed. Eligibility depends on the offense. Ask a lawyer what applies.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
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.