San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer

When the stakes are high, you need a San Diego criminal defense lawyer who will move quickly, explain options clearly, and build a strategy around your goals. The Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC defends clients in state and federal courts with steady communication and courtroom-ready preparation. Reach out today.

Criminal Defense Lawyer San Diego, CA

An arrest or investigation can be disorienting calls from detectives, paperwork, and court dates on short notice. A San Diego criminal defense lawyer brings order to that moment. Our criminal justice lawyers start by evaluating the facts, the charging decision, and the path to a better outcome: dismissal where possible, reduced counts, alternative resolutions, or trial when that is the right choice.

Our criminal lawyers review police reports, body-worn camera footage, lab results, warrants, and prior history to assess probable cause and evidentiary strength. We identify Fourth and Fifth Amendment issues related to search, seizure, and interrogation, preservation needs including surveillance video, and phone records, and early opportunities to limit exposure. You’ll receive a direct explanation of charges, potential penalties, and realistic timelines, so decisions are informed, and not rushed.

Misdemeanors and felonies, including DUI/DWI, drug possession and sales, domestic-related charges, assault and battery, theft and burglary, fraud and embezzlement, probation violations, record clearance work, and select federal matters. Many of these begin with a routine stop or a misunderstanding that escalates; others involve complicated investigations. In every scenario, our method remains consistent: challenge weak evidence, expose unlawful procedures, and present your full story.

Prosecutors respond to specifics. We dissect the elements of each charge, test witness credibility, and retain professionals where helpful, including accident reconstruction, digital forensics, and toxicology. In drug cases, chain-of-custody and search validity often decide outcomes; in fraud matters, the paper trail and intent evidence are central. Well-supported mitigation including treatment records, employment history, community involvement, can influence charging decisions and offers.

Not every case should go to trial, but every case should be prepared like it might. A trial posture tightens the issues and improves the quality of negotiations. If trial is the path, our criminal defense attorneys craft a theme that makes legal concepts understandable, focus your testimony decisions, and file pretrial motions that narrow the state’s case.

Why Experience Matters in Criminal Defense

Outcomes shift when suppression issues are spotted early and negotiations are grounded in evidence, not guesswork. Experienced defense counsel balances motion practice with mitigation and trial readiness so leverage grows at each stage. Our team has:

• AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Ratings and Avvo Client’s Choice Recognitions
• Strategic motion practice to challenge stops, searches, lineups, and statements.
• Negotiation grounded in evidence and credible mitigation, not guesswork.
• Trial readiness that improves leverage while keeping your options open.

“I was very satisfied with the way Mr. Kanter handled my medical case. I believe I was given accurate information about the possible outcome and the Mr. Kanter represented me as well as possible. I have had the opportunity to do some business with Mr. Kanter recently, in another capacity and still believe him to be fair and to fight for his clients to the best of his and their ability. I have given his name to others who are looking for an attorney and would call him again, if I needed an attorney. Mr. Kanter does not forget his clients when the case has concluded.”

When you’re ready to take the next step with a clear defense plan, The Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC is here to help. Reach out today to talk about your criminal defense case.