Business Details
36 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted San Diego Criminal Defense Team
At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are dedicated to defending the rights of California residents facing criminal charges in state and federal courts. Founded in 1990 by former LAPD detective-turned-attorney James N. Dicks, our firm combines over three decades of legal experience with unique insights from law enforcement to craft strategic defenses tailored to each client's needs. Our team of investigators and case managers works tirelessly to challenge evidence, negotiate plea bargains, and secure dismissals or reduced charges. We prioritize personalized attention, ensuring clients understand their rights and options at every stage of the legal process.With board-certified expertise and a proven track record in DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, and more, we advocate for justice while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Our commitment to transparency, client communication, and leveraging both legal and procedural knowledge has earned us respect from peers and favorable outcomes for hundreds of clients across San Diego County.
Services
Criminal Defense
DUI Defense
Drug Crimes
Domestic Violence
Expungement Services
Federal Crimes
Juvenile Defense
Sex Crimes
Theft Crimes
Violent Crimes
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of criminal defense experience in San Diego
- Led by a former LAPD narcotics investigator and DRE-certified attorney
- Board-certified criminal law specialist by the California Bar
- 24/7 availability for urgent legal consultations
- Spanish-speaking staff to better serve local communities
Associations and certifications
- California Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Case dismissed
Extremely professional
Compassionate
Honest feedback
Fought hard
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice covers state and federal charges including theft, violent crimes, and sex offenses. With former law enforcement insight, we challenge evidence admissibility, negotiate plea reductions, and prepare for trial. Our board-certified attorney leverages 30+ years of experience to protect clients' rights, reputations, and freedoms through strategic courtroom advocacy and pretrial negotiations.
DUI Defense
Specialized DUI defense focuses on challenging field sobriety tests, breathalyzer accuracy, and arrest legality. We represent clients facing first-time or repeat DUI charges, including commercial drivers and military personnel. Our strategies include suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence, negotiating for reduced charges like 'wet reckless,' and securing restricted licenses to maintain employment and daily activities.
Drug Crimes
We defend against drug-related charges ranging from possession to trafficking. Our approach challenges illegal searches, chain-of-custody issues, and lab analysis errors. We pursue pretrial diversion programs for eligible clients and fight to minimize penalties including fines, probation, and professional license suspension while protecting future employment opportunities.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence defense addresses assault, battery, and restraining order violations. We challenge false accusations, examine evidence credibility, and protect parental rights. Our strategies include demonstrating lack of intent, proving self-defense, and minimizing long-term consequences like mandatory counseling and firearm possession restrictions through aggressive courtroom representation.
Expungement Services
Our expungement practice helps clients clear criminal records to improve employment and housing opportunities. We handle post-conviction relief for eligible offenses, including juvenile records and misdemeanors. We guide clients through petition preparation, court appearances, and meeting statutory requirements to achieve dismissed charges and sealed records under California law.
People
James N. Dicks
Attorney & Founder
Board-certified criminal law specialist with 30+ years of experience. Former LAPD detective and narcotics investigator turned defense attorney. Handles complex criminal cases in state and federal courts while maintaining a focus on personalized client representation and ethical advocacy.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?
Contact an attorney immediately, do not discuss details with anyone, and request a DMV hearing within 10 days to challenge license suspension.
Can drug charges be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes, through pretrial diversion programs or by challenging evidence legality, especially for first-time possession offenses.
How does a domestic violence charge affect child custody?
It may impact custody arrangements; our defense focuses on protecting parental rights while addressing accusation validity.
What's the difference between DUI and wet reckless?
Wet reckless carries fewer penalties than DUI and may qualify for restricted licenses, avoiding ignition interlock device requirements.
Can I get my criminal record expunged?
Eligible misdemeanor convictions may be expunged after probation completion, improving employment and housing opportunities.
Do you handle federal criminal cases?
Yes, we defend clients facing federal charges including drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, and military-related offenses.
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