National City Criminal Defense Attorney

National City, California, is located only 5 miles south of San Diego and has a population of about 58,000 people. It is home to a part of Naval Base San Diego and has numerous service members as residents. These residents enjoy all of the benefits of a smaller city, with incredible accessibility to downtown San Diego through the Metropolitan Transit System and the San Diego Trolley. Visitors to National City benefit from a deep regional history as well as access to everything San Diego has to offer.

While National City can be a great place to live, it also suffers from a moderate to high crime rate for the region. However, crime has decreased in recent years. The police have focused on crime prevention awareness and other measures to keep residents and visitors safe.

If you’re charged with a crime, contact a National City criminal defense attorney right away. You have the right to an attorney at the police station and in court. It’s best to invoke this right in order to receive legal advice regarding your situation and to have someone knowledgeable in the law build a strong defense for you.

Jessica McElfresh is an experienced criminal defense attorney. Raised in San Diego for most of her life, she not only knows the communities but how the local criminal justice systems work. She will tenaciously defend you in court, poking holes in the prosecutor’s case, working toward an innocent verdict.

California Weapons Charges

In California, your right to possess a gun can depend on:

• The type of weapon
• If it’s registered
• Your location
• Whether or not the firearm’s loaded
• Whether it’s open or concealed
• Whether or not you have the correct permit
• Whether or not you’re a felon

In many cases, individuals can lawfully own firearms and move them from place to place. However, the right to own and transport firearms isn’t absolute under California or federal law.

Individuals who carry a loaded gun in public, an unregistered firearm, or a concealed gun without a permit can be charged with a crime and face fines, imprisonment, and lose the right to own firearms.

Weapons-related charges are always serious and need to be handled by an experienced criminal defense attorney like Jessica McElfresh. She understands how confusing gun laws can be, and owners often believe they’re carrying their guns within their rights. Jessica will negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce your offense, build you a strong defense, and work to prove your innocence to the judge or jury. Jessica has a proven track record of helping defendant’s get favorable results following a weapons charge.

First and Subsequent California DUI Charges

Being charged with driving under the influence should always be taken seriously. Whether it’s a first, second, or subsequent offense, the individual should contact an attorney right away. Under California law, the penalties for multiple DUIs become harsh, and a person could end up in prison or lose their license.

A first DUI can result in severe penalties or an offender may only be sentenced to probation and 6-months of a suspended license. It depends on the situation, whether or not there are aggravating circumstances, and whether the individual had an experienced attorney to negotiate on their behalf.

A second DUI conviction will likely bring with it a prison sentence, a significant fine, a license suspension, and DUI school. Whether or not it’s charged as a misdemeanor or felony will depend on the circumstances, the prosecutor, and having an attorney to push for a lower offense. Circumstances that will likely make the second DUI a felony is refusing to submit to a chemical test, a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher, excessive speeding, being under 21 years old, having a child in the car, or causing an accident. A felony DUI conviction carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

Contact a National City Criminal Defense Lawyer

No matter the offense, whether it’s for shoplifting, assault, robbery, a DUI, or a weapons charge, an experienced criminal defense attorney will take the matter seriously and work to prove your innocence.

Jessica McElfresh has years or experience defending residents around San Diego. She has a proven track record of proving her client’s innocence or minimizing the consequences of their conviction. She’ll protect your rights while you’re in police custody, out on bail, while negotiating with the prosecutor or judge, and during a trial. She’ll stick by your side, fighting for you so that you can move on with your life.

Call McElfresh Law today at (858) 756-7107 for a free and confidential consultation.