Chula Vista, the second-largest city in the San Diego metropolitan region, offers a rich cultural and natural experience to its nearly 244,000 residents and countless visitors. Just 7.5 miles from downtown San Diego, Chula Vista attracts tourists with its live entertainment, shopping, and attractions like Aquatica and the Living Coast Discovery Center. The Otay Valley Regional Park also draws nature enthusiasts for hiking and horseback riding.
Despite its vibrant community, Chula Vista faces its share of crime. If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense here, you need a dedicated advocate by your side. McElfresh Law is a criminal defense firm located in San Diego, CA, proudly serving Chula Vista residents and visitors.
If you have been charged with an offense, contact a Chula Vista criminal defense attorney. You have the right to an attorney and to defend yourself in a speedy trial.
Our Criminal Defense Services in Chula Vista
At McElfresh Law, we defend clients against a wide variety of criminal charges. Whether you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, our experienced team is here to provide the representation you need.
Moving Violations in California
People often don’t take traffic tickets very seriously, but by simply paying your ticket, you plead guilty or no contest to the offense and must accept whatever consequences the court imposes. Under California law, moving violations add points to your license, which means paying a ticket increases your chances of losing your license in the future. Receive and pay a few speeding tickets and you can suddenly find your license revoked for months or a year.
Instead of handling a moving violation on your own, call an experienced traffic attorney. Whether you were speeding, ran a red light, or were texting, a lawyer can help you plead your innocence and avoid harsh punishments.
California DUI
California law harshly punishes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Someone charged with a first-time DUI may be able to get off light, with probation and a 6-month license suspension. However, if there are aggravating circumstances or this is a second DUI or third DUI, it’s likely an offender will face jail time. Factors that increase DUI penalties include:
- The defendant had a BAC level of 0.15 percent or higher
- The DUI caused an accident
- Children under the age of 14 were present in the car at the time of the DUI
- The defendant was under 21 years old
- The defendant was speeding at the time of the DUI
- The defendant refused a breath or chemical test
Even first DUIs that cause injury can be charged as a felony, which increases the likelihood and amount of time in jail as well as fines.
California Marijuana Charges
Growing, possessing, transporting and selling marijuana are still generally illegal. An individual can have 1 ounce or less on their person and not be charged with a crime. However, more than an ounce will generally lead to a misdemeanor charge. If you’re found to be growing, possessing, moving, or selling more than an ounce, you could face a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail.
The penalties for misdemeanor marijuana charges may seem light, but a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect someone the rest of their life. A criminal record could limit the type of jobs someone can hold, cause them to lose their professional license, make them ineligible for financial aid, and make it difficult to obtain safe housing.
Assault & Battery Charges in California
If you’ve been charged with assault or battery, it’s important to completely understand the offense and how you can defend yourself. Battery occurs when actual force or violence is used against another person. Assault, however, is when there is an attempt at violence along with the ability for the person to follow through with that violent act. In neither case does the victim need to be injured for the offender to be charged, but if someone does suffer an injury, the offense may be charged as a felony
Assault is generally charged as a misdemeanor unless a deadly weapon, such as a knife or gun, is used. In this case, it could be a felony punishable by up to 4 years in jail. Battery is also usually a misdemeanor unless the victim is seriously injured, such as by broken bones or a head trauma. Then the battery may be a felony punishable by up to 4 years in jail.
If the victim is a peace officer for either of these charges, the punishment may increase.
Property Crimes
Property crimes in California such as theft, burglary, or vandalism can lead to significant penalties, including jail time and fines. Whether you’re facing petty theft in San Diego or a more severe charge like California grand theft auto, we’ll work tirelessly to defend your rights.
College Crimes
If your child has been accused of a crime in California, such as underage drinking or vandalism in San Diego, we understand the importance of protecting their future. We handle juvenile cases with care and a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Fraud and White-Collar Crimes
Fraudulent activities in California, such as identity theft or embezzlement charges, can lead to felony charges and long-term consequences. We’ll investigate the evidence against you and craft a defense strategy aimed at reducing or dismissing the charges.
Contact a Chula Vista Criminal Defense Attorney
Don’t face criminal charges on your own, particularly if you already have a criminal record. Contact an experienced lawyer right away to learn more about the charges and how you can best defend yourself in court. Jessica McElfresh believes in every defendant’s right to defend themselves against criminal charges, and she’ll build you the strongest defense possible under the law.
Call McElfresh Law today at (858) 756-7107 to schedule a free consultation.
