La Mesa Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you’re arrested in La Mesa, your quiet suburban life can change instantly. You might have been enjoying dinner at Anthony’s Fish Grotto or shopping at the La Mesa Village when police arrive and arrest you, stating that your former spouse has filed a domestic violence complaint against you. Before you know it, you’re in custody and facing criminal charges that could affect your job, family, and future.

I’m Attorney David Rubin, a former deputy district attorney who now defends clients throughout La Mesa and San Diego County. My decade of prosecutorial experience taught me how the state builds cases, gathers evidence, and pursues convictions. Now I use that knowledge to protect people like you from unfair charges and excessive penalties.

Why Choose Me as Your La Mesa Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Criminal charges in La Mesa can derail your life, which is why it’s so important to hire a defense attorney who’s just as aggressive as the prosecution. As a former prosecutor, I know how the other side prepares their cases and will use these insights to protect your freedom.

When you hire me to defend you against your charges, I bring these advantages to the table:

• Experience as a Former Prosecutor: I spent ten years prosecuting cases like yours before switching sides to defend people facing such charges. This background gives me insider knowledge of how prosecutors think and work. I can spot weaknesses in their cases that other defense attorneys might miss.
  
• Direct Access to Your Attorney: You’ll have my personal phone number and can contact me by call, text, or email whenever you need answers. As a solo practitioner, I handle every case personally. You won’t get passed off to assistants or paralegal staff when you have questions.
  
• Clear, Flat-Fee Billing: Criminal cases create enough stress without surprise legal bills adding to your worries. I charge a flat fee for all criminal defense work, so you know exactly what you’ll pay from the start. There won’t be any hidden costs or unexpected charges showing up later.
  
• Courtroom-Tested Trial Skills: While some attorneys prefer quick plea deals, I’m prepared to take your case to trial when that’s your best option. I’ve argued cases in the San Diego Superior Court many times. Prosecutors know I’m not afraid to fight, which often leads to better plea offers.
  
• Individual Attention for Every Client: Large law firms treat clients like numbers, but I take a different approach with each person who hires me. I limit my caseload to give every client the time and attention they deserve. You’ll never feel rushed during our meetings.

Criminal Charges I Handle in La Mesa

Criminal accusations in La Mesa can range from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies, and each type calls for a different defense strategy. I’ve defended clients against every kind of criminal charge in San Diego County courts, so contact me for the aggressive legal representation you need.

DUI Charges

DUI arrests happen quickly, but the penalties can affect you for years afterward if you don’t fight back. California’s DUI laws include mandatory license suspensions, heavy fines, and possible jail time. When you hire me, I’ll examine every aspect of your traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer results to find problems with the prosecution’s evidence. My goal is to get your charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.

Drug Offenses

Drug charges in California range from simple possession to serious trafficking accusations, depending on the type of substance and the amount involved. Even possession charges can hurt your employment, housing applications, and college opportunities. I’ll challenge the legality of the search, question the evidence chain of custody, and explore diversion programs that keep convictions off your record.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence allegations can damage your reputation and relationships even before you step into a courtroom. These cases often involve conflicting stories about what really happened during heated arguments or fights. I’ll investigate the accusations thoroughly, interview potential witnesses, and present evidence that supports your version of events. Sometimes the facts reveal self-defense situations or false accusations motivated by custody disputes.

Theft and Property Crimes

Theft charges include everything from shoplifting to grand theft and can result in jail time plus restitution payments to victims. Property crimes like vandalism or trespassing might seem minor, but they still create criminal records that follow you for years. I’ll review store security footage, witness statements, and police reports to build your defense and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentences.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery charges often stem from situations that escalated rapidly, like bar fights or neighborhood disputes. When injuries occur or weapons are involved, misdemeanor charges can become felonies with potential prison sentences. I’ll investigate whether you acted in self-defense, if the other person was the actual aggressor, and what evidence supports your side of the story.

White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, or identity theft involve financial records and paper trails that prosecutors love to use against defendants. These cases require careful analysis of bank statements, computer records, and business documents. I’ll work to show a lack of criminal intent, challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of financial evidence, and protect your professional reputation while fighting the charges.

Probation Violations

Probation violations can land you in jail even for minor mistakes like missed appointments or failed drug tests. New arrests while on probation can trigger revocation hearings that send you back into custody. I’ll advocate for alternatives to jail time, explain any misunderstandings to the court, and work to modify your probation terms rather than revoke them entirely.

Weapons Offenses

California has strict gun laws, and weapons charges can result in felony convictions plus loss of your Second Amendment rights. Common charges include illegal possession, carrying concealed weapons, or using firearms during other crimes. I’ll examine whether the search that found the weapon was legal, if you knew about its presence, and what constitutional defenses apply to your situation.

What to Do If You’re Arrested in La Mesa

Getting arrested is among life’s most frightening experiences, but your actions during those first few hours can determine everything that happens next. In other words, the decisions you make while in police custody will affect your case from start to finish. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and preserve your rights.

• Stay Calm and Cooperative: Keep your emotions under control and don’t resist arrest, even if you believe the charges are wrong or unfair. Resisting will only add new charges and give officers justification to use force. Keep your hands visible, follow all instructions, and avoid any sudden movements that might alarm the arresting officers.
  
• Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: The most important rule is simple but often ignored: don’t discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. Police officers receive training in interrogation techniques and will use various tactics to get you talking. They might act friendly, claim they want to help you, or suggest that cooperation will lead to leniency.
  
• Invoke Your Right to Legal Counsel: When officers read your Miranda rights, listen carefully and invoke them immediately without hesitation. Say clearly: “I’m invoking my right to remain silent and I want a lawyer present.” Then stop talking completely. Don’t explain your situation, don’t argue about the charges, and don’t try to talk your way out of anything.
  
• Contact a La Mesa Criminal Defense Lawyer: Call me as soon as you’re allowed to make phone calls from jail. If you can’t reach me right away, leave a detailed message with your location and booking number. Remember that jail phone calls are recorded, so don’t discuss any details about your case with family members or friends.

Time works against you after an arrest because evidence can disappear, and witnesses can forget important details. The sooner I can start investigating your case, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Speak to a La Mesa Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you’re facing criminal charges in La Mesa, don’t wait another day to hire a lawyer. The prosecution has already started building their case against you, which means you need someone working just as hard to build your defense. 

Call Rubin Law Office at (619) 719-1087 or use the contact form below to schedule your free, confidential consultation. My Carlsbad office serves all of San Diego County, including La Mesa, and I’m ready to start fighting for your rights now. The earlier we can begin investigating your case and preserving evidence, the stronger your defense will be.

FAQs

Can Criminal Records Be Sealed in California?

In California, certain misdemeanor and felony convictions can be dismissed or sealed through expungement under Penal Code section 1203.4. To qualify for expungement, you must have completed all probation terms, paid all court fines, and have no pending criminal charges. Most misdemeanors and some felonies are eligible for this relief.

Filing an expungement petition requires submitting proper court documents and appearing before a judge who reviews your compliance history. When expungement is granted, the conviction gets set aside, and you can legally state that you haven’t been convicted of that offense in most situations. However, certain government agencies and professional licensing boards may still consider expunged convictions when making employment or licensing decisions.

I can evaluate your eligibility, prepare all necessary paperwork, and represent you at the expungement hearing. By handling the legal requirements and court procedures correctly, an experienced lawyer gives your petition the best chance for approval.

What Should I Expect at My Arraignment?

Arraignment serves as your first official court appearance after arrest, and its main purpose is to inform you of all charges and obtain your initial plea. During this hearing, the judge reads each charge aloud, explains your constitutional rights, and asks whether you plead guilty, no contest, or not guilty. I can enter a plea on your behalf if you authorize me to do so, and I typically recommend “not guilty” to preserve all defense options.

The judge also addresses bail and release conditions during arraignment proceedings. If the bail amount seems excessive for your financial situation, I can file a motion later to reduce it, but the initial terms get established at this hearing. We use arraignment to request discovery materials from the prosecution, set deadlines for pretrial motions, and schedule future court appearances.

Having legal representation at arraignment protects your rights from the very beginning and establishes a strong foundation for everything that follows. This hearing sets the tone for your entire case, so proper preparation is essential.

What Are My Options If I Can’t Afford Bail in La Mesa?

If you can’t post bail after your arrest, several options exist to secure your release and avoid lengthy pretrial detention. I can file a motion asking the court to reconsider the bail amount, presenting evidence like steady employment, family ties in the community, or lack of flight risk. Judges sometimes reduce bail when presented with compelling proof that the original amount exceeds your financial means.

When bail reduction motions are denied, I can explore pretrial release programs that use supervised monitoring or electronic ankle bracelets instead of cash bail. Another option involves working with licensed bail bond agents who post bail in exchange for a fee, typically ten percent of the total amount. Your attorney may also negotiate with prosecutors to reach an agreement on reasonable release conditions.

Staying in custody while your case is pending can hurt your defense preparation and create hardships for your family and employer. Working with an experienced attorney gives you the best chance of securing pretrial release under manageable conditions.

Do I Have to Attend Every Court Hearing?

You must appear in person for all major hearings, including your arraignment, bail review, plea hearings, and any trial proceedings. Some routine scheduling conferences or minor motions can proceed with just your attorney present, but you’ll receive advance notice when your attendance is required. Missing required court appearances can result in bench warrants or forfeiture of any bail money you’ve posted.

My office maintains a detailed case calendar that tracks every court date and sends reminder notifications by phone or email. If scheduling conflicts arise for minor hearings, I can request continuances on your behalf to find dates that work better. For hearings conducted remotely via video conference, I’ll walk you through the technology and courtroom procedures so you feel prepared and confident.

Staying organized with your court calendar prevents serious problems like failure to appear charges. Regular communication with your attorney helps ensure you never miss important dates or deadlines in your case.