Getting arrested in Poway can leave you confused, frustrated, and worried about your future. You might be headed home from Blue Sky Reserve or picking up dinner at Twin Peaks Plaza when an officer stops you. A quick question about your license or a minor traffic infraction can escalate into something far more serious. Suddenly, you’re being searched, handcuffed, or accused of a crime you didn’t commit. Without someone to protect your rights, you could find yourself in a courtroom before you even have time to process what happened.

I’m David Rubin, a former prosecutor who now defends clients in Poway and across San Diego County. I’ve handled hundreds of criminal cases and know how the District Attorney’s office builds its arguments. That insight helps me challenge weak evidence and push back firmly when law enforcement oversteps its bounds. If you’ve been charged with a crime, I’ll help you understand your options, protect your rights, and take action to improve your situation from the start.

Why Hire Me as Your Poway Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you’ve been arrested in Poway, you may be worried about what’s going to happen to you. Criminal charges can lead to court dates, job issues, a permanent record, or time in jail. Having a reliable defense lawyer can help you feel more prepared and give you a better chance at a stronger outcome. I bring years of courtroom experience and a direct approach to every case I take, whether the charges are minor or more serious.

Here’s what you can expect when you hire Rubin Law Office:

• Insight from a Former Prosecutor: Before starting Rubin Law Office, I worked as a prosecutor in Massachusetts. I know how the District Attorney evaluates evidence and how they can aggressively push for convictions. I use that background to challenge weak evidence and build defense strategies that account for their next move.
• Direct Access to Your Lawyer: You won’t be handed off to a junior associate or paralegal. I personally handle every case from start to finish. You’ll have my cell number and can reach me directly by phone, text, or email whenever you have a question.
• Flat Fee Billing with No Surprises: Legal fees shouldn’t make your situation worse. I charge a flat rate for most criminal defense cases, so you’ll know what you’re paying from the start. There are no hourly charges, no hidden fees, and no unexpected bills down the line.
• Trial-Ready Representation: Some criminal defense attorneys avoid trial whenever they can. I prepare each case as if it might go to court, and I don’t back down when the best option is to fight in front of a jury. That preparation often leads to stronger plea offers and better results.
• Smaller Caseload, More Attention: I limit the number of cases I accept so I can give each one my full attention. That means I’ll have time to review your file carefully, prepare motions in advance, and meet with you regularly to go over updates. You won’t be waiting days for a response or showing up to court unprepared – I’ll make sure you’re always informed.

Criminal Cases I Handle in Poway

I represent people facing charges throughout Poway, from traffic-related offenses near Pomerado Road to more serious allegations investigated by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Some clients are arrested during a routine stop on Twin Peaks Road. Others are contacted at home or work after a complaint is filed. No matter how the charges come about, I review the facts, evaluate the evidence, and fight for an outcome that protects your future.

Here are some of the most common types of criminal cases I handle in Poway:

DUI

A DUI arrest often starts with a basic stop for speeding or a broken taillight. But if officers claim they smell alcohol or suspect impairment, it can quickly lead to testing, towing, and a night in custody. I review traffic cam footage, body cam video, and testing records to see if your rights were violated and challenge any unreliable results.

Drug Charges

From simple possession to allegations of sales or manufacturing, drug charges in Poway can carry steep penalties. I examine how the search took place, whether officers had a warrant or probable cause, and how the evidence was handled. In qualifying cases, I also pursue diversion programs to help you avoid a conviction.

Domestic Violence

When police are called for a domestic disturbance, someone often ends up arrested—even if both people say it was a misunderstanding. I go through the incident report, body cam recordings, and witness statements to look for inconsistencies or signs that your actions were defensive, accidental, or falsely reported.

Theft and Property Crimes

Theft cases include shoplifting at local retailers, car break-ins, or more serious accusations like burglary or identity theft. I review store surveillance, examine arrest reports, and challenge unclear or mistaken identifications. In many cases, I negotiate alternatives like restitution or informal probation to keep you out of jail.

Assault and Battery

Verbal arguments at a Poway bar, a fight at a party, or even a neighbor dispute can lead to assault charges. I look at how the altercation began, what witnesses reported, and whether there’s any indication that you acted in self-defense or were wrongly accused.

White Collar Crimes

Allegations of fraud, embezzlement, or forgery can involve long investigations and heavy records. I work with forensic analysts and review the financial documents closely to determine what actually happened. These cases often turn on details like access, intent, or recordkeeping errors.

Probation Violations

Missing a scheduled check-in or picking up a new charge while on probation can put you at risk of jail. I review the alleged violation and provide the court with information about your employment, family responsibilities, and any recent efforts to comply. My goal is to help you stay in the community with adjusted terms.

Firearms and Weapons Offenses

If you’re arrested in Poway with a weapon in your vehicle or charged with illegal possession, the state may add enhancements or push for a harsh sentence. I look at how the weapon was found, whether you were legally allowed to have it, and if the officers followed search laws. When possible, I argue for reduced charges or dismissal based on context and your record.

What to Do if You’re Arrested in Poway

Being arrested can make anyone panic, especially if the police advise you that they’re taking you to jail. You may feel like you need to explain yourself or try to improve the situation by answering all their questions, but that often makes things worse. What you do (or don’t do) immediately after an arrest can affect how your case unfolds. Knowing how to respond in those first moments can help protect your rights and prevent accidental self-incrimination.

• Remain Calm: Even if you believe the arrest is unfair or based on a misunderstanding, stay calm and follow instructions. Don’t argue, resist, or make sudden movements. Losing your temper or pulling away could lead to added charges and make things harder to correct later.
• Stay Silent: You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Police are trained to ask questions that sound casual but are meant to get you talking. Don’t explain your side or try to talk your way out of it – what you say can and will be used against you. Wait to speak with a Poway criminal defense lawyer before answering any questions.
• Ask for a Criminal Defense Lawyer: Say clearly, “I want a lawyer and I’m choosing to stay silent.” After that, stop talking. You don’t need to justify the request or give any explanation. Once you’ve made it clear, officers must stop asking questions until your lawyer is present.
• Avoid Talking on Jail Phones: Jail calls are almost always recorded. It may be tempting to tell a friend or family member what happened, but anything you say could end up in the hands of the prosecution. Keep the conversation short and ask someone to contact a defense lawyer for you.
• Call a Poway Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away: The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner you can take steps to protect yourself. Early action can help your attorney get police reports, secure video evidence, and speak to witnesses before anything is compromised or disappears. It also gives your defense a stronger start while the prosecution is still reviewing the file.

Questions? Get a Free Consultation From a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you’ve been arrested or charged in Poway, it’s important to act quickly. The District Attorney’s office begins reviewing police reports and gathering evidence right after an arrest. If you wait too long to get legal representation, they gain a head start. 

The sooner I get involved, the better chance we have to challenge weak evidence, secure favorable terms, or even push for dismissal. Call Rubin Law Office at (619) 719-1087 or use this contact form to schedule a consultation. My office is located in Carlsbad, and I represent clients in Poway and throughout San Diego County. 

Poway Criminal Defense FAQs

Can I Be Charged Even If the Police Didn’t Read Me My Rights?

Yes. Police are not required to read you your Miranda rights at the time of arrest. Those rights, such as the right to remain silent and to have an attorney, only apply once you’re in custody and being questioned. If officers fail to give that warning and then start asking you questions, anything you say in response may not be allowed in court. But the arrest itself still stands, and the prosecution can still use other evidence against you. I review all records and recordings to see if there was a Miranda violation. If there were, I’ll move to suppress those statements and push to weaken the state’s case as early as possible.

What If the Alleged Victim Wants to Drop the Charges?

Once criminal charges are filed in Poway, the decision to continue or dismiss the case belongs to the prosecutor, not the person who made the complaint. Even if the alleged victim wants the charges dropped, the District Attorney may still move forward. However, if the complaining witness refuses to cooperate, changes their story, or avoids testifying, it may make the case harder to prove. I’ll review the evidence, speak to the prosecutor, and identify weak points that can be used in negotiations or raised in court. If the case depends entirely on a reluctant witness, I’ll push for dismissal or a deal that avoids a conviction on your record.

Will a Conviction Affect My Immigration Status?

Certain convictions, especially those involving drugs, theft, or violence, can affect your immigration status, even if the penalties seem minor. A single misdemeanor could lead to deportation proceedings or prevent you from renewing a visa or green card. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s important to consider immigration consequences before pleading guilty or no contest to any charge. I work closely with immigration lawyers when needed to make sure the approach we take doesn’t cause unexpected harm. Even when the facts are difficult, there are often alternative pleas or case resolutions that help protect your legal status and reduce long-term consequences.

Can I Seal My Arrest Record If I Wasn’t Convicted?

If you were arrested in Poway but never convicted, you may qualify to have your record sealed under California law. This applies to situations where charges were never filed, were dismissed, or if you were found not guilty at trial. Sealing the record can prevent employers, landlords, and licensing agencies from seeing the arrest on a background check. It doesn’t erase the fact that you were arrested, but it limits who can access that information. I’ll review your history to see if you qualify, prepare the required documents, and appear at any hearings on your behalf. Sealing an old record gives you a better chance to move forward without being held back by an incident that didn’t result in a conviction.