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Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Diego Country Estates, CA: 2026 rankings

156 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in San Diego Country Estates: Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers, LFR Score 68/100; 4.9★ from 905 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): Superior Law Center DUI & Criminal Attorney, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 156.

  3. 2

    Most-reviewed: Superior Law Center DUI & Criminal Attorney, 458 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 156 ranked after Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers; ranked #2.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

156 San Diego Country Estates criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 77 are open 24/7, 94 open Saturdays and 87 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 156 rated law firms.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates at a glance

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers684.9★ (905)San Diego, 29 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2Superior Law Center DUI & Criminal Attorney674.9★ (458)San Diego, 26 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours, Most reviews
3Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys675.0★ (293)San Diego, 26 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
4Dod Law, APC675.0★ (405)San Diego, 30 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
5Sterger Law Group664.9★ (117)Escondido, 19 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
6Elite Criminal Defense - San Diego664.9★ (236)San Diego, 26 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
7Rick Mueller DUI Attorney665.0★ (161)San Diego, 26 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
8The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC654.9★ (204)San Diego, 26 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
9Law Offices of David A. Simon654.9★ (165)San Diego, 25 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
10Law Offices of Anna R. Yum654.9★ (272)San Diego, 30 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—

All 156 criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates, in rank order

Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Scores below: based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.

  1. Based in San Diego, 30 mi away

    67/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 405 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 405 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    303 A St Ste 306, San Diego, CA 92101
  2. Based in Escondido, 19 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 117 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 117 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    300 W Grand Ave #200, Escondido, CA 92025
  3. Based in San Diego, 30 mi away

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 183 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 183 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    427 C St Ste 313, San Diego, CA 92101
  4. Based in San Diego, 30 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 106 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 106 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    1350 Columbia St Unit 401, San Diego, CA 92101
  5. Based in San Diego, 30 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 87 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 87 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    401 W A St #1150, San Diego, CA 92101
  6. Based in San Diego, 30 mi away

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 122 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.7★ from 122 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    750 B St #1710, San Diego, CA 92101

Criminal defense lawyers ranked #26 to #50

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 156 ranked criminal defense lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.

criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26San Diego DUI Attorney624.6★ (98)30 mi
27Stefano L. Molea, Esq.624.9★ (47)29 mi
28DUI Attorney El Cajon625.0★ (11)18 mi
29Law Office of Joshua R. Bourne624.9★ (50)30 mi
30Don't Talk Legal Center625.0★ (39)30 mi
31Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers625.0★ (35)29 mi
32Ferrara Law, APC625.0★ (37)30 mi
33Law Offices of David Chesley625.0★ (25)27 mi
34Keegan Law625.0★ (30)29 mi
35Akel | Hoff Law and Mediation, APC.614.9★ (33)30 mi
36Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys615.0★ (30)30 mi
37George H. Ramos, Jr. & Associates614.6★ (53)30 mi
38San Diego Criminal Attorney614.6★ (52)30 mi
39Law Offices of David J. Ruyle, Jr.614.6★ (52)30 mi
40Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers614.6★ (10)20 mi
41The Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC614.7★ (38)30 mi
42Law Office Of Thomas J. Filicia614.5★ (52)30 mi
43Rubin Law Office, PC | Carlsbad Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Lawyer615.0★ (24)30 mi
44Dillon War615.0★ (3)5 mi
45The Law Office of Michael C. MacNeil614.6★ (34)20 mi
46Jason Ronis Law | San Diego Criminal & DUI Attorney615.0★ (23)30 mi
47San Diego Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Karren Kenney615.0★ (21)30 mi
48The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC614.4★ (54)30 mi
49Todd Bruers613.7★ (3)12 mi
50Law Office of Natalie A. Brown615.0★ (66)18 mi

Also serving San Diego Country Estates

20 more criminal defense lawyers within 30 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked criminal defense lawyers serving San Diego Country Estates
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Criminal Attorney/Lawyer Cardiff5.0★ (2)29 mi
Criminal Attorney/Lawyer Jamul5.0★ (2)21 mi
Criminal Defense Network5.0★ (1)30 mi
Jessicca Gray5.0★ (1)15 mi
JW Carver3.0★ (2)30 mi
Kern Law, APC5.0★ (2)30 mi
Law Office of Lupe Rodriguez, Jr. APC5.0★ (1)30 mi
Law Office of Mark Greany5.0★ (2)30 mi
Law Office of Matthew J. Speredelozzi5.0★ (2)30 mi
Law Office of Paul Romero5.0★ (1)30 mi
Law Office Of William Daley5.0★ (2)30 mi
Law Office of William R. Burgener, APC1.0★ (1)30 mi
Law Offices Of Alicia Mcelwaine-Leto5.0★ (1)21 mi
Lopas Law Group, LLP5.0★ (1)19 mi
Marc Kohnen Attorney4.7★ (27)30 mi
Saffari Law Group5.0★ (2)30 mi
Sevens Legal San Diego Criminal Lawyers5.0★ (1)30 mi
Sheryl S Graf Law Office: Graf Sheryl S3.0★ (2)16 mi
The Sullivan Defense, APC4.6★ (28)29 mi
Wallin & Klarich - Criminal Defense Attorneys - San Diego Office5.0★ (1)30 mi

How we ranked San Diego Country Estates criminal defense lawyers

We scored 156 San Diego Country Estates criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn San Diego Country Estates data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
  7. Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.

Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer

  • How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
  • How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
  • Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
  • What does the flat fee cover, and what costs extra if the case goes to trial?
  • Who will appear with me at each hearing?
  • Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?

Terms explained

Contingency fee
A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
Retainer
Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
Flat fee
One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
Limited-scope representation
Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
Statute of limitations
The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
Good standing
A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
Law society
The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
Board certification
Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
Attorney–client privilege
The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
Conflict check
The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
Pro bono
Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal aid
Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.

Criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in San Diego Country Estates?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in San Diego Country Estates, CA is Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers with an LFR Score of 68/100. It has 4.9★ from 905 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Superior Law Center DUI & Criminal Attorney (#2) and Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys (#3) follow. We ranked 156 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in San Diego Country Estates?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 156 criminal defense lawyers serving San Diego Country Estates, CA. Another 20 within 30 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates are open 24/7?

77 ranked criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers (#1), Superior Law Center DUI & Criminal Attorney (#2) and Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates work on weekends?

94 of 156 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 87 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers (#1), Superior Law Center DUI & Criminal Attorney (#2) and Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do San Diego Country Estates criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 156 rated criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates is 4.9★, with a median of 25 reviews. Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers has the most, 905 reviews, and ranks #1. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does LawFirmsRanked rank criminal defense lawyers?

Each criminal defense lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do criminal defense lawyers outside San Diego Country Estates count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the San Diego Country Estates city center, our service radius for criminal defense lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.

Can criminal defense lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?

No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.

How do criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates, CA charge?

Criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee per stage (for example, through a plea or through trial) or an hourly rate. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases under ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $219 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.

What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

If a charge can lead to jail, the court must appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963; Argersinger v. Hamlin, 1972). Ask about a public defender at your first court appearance. This is general information, not legal advice.

How is this list of criminal defense lawyers in San Diego Country Estates, CA ranked?

By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.

Does a lawyer need an office in San Diego Country Estates?

No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.

Update log for San Diego Country Estates

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 156 criminal defense lawyers serving San Diego Country Estates.

More criminal defense lawyers and San Diego Country Estates pages

Other practice areas in San Diego Country Estates