Mark SkinnerI have a favorite TV series, Suits, and one thing that always stands out is how Mike Ross lives under constant pressure, knowing that one mistake could undo everything he has built.
Watching his story reminds me how fragile stability can be when legal trouble appears. That same fear and uncertainty often lead people to search for assault lawyers in San Diego, hoping to regain control of their situation.
In real life, criminal charges move fast and leave little to no room for error. They can threaten your career, reputation, and family life within days.
So, this list was created to help you find experienced lawyers who can protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
How much do assault lawyers charge in San Diego?
Assault lawyers in San Diego charge between $2,500 and $10,000 per case. However, the fees vary based on the lawyer’s experience, the severity of the charge, and the length of the case.
1. Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers
Address: 3555 Fourth Ave, CA 92103
Contact Details: +1 619-430-2355
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers have proven experience in defending violent crime and assault cases in San Diego. Their team brings over 100 years of combined criminal defense experience.
They include attorneys like Samantha Greene, a California State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist with more than 20 years in practice. She regularly handles serious assault and felony cases.
What I appreciate most is how accessible they are when stress hits hardest. They offer 24/7 live chat with a real person, so you can reach someone even late at night. They even provide free consultations, which makes it easier to understand your options.
In terms of reputation, they have been voted San Diego’s Best Criminal Defense Firm and Best DUI Firm.
Plus, their managing partner, Dan Green, has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer. These awards reflect strong courtroom performance in serious cases.
They also handle related charges such as domestic violence and battery, which often come with assault cases. This means you are working with a single team that understands how these charges relate to each other.
One downside is that their strong reputation means high demand. So, appointments may take time to schedule.
Highly recommended
“I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Ben Steigerwalt, as well as the team at Sevens Legal. Ben was nothing short of professional, courteous, and helpful throughout my case. He made sure I understood everything and helped me steer the course of my case in the best way possible. I never felt like I did not understand the process, and if I did he was quick to answer my questions. Over the last year I never felt as though I had misplaced my faith and trust. He was clear, concise and truly I felt as though he had my back the whole time. I would highly recommend both him and Sevens Legal to anyone in need of their services.”
- Jacob Perez, Google Review
Samantha was so great to work with
“Samantha was so great to work with. She listened to me, answered my questions, and told it like it is. I appreciated the honesty and how she worked hard to make sure I was satisfied with the end result. Couldn’t have asked for a better attorney to work with. Would recommend Seven’s Legal to anyone who needs their services.”
- Alana Cronk-Gebbia, Google Review
2. Dod Law, APC
Address: 303 A St, Suite 306, CA 92101
Contact Details: +1 619-814-5110
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
If you want a defense team that knows how to take control of serious assault cases from day one, Dod Law, APC stands out for its aggressive and detail-driven approach to violent crime defense.
At the center of the firm is Dod Ghassemkhani, who is known for delving into police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence. He often challenges weak evidence and inconsistencies early in the case.
He was named as San Diego County’s 2023 Trial Lawyer of the Year, and has also been recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers nationwide.
Add to that his national media features on Court TV and NBC7, and you get a lawyer who is both respected in court and trusted under pressure.
The firm is backed by more than 6,500 criminal cases handled and over 20 years of courtroom practice. Their website highlights real “not guilty” wins in high-stakes cases, showing they are not afraid to take tough battles.
I also appreciate that the firm offers 24/7 availability, which is critical when arrests, restraining orders, or emergency hearings occur without notice.
However, Dod’s highly aggressive defense style may not suit clients who prefer a low-profile approach in sensitive cases.
A good lawyer that you can trust
“If you’re reading these reviews, looking for a good lawyer that you can trust, you’ve found one. I found Dod on Google after a lapse in judgement that could have had some serious consequences. I lost sleep and could not stop stressing out over my future. I gave Dod a call, Dolores answered, took my message and very shortly after, Dod called me back to discuss the situation. He is a straight shooter, no BS. His confident expertise really helped put my mind at ease. He was always very quick to respond to questions, even silly ones that I had. Thanks to him, no charges were brought against me. After 6 months, case closed. I can’t even tell you how happy I was to get that call. I hope I never have to, but I would recommend Dod to anyone I know that finds themselves in trouble in a heartbeat.”
- Ben Forth, Google Review
Luis got my charges reduced
“I was stopped for allegedly driving under the influence and terrified I’d lose my commercial license. I contacted Dod Law and immediately relived after a consultation with Dod. Luis Jimenez represented me, explaining the process guiding me every step of the way. Luis was amazing – and he delivered in court. Professional, available, aggressive in his defense. Luis got my charges reduced and I got my life bsck. Thank you Luis, and Dod Law!”
- James Canty, Google Review
3. Elite Criminal Defense
Address: 8880 Rio San Diego Dr # 800, CA 92108
Contact Details: +1 619-771-0769
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Elite Criminal Defense is known for its work on assault and battery cases, including serious charges like assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245).
Backed by 20+ years of trial experience, the team, including Oscar Valencia, brings that courtroom background into early strategy and firm negotiations with prosecutors.
They move quickly after an arrest by gathering witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and securing evidence early. This approach helps prevent weak or incomplete cases from being used against you.
Their practice spans a wide range of serious criminal matters. These include corporal injury to a spouse, attempted murder, and related offenses such as terroristic threats and DUI defense.
If your case overlaps with other charges, know that you are working with one team that knows how everything connects.
However, since the firm is managing numerous high-stakes cases, it may limit how often it provides updates. In complex cases, delayed communication can cause additional stress for clients who want real-time clarity on next steps.
Nonetheless, one practical advantage worth noting is their flat-fee pricing. You know your legal costs upfront, without worrying about hourly bills piling up.
They also offer free consultations and explain legal options in simple terms. With multiple offices across San Diego, it’s easier to meet your lawyer in person when needed.
Offered life-changing defense
“I honestly just want to thank everyone at Elite Criminal Defense for all the quality hard work, and dedication. Since day one Carlos & Oscar Valencia have been very humble, professional, productive, and very understanding. They are very busy people but they always find the time to help you and answer your questions in the best way possible. They didn’t just keep me out of jail, they dropped my felony and replaced it with a quality life lesson. They helped me turn my life around and gave me hope for the future. Today I am sober, clean, very happy and excited to see what the future holds for me. Thank you.”
- Oskar Lizarraga, Google Review
Best criminal defense law firm in San Diego
“The best criminal defense law firm in San Diego. I’m beyond grateful for all of the hard work everyone did on my son’s case. I spoke to 5 different attorneys about 6 months ago before making my decision and this place was the best of all, fantastic from the start. Super affordable, they know the law. Not just the attorneys but the entire staff, you guys are amazing. Could not have wished for a better outcome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
- Isaiah Jimenez, Google Review
4. Law Offices of Anna R. Yum
Address: 501 W Broadway Ste 1660, CA 92101
Contact Details: +1 619-233-4433
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
The firm, Law Offices of Anna R. Yum, regularly handles assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245), and cases involving serious bodily injury. It shows in how comfortable they are dealing with misdemeanor and felony-level assault charges.
With over 15 years of courtroom experience, former prosecutor Anna R. Yum has worked on both sides of the courtroom. She understands how prosecutors build their cases and how to challenge them.
I also appreciate that she is licensed in both state and federal courts, as this will be especially helpful as cases become more complex.
The firm is supported by experienced attorneys, including former public defenders who have handled thousands of criminal cases.
Like Elite Criminal Defense, Law Offices of Anna R. Yum also offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. It’s truly important because arrests or emergency hearings can happen at any time.
What I love about them is that clients have said the team communicates clearly and consistently keeps them updated, no matter what happens.
However, because they are well known and highly hands-on in each case, scheduling can sometimes take longer. You may need some patience when booking an appointment.
Case dismissed in court
“Anna Yum is an exceptional lawyer—personable, emotionally intelligent, and incredibly responsive. She successfully got our daughter’s case dismissed in court, and throughout the entire process she was a reassuring and steady presence. Even though she had a team working on the case, Anna personally walked us through documents we needed to prepare, gave us her personal contact information, and responded immediately to texts and calls. As out-of-state parents trying to help our freshman while feeling completely in the dark, Anna was truly a calming and guiding force. We are deeply grateful for her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care. Highly recommend.”
- Stacey Oh, Google Review
Anna is an incredible attorney
“Anna is an incredible attorney. My company had an unfortunate run in with the APCD and they were considering placing a felony charge on my business. I was referred to Anna and am so grateful for that referral. Anna was able to eliminate the looming felony charge and clear our company name! She then helped us with reducing the APCD fines. I pray I never need a criminal attorney again, but if I do, it will most certainly be Anna Yum! Her commitment to my case was second to none, it’s obvious that she is all in and cares about her clients. I would recommend her to anyone!”
- Michael Coats, Google Review
5. David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys
Address: 2550 Fifth Ave, Suite 1050, CA 92103
Contact Details: +1 619-762-4503
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Since 2007, David P. Shapiro has focused exclusively on criminal defense through
Criminal Defense Attorneys.
Over the years, he successfully defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges, including serious cases involving other violent offenses. His record includes multiple “not guilty” verdicts, showing that he’s fully prepared to take cases to trial.
He knows what it’s like to face uncertainty, pressure, and fear about your future. That’s why he approaches assault cases with both urgency and empathy. This personal perspective shapes how he defends clients and protects their reputations and careers.
The firm’s reputation is further supported by recognitions such as LawFirm500’s fastest-growing firms list and the 2022 BBB Torch Award for Ethics.
The firm’s strength also stems from its team. In total, they have a core group of about eight legal professionals. It includes multiple attorneys and dedicated support staff, so clients are never relying on just one person.
However, their strong trial-focused approach may not be ideal for clients who prefer quick plea solutions.
Dedicated advocates with proven results
“I have had the pleasure of working with Attorney Shapiro’s team twice—once about 15 years ago and again recently this year. They protected both my business and me personally, achieving excellent results in both cases. Reason I did not hessite to hire them a second time for their services They are dedicated advocates who guide you through the entire process, respond promptly to requests, and work very efficiently.”
- Laura Corral, Google Review
Professional and strategically prepared
“From the first meeting, through the final hearing, this firm demonstrated professionalism and a detailed understanding of the law. They were well prepared for hearings and ensured that I was prepared as well. Empathetic but honest, they went above and beyond by creating contingencies and alternate strategies, something that only experience can bring. Their thoroughness helped put us on solid footing and served us well in helping to obtain a fair outcome. This firm has my highest recommendation.”
- David Rogers, Google Review
