San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer

Don’t take chances with your future. To protect your rights and secure the best chance at a positive outcome, contact Anthony Vargas right away for advice and representation from a skilled and experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer.

From Misdemeanors to Felonies—Relentless Defense for All Criminal Charges

Anthony defends clients against a wide range of criminal charges in San Diego. Whether you’ve been arrested, charged, or are under investigation, he takes your case seriously and will act swiftly to protect your rights. Below are some of the most common types of criminal cases he handles:

DUI Offenses

Driving under the influence is one of the most common criminal charges in San Diego County. But that doesn’t mean the consequences aren’t severe. A DUI conviction can lead to license suspension, steep fines, mandatory DUI education, and even jail time. Anthony thoroughly reviews the circumstances of your stop, arrest, and any chemical testing to determine whether law enforcement violated your rights. He works to suppress illegally obtained evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, or get charges dismissed entirely when possible.

Drug Crimes

Drug offenses in California can range from simple possession to more serious allegations involving distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing. The consequences for a conviction depend on the type of drug, the amount, and whether there is an allegation of intent to sell. Anthony has extensive experience handling drug cases involving narcotics, prescription medications, marijuana, and other controlled substances. He understands the nuances of California’s drug diversion and alternative sentencing programs and fights for outcomes that protect your future.

Theft and Property Crimes

A theft conviction can carry both criminal and social consequences, potentially harming your employment prospects and personal reputation. Anthony represents clients facing a wide spectrum of theft-related offenses, including petty theft, grand theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting, identity theft, embezzlement, and receiving stolen property. He examines the details of each case to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and secure the most favorable resolution possible.

Violent Crimes

Allegations of violence often bring enhanced penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and sentencing enhancements for great bodily injury or the use of a weapon. Anthony defends clients accused of assault, battery, aggravated assault, armed robbery, and homicide. He understands how these cases are built and prosecuted and uses that knowledge to dismantle weak evidence, highlight self-defense claims, and challenge overly aggressive charges.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases are often emotionally charged and can lead to immediate consequences such as restraining orders, removal from your home, and restricted access to your children. These cases often arise from misunderstandings or exaggerated claims during heated personal conflicts. Anthony provides a steady hand, digging into the facts and working to protect your legal rights, reputation, and relationships.

Sex Crimes

Being accused of a sex crime can be devastating, even before the case goes to trial. The stigma alone can ruin careers, personal lives, and reputations. Anthony understands the sensitivity of these charges and the importance of a rigorous, strategic defense. He represents clients accused of sexual assault, child pornography offenses, indecent exposure, and other sex-related crimes. He challenges questionable evidence, scrutinizes motives for false allegations, and works tirelessly to avoid the harsh consequences that come with a conviction, including mandatory sex offender registration.

Child Abuse and Child Endangerment

Accusations of child abuse or child endangerment are extremely serious and can have life-altering consequences, including loss of custody or parental rights. In many cases, these allegations stem from misunderstandings, accidents, or unfounded claims made during divorce or custody disputes. Anthony approaches these cases with care and determination, ensuring your side of the story is heard and your parental rights are protected.

Weapons Offenses

California has strict gun laws and weapons regulations. If you’re found in possession of a firearm without a proper permit—or if you’re accused of using a weapon during the commission of another crime—you could be facing serious felony charges. Anthony defends clients against charges such as unlawful firearm possession, possession of an assault weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, and using a weapon in the commission of a felony. He works to suppress unlawful searches and seizures and protect your Second Amendment rights.

A Thoughtful, Individualized Approach to Every Case

Every criminal case is different, and so is every client. Anthony doesn’t rely on cookie-cutter strategies or rush to plead out a case. He takes the time to get to know you, learn the full context of your situation, and investigate all the details surrounding your arrest and charges. He then develops a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances and objectives.

Anthony’s calm demeanor and confident presence can be especially reassuring in the courtroom. Clients describe him as professional, responsive, and highly effective—a skilled negotiator who also has the trial experience to fight for a not-guilty verdict when necessary.

Local Knowledge Matters

Anthony regularly appears in criminal courtrooms throughout San Diego County, including those in downtown San Diego, Vista, Chula Vista, and El Cajon. His familiarity with the local court systems, prosecutors, and judges gives his clients a distinct advantage. He knows what strategies work, how each courthouse operates, and how to navigate the procedural aspects of your case for the best possible result.

San Diego Criminal Defense FAQs

Do I need a lawyer if facing criminal charges in San Diego?

Getting arrested and charged with a crime is one of the most stressful and uncertain moments a person can face. Suddenly, your future is up in the air—your job, your family, your reputation, even your freedom. And while it might be tempting to think you can get out of it by explaining yourself or that the truth will come out on its own, the reality is this: the criminal justice system is not designed to go easy on you.

That’s why your first move should be to call an experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer like Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law. Anthony represents people charged with crimes across San Diego County. He is a former Public Defender who uses that insider knowledge and experience to fight for his clients in the toughest situations.

Here’s why having the right lawyer on your side matters—now more than ever.

How does the California Criminal System Work?

Police officers and prosecutors are not on your side. From the moment you’re arrested (or even before), they are building a case against you—gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, reviewing surveillance, and trying to get you to talk. Even something you say trying to “clear things up” can end up used against you in court.

A criminal defense lawyer stands between you and the full weight of the government. Your lawyer is the only person in that courtroom whose job is to protect you. That’s not a role you can fill on your own, and it’s not something you want to leave to chance.

Are public defenders good enough?

Public Defenders do important work, and many are excellent lawyers. But their caseloads are enormous, and they’re often stretched thin. That means they may not have time to dig deep into the facts of your case, track down witnesses, file important motions, or give your case the attention it deserves.

When you hire a private attorney like Anthony Z. Vargas, you get a personalized, focused defense. Anthony handles every case himself. You’re not passed off to a junior associate or lost in a stack of files. You get a lawyer who’s fully invested in protecting your rights and your future.

Do first time charges get dropped or go away?

People sometimes believe that if they’re innocent, the charges will be dropped, or if it’s a first offense, the court will go easy on them. Unfortunately, that’s not how things usually go.

Prosecutors file charges based on what they think they can prove—not necessarily what actually happened. That means even weak or exaggerated accusations can lead to real jail time, fines, and a criminal record if you don’t have someone in your corner fighting back.

Anthony doesn’t wait to react—he gets ahead of the case. He talks to witnesses, investigates the facts, files suppression motions, and challenges the prosecution’s evidence early and aggressively. His goal is always to get the case dismissed or reduced before it ever reaches a jury.

The Stakes Are Too High to Go It Alone

A criminal conviction can change your life. Even a misdemeanor can cost you your job, your immigration status, or your professional license. Felony charges carry even more serious consequences—years in prison, hefty fines, and a lifetime criminal record.

With that much on the line, you need someone who knows how to win in court, negotiate smartly with prosecutors, and keep your best interests front and center every step of the way.

Anthony has handled everything from shoplifting cases to complex felony trials. Whether you’re facing a DUI, drug charge, domestic violence allegation, or white-collar offense, he brings the skill, strategy, and courtroom experience to fight for the best possible outcome.

A Good Defense Lawyer Can Change the Outcome

A strong defense attorney can:

• Get charges dropped or reduced
• Prevent damaging statements from being used against you
• Challenge illegal searches or arrests
• Negotiate favorable plea deals when appropriate
• Present your side of the story in a way the court will actually hear
• Take your case to trial when that’s the right move

You can’t control everything about the system, but with the right lawyer, you can take control of your defense.

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in San Diego County, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you call, the more options you have. At the Law Office of Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., we offer experienced, aggressive, and personalized criminal defense to people just like you—people facing charges they never expected and consequences they don’t deserve.

Always Accessible and Transparent

Facing criminal charges is stressful enough—you shouldn’t also have to worry about whether your lawyer will pick up the phone. Anthony makes himself accessible to clients and keeps them informed at every step of the process. He explains your options in plain language and helps you understand what’s happening and why.

The firm also offers flexible fee structures, including flat rates and payment plans, so you can get the representation you need without additional financial stress.

Experienced Criminal Attorney Serving Throughout San Diego

When searching for the best “San Diego criminal defense lawyer near me”, look for an experienced attorney who knows the law, knows the area, and can set you up for the best chance of success. Call now to speak with Anthony Vargas about your situation and find out how he can help. Whether your case is still under investigation or you’ve already been charged, Anthony is ready to step in and start fighting for you.

• La Jolla
• Carmel Valley
• North Park
• Pacific Beach
• Little Italy
• Hillcrest
• Ocean Beach
• South Park
• University Heights
• Mission Hills
• Del Mar Mesa
• Rancho Peñasquitos
• Torrey Hills
• Sabre Springs
• Point Loma

Your Freedom Is Worth Fighting For – Contact Anthony Vargas in San Diego Today

Don’t leave your future to chance. If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation in San Diego County, take control of your situation by working with a trusted and experienced criminal defense attorney.

Call Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, today for a confidential consultation or immediate help after an arrest. Find out how our San Diego criminal defense attorney can help you fight the charges and move forward with your life.