San Diego, California Criminal Defense Lawyers

Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates

402 West Broadway Suite 1700 San Diego, California 92101 USA

 (619) 618-2982 or (888) 893-3847

www.criminallawsd.com
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Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

The Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates is an experienced firm located in San Diego, California. We have provided comprehensive criminal defense services to clients in California and throughout the United States for more than 25 years. Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in state or federal court, we can help.

Our firm is experienced in handling high-profile cases and the media attention they generate. Our founder, John R. Fielding, Jr., is certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a criminal law specialist and is qualified to represent clients in state cases where the prosecution is seeking the death penalty.

We give every case and every client the full measure of our knowledge and dedication, whether the courtroom is packed with television cameras or if you are facing the power of the government with only your attorneys at your side.

Our lawyers work together on every case so you will receive the personal attention of zealous and passionate criminal defense attorneys. We tailor our approach to achieve your goal. Count on us to be aggressive when we need to be, and willing to negotiate when it is in our client's best interests.

It is important that we meet and talk with you in person as soon as possible and on an ongoing basis. The more we know about the circumstances of your case, the better we will be able to defend you. You can be assured, however, that everything you tell us will remain confidential.

Languages: Spanish, English

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Asset Forfeiture, Larceny, Public Corruption, Cancellation of Sex Offender Registration, Molestation, Internet Sex Crimes, False Accusations, Violent Offenses, Three Strikes, Kidnapping, Vandalism

Practice Areas Description

The Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates in San Diego limits its practice to criminal law. We defend clients charged with any felony or misdemeanor in state or federal court. We also handle criminal appeals. Our attorneys work tirelessly to get the best results for our clients, up to and including the dismissal of all charges. Our efforts often involve addressing the unique needs of those charged as repeat offenders. We have achieved impressive results for clients accused of committing a wide range of criminal acts, including:

- White Collar Crime

White collar crime is a name given to offenses that do not involve physical violence against others. People arrested for white collar crimes can be respected professionals and business leaders, volunteers, politicians and community leaders. Many of these people have never been arrested before. They are unfamiliar with the legal system. Some are frightened and others make the mistake of trying to explain themselves and their actions to police or federal investigators without the benefit of legal representation or advice. White collar criminal cases can be document intensive and detail oriented. We work closely with investigators, forensic accountants and discovery specialists to follow and document the money trail. We also work with a document management company to ensure an organized approach to the hundreds of thousands of documents these cases can generate. Our lawyers have found that the better the case is organized, the better the defense.

- Wire Fraud

Wire fraud is the process of using interstate communications to carry out a scheme to defraud. If you use an instrument of interstate commerce such as mail, e-mail, fax or a telephone to deprive someone of his or her money or property, you can be charged with wire fraud in federal court. Wire fraud is typically one of many charges facing white collar defendants. These cases may involve computer fraud, insurance fraud, pharmacy fraud, online auction fraud, financial fraud, mortgage fraud, bribery and money laundering. Prosecutors often charge defendants with as many specific counts as possible to leave them room for negotiation. As long as they can prove that there is some evidence that you may have committed the crime, they will charge you with it. The attorneys of the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr., & Associates in San Diego, California, have successfully represented clients in wire fraud cases. Our experience allows us to evaluate the charges. We will litigate to achieve the best possible result, including reduction or dismissal of charges.

- Sex Crimes

The concern over sex crimes in this country has robbed innocent people of their rights and their liberty. In many cases, a person accused of a sex crime is deprived of his or her right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. A person convicted of a sexual crime in California and other states may be required to register as a sex offender. The criminal defense attorneys of the Law Offices of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates in San Diego represent clients who are facing life-altering consequences when they may not have done anything wrong. People are falsely accused of sexual crimes more often than most people realize.

- Cancellation of Sex Offender Registration

The criminal justice system is supposed to allow convicted offenders to pay their debt to society and then move on with their lives. If you were convicted of a sex crime, however, there is no moving on. Registered sex offenders have difficulty finding places to live. They may be unable to get a job. Establishing friendships and personal relationships can be painfully discouraging. The obligation to register as a sex offender — perhaps for the rest of your life — can be a living nightmare. In some cases, there may be a way to eliminate your mandatory registration as a sex offender so that you can truly live your life again. The criminal defense attorneys of the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates in San Diego will review your conviction to determine whether there is any chance of canceling your duty to register.

- Molestation

There is a permanent social stigma that comes with any kind of sex crime allegation. Accusations of molestation or sexual abuse of children carry the most stigma. The criminal defense lawyers of the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates in San Diego understand that innocent people can be the victim of false allegations of child molestation. People who work with children are at particularly high risk. We represent teachers, medical professionals, therapists, coaches, day care providers, members of the clergy, scout leaders, church volunteers and others who regularly work with children.

- Child Pornography

If you have been charged with any crime related to child pornography, you should know that both state and federal law enforcement agencies pursue these cases aggressively. The consequences of conviction can include long periods of incarceration and lifetime sex offender registration. Downloading and viewing child pornography on a computer or forwarding a single image via e-mail to a friend is enough to put you at risk of serious consequences, including a lifetime of sex offender registration. When the stakes are this high, it is essential to have a strong, experienced criminal defense attorney fighting for you. At the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates, our lawyers have successfully defended clients accused of a wide range of crimes related to child pornography.

- Internet Sex Crimes

The Internet has revolutionized communications and provided new opportunities for people to get in trouble with the law, often without even knowing it. State and federal prosecutors aggressively pursue cases involving Internet sex crimes. The consequences of conviction are serious, and in some cases, permanent. Many of our clients had no idea that there was child pornography on their hard drives. Some people are falsely accused of criminal acts involving minors in online chat rooms. Whatever your specific circumstances, you can rely on our lawyers' experience and legal skills to help you resolve your case.

- False Accusations

Whenever a case involves a false accusation of a sex crime, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances involved. Often we find that the accuser has a strong motivation to tarnish your reputation. False accusations of child sex abuse are frequently made by people whose relationships are breaking up. A false accusation can be used as a ploy to get you removed from the house and to gain an advantage in child custody and divorce proceedings.

- Drug Crimes

At the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates, we pride ourselves on our experience and aggression when it comes to successfully handling drug prosecutions. Whether your case involves cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, ecstasy, illegal activity related to a prescription drug or any other illegal substance, we will immediately review the procedures involved in the initial search and seizure. Law enforcement must adhere to strict standards and not violate your rights in any way. If they deviated from the proper procedures and violated your rights, you may be entitled to suppress all of the evidence gathered against you in your case. The Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates handles all types of state and federal drug crime cases, including: Drug possession, Drug sale, Drug distribution, Drug cultivation, Drug manufacturing, Drug trafficking, Drug import/export, and Federal drug crimes.

- Violent Offenses

If you have been charged with a violent offense, you need a lawyer who has handled numerous serious criminal cases — a law firm you can trust with your future and your freedom. The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates have the experience you need. Our firm has handled high-profile assault, sexual assault (rape) and homicide cases, including death penalty cases. We have defended clients in highly publicized cases that pack the courtroom with news reporters. We are skilled in all facets of criminal defense and know how to effectively address the press attention these cases generate. Our practice is not, however, limited to high-profile cases. We are just as dedicated to defending clients whose cases do not make headlines. When our law firm defends you, your case will receive the personal attention of skilled, passionate attorneys.

- Murder / Homicide

Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with "malice aforethought." In general terms, the government must prove that the defendant committed an act with knowledge that the result would be someone's death. If you're charged with murder or another homicide, including manslaughter, you need an experienced criminal attorney. John R. Fielding, Jr., is certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a criminal law specialist. As of September, 2009, he is one of ten elite criminal defense lawyers in San Diego certified to handle state murder cases in which the District Attorney is seeking the death penalty.

- Three Strikes

Since 1994, California defendants have been subject to the state's "Three Strikes and You're Out" law. Under this state law, any person who has two prior "violent" or "serious" felony convictions can be sentenced to prison for 25 years to life upon their third conviction. The law applies even if the third conviction is not for a "serious" or "violent" offense. Many defendants sentenced under the Three Strikes law did not deserve to be judged so harshly. For many, their third conviction was for a minor offense, such as shoplifting, but they were nonetheless sent to prison for that minor conviction because of their prior record. If you are facing any "strike" crime, do not minimize the seriousness of your circumstances. You cannot talk your way out of this situation. You cannot trust that, once a judge hears your side of the story, everything will be fine. You need experienced legal representation to protect your freedom and your future. The attorneys of the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates have successfully defended clients charged with the kinds of serious and/or violent felonies that are designated by statute as "three strike crimes".

- Firearms / Weapons Charges

Carrying an unlicensed weapon can be a crime. Carrying a weapon while committing another offense can enhance the seriousness of a criminal charge and the severity of the potential sentence. The use of a firearm during the commission of another offense, such as a drug offense or theft, can transform that offense into a "strike" crime with possible life altering consequences. If you have been charged with any firearm or weapons violation, it is important to speak to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

- Kidnapping

Kidnapping is a serious felony, which makes it a "strike" under California's Three Strikes law. The force required in kidnapping need not be physical force; it may be threats of harm. Kidnapping includes an element of movement of the victim. The movement must be substantial. The law states that, in deciding whether the movement was substantial, the judge or jury should consider whether it increased the risk of physical or psychological harm to the victim or whether the movement gave the attacker a greater opportunity to commit additional crimes. Common defenses to a charge of kidnapping include consent and lack of intent. The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged victim did not consent to the movement, and the defendant must be found not guilty if he or she reasonably believed the victim consented to the movement. The specific facts and circumstances of each case are unique. The attorneys at the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates will listen to you, discuss the facts of your case and provide you the best possible defense.

- Domestic Violence

It is important for anyone accused of domestic abuse or domestic violence to contact an attorney immediately. Once filed, domestic violence charges can have life changing consequences. At the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates, we aggressively protect the rights and freedom of our clients who have been accused of domestic abuse or domestic violence. With combined experience of over 30 years practicing criminal law, our domestic violence defense lawyers know the domestic violence laws, the prosecutors' strategies, and the best ways to defend a domestic violence or abuse case. We also assist with Temporary Restraining Orders that are often associated with these charges. We recognize that many domestic violence and domestic abuse complaints are made by angry spouses during bitter divorce or custody battles, and we work closely with family law attorneys to prevent the criminal justice system from becoming an angry spouse's weapon in family court.

- DUI / DWI Offenses

Drunk driving is sometimes referred to as Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). DUI is a serious charge, one that must be addressed immediately. Rights can be lost without prompt action. Unless handled properly, you could lose your driver's license without a hearing. At the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates, our attorneys know how to take appropriate immediate action following a DUI arrest, protecting your freedom and your rights. Our attorneys work hard defending our clients arrested for drunk driving. We have an in-depth knowledge of California DUI Laws, the court process, the intricacies of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licensing hearings, and all aspects of California DUI defense and related matters.

- Shoplifting and Other Theft

Shoplifting is a commonly charged offense. For some persons charged with shoplifting, the underlying problem is psychological, including addiction. Conviction of theft, including shoplifting, requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused intended to deprive the rightful owner of his or her property. In other words, if you have accidentally taken someone else's property, you are not guilty of theft. Because the underlying issues in some theft cases are emotional and psychological, we work closely with professional therapists skilled in counseling people who are accused of committing such offenses. We have often been able to keep people out of custody through a variety of alternative resolutions. When possible, we negotiate with store owners and the prosecution for a civil compromise, requesting that they agree to recommend dismissal of charges (or not to object) in exchange for an alternative sentence and repayment.

- Juvenile Crimes

When a young person is accused of a crime or is being investigated, it is a painful, stressful time for the entire family. Often there is justifiable fear that the police, prosecutors and judges will not treat the juvenile fairly. Most juvenile offenses involve only a child's poor judgment. In many cases, a juvenile may be subject to trial in adult court. At the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates, our attorneys protect the rights and freedom of young people, negotiating with the appropriate authorities in an attempt to prevent the child from being prosecuted as an adult. Even in juvenile court proceedings, a sentence of incarceration is possible. At every stage of a juvenile case, we aggressively and compassionately represent our young clients. We apply our decades of experience to find creative ways to solve problems. At the Law Office of John R. Fielding, Jr. & Associates, we are not only interested in the facts of the case; we counsel the juvenile clients in a way that is intended to prevent situations before they become problems in court.

Attorneys

Mr. John R. Fielding, Jr. Primary Attorney Criminal Defense, Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Crime

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