Criminal Law Attorney in San Diego, California

Michael S. Berg, Attorney at Law

401 West "A" Street
Suite 2600
San Diego, California 92101
USA

(619) 239-2186

(619) 237-1310

www.criminallaw.com

Contact Micahel Berg

Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

Attorney Michael S. Berg handles a wide variety of criminal cases in state, federal, and juvenile courts. Michael is a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. His extensive experience over 26 years includes white collar crimes, drug crimes, money laundering and computer crimes, as well as over 37 homicide cases to date. A graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, Michael is also a member of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association.

San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Berg has defended several high profile cases recently including the alleged point shaving scandal at University of San Diego and the George Jakubec case where explosives were found in Mr. Jakubec's North County home.

Michael S. Berg has reached the pinnacle of his profession. Recently named a “Super Lawyer” for the third consecutive year in San Diego, Michael Berg’s courtroom skills and professional demeanor have garnered him the respect and admiration of clients, peers and judges throughout all of San Diego County.

Michael Berg has successfully tried important and high profile criminal cases that have earned him praise not only from his clients, but the prosecutors as well. If you or a loved one is in need of legal representation, do not hesitate. Call Michael S. Berg immediately for a free legal and confidential consultation.

Languages: Spanish, English.

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Drunk Driving; DMV Hearings; Federal Crimes; Tax Evasion; Terrorism Crimes; Kidnapping; Gun Offenses; Bank Fraud; Destroying of Mail Boxes; Counterfeiting;
Art Theft; Securities Fraud; Immigration Crimes; Mail Fraud; Three Strikes Law; Violent Crimes; Carjacking; Mayhem; Extortion; Larceny; Internal Fraud; Internet Violations; Hacking; Counterfeiting; Forgery; Tax Evasion / Avoidance; Receiving Stolen Property; Insurance Violations; Probation; Pimping and Pandering; Statutory Rape; Child Molestation; Child Enticement; Child Exploitation; Child Procurement; Date Rape; Indecent Exposure; Internet Pornography; Lewd and Lascivious Conduct; Marital Rape; Molestation; Obscenity; Pedophilia; Sodomy; Grand Jury Indictments; Misdemeanor; Gun Crime.

Practice Areas Description

Attorney Michael S. Berg specializes in providing representation to people charged with:

- Child Abuse

The charge of child abuse is about as serious as they get, and if you have been accused, then it is vitally important that you have the best child abuse attorney that you can find. Defending yourself will be difficult and if you don’t have proper legal representation, you could find yourself paying the price for something that you had nothing to do with.

- Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases are different. Even if a "victim" wants to drop the charges, or stop them from being filed, the decision is not theirs to make. Whether or not charges are filed is in the sole discretion of either the district attorney or city prosecutor. Not only are units established in the prosecutor's office to handle these cases, now entire courtrooms and judges are devoted to domestic violence cases. If domestic violence charges are brought against you, as a condition of remaining free on bail, you can expect to be facing a "no contact" order with the "victim” and the possibility that you may be barred from your own home. Although it may be possible to avoid jail, if convicted be prepared for long-term domestic violence counseling, losing all rights to own and carry a firearm and lengthy court review hearings.

- Drunk Driving, DMV Hearings

Many DMV Administrative Hearings hinge upon whether the police officer had probable cause to stop you for drunk driving in the first place and the experience of the officer who administered the alcohol tests. Another factor critical to successful defense in DMV Hearings are the procedural aspects of keeping the alcohol screening devices or chemical tests in line with established California codes. A San Diego DUI attorney will have the knowledge of how to use the California codes for your defense.

- Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI

A drunk driving (DUI, DWI) conviction in San Diego, California may also involve public work service for high blood alcohol levels, restitution in accident cases and increased penalties for prior convictions including jail, license suspension and ignition interlock devices. Also, most individuals will find that the biggest financial cost of a criminal drunk driving (DUI, DWI) conviction will be from increased auto insurance rates. Depending on your driving record and how long you've been with your company, there is the potential they may drop your coverage. A San Diego DUI attorney with experience handling drunk driving cases in the San Diego court system is the best way to combat a first offense drunk driving charge. If you have prior convictions, then you need an extremely skilled and competent attorney with a successful track record to represent you.

- Drug Crimes

Depending on whether charges are filed in state or federal court, the penalties and sentences vary dramatically. Your San Diego drug crime attorney will determine the best method of defense for the applicable court. In state court, the penal code sets out the sentencing ranges, although there are enhancements in most cases that may apply. In federal court, sentencing is handled by the federal sentencing guidelines.

- Expungement

If you have been convicted of a crime, whether you pled guilty or went to trial and were found guilty, clearing up your record at a later date will be a main concern. You may wonder whether you will be able to find future employment, and if so, whether your potential new employer will have access to your past criminal record.

- Federal Crimes

If you commit a crime that violates the US federal legislation, or a crime that took place on federal property, you will be charged with a federal crime. Unlike other crime charges, a federal crime may involve long and thorough investigations by FBI or CIA. In many of these cases, the suspect is unaware of the investigation until charges are filed. If convicted, you face serious consequences that can have a long lasting impact on you and your loved ones. At the law office of San Diego federal criminal attorney Michael S. Berg, we are prepared to handle your case. Our firm is highly experience defending people who face either state or federal charges. Our criminal lawyer reviews each case, looks for evidence and creates a strong defense. We have successfully represented numerous clients in San Diego and surrounding areas.

- Felony

One of the worst things that could happen in your life is being charged with a felony. It means that if you are convicted, you could spend time in jail, have a felony conviction on your record for life, and lose certain rights of citizenship guaranteed to others. When deciding upon an attorney to represent you in your felony case, it is important that you evaluate different attorneys and make the right decision early on. Knowing what to look for in a felony attorney is very important. It is certainly no less important than getting a second opinion from a doctor when facing an important medical decision. Michael S. Berg has close to 30 years of experience in dealing with every type of felony case imaginable. He has sound judgment and is extremely honest in all his dealings. He is compassionate and willing to listen.

- Fraud

When you start to research an attorney to represent you in a fraud or embezzlement case, begin by asking them about their past experiences with similar cases. You need an attorney that you will be able to work closely with over an extended period of time. An attorney that will take the time to listen to what you have to say and take your input on the case. Finding the right attorney will allow you the best opportunity to have your charges either reduced or dismissed. If faced with charges of fraud or embezzlement, call Attorney Michael S. Berg today for a free consultation. Michael S. Berg has handled numerous large-scale fraud cases in both the state and federal courts. He is extremely experienced in these areas of law and is able to assist you in your case.

- Grand Jury Indictments

In simple terms, a Grand Jury is a group of people that are charged with determining whether or not a person has committed a crime, and if so, should charges be filed against that person. Unlike a trial before a jury, a Grand Jury is significantly different. In a Grand Jury setting, the prosecutor (either State District Attorney or Federal U.S. Attorney) presents evidence to this group of people. Unless you are subpoenaed as a witness, you are not present, and your attorney is not allowed to be present either. Unlike a jury trial, in a Grand Jury you are not given the Constitutional Right to cross-examine and confront the witnesses against you, and you are not allowed to put on any witnesses on your behalf. It is a one-sided affair, and it is all balanced in favor of the prosecution. If the Grand Jury finds that enough evidence has been presented to file a case against you, you are formally Indicted and will then have the right to contest the charges in court.

- Gun Crimes

Most people will tell you that as Americans, we are guaranteed the right to own or possess a firearm. However, outside of hunting or target practice, there are few instances where you can legally use your gun. In addition, there are also certain places when just the possession of a gun could have you arrested, such as at an airport or on school grounds. Being convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanor crimes could forever bar you from owning any type of firearm.

- Hit And Run

There are two aspects to any hit and run accident: why the accident happened and why you left the scene. In many instances, the problem can be cleared up with the police department before charges are ever filed. In order to do so, it is imperative that legal consul, experienced with Hit and Run cases, is contacted immediately to initiate contact with the authorities. Having a hit and run offense on your record most certainly will affect your insurance rates, and depending on the status of your license, could result in suspension or revocation of your right to drive. Hiring an attorney experienced in hit and run cases is crucial if you are trying to have the charges dismissed, reduced or not filed at all.

- Misdemeanor

Although the maximum penalty for a Misdemeanor is one year in local custody and fines, there are other potential consequences that make having a misdemeanor conviction every bit as serious as a felony conviction. For example, with certain Misdemeanor convictions, one can face deportation or exclusion from the United States, bans on owning or carrying firearms and mandatory registration as a sex offender or narcotic offender. A conviction in some types of cases can result in loss of driving privileges, loss of school scholarships and loss of employment.

- Murder

Being charged with murder requires one to have an attorney that is well-equipped and experienced enough to handle a case of this magnitude. The stakes could not be more serious, as a conviction could well mean spending the rest of your life behind bars. This is not the time to find a lawyer just learning the ropes. Michael S. Berg has handled over 37 murder/homicide cases and has the knowledge and experience to help you in a case of this nature. Whether you are looking for an attorney to defend you in trial, or are trying to have the charges dropped or reduced, Michael S. Berg has the knowledge, skill and expertise to assist you in this regard.

- Probation

When you are placed on probation, you are asked to be on your best behavior and to not get involved in any type of criminal activity in the future. If you are arrested after you have been put on probation, it is a sign to the judge that you did not learn your lesson and that maybe he or she made a mistake in giving you probation in the first place. No judge likes to be shown up, so they might want to make you pay the price for not having complied with their orders.

- Shoplifting

Facing a charge of shoplifting or petty theft can be a traumatic experience. Whether it is filed as a misdemeanor or as a felony, a conviction of a theft-related charge on your record might have serious consequences. In some cases, it might result in loss of job or school scholarships. Theft charges by their nature are crimes of Moral Turpitude, thus a theft-related conviction has the possibility of barring one from citizenship or resulting in removal from the United States.

- Sex Crimes

Very few allegations can damage your future as much as the charge of a sexual offense. Serious charges can be made by anyone regardless of physical evidence and are often pursued by overzealous prosecutors. Even false allegations of a sexual offense can seriously damage the rest of your life, including the ability to get a job, your reputation, your relationships and the ability to get along with your neighbors. When you are accused of any sexually based crime, there is a natural tendency for everybody to consider you guilty regardless of the facts. I believe in your innocence and can be prepared to take your case to trial. Any sexual charge must be aggressively defended due to the fact that a conviction on almost any of these crimes will result in registration as a sex offender (usually for life), a felony conviction, mandatory AIDS testing, polygraph examinations and potential prison time.

- Internet Crimes

The internet has changed the way we all work and communicate. It is now possible to have immediate contact with someone on the other side of the world. But, just as the internet has brought the world closer and communication at light speed, it has also allowed for a tremendous amount of internet criminal activity. If you have been charged with any kind of internet crime, you need an attorney that is experienced in internet matters to represent you.

- White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes are typically committed by business people, professionals, entrepreneurs or public officials through deception as opposed to street crimes which occur through the use of force or violence. Obviously, penalties vary considerably, but in most cases the prosecutor will actively pursue restitution. Whether or not jail is sought will depend on the particulars of each situation.

- Three Strikes Law

In the judicial system, a three strike case is when someone is convicted 3 times of a serious criminal offense. On the third time they are convicted of a serious crime, the judge is required to give them a mandatory sentence of an extended period of time being incarcerated. The law requires that the person be convicted of these three offenses on three separate occasions. As a judge, they are not required to hand down an extended sentence if all three are being convicted at once. The judicial officials usually consider the three strike cases to be habitual offenders of the law.

- Computer Crimes

Although once relatively rare, entire departments are now established by prosecutors to handle these crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also established a computer crimes department and actively pursues violators.

- Violent Crimes

If you have been accused of committing a violent crime, you need the services of an attorney. The crimes and the punishments are very serious and may have lifelong implications.