1. Gasner Criminal Law
Practice Focus: Federal criminal defense, felony defense, white collar crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, fraud
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, felonies, white collar crimes, fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, RICO violations, federal drug offenses, homicide, assault, robbery, violent crimes, complex corporate criminal matters
Background: Adam G. Gasner is Board Certified by the California State Bar as a Specialist in Criminal Law. This certification is held by fewer than 400 of the more than 250,000 practicing attorneys in California. The firm handles complex federal and state court felony cases throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. The firm works with a team of criminal defense lawyers, investigators, and expert witnesses to provide defense representation in serious criminal matters.
Location: San Francisco, California
Contact: https://gasnerlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Law Office of Matt Sullivan
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence defense, violent crimes, computer crimes, drug offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, assault, criminal threats, stalking, violent crimes, computer crimes, online sexual offenses, drug charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, suppression hearings, plea negotiations, investigation, evidence review, post-conviction proceedings
Background: Matt Sullivan earned his law degree from the University of San Francisco Law School. He began his legal career as a Deputy Public Defender in the Marin County Public Defender’s Office, where he handled hundreds of criminal cases. While at the public defender’s office, he achieved acquittals, hung juries, or dismissals in the majority of cases he tried despite limited resources. He was selected to the Northern California Super Lawyers list for 2018-2025 in the practice area of criminal defense, and to the Rising Star list for 2013-2017. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the California DUI Lawyers Association, and California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. He is admitted to practice in all courts in California and in federal court in the Northern and Eastern Districts of California.
Location: San Francisco, California (serving the Bay Area)
Contact: https://www.mattsullivanlaw.com
Consultation: Confidential consultation available
3. Morales Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, drug crimes, sex crimes, assault, theft, murder, federal criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, drug-related crimes, sex crimes, battery and assault, theft, murder, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal court, investigation, motion practice, plea negotiations, jury trials
Background: Christopher Morales is Board Certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. The firm has provided criminal defense representation in San Francisco and throughout California for more than 25 years. Christopher Morales has handled high-profile cases including the Bilitnikoff murder case, the 22nd Bryant Street gang rape case, and the Fernando Murillo attempted murder case. He has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association and 10 Best Attorneys by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
Location: San Francisco, California
Contact: https://moraleslaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Valery Nechay Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, felony defense, juvenile defense, civil rights litigation, asset forfeiture defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile offenses, violent crimes, drug offenses, theft, sex crimes, civil rights claims (excessive force, police brutality), asset forfeiture
Legal Services: Trial defense, investigation, motion practice, evidence gathering, plea negotiations, juvenile court representation, civil rights litigation, asset forfeiture defense
Background: Valery Nechay is a San Francisco criminal defense attorney and long-term resident of San Francisco. The firm provides representation in criminal matters throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The practice includes juvenile defense in the San Francisco Bay Area juvenile justice system. The firm also handles civil rights litigation, including excessive force and police brutality claims, and asset forfeiture defense. The attorney is experienced in the procedures and deadlines associated with asset forfeiture cases.
Location: San Francisco, California
Contact: https://valerynechaylaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Law Offices of Randy Sue Pollock
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, federal criminal defense, white collar crimes
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, felonies, white collar crimes, fraud, complex criminal matters
Legal Services: Federal court representation, trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, investigation
Background: Randy Sue Pollock has offices in Oakland, California, and serves clients in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. She was named a Top White Collar Attorney by the Daily Journal in 2024. She received the Judge Learned Hand Award from the American Jewish Committee in 2021. She has been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers (2012-2014) and selected to Super Lawyers from 2012 to 2025. She holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell (2001-present) and was named Lawyer of the Year by the Recorder Legal Journal in 2011. She is involved with the Arabian Gulf Institute and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Jewish Committee. She is a member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
Location: Oakland, California (serving San Francisco and the Bay Area)
Contact: https://www.rspollocklaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in California
California requires attorneys to pass the California Bar Examination and meet character and fitness requirements before admission to practice. The State Bar of California regulates attorney conduct and discipline under the supervision of the California Supreme Court.
The California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS) certifies attorneys as specialists in Criminal Law. California was the first state in the country to approve a legal certification program in 1971. Criminal Law was among the first three specialty areas when CBLS began operations in 1973. To become certified as a Criminal Law Specialist, an attorney must practice criminal law for at least five years, demonstrate a high level of experience through the number of jury trials conducted to verdict, complete continuing legal education requirements, receive favorable evaluations from attorneys and judges familiar with their work, and pass a written examination. Approximately 3% of practicing attorneys in California hold any CBLS certification. Fewer than 400 of California’s more than 250,000 licensed attorneys are Certified Criminal Law Specialists. Under California Rule 1-400(D)(6), an attorney may not claim to be a “specialist” unless certified by the State Bar or an approved entity. Certification must be renewed every five years.
California operates a county-based public defender system. San Francisco has a Public Defender’s Office that represents indigent defendants in criminal cases. Eligibility is based on financial need, with specific income guidelines set by the county. The court makes the final determination of indigency.
California felonies are classified as follows: Some serious felonies carry potential sentences of 25 years to life under California’s Three Strikes Law. Standard felonies are categorized by specific sentencing ranges defined in the Penal Code, typically ranging from 16 months to life imprisonment depending on the offense. California misdemeanors generally carry a maximum sentence of up to one year in county jail. California has a unique category of offenses called “wobblers,” which may be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at the prosecutor’s discretion. California retains the death penalty for certain capital offenses, though there is currently a moratorium on executions.
Attorney advertising in California is governed by the California Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys may not make false or misleading communications about their services.
California offers record clearing remedies including expungement under Penal Code Section 1203.4, dismissal under Proposition 47, and automatic record clearing for certain marijuana offenses. Expungement is generally available to individuals who completed probation successfully and were not sentenced to state prison. Expungement allows the defendant to withdraw their guilty or no contest plea and have the case dismissed. However, expunged records are still visible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies. California has expanded record relief programs in recent years, including automatic expungement for eligible offenses.
California has determinate sentencing for most felonies, with sentences defined by statute. Sentencing enhancements apply for prior convictions, use of firearms, gang-related offenses, and other aggravating factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens after I am arrested in San Francisco?
A1: After an arrest in San Francisco, you will be transported to County Jail for booking and processing at the Hall of Justice or a district station. You will typically be brought before a judge for arraignment within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). At arraignment, the court will advise you of the charges, inform you of your rights, and ask you to enter a plea. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office to represent you, subject to a financial eligibility determination. The court will also address bail. San Francisco has implemented bail reform measures, and many defendants are released on their own recognizance or with supervised pretrial release conditions rather than cash bail.
Q2: What are the DUI penalties in California for a first offense?
A2: A first-time DUI in California with no injuries is typically charged as a misdemeanor under Vehicle Code Section 23152. Penalties include 3 to 5 years of informal (summary) probation, fines ranging from $390 to $1,000 plus penalty assessments (total typically $1,500 to $2,600), completion of a 3-month (30-hour) DUI education program (longer if BAC was 0.15 or higher), license suspension of 6 months (restricted license may be available), possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), and up to 6 months in county jail (though jail time is often avoided for first offenses). Aggravating factors such as excessive speed, BAC of 0.15 or higher, refusal of chemical testing, or having a minor in the vehicle can result in enhanced penalties.
Q3: Does San Francisco have any diversion or alternative sentencing programs?
A3: Yes, San Francisco offers several diversion and alternative sentencing programs. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office has a Pretrial Diversion Program for certain first-time offenders. The Neighborhood Courts Program addresses low-level offenses through restorative justice practices. San Francisco also operates specialty courts including Adult Drug Court, Behavioral Health Court (for defendants with mental health issues), Community Justice Center Court, Veterans Justice Court, and Young Adult Court (for defendants ages 18-25). These programs emphasize treatment, rehabilitation, and community service as alternatives to traditional prosecution. Eligibility varies by program and depends on offense type, criminal history, and other factors. A defense attorney can help determine if you qualify.
Q4: Can I get my criminal record expunged in California, and how does it work?
A4: California offers expungement (dismissal) under Penal Code Section 1203.4 for individuals who successfully completed probation and were not sentenced to state prison. To petition for expungement, you must have completed all probation terms, paid all fines and restitution, and have no pending criminal charges. The petition is filed in the court where you were convicted. If granted, you are permitted to withdraw your guilty or no contest plea, and the case is dismissed. While expungement releases you from many of the penalties of conviction and allows you to truthfully state you were not convicted on most job applications, the record remains visible to law enforcement, certain professional licensing boards, and for purposes of future sentencing enhancements. California also has Certificate of Rehabilitation and pardon processes for more serious offenses. Proposition 47 allows reduction of certain felonies to misdemeanors with subsequent dismissal.
Q5: What are my rights if police in San Francisco want to question me about a crime?
A5: If police want to question you about a crime, you have fundamental constitutional rights under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments. You have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions beyond providing basic identification information. If you are in custody, police must read you your Miranda rights before questioning. You have the right to an attorney, and if you cannot afford one, an attorney will be provided. You should clearly and unambiguously invoke these rights by stating: “I am invoking my right to remain silent” and “I want to speak to a lawyer.” Once you invoke these rights, police must stop questioning you. You cannot be penalized for exercising your constitutional rights. Do not provide explanations, defenses, or alibis without first consulting with an attorney. What you say to police can and will be used against you in court.