1. Law Offices of Michael A. Scafiddi, INC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former police sergeant background and decades of experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, gang crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: When you are facing criminal charges, the reality is that you may have to go to trial to protect your rights. At Law Offices of Michael A. Scafiddi, they have been successfully fighting for the outcomes for their clients for decades. They understand what it takes to build the highly effective cases necessary to deliver the real results people need. They are here to help you and will put all of their experience and resources behind you. Over the years they have been helping people fight criminal charges and have built a reputation for success, knowledge and effort that they are very proud of. Their client testimonials reflect their standing in the legal community. Every new client they work with receives the same level of commitment and service that helped them build that reputation. They understand the difficult position people find themselves in after being charged with a crime. San Bernardino criminal lawyer and former police sergeant Michael Scafiddi defends people facing criminal cases and DUI cases. This is one of the most professional law offices available. The judges and DA’s know this firm and the caliber of what they will be up against.
Location: 432 N Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92401 (additional offices throughout Southern California)
Contact: (909) 414-3772 or (909) 863-5500 | https://www.scafiddilaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
2. Wallin & Klarich
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years experience and familiarity with San Bernardino courts
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, battery, domestic violence, murder, sex offenses, juvenile crimes, theft, expungement
Background: Facing criminal charges in San Bernardino? Don’t navigate the complex legal system alone, get immediate help from the trusted criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich, who have protected clients’ rights for over 40 years. Paul Wallin, Co-founder with 40+ years of successful criminal defense experience. Louis Pilato is a skilled litigator dedicated to achieving outcomes in challenging cases. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have represented thousands of clients in San Bernardino courts. If you are arrested in San Bernardino, you must appear at the San Bernardino County Courts located at 351 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415. This courthouse is the largest in the county. The court handles criminal, traffic, and family law cases. Misdemeanors are handled in departments S-1, S-2, S-4, S-6, S-7, S-9 and S-14. Felony cases are handled by departments S-21 through S-27. The presiding judge at this San Bernardino court is Judge Annemarie Pace. In misdemeanor cases, your attorney can appear for you in court. However, you must be present if the case involves domestic violence or a third DUI.
Location: 225 West Hospitality Lane, Suite 319, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact: (909) 383-1867 or (888) 749-0034 | https://www.wklaw.com/san-bernardino/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 140+ combined years experience and Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, murder, federal crimes, administrative hearings
Background: The San Bernardino criminal defense attorneys of Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP have more than 140 combined years of experience in criminal law, which is why they are highly regarded criminal defense attorneys in San Bernardino. All of their partners, including Stephen Levine, who is board-certified in criminal law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, will do everything they can to get you the favorable outcome that you deserve. Every attorney in their firm has appeared before the local criminal court judges and magistrates many times, and are all well-respected by both the local judges and San Bernardino-area attorneys. They can also represent you in administrative hearings. Every client is treated with both respect and dignity, regardless of the charges brought against them. They look at all of their clients as innocent, no matter what they are accused of, and treat them accordingly, whether the case is jaywalking or homicide. They have a reputation for preparing proficient defenses and using their courtroom-tested attorneys to get their clients a favorable outcome.
Location: San Bernardino, California
Contact: (909) 453-4059 | https://www.mblklawfirm.com/
Consultation: Private appointment available
4. Law Office of Dennis Kuntz
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decade of experience in San Bernardino County courts
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, white collar crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Facing conviction of a criminal charge? Entrust a devoted criminal lawyer in San Bernardino, CA, with your case. Dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of the accused, the Law Office of Dennis Kuntz has successfully navigated many individuals through complex criminal defense matters for nearly a decade. When you turn to their law firm, seeing your name exonerated before the court of law becomes their #1 goal. Navigating the criminal defense process in San Bernardino can be challenging, but having an experienced criminal attorney by your side helps ensure your rights are vigorously protected. The process often starts with an arrest by either the San Bernardino Police Department or the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. After booking, defendants typically attend an arraignment at the San Bernardino Justice Center, where formal charges are presented. At Law Office of Dennis Kuntz, their committed criminal defense attorneys in San Bernardino guide clients through every phase, from investigation and case analysis to court appearances and negotiations. They use their knowledge of local procedures, judges, and prosecutors to tailor defense strategies.
Location: San Bernardino, California
Contact: Available through firm website | https://www.lawofficedenniskuntz.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Law Office of James McGee
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience and strong local ties
Practice Areas: Murder, robbery, gang crimes, weapon offenses, DUI, white collar crimes, drug crimes, theft, expungements, Three Strikes cases
Background: Their legal team at the Law Office of James McGee does not miss a beat. Lead by a former prosecuting attorney, their lawyers offer high-quality personal representation in a full range of criminal matters. State and federal laws are continually subject to revision through legislative updates and case law outcomes. They stay up to date so you can be sure the system is not slogging you with stale charges. They use their close ties in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to serve individuals who require experienced criminal defense assistance with complicated allegations of homicide, theft, embezzlement, multiple stops for drunk driving, internet pornography, gun offenses, child endangerment, and even expungements after your case is resolved. California’s criminal justice system can be confusing, and terrifying, to face on your own without an experienced defense attorney at your side. Their lawyers are well-respected in the local and legal community. At the Law Office of James McGee, they have a successful track record for ensuring clients’ stories are heard, no matter the charges they are facing. James McGee is a former prosecuting attorney and highly regarded on both sides of the courtroom.
Location: San Bernardino, California (serves Riverside and San Bernardino Counties)
Contact: (888) 873-0383 | https://www.mcgeeplc.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California uses determinate sentencing with low, middle, and high terms for most felonies:
Serious Felonies: Include murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping, assault with intent to commit mayhem. These trigger Three Strikes enhancements.
Violent Felonies: Similar to serious felonies with specific code sections. Require registration and enhance future sentencing.
Wobbler Offenses: Can be charged as felony or misdemeanor at prosecutor’s discretion. Examples include assault with deadly weapon, grand theft, and some drug offenses.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum 6 months county jail and $1,000 fine.
Gross/Aggravated Misdemeanor: Maximum 364 days county jail.
Common misdemeanors include DUI (first offense), petty theft, simple assault, drug possession for personal use.
Proposition 47
Proposition 47 (2014) reduced many non-violent felonies to misdemeanors, including drug possession for personal use and theft under $950. Allows those with prior convictions to petition for resentencing or reclassification.
Expungement
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 after completing probation. The conviction is set aside and dismissed, but still visible to law enforcement. Most misdemeanors and many felonies are eligible.
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 3-5 years probation, up to 6 months jail (48-hour minimum), $390-$1,000 fine, 6-month license suspension, and DUI school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in San Bernardino?
The San Bernardino County Superior Court system handles criminal matters at six different court locations. The main courthouse is at 351 N. Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92415. This courthouse is the largest in the county. The court handles criminal, traffic, and family law cases. Misdemeanors are handled in departments S-1, S-2, S-4, S-6, S-7, S-9 and S-14. Felony cases are handled by departments S-21 through S-27. Other locations include Barstow Courthouse, Chino Courthouse, Fontana Courthouse, Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse, and Victorville Courthouse. Having a San Bernardino criminal defense attorney familiar with local courts provides an advantage.
How does San Bernardino County’s crime rate affect criminal prosecution?
Neighborhood Scout reports that San Bernardino is safer than only 2 percent of U.S. cities. Its rate of both violent and property crime (per thousand residents) is significantly higher than either the state or national average. With the increase in gang activity over the years, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has become very aggressive in pursuing criminals. High levels of crime also tax the criminal justice system. Errors are more likely to be made by police officers and prosecutors who are overworked and do not have enough time to devote to an individual case. This is why anyone who is investigated or charged with a crime in the San Bernardino area needs to hire a defense lawyer to protect their constitutional rights.
What are the penalties for drug possession in San Bernardino?
California reformed drug laws with Proposition 47 (2014). Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is now a misdemeanor under Health & Safety Code 11350, with maximum penalty of 1 year county jail and $1,000 fine. First and second-time offenders are typically eligible for drug treatment diversion programs. The Health & Safety Code addresses crimes related to substances like marijuana and cocaine. Marijuana possession (up to 28.5 grams) for adults 21+ is legal. Drug distribution crimes remain felonies with enhanced penalties. A San Bernardino criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for diversion programs.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in San Bernardino County?
DUI arrests don’t always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. First DUI offense in California carries 3-5 years probation, 48 hours to 6 months jail, $390-$1,000 fine plus penalty assessments, 6-month license suspension (with possibility of restricted license after 30 days with IID), and mandatory DUI school. A third DUI must be personally attended by the defendant. California has an implied consent law with automatic license suspension for refusal. A San Bernardino DUI attorney can challenge the evidence.
Can I get my San Bernardino criminal record expunged?
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 after completing probation successfully. A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. You must have completed all terms of probation, paid all fines and restitution, and not be currently charged with or on probation for another offense. The Law Office of James McGee and other firms offer expungement services after your case is resolved. If eligible, the court will set aside the verdict or plea, and dismiss the case. Proposition 47 also allows reclassification of prior felonies to misdemeanors. A San Bernardino criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility.