1. Gasner Criminal Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certified criminal law specialist
Practice Areas: Federal crimes, white-collar crimes, fraud, RICO violations, federal drug offenses, homicide, assault, robbery, violent crimes, financial crimes, embezzlement, insider trading, complex corporate criminal matters
Background: Attorney Adam G. Gasner is Board Certified by the California State Bar as a specialist in criminal law, a distinction held by fewer than 400 of the more than 250,000 practicing lawyers in California. The firm handles the most challenging federal and California state court felony cases. Mr. Gasner is a San Francisco native who works closely with a team of criminal defense lawyers, investigators, and expert witnesses to provide sophisticated and aggressive representation to clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Location: San Francisco, California
Contact: (415) 782-6000 | https://gasnerlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Summit Defense
Focus Area: Criminal defense with exclusive focus on criminal law
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, white-collar crimes, DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, assault, federal crimes
Background: Summit Defense has over 120 years of cumulative and exclusive criminal defense experience. The firm maintains an exclusive focus on criminal defense and does not accept personal injury or family law cases. Founding Partner Rabin Nabizadeh has 20 years of legal experience. The firm has built relationships with key figures within the San Francisco legal community, which can be beneficial in negotiating outcomes. Attorneys have deep knowledge of local laws and courtroom procedures. The firm has been documented by several Bay Area news channels and has hundreds of satisfied clients.
Location: San Francisco, California (serves the Bay Area)
Contact: (415) 666-2316 | https://summitdefense.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Law Office of Matt Sullivan
Focus Area: Criminal defense with complex forensic evidence expertise
Practice Areas: Domestic violence, violent crimes, computer crimes, DUI, drug offenses, sex offenses, assault
Background: Attorney Matt Sullivan founded his own firm in San Francisco dedicated to client satisfaction and zealous advocacy. He began his legal career as a deputy public defender in the Marin County Public Defender’s Office, handling hundreds of criminal cases. He has handled numerous cases involving complex forensic evidence, including DNA, toxicology, biomechanics of injury, false confessions, eyewitness memory, firearms and gunshot residue, computer and digital forensics, and accident reconstruction. Mr. Sullivan was selected by Super Lawyers Magazine to the Northern California Super Lawyers list for 2018-2025, and to the Rising Star list for 2013-2017. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
Location: San Francisco, California
Contact: (415) 770-0146 | https://www.mattsullivanlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Hickey & Chung, LLP
Focus Area: Federal and state criminal defense with white-collar expertise
Practice Areas: Wire fraud, health care fraud, visa fraud, securities fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, bribery, price fixing, computer and internet crimes, export control violations, RICO
Background: Hickey & Chung provides tailored legal defense for individuals facing federal, state, or civil charges. Attorney Naomi Chung was selected as a 2023 Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star in White Collar Criminal Defense. She is a tenacious advocate for individuals and companies facing investigations and enforcement actions by federal and state authorities. Attorney Brendan Hickey has extensive trial experience and has handled appeals before the California Courts of Appeal and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal, successfully vacating prior convictions in habeas corpus proceedings.
Location: San Francisco, California
Contact: (415) 484-4547 | https://www.defender.law/
Consultation: Available to discuss legal situation
5. Law Offices of Seth P. Chazin
Focus Area: Criminal defense with over 30 years experience
Practice Areas: Sex crimes, murder, federal fraud, violent crimes, drug crimes, theft, white-collar crimes
Background: Attorney Seth P. Chazin has been named a Top 100 Lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. He has effectively defended thousands of clients accused of crimes in the Bay Area, California, and throughout the United States. Notable results include having murder charges dismissed in an alleged Oakland gang shooting and obtaining a full acquittal in a major San Francisco international federal fraud case. The firm represents clients in both federal and state court facing felony or misdemeanor charges. Available 24 hours a day.
Location: San Francisco, California (serves the Bay Area)
Contact: (415) 222-6188 or 1-800-499-9902 | https://www.bayarea-attorney.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California does not use a formal letter or number class system for felonies. Instead, felonies are categorized by severity:
Straight Felonies: Offenses that can only be charged as felonies, such as murder, rape, and robbery. These carry the most severe penalties.
Wobbler Offenses: Crimes that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at the prosecutor’s discretion. Examples include assault with a deadly weapon, burglary of a commercial building, and grand theft. The charge depends on the circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history.
Felony penalties in California vary widely depending on the specific offense, ranging from 16 months to life imprisonment or death (for capital murder). Many felonies are subject to California’s determinate sentencing law, which provides specific terms (such as 2, 3, or 4 years) for particular offenses.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Most misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of 6 months in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
Gross/Aggravated Misdemeanor: Certain misdemeanors carry penalties up to 1 year in county jail. Examples include DUI, domestic battery, and violation of a protective order.
Infractions: Minor offenses (such as most traffic violations) that carry only fines, no jail time.
Record Clearing Options
Expungement (PC 1203.4): Available after successfully completing probation. The conviction is set aside and dismissed, but the record is not destroyed. With expungement, you can legally state you were not convicted in most employment situations. Does not restore gun rights or eliminate requirement to register as a sex offender.
Certificate of Rehabilitation: Available 7-10 years after completing sentence for certain felonies. Serves as a recommendation to the Governor for a pardon and relieves the requirement to register as a sex offender in some cases.
Governor’s Pardon: The ultimate form of relief, restoring all civil rights including the right to possess firearms. Available through application to the Governor’s Office.
Clean Slate Act (SB 731): Effective October 2024, this law provides for automatic sealing of certain criminal records. Eligible misdemeanors are automatically sealed 1 year after completion of sentence. Eligible felonies (non-violent, non-serious, non-sexual) are automatically sealed 4 years after completion of sentence. Arrests without conviction are automatically sealed 3 years after arrest.
DUI Laws
California has strict DUI laws. A BAC of .08% or higher results in a DUI charge. First offense carries 3-5 years informal probation, $390-$1,000 in fines, 48 hours to 6 months in jail, 6-month license suspension, and DUI school. Penalties increase substantially for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that an attorney is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the California State Bar?
Board Certification in Criminal Law by the California State Bar indicates that an attorney has met rigorous standards of competence and experience in criminal defense. Fewer than 400 of California’s over 250,000 attorneys hold this certification. Requirements include substantial experience in criminal law, passing a written examination, peer review, and ongoing continuing education. When an attorney like Adam Gasner holds this certification, it represents an objective verification of expertise that goes beyond simply being licensed to practice law. San Francisco residents facing serious charges should consider this credential when selecting counsel.
How does California’s wobbler law affect my case?
Many California offenses are classified as “wobblers,” meaning the prosecutor can charge them as either felonies or misdemeanors. Common wobblers include assault with a deadly weapon, burglary of a commercial building, grand theft, and certain domestic violence offenses. Factors influencing the charging decision include the severity of the offense, your criminal history, the strength of evidence, and sometimes the particular policies of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. An experienced defense attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce a wobbler felony to a misdemeanor, or argue for misdemeanor treatment at sentencing. Even after a felony wobbler conviction, the court can reduce it to a misdemeanor under Penal Code 17(b) in some circumstances.
What is the Clean Slate Act and how does it help me clear my record?
California’s Clean Slate Act (SB 731), effective October 2024, provides automatic sealing of many criminal records without requiring a petition. Eligible misdemeanor convictions are automatically sealed 1 year after completing the sentence. Eligible felony convictions (non-violent, non-serious, non-sexual offenses not requiring sex offender registration) are automatically sealed 4 years after completing the sentence. Arrests that did not result in conviction are automatically sealed 3 years after the arrest. Sealed records will not appear on most background checks and you can legally state you were not arrested or convicted. However, law enforcement and certain licensing agencies retain access. This law represents a significant expansion of record relief options in California.
What happens at an arraignment in San Francisco Superior Court?
At arraignment in San Francisco Superior Court, you will appear before a judge who will formally inform you of the charges, advise you of your constitutional rights, and ask you to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). The judge will also address bail and conditions of release. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint the San Francisco Public Defender. Most defense attorneys recommend entering a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve all options. Following arraignment, your attorney will receive discovery (evidence the prosecution intends to use) and begin investigating your case. Pre-trial conferences and motion hearings will follow before any trial.
How does San Francisco’s progressive prosecution policies affect criminal cases?
The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office has implemented various progressive policies that may affect how criminal cases are handled. These policies have included diversion programs for certain offenders, reduced prosecution of some drug offenses, and alternatives to incarceration. However, policies can change with elections and leadership changes. An experienced San Francisco criminal defense attorney will stay current on the local prosecution policies and how they may benefit your case. Diversion programs, when available, can result in charges being dismissed upon successful completion. Your attorney can advise whether your case might be eligible for such programs based on the current policies and the specific facts of your case.