Criminal Defense Attorney in San Bernardino

Serving San Bernardino County Since 1996 with Former-Prosecutor Insight

When you need a criminal defense attorney in San Bernardino, our team at Newman & Allen brings decades of combined experience to help protect your rights and your future. We represent individuals throughout San Bernardino County, providing clear guidance, steady support, and strategic advocacy at every stage of a criminal case.

Facing criminal charges can affect your freedom, reputation, and long-term opportunities. Working with a criminal defense lawyer in San Bernardino who understands the charges, the process, and your individual circumstances allows you to approach your case with greater clarity and preparation. We offer free, confidential evaluations so you can discuss your situation before making any decisions.

Call (909) 328-6101 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation. Our former prosecutors are ready to review your case.

Criminal Challenges We Defend in San Bernardino

Our attorneys defend clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including:

• DUI and DUID: Alcohol-related DUIs, drug-related DUIs, and cases involving refusal of chemical tests.
• Drug Crimes: Possession, possession for sale, trafficking, prescription fraud, and marijuana-related offenses.
• Domestic Violence: Assault on a partner, criminal threats, protective order violations, and related charges.
• Theft Crimes: Shoplifting, petty theft, grand theft, embezzlement, and burglary.
• Sex Crimes: Sexual battery, indecent exposure, child pornography, and internet-related sex offenses.

We recognize the impact a criminal case can have on your life, reputation, and personal relationships. Charge-specific defenses depend on the alleged conduct, available evidence, the procedural history of the case, and the applicable sections of the California Penal Code. We use that full picture to evaluate the path most suited to your situation.

California Criminal Charge Classifications

California’s Penal Code governs nearly every criminal offense, establishing definitions, classifications, and potential penalties. Understanding this framework helps you recognize the practical significance of how a charge is filed and what may be at stake.

California criminal offenses fall into three primary categories, and the classification can shape the defense:

• Infractions: Violations punishable only by a fine, with no possibility of jail time.
• Misdemeanors: Generally punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine, or both, depending on the charge and circumstances. Common examples include a first-offense DUI, shoplifting, and domestic battery.
• Felonies: Potentially punishable by more than one year in state prison, or in some cases county jail under California’s realignment laws, depending on the specific offense. Felonies include offenses such as murder, serious theft, and drug sales.
  • “Wobblers”: Some California offenses can be charged or sentenced as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the governing law and the specific facts of the case. A core part of our work is evaluating whether arguing for reduction of a wobbler felony to a misdemeanor is appropriate and available in a given case.

The San Bernardino County Superior Court handles both misdemeanor and felony criminal matters. The actual penalties a defendant may face depend on the charge, criminal history, case facts, and court orders. We evaluate whether the evidence and applicable law support seeking a less severe classification.

The Criminal Case Process in San Bernardino County

Criminal cases in San Bernardino County follow California law, and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for crimes committed within the county. Each case moves through a sequence of proceedings that varies based on the charge, the procedural posture, and case-specific factors.

Stages of defense from arrest through trial:

• Arrest and Arraignment: The first court appearance, where the defendant is advised of the charges and enters a plea. Bail or release conditions may also be addressed. We appear at arraignment to enter a plea and argue for appropriate bail or release on your own recognizance where the facts support it.
• Pre-File Intervention: When we are retained before charges are officially filed, we can contact the District Attorney’s Office to present mitigating evidence and request that the case be rejected or filed at a lesser level.
• Discovery: We seek available evidence, including police reports, body-camera footage, witness statements, and forensic reports. Our team then reviews this material through the lens of attorneys who have worked on the prosecution side.
• Preliminary Hearing (for Felonies): A hearing at which a judge determines whether sufficient probable cause exists to hold the defendant for trial. We treat this as an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, expose weaknesses in the state’s case, and build a record for later proceedings.
• Pretrial Motions: We evaluate and file motions to suppress evidence where search-and-seizure issues arise under California Penal Code section 1538.5, or to address constitutional concerns such as speedy-trial violations.
• Negotiation and Trial: We negotiate from a position built on thorough preparation and the readiness to proceed to trial. When negotiation doesn’t produce an acceptable resolution, our firm is prepared to represent you before a jury.

Early court dates in San Bernardino County may take place at the San Bernardino Justice Center or other county courthouses. Working with our criminal attorneys helps you approach each appearance with realistic expectations rather than uncertainty about what comes next.

What to Do After an Arrest in San Bernardino

Being arrested in San Bernardino can be confusing and frightening, especially if it is your first contact with the criminal justice system. The choices you make in the hours and days after an arrest can affect how your case is charged, the conditions of your release, and the strength of your defense.

After an arrest, you generally have the right to remain silent and the right to request legal counsel. Exercising these rights rather than trying to explain yourself to officers or detectives can help reduce the risk of unintentionally providing statements that can later be used against you in court.

Taking the following steps can help protect your position while your case is pending:

• Limit conversations about the case. Avoid discussing the details of your situation on recorded jail phones or through text and social media, as these communications can be reviewed by investigators and may be used in proceedings.
• Gather important documents. Ask a trusted friend or family member to collect paperwork such as the booking sheet, citation, and any release terms so these can be shared with your attorney.
• Note every court date. Pay close attention to the date, time, and location of your arraignment or next hearing. Missing a required appearance can create additional legal consequences, including a possible warrant.
• Write down what happened. As soon as you are able, record your recollection of the events leading up to the arrest while details are still fresh, including names of witnesses and officers involved.

Once you speak with us, we review the circumstances of the arrest, the charges under consideration, and the evidence available at that stage. This early review can help us identify potential legal issues such as unlawful stops or searches and advise you about bail, release conditions, and what to expect at your first appearance. The information on this page is general in nature and doesn’t replace advice tailored to your specific arrest, charge, or circumstances.

Why Clients Choose Our Criminal Defense Team

Our two former prosecutors understand how the prosecution may assess evidence and charges. We apply that perspective when identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s position and developing a defense strategy.

We take the time to hear your story and craft a defense tailored to your individual needs. Since 1996, our commitment has been to respect every client, maintain their privacy, and prepare for every case with the focus it deserves.

Our criminal defense attorneys combine courtroom experience with one-on-one service. We provide updates, answer your questions, and prepare you for the decisions that arise throughout your case.

Our Defense Approach & Case-Review Process

If you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we create a plan that reflects your circumstances and keeps you informed throughout your case.

Case Review & Defense Planning

Our case-review process includes:

• Evidence review: We examine the available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, recordings, and forensic materials when relevant.
• Legal options: We identify potential issues and outline the legal paths available at that stage of the case.
• Personalized strategy: We develop a defense plan based on the charges, evidence, procedural history, and your priorities.

We address potential issues early and update you as new evidence or procedural developments affect the available options.

Collateral Concerns

When you work with our firm, we also discuss collateral concerns, which are consequences outside the criminal courtroom. These may depend on your employment, family situation, immigration circumstances, or professional licensing status. Because our firm also handles family law and employment law matters, we can identify potential overlap with those areas when planning your defense. We identify immigration and licensing questions and, where appropriate, refer them to counsel who handles those matters.

Guidance Through Court Proceedings

Understanding what to expect at each stage of a criminal case reduces uncertainty and helps you stay organized. We explain local court procedures, hearing logistics, and the decisions that arise along the way in terms you can act on.

We provide practical support throughout your San Bernardino case:

• Guidance on courtroom expectations. We explain where to go, how hearings typically proceed, and what questions you may be asked before each appearance.
• Help weighing your options. We outline the pros and cons of options like negotiation, motions, continuances, or trial preparation to support informed choices based on your priorities.
• Support for your family. We communicate with loved ones you approve so they understand the process and can help you stay organized while your case is pending.
• Plain-language updates. We translate court filings, charging documents, and procedural developments into language that makes sense outside the courtroom.

We also help you prepare for key decisions, such as whether to accept a plea offer, request a continuance, or contest certain conditions of release. The appropriate choice depends on the facts, the charge, and the procedural posture of your case. Confirm the date, time, location, and required documents for each court appearance using your official case materials or information from our office.

Contact a San Bernardino Criminal Defense Attorney for Guidance

If you or a family member faces criminal charges, contact Newman & Allen for a confidential, no-cost evaluation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in San Bernardino. Our team listens to your concerns, explains your options, and prepares a defense around your circumstances. Reach out today to discuss the next steps in your case.