Criminal Defense
Felony & Violent Crime Defense Attorney in San Diego
When your freedom is on the line, experience matters. We defend the most serious charges — murder, manslaughter, and strike felonies — with everything we have.
When you're facing a felony in San Diego — especially a violent crime like murder or manslaughter — the stakes could not be higher. A conviction can mean years or decades in state prison, a strike on your record, and the loss of the future you've built. These cases demand meticulous preparation, an aggressive investigation, and a lawyer who is genuinely prepared to go to trial. At Tegnelia & DeBose, APC, we treat every serious felony as a case that may be tried to a jury. We scrutinize the arrest, the forensic evidence, and the witnesses; we consult experts in forensics, pathology, and reconstruction; and we build defenses grounded in the presumption of innocence. From bail and preliminary hearings through trial, we stand between you and the full weight of the state. This page also covers the bail reviews, preliminary hearings, and arrest and bench warrant matters that arise inside serious felony cases.
What We Handle
Charges & Cases We Defend
Our defense covers the full range of related charges and proceedings. If your situation isn't listed, call us — we handle it.
(619) 876-0992The Process
How We Defend Your Case
Every case is different, but our approach is disciplined and relentless from the first call to the final resolution.
Address Custody & Bail
We move immediately on bail reviews and release motions so you can fight the case from a position of strength.
Investigate Independently
We deploy our own investigators and experts — forensics, pathology, reconstruction — rather than trusting the police file.
Win the Prelim
At the preliminary hearing we test the state's evidence and file PC 995 motions to dismiss counts that don't hold up.
Prepare for Trial
We build every serious case for trial, so the prosecution knows we're ready to make them prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Felony & Violent Crime Penalties
Serious felonies carry the harshest penalties in California law, including life sentences for the most severe offenses. This is general information, not legal advice.
- Murder: 25-years-to-life or life without parole exposure
- Manslaughter: multi-year state prison terms
- Strike felonies: doubled sentences and Three Strikes exposure
- Enhancements (GBI, firearm, gang) add years or decades
- Loss of civil rights and a permanent violent-felony record
The Difference
Why Hire a Private Criminal Defense Attorney
When your freedom and future are at stake, the right advocate makes all the difference. Here's what you get with a dedicated private defense team.
Time & Attention
Public defenders are overworked and stretched thin. We limit our caseload so your case gets the focus it deserves.
Early Intervention
We get involved from day one — often before charges are filed — when the biggest opportunities to change the outcome exist.
Independent Investigation
We deploy our own investigators and experts rather than relying on the police report the prosecution hands us.
Direct Access
You work directly with your attorney, not a rotating cast. Call, text, or email — we keep you informed at every step.
FAQ
Felony & Violent Crime Defense FAQs
Answers to common questions about felony & violent crime defense cases in San Diego.
Invoke your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not explain or apologize to police. Call us 24/7 so we can protect your rights from the very first hours of the case.
Charged with Felony? Don't wait.
The sooner we get involved, the more we can do. Your first consultation is free.
Related Practice Areas
Explore Related Defenses
Get a Free, Confidential Case Review
Speak directly with Attorney Marcus DeBose about your case. No pressure, no judgment — just a clear plan to protect your future.
- Free Consultation
- Se Habla Español
- 24/7 Case Review
- Former Prosecutor Insight