315 Montgomery St Suite 900
sam@gellerlawsf.com
San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorney
Protect your rights across San Francisco.
What a Tested San Francisco Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do For You
A criminal charge in San Francisco can upend your life fast. Your job, your freedom, and your reputation are all at risk from the moment you’re charged. California’s criminal justice system moves quickly, and the stakes are high from day one.
Geller Law, PC serves clients across San Francisco and the broader Bay Area. Attorney Sam Geller provides criminal defense to those facing serious charges in California state and federal courts. The firm handles a wide range of cases, from DUI defense to domestic violence charges, felonies, misdemeanors, manslaughter, murder, and more.
Additionally, we can protect your legal rights and build a strategy to challenge the prosecution’s case. We can also work to ensure fair treatment, examine evidence, and pursue the strongest possible outcome under California law. Understanding what defense help involves—and why it matters—is the first step toward protecting your freedom and future.
Our team encompasses seasoned professionals and attorneys with a profound understanding of California’s criminal defense landscape.
We believe in a tailored strategy for each client, recognizing that every case is as unique as the individual involved. Through unwavering commitment, our criminal defense lawyers stand as a bulwark between our clients and the formidable tide of the criminal justice system.
Furthermore, we review every detail of your case and challenge the evidence to protect your rights.
How Can Geller Law, PC, Help You With Your Criminal Defense Case?
PRACTICE AREAS
Your attorney’s role is to question the evidence against you, identify legal problems with how police gathered information, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court if your case goes to trial.
The process involves carefully reviewing police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. At Geller Law, PC, every criminal case gets a close, careful review from the start.
Here’s how we can help you:
- Build a strong defense strategy. We review police reports, witness statements, test results, and more. We strive to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use them to your advantage in court.
- Challenge evidence and police conduct. Improper searches, faulty breathalyzer tests, or violations of rights can hurt the state’s case. We examine how police got evidence and file motions to exclude it if rules were broken.
- Negotiate with prosecutors. We work to reduce charges or penalties through plea agreements when that serves your interests.
- Protect your rights at every step. From arrest through trial, we make sure your constitutional rights stay protected. We ensure proper procedure and challenge any violations we find.
- Prepare for trial if needed. If your case goes to court, we build a solid trial plan. We gather witnesses, prepare evidence, and practice our arguments to present the strongest defense possible.
- Explain your options clearly. We provide honest guidance on your situation. You’ll understand the risks and benefits of each choice so you can decide what’s best.
Types of Crimes and Criminal Defense in California
Criminal defense in California covers a wide range of charges, each carrying unique penalties and legal implications. These cases may involve misdemeanors, such as petty theft or minor drug possession, or felonies, including violent crimes, white collar crimes, or repeat DUI charges. For anyone facing criminal charges in San Francisco, understanding the local justice system is especially important.
Here’s a list of the criminal charges we can help you face:
California law also applies the “three strikes” rule, where repeat convictions can result in harsher sentences.
Potential Penalties for Crimes in California
Criminal penalties in California depend on the type of offense, prior history, and circumstances surrounding the case.
- DUI Convictions may result in license suspension, fines, probation, mandatory classes, or jail time, with repeat offenses leading to harsher consequences.
- Drug crimes ranging from possession to distribution carry penalties that may include probation, treatment programs, or significant prison terms, often influenced by the type and quantity of the substance.
- Domestic violence allegations can lead to criminal charges as well as collateral effects such as restraining orders, mandatory counseling, and potential loss of custody rights.
- Theft and property crimes are usually classified by the value of what was taken, with misdemeanor shoplifting punishable by fines or community service and felony theft carrying the risk of more extended imprisonment.
- White-collar crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion, often involve restitution orders, financial penalties, and possible state or federal incarceration.
- Violent crimes such as robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, or homicide carry the most severe punishments, which can include life imprisonment.
Why Choose Geller Law, PC: Skilled Trial Lawyer With Bay Area Courtroom Experience
Geller Law, PC, brings real courtroom experience in Bay Area criminal cases.
Attorney Samuel Geller is a Bay Area native and former public defender who has been recognized by groups and publications such as Super Lawyers Rising Stars, The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, SF Weekly’s Best of San Francisco, NACDA, and Avvo’s Clients’ Choice award.
Moreover, we offer the following:
Bay Area Courts — Six Counties Covered
Geller Law defends clients across six Bay Area counties: San Francisco, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Alameda, Marin, and Santa Clara. Each county courthouse has its own judges, prosecutors, and local procedures. That familiarity matters.
Knowing how a courtroom runs gives your defense a real edge.
Focused Experience in DUI and Domestic Violence Defense
We have deep knowledge of DUI science, including blood and breath testing procedures and violations under the California Vehicle Code. Additionally, we offer a strong understanding of domestic violence law, protective orders, and the unique defenses that may arise in these cases.
Personalized Defense Strategy for Your Unique Situation
With us, every case receives individual attention and strategic planning tailored to the specific facts involved. The focus is on aggressive advocacy to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. At the same time, a client-first approach ensures your concerns are heard and that you remain actively involved in important decisions about your defense.
Aggressive Negotiation and Trial Readiness
Our defense includes skilled negotiation with prosecutors to pursue reduced charges. If a case proceeds to court, we can prepare you for trial. Throughout the process, we analyze whether settlement or trial is the best path to protect your interests.
Accessible Counsel When You Need It Most
Throughout your defense, we remain responsive, keeping you informed and supported. You will also receive clear explanations of the charges you face, the legal procedures involved, and the options available to you.
The Legal Process: What to Expect
Understanding each step of the criminal justice system is essential to effectively protect your rights and plan a strong defense.
Here’s what California’s Criminal court process looks like:
Stage 1: Arrest and Booking
Police take you into custody and record your information. You get a Miranda warning about your rights. The police hold you while they document the alleged crime and any evidence they collect. We meet with you fast to review arrest details and police reports.
Stage 2: Initial Appearance
Your first court date is called the arraignment. It happens in the San Francisco Superior Court, located at 850 Bryant Street. You see a judge within 72 hours of arrest. The judge tells you the charges against you. You learn about bail or release terms. This is called an arraignment on the complaint.
Stage 3: Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery
Under California Penal Code § 1054, both sides must share their evidence. The prosecution presents sufficient evidence to establish probable cause. They are required to demonstrate a reasonable belief that you committed the crime. The judge decides if the case moves forward. You can challenge the evidence at this stage.
Here, we demand all the evidence the state has against you. We look into police reports, witness statements, and lab findings. We look to find missing evidence or contradictions that help your defense.
Key motions may be filed here to suppress evidence, challenge the arrest, or seek dismissal.
Stage 4: Negotiations or Preliminary Hearing
For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held. A judge decides if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial. For misdemeanors, this step is skipped. At both levels, plea negotiations may happen. The prosecution may offer a reduced charge or a lighter sentence. You decide — with our full advice — whether to accept or push forward.
Stage 5: Trial or Resolution
If no deal is reached, the case goes to trial in the San Francisco Superior Court. A jury is selected, evidence is presented, and both sides argue the facts. Trials can last days or weeks.
Most cases resolve before this point, but our team remains ready to go all the way. After a verdict or plea, sentencing follows, and at that stage, your attorney can argue for the lightest outcome the facts allow.
The criminal justice system moves fast. Early action matters. Understanding the stages helps you make sound choices about your case.
Getting Help From a San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorney
When you face criminal charges in the Bay Area, you need a lawyer who understands local courts and knows how to fight for your freedom.
At Geller Law, PC, we provide aggressive, strategic defense tailored to your case. Our goal is to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and work toward the most favorable outcome under California law.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of criminal charges does a San Francisco criminal defense attorney handle?
A criminal defense attorney handles felonies, misdemeanors, DUI cases, domestic violence charges, drug offenses, theft, and serious crimes like manslaughter or murder. Each charge requires specific legal knowledge and courtroom strategy.
2. When should I hire a criminal defense attorney?
You should hire an attorney right away after an arrest or if you learn an investigation targets you. Early action lets your attorney protect your rights and challenge evidence before it strengthens.
3. What happens during a free consultation?
Your attorney reviews the facts of your case and explains your options. You get honest guidance about possible outcomes without cost or obligation.
4. How does a defense attorney challenge the prosecution’s case?
Attorneys review evidence for problems, question witness credibility, and file motions to exclude illegal evidence. Strong defense work can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
5. Do I have to go to trial?
No. Your attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for plea deals or other resolutions. Trial is one option among many strategies tailored to your situation.