Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  If you have been charged with a crime, you need the help of a quality criminal defense attorney. And when choosing your lawyer, experience is key. David Shapiro has represented clients facing a wide array of criminal charges. His experience, his track record of success, and his dedication to the needs of his clients, have all contributed to his stellar reputation in the field of criminal law. No matter what the charges against you may be, rest assured that David will provide you with an honest, straightforward and accurate assessment of your case.
• DUI/DWI
  With sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and a significant outcry from the public, DUI arrests have become more and more common. In fact, the number of DUI arrests per capita in San Diego is among the highest in the country. But the fact that you were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs does not mean that you are, or more importantly will be found, guilty. We are experienced at successfully defending clients charged with DUI. We know that the police often make mistakes, and that the tests they use are not infallible. Many of those arrested for DUI have their charges dismissed or reduced, thanks to the help of an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer.
• Sex Crimes
  Sex crimes encompass many different offenses, including rape, date rape, statutory rape (unlawful sexual intercourse), child molestation (lewd acts upon a child), and child pornography. Most sex crimes are felonies, and most require, upon conviction, lifetime registration as a sex offender. If you have been charged with a sex crime, you don’t have to go through the trauma of defending yourself alone. Contact the Law Office of David P. Shapiro. We will guide you through the process, and we will be there for you every step of the way.
• Fraud
  There is a broad range of potential fraud charges. It includes credit card fraud, internet fraud, insurance fraud, securities fraud, bank fraud, Medicare and Medicaid fraud, mail fraud, and other offenses. The evidence in a fraud case is often contained in financial documents and computers. As a result, you need an attorney who is experienced in financial matters, and who understands how to interpret numbers. We will review your case and provide you with an honest and accurate evaluation of where you stand.
• Burglary
  Burglary of an inhabited dwelling is a felony. Most other burglary charges are wobbler offenses, meaning they may be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors. To be convicted of burglary, the evidence must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you entered a structure with the intent to commit larceny or a felony. In addition, burglary is sometimes now charged when the actual offense is shoplifting, which is ordinarily a misdemeanor. Protect yourself and your rights when charged with a burglary offense. Call us today for a free consultation.
• White Collar Crimes
  The term “white collar crime” includes many different offenses. The common characteristics are crimes in which someone seeks a pecuniary gain, through illegal means. It includes bribery, extortion, many different types of financial fraud, identity theft, embezzlement, credit card fraud, and other similar crimes. As in the case of theft, the classification and potential penalty varies depending upon a number of different factors. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, call the Law Office of David P. Shapiro to speak with an experienced San Diego white collar defense attorney.
• Theft
  The classification of a theft offense may depend upon the value of the property in question, the type of item allegedly stolen, as well as the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft. David Shapiro has a proven track record of success defending clients charged with a wide variety of theft charges. Call him today to ensure that your rights are protected.
• Misdemeanors
  A misdemeanor in California is an offense that is punishable by incarceration in county jail for a period of not more than one year. Misdemeanors include, but are not limited to, shoplifting, prostitution, and simple assault. Do not make the mistake of thinking that because you have only been charged with a misdemeanor, you do not need a quality, experienced attorney. Misdemeanor convictions can still carry significant penalties, including jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent stain on your record. David Shapiro has years of experience representing clients facing many different misdemeanors. Call his office for a free consultation.
• Drug Crimes
  At the Law Office of David P. Shapiro, we represent clients charged with drug crimes. Our experience includes simple possession, possession for sale, transportation of illegal drugs, drug sales, possession of drug paraphernalia, and more. We have experience defending charges involving marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and other drugs. We understand drug cases, and we know how to pursue the appropriate defenses, including illegal search and seizure, entrapment, and others. We also know that many drug cases are the result of addiction, and can put you in contact with some of the best treatment providers available. Call us to schedule a free consultation about your drug case.
• Assault
  Assault is one of the most common criminal charges in San Diego. It consists of an attempt to injure another person with violence. Actual touching can also be charged as battery, a separate offense. Simple assault is generally a misdemeanor. However, an assault can be charged as a felony under several circumstances. Assault with a deadly weapon, and assault on peace officers or firefighters, for example, can be filed as either a felony or misdemeanor. David Shapiro is experienced in representing clients charged with all forms of assault. If you have been charged with assault, he can help.
• Murder
  Murder is always a serious charge, but not all murder charges are the same. First degree murder (capital murder) requires a premeditated and deliberate act driven by malice. Second degree murder requires the deliberate taking someone else’s life. Manslaughter likewise requires proof of specific elements in addition to taking the life of another. You need the help of an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney to ensure that your rights are protected, particularly when up against murder charges.
• Juvenile Crimes
  Juvenile cases – called juvenile delinquency proceedings – are not handled like criminal cases in several key aspects. Not all the constitutional protections afforded to adults apply in juvenile cases, including the right to a jury trial. Many juvenile cases are resolved through informal probation (usually reserved for less serious offenses) and deferred entry of judgment. Even in more serious cases, the stated goal of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation, and not punishment. We can help if your child is facing a juvenile charge.
• Identity Theft
  Identity theft consists of someone taking another person’s personal identifying information for an unlawful purpose. The information can be a credit card or bank account number, a social security number, a person’s name, or other private information. Identity theft crimes are, for the most part, wobblers. California also makes it a crime to impersonate someone else in order to improperly receive money or property. Criminal impersonation could be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the amount of money, or the value of the property, involved. If you are facing an identity theft charge, contact the Law Office of David P. Shapiro for a free consultation.
• Homicide
  Our best advice to any client charged with or being investigated in connection with a homicide is to exercise their constitutional right to remain silent. Do not speak to the police, the press, or anyone else, including your own family, about the case. The most damning evidence in many criminal cases, including homicides, are words allegedly spoken by the defendants themselves. Don’t risk incriminating yourself. Whether the charge is manslaughter or murder, contact the Law Office of David P. Shapiro immediately.
• Forgery
  Forgery includes, among other things, signing the name of another person to a check, money order, promissory note, and/or a wide array of other financial records. It also includes falsifying a driver’s license, governmental identification card, medical record, and numerous other types of documents. In order to be guilty of forgery, it must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to defraud and knew that you had no authority to sign or alter the document in question. The classification and penalty in a forgery case depends upon a number of different factors. Call us for a free consultation.
• Manslaughter
  Manslaughter in California includes several distinct categories: voluntary manslaughter (intentional but not premeditated); involuntary manslaughter (without intent or premeditation); and vehicular manslaughter (includes DUI manslaughter). At the Law Office of David P. Shapiro, we understand the seriousness of these charges, and we can help you protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome for your case. Contact our office to speak to an experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer.
• Prostitution
  Prostitution in California is generally classified as disorderly conduct. It is a misdemeanor. Related offenses include loitering with intent to commit prostitution, and “pimping” (a felony). If you agree to participate in a sex act in exchange for money or something of value, or if you solicit sex in exchange for money, you could be charged with prostitution. Many prostitution arrests are the result of police “stings,” which raises the issue of entrapment. A prostitution conviction carries a sentence of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The stigma associated with a prostitution conviction can impact your life in many ways. An experienced San Diego criminal lawyer can help.