Defend YourFuture WithConfidence
DUI and criminal defense in San Diego, handled personally by attorney Marcus E. DeBose. Meet him at his Mission Valley office, or talk by phone or Zoom. Your first consultation is free.
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At Email My Lawyer, you speak to your attorney, not a call center. Since 2001 Marcus E. DeBose has defended San Diego clients facing DUI and criminal charges. Many have never been in trouble before. He takes the time to learn what happened and why, then tells your story to the prosecutor and the judge.
Legal trouble doesn't keep business hours
Neither does Marcus. Reach him directly, day or night, and get clear answers about what happens next.
DUI and criminal defense, under one roof
What we handleA DUI arrest can put your license, your job and your record at risk. Breath, blood and urine results can be questioned when there are calibration problems, human error or medical factors.
- First-time DUI
- Second and third DUI
- Breath and blood test challenges
- Field sobriety test issues
- Test refusal cases
- Driver's license concerns
A felony charge can threaten everything you have built. Marcus focuses on people with no prior record who are facing a serious charge for the first time, and he knows how San Diego's courts handle these cases.
- First-time felony charges
- Non-violent felonies
- Preliminary hearings
- Charge reductions
A claim after a car accident, a disputed invoice, a paperwork mistake. Fraud allegations often land on people who have never been in court before. The way the case is presented early can matter a great deal.
- Insurance fraud
- White collar crimes
- Theft by false pretenses
- Embezzlement
Shoplifting, petty and grand theft, and drug possession charges can follow you into job applications for years. Some of these cases may qualify for diversion or a reduced charge.
- Petty and grand theft
- Shoplifting
- Drug possession
- Diversion programs
An old conviction can keep showing up on background checks long after you have moved on. California law allows many convictions, including many DUIs, to be dismissed or sealed once probation is complete.
- Expungements
- Record sealing
- Past DUI convictions
- Arrest records
San Diego is home to thousands of service members and veterans. California's military diversion law may allow an eligible current or former service member to have a misdemeanor charge dismissed after completing a treatment program.
- Military diversion (PC 1001.80)
- Active duty and veterans
- Misdemeanor charges
- Protecting your career
What happens when you call
A criminal charge is frightening, especially the first time. Here is how working with Marcus begins.
You reach out
Call (619) 876-0992, send a message through the website, or email Marcus. You speak with him directly.
Free consultation
Meet at the Mission Valley office, or talk by phone or Zoom, whichever is easier for you.
Your story, heard
Marcus takes the time to understand what happened and why, and what is at stake for you and your family.
Your story, told
He presents the full picture of who you are to the prosecutor and the judge, and keeps you informed at every step.
Meet Marcus E. DeBose
Marcus was sworn in as a California attorney in December 2001 and has defended clients in San Diego ever since. Early in his career he carried a caseload of 125 felony cases at once, so there are few situations, judges or prosecutors he has not seen.
Both of his parents are attorneys. He studied history and Spanish at the University of Virginia and earned his law degree at the University of San Diego.
Courts we appear in
All of San Diego County, plus southwest Riverside County through the Murrieta courthouse.
Downtown San Diego
The Central Courthouse, where many San Diego cases are heard.
East County, El Cajon
El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside and the East County communities.
South Bay, Chula Vista
Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach and the South Bay.
North County, Vista
Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido, San Marcos and North County.
Murrieta, Southwest Riverside
Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Perris and nearby cities.
Your case, your court
Not sure which courthouse handles your case? Areas we serve
Plain answers to the questions people ask after an arrest, before they ever set foot in court.
Common questions
Short, general answers. For advice about your own situation, book a free consultation with Marcus.
How much does a consultation cost?
Nothing. Your first consultation with Marcus is free. You can meet him at the Mission Valley office, or talk by phone or Zoom.
I was arrested for DUI. How quickly should I call?
As soon as you can. In California you generally have only 10 days from a DUI arrest to request a DMV hearing about your driver's license. Read more about the 10-day deadline.
Will I speak to Marcus or to an assistant?
You speak with Marcus. Email My Lawyer is a small firm built on direct attorney-client communication, from the first call to the final hearing.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. Marcus is bilingual in English and Spanish. Hablamos español.
Can an old conviction be cleared from my record?
Often, yes. Many California convictions can be dismissed or sealed once probation is complete. See record sealing and expungement.
Ready to take the next step? Talk to Marcus today.
Whether you were arrested last night or you have a court date coming up, the earlier you call, the more options you may have.
(619) 876-0992