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.
What clients say about Marcus
Real Google reviews from people Marcus has represented. Hablamos español.
I thought I was going to prison. Mr. DeBose is amazing, smart, operates with utmost integrity, professional, honest, fair, I could go on and on. And “case dismissed” helps too lol.
I’m an honorable veteran and Marcus DeBose represented me in my DUI case. Since the start, Marcus made the entire process extremely smooth… Marcus is an attorney who respects veterans and looks out for our best interests.
Marcus went above and beyond during our consultation. He has been a great resource and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice.
Marcus communicated very well by answering phone calls and returning text messages. He provided updates on everything that transpired during and between court dates… very attentive to detail.
I was represented by Marcus for my military dui case, he made the whole process as painless and smooth as possible considering.
Attorney Marcus was very professional & knowledgeable & was very helpful & clear about my 2nd DUI case… he understood exactly what I needed help in & was honest & direct in everything.
Excelente servicio de parte de Marcus y su equipo, muy amable y atento a los informes que recibía de mi caso. Excelente persona, recomendado.
Marcus DeBose did an excellent job representing for a DUI case and was able to help explain terms clearly and confidently.
Be open and honest he is real down to earth and very understanding. Not the judgmental type at all.
First, he listens carefully, methodically, and diligently and does not rush this important step. Then, he fully assesses all the facts, gathers the important evidence… Marcus is a very human and caring attorney.
He made the process very easy and very comfortable. It’s like talking to a friend that you haven’t talked to in number of years. He is straight to the point.
Marcus DeBose help me with information on my DUI case from DMV hearing, discovery and understanding my booking changes… Thank you Marcus for being there.
Marcus and his team are life savers! Process that could have been way worse they made seemless.
I came to you thinking my future was over. But with your knowledge, experience and guidance, I now have a chance to start over.
5 years after he represented me and got my case dismissed, I needed paperwork to prove it. I reached out and he was able to provide the documents… so glad I could still count on him years after I hired him.
Marcus was extremely knowledgeable about the system and was a huge help. Highly recommend him!!
Marcus is very family oriented, very caring, and explains everything you need to know about your case.
Mr DeBose was extremely professional. I couldn’t ask for a better outcome.
He helped me when I asked and expected nothing in return. Extremely knowledgable about criminal law and very easy to deal with.
Excerpts from real Google reviews. Every case is different. These reviews do not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
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? Call (619) 876-0992 and Marcus can help you work it out.
Plain answers to the questions people ask after an arrest, before they ever set foot in court.
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