Criminal cases involving Temecula residents are handled under California criminal law, with serious charges potentially leading to fines, probation, or incarceration. Defendants may face allegations ranging from DUI and drug offenses to violent crimes, theft, and other serious charges. For those seeking legal representation, our editorial guide, 10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Temecula, CA, provides an overview of local criminal defense law firms.

The lawyers and firms below are based in Temecula and handle a range of criminal defense matters. Each provides legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges and can help clients understand their rights, available defenses, and the legal process. If you are facing criminal charges, a temecula criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate your case.

1. Suzanne M. Ferguson, Attorney at Law

Attorney: Suzanne M. Ferguson
Address: 27475 Ynez Road, Ste 283, Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: (949) 887-7036
Website: suzannemferguson.com
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Drug Crimes, Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody & Visitation, Restraining Orders
Credentials: J.D., University of San Diego School of Law (2006); B.S. in Business Administration: Marketing, magna cum laude, California State University, Long Beach (2003); Former Deputy Public Defender, Orange County Public Defender’s Office; Former attorney, San Diego Public Defender’s Office; Member, National College for DUI Defense; Member, California Public Defenders Association; Member, California DUI Lawyers Association; Member, Orange County Bar Association
Experience: Over 20 years of legal experience; the firm reports representing more than 7,000 clients.
Google Rating: 4.4
Google Business Profile: View on Google Maps
Social Profiles: Facebook | LinkedIn

About: Suzanne M. Ferguson is a Temecula criminal defense and family law attorney with over 20 years of legal experience. Before opening her private practice, she worked at the San Diego Public Defender’s Office and served for nearly six years as a Deputy Public Defender with the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, where she handled misdemeanor and felony cases. Her firm represents clients in criminal defense matters, including DUI and drug crimes, as well as family law matters. She regularly appears in Superior Courts throughout Riverside, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties.

2. The Law Office of David E. Grande

Attorney: David E. Grande, Attorney

Founded: 2002
Address: 27247 Madison Avenue, Suite 111, Temecula, CA 92590
Phone: (951) 221-4331
Website: grandelaw.com
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft Crimes, Violent Crimes, Domestic Violence, Murder, Vehicular Manslaughter, Juvenile Crimes, Assault
Credentials: Member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 since 2013; recognized among the 10 Best Criminal Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys from 2015–2018; member of the Riverside Bar Association and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Experience: Practicing criminal defense since 2002; the firm states that David Grande has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense and has handled hundreds of criminal cases.
Google Rating: 4.9 (92 reviews)
Google Business Profile: View on Google Maps

About: David E. Grande has dedicated his legal career to criminal defense since 2002, representing clients throughout Temecula, Murrieta, Riverside, and surrounding areas. His practice covers a broad range of criminal matters, including DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft, violent crimes, domestic violence, and juvenile offenses. The firm emphasizes personalized representation, familiarity with local courts and prosecutors, and a focus on protecting the rights and futures of people accused of crimes.

3. Camarata & Fuller, LLP

Attorneys: Joseph V. Camarata, Managing Partner & Justine Fuller, Partner

Founded: 2004 — BBB lists the business start date as November 25, 2004.
Address: 41951 Remington Avenue, Suite 110, Temecula, CA 92590
Phone: (951) 225-1540
Website: Camarata & Fuller, LLP
Practice Areas: Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Spousal Support, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Property Distribution, Domestic Violence, Step-Parent Adoptions, Criminal Defense, DUI, Drug Crimes, Property Crimes, Juvenile Crimes, Violent Crimes, Assault, Battery, and Expungements.
Credentials: Joseph V. Camarata has been practicing for more than 20 years and has appeared in more than 40 courts throughout California. He has received a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating, National Trial Lawyers Top 100 recognition, and Super Lawyers recognition. Camarata & Fuller, LLP Justine Fuller is a Certified Legal Specialist in Family Law and has practiced in California since 2011.
Experience: More than 40 years of combined legal experience between Joseph Camarata and Justine Fuller, according to the firm’s current website.
Google Rating: Approximately 4.8/5, based on current third-party listings
Google Business Profile: View Camarata & Fuller on Google
Social Profiles: LinkedIn – Camarata Law

About:
Camarata & Fuller, LLP is a Temecula-based law firm providing family law and criminal defense representation throughout Temecula, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and surrounding areas. The firm is led by Joseph V. Camarata and Justine Fuller and emphasizes results-driven, personalized representation. Its family law practice handles matters including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, paternity, property distribution, and domestic violence, while its criminal defense practice covers DUI, drug crimes, property crimes, violent crimes, juvenile offenses, and domestic crimes. The firm offers free and confidential consultations and states that it is available 24/7 for legal emergencies.

4. Law Offices of Parwana Anwar, PLC

Attorney: Parwana Anwar, Attorney / Founder

Founded: 2006 — Avvo lists Parwana Anwar as the owner of the firm since 2006.
Address: 38975 Sky Canyon Drive, Suite 201, Murrieta, CA 92563
Phone: (951) 698-1250
Website: Law Offices of Parwana Anwar, PLC
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI, Drug Crimes, Theft Crimes, Violent Crimes, Domestic Violence, Assault & Battery, Juvenile Crimes, Three Strikes Cases, Sexual Assault, Murder, Kidnapping, Carjacking, and other criminal matters.
Credentials: J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law (1997); B.A. from the University of California, San Diego (1993); admitted to the New York State Bar in 1998 and California State Bar in 1999.
Experience: Parwana Anwar began practicing criminal law in 2000 and worked as a Riverside County Deputy District Attorney from 2000–2006 before opening her own practice. She has extensive jury-trial experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney.
Google Rating: Approximately 4.8/5, based on 47 Google reviews reported by Expertise.
Google Business Profile: View on Google Maps

About:
Law Offices of Parwana Anwar, PLC is a Murrieta-based criminal defense firm serving clients throughout Southern California, including Riverside, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino, and Sacramento Counties. Founded by Parwana Anwar, a former Riverside County Deputy District Attorney, the firm handles a broad range of criminal matters, including DUI, drug crimes, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, assault, and serious felony cases. Ms. Anwar has practiced criminal law since 2000 and emphasizes personalized representation, aggressive defense, and protecting clients’ rights. The firm offers free consultations and states that it is available 24/7.

5. Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc

Attorney: David S. Chesley, Founder / Lead Criminal Defense Attorney

Founded: The firm’s current website does not state a specific founding year. It states that David S. Chesley has practiced criminal defense in California for more than a decade and that the firm has decades of courtroom experience.
Address: 43537 Ridge Park Drive, Suite 100, Temecula, CA 92590
Phone: (951) 223-0443 — Temecula office; the firm’s main toll-free number is (800) 755-5174.
Website: Chesley Lawyers
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft Crimes, Murder/Homicide, Gang-Related Crimes, Domestic Violence, Firearm Offenses, White-Collar Crimes, and other felony and misdemeanor matters.
Credentials: David S. Chesley is a California criminal defense attorney whose team includes former judges, prosecutors, and police officers. The firm also identifies David Chesley as a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and National College for DUI Defense, with recognition including National Trial Lawyers Top 100, ASLA Top 100, Avvo Superb, and Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent.
Experience: The firm states that its attorneys have more than 50 years of combined courtroom experience and have represented thousands of clients.
Google Rating: 5.0/5 based on 13 Google reviews reported by TrustAnalytica for the Temecula office.
Google Business Profile: View on Google Maps

About:
Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is a California criminal defense firm with a Temecula office at 43537 Ridge Park Drive, Suite 100. The firm focuses primarily on criminal defense and DUI matters and represents clients facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including DUI, drug crimes, violent offenses, theft, sex crimes, gang-related offenses, and homicide. Its attorneys include former prosecutors, judges, and police officers, providing the firm with experience on multiple sides of the California criminal justice system. The firm offers free and confidential consultations and states that its attorneys are available 24/7.

6. Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc

Attorney: John Stuart Pozza, Attorney / Founder

Founded: 1994 — the firm states that John Pozza has been dedicated to defending clients’ rights since 1994.
Address: 29995 Technology Drive, Suite 204, Murrieta, CA 92563
Phone: (951) 461-7155
Website: John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Drug Crimes, Juvenile Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft Crimes, Violent Crimes, White Collar Crimes, Domestic Violence, Three Strikes Cases, Expungements, Record Sealings, Financial Crimes, Computer Crimes, and Federal Criminal Defense.
Credentials: John Pozza is a member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, California Public Defenders Association, Southwest Riverside County Bar Association, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has also been recognized by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and named a Top Lawyer in California.
Experience: More than 30 years of criminal defense experience. John Pozza has practiced since 1994 and handles cases in California state and federal courts.
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Google Business Profile: View on Google Maps
Additional Offices: San Diego — 1059 Tenth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101; Banning — 422 East Ramsey Street, Suite A, Banning, CA 92220.

About:
John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC is a Murrieta-based criminal defense law firm serving clients throughout Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. Attorney John Pozza has dedicated his practice to criminal defense since 1994 and has more than 30 years of experience defending clients against misdemeanor and felony charges. His practice includes DUI, drug crimes, juvenile offenses, sex crimes, theft, violent crimes, white-collar crimes, domestic violence, expungements, and other criminal matters. The firm emphasizes personalized defense strategies, direct attorney involvement, and protecting clients’ rights throughout the criminal process.

7. Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc

Attorney: Kirby F. Combs, Attorney at Law

Founded: 2000 — Avvo lists Kirby F. Combs as admitted to practice in California since 2000; the firm’s website states he has 25 years of experience.
Address: 28780 Single Oak Drive, Suite 230, Temecula, CA 92590.
Phone: (951) 695-3366.
Website: Combs Criminal Defense
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes, Assault, Battery, Murder, Robbery, Burglary, Vehicular Manslaughter, Child Endangerment, Criminal Threats, Firearm Charges, White-Collar Crimes, Probation Violations, and other felony and misdemeanor matters.
Credentials: Kirby F. Combs holds a B.A. from the University of California, Davis and a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of California, California Public Defender Association, and Riverside County Bar Association.
Experience: 25+ years of criminal defense experience. Kirby Combs has handled felony and misdemeanor matters and is licensed to practice in California.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Google Business Profile: View on Google Maps

About:
Combs Criminal Defense is a Temecula-based criminal defense practice led by Kirby F. Combs. The firm represents clients throughout Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, and North San Diego County courts and handles both felony and misdemeanor matters. Its practice includes DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, fraud, theft, violent crimes, firearm offenses, murder, vehicular manslaughter, probation violations, and expungements. Kirby Combs has more than 25 years of experience and emphasizes responsive representation, free consultations, competitive rates, and payment plans.

8. Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc

Attorney: Bobby Shamuilian (Babak Shamuilian), Founder & Managing Partner.

Founded: 2012
Headquarters: 10601 Civic Center Dr #200, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.
Phone: (909) 330-3880 — headquarters; the firm’s primary contact number is also listed as 888-702-8845.
Website: My Rights Law Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft Crimes, Violent Crimes, Assault, Robbery, Burglary, Hit and Run, Murder, Manslaughter, Kidnapping, Juvenile Dependency, Warrants, Probation Violations, Expungements, Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Wrongful Death, and related matters.
Credentials: Bobby Shamuilian is the firm’s founder and managing partner. The firm’s official website identifies him as a criminal defense and DUI attorney and states that he has received a 10.0 AVVO rating, a 10.0 Justia rating, and recognition including Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers.
Experience: The firm has a team of criminal defense attorneys and serves clients throughout Southern California and across California. Its attorneys handle misdemeanor and felony matters, including DUI and serious criminal charges.
Google Rating: 4.9/5, with approximately 154–186 Google reviews, depending on the current directory/source. Birdeye currently reports 4.9 from 154 Google reviews, while Trustindex reports 4.9 and identifies 186 Google reviews within its aggregated review data.
Google Business Profile: View My Rights Law on Google Maps
Office Locations: Rancho Cucamonga, Los Angeles, Riverside, Victorville, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.
Social Profiles: LinkedIn

About:
My Rights Law Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers is a California criminal defense and DUI law firm founded by Bobby Shamuilian, also legally known as Babak Shamuilian. The firm represents individuals facing DUI charges, domestic violence accusations, drug crimes, theft crimes, violent crime allegations, warrants, probation violations, expungements, and other criminal matters. My Rights Law serves clients throughout California, with a strong focus on Southern California, and maintains offices in Rancho Cucamonga, Los Angeles, Riverside, Victorville, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.

9. Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc

Attorneys: Lara J. Gressley, Attorney & Mike Donaldson, Attorney

Founded: 2023 — the firm’s website states that Lara Gressley and Mike Donaldson started Gressley & Donaldson after the passing of Don Bartell in 2022.
Address: 24630 Washington Avenue, Suite 202, Murrieta, CA 92562. The firm also has offices in Riverside and Temecula.
Phone: (951) 257-0297; the firm also lists (951) 254-7286 for case inquiries.
Website: Gressley & Donaldson, LLP
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, DMV Defense, Criminal Appeals, Felony Appeals, Misdemeanor Appeals, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Weapons Charges, Hit & Run, Reckless Driving, Expungements, Habeas Corpus, Wrongful Convictions, and related criminal matters.
Credentials: Lara J. Gressley is a former President and current Vice President of the California DUI Lawyers Association, a Regent and faculty member of the National College for DUI Defense, and a Southern California Super Lawyer. Mike Donaldson is a DUI Defense Super Lawyer (2020–2025), a California DUI Lawyers Association lecturer, and a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College. Both attorneys are admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Experience: The firm states that Lara Gressley and Mike Donaldson have more than 50 years of combined criminal defense experience and have defended thousands of criminal and DUI cases.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Google Business Profile: View Gressley & Donaldson on Google Maps

About:
Gressley & Donaldson, LLP is a Southern California criminal defense firm with offices in Murrieta, Riverside, and Temecula. The firm focuses on criminal defense, DUI defense, DMV defense, and criminal appeals throughout Riverside County and the Inland Empire. Its attorneys handle misdemeanor and felony charges involving DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, weapons charges, assault, hit and run, and other criminal matters.

10. Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc

Attorney: Daniel Joseph Kolacia, Founding Attorney

Founded: 2021 — business directories identify Daniel Kolacia as the founding attorney of Kolacia Law Firm beginning in January 2021.
Address: 10788 Civic Center Drive, Suite 260, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.
Phone: (714) 725-7072.
Website: Kolacia Law Firm
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Domestic Violence, Drug Charges, Theft, Assault, Weapons Charges, White Collar Crimes, Felony Defense, Misdemeanor Defense, Vehicular Manslaughter, Traffic Tickets, Expungements, and Record Clearing.
Credentials: Daniel Kolacia is admitted to the California State Bar and has been licensed since 2006. He is a member of the San Bernardino Bar Association, California Association for Criminal Justice, and California DUI Lawyers Association. He has also been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Experience: More than 20 years of criminal law experience. Daniel Kolacia is a former prosecutor who has handled homicide, drug, DUI, traffic, white-collar, burglary, and theft cases.
Google Rating: 4.96/5 from 68 Google review
Google Business Profile: View Kolacia Law on Google Maps
Social Profiles: Facebook: Kolacia Law on Facebook · LinkedIn: Daniel Kolacia on LinkedIn

About:
Kolacia Law Firm is a Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense firm led by founding attorney Daniel Kolacia. The firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense and represents clients throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and surrounding Southern California counties. Its practice includes DUI, domestic violence, drug charges, assault, theft, weapons offenses, white-collar crimes, felony and misdemeanor defense, traffic matters, and expungements.

Daniel Kolacia brings experience from both sides of the criminal justice system as a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. The firm emphasizes personalized case strategies, thorough investigation, courtroom advocacy, and helping clients pursue favorable outcomes. It also offers free consultations and flexible payment options.

About This List

This is an editorial selection, not a ranking by a bar association or court. Firms were included because they maintain a Temecula or nearby local office, focus on criminal defense, and have verifiable credentials, experience, and client reviews. Phone numbers and Google ratings were reviewed using available Google Business Profile information; credentials and professional backgrounds were checked against firm websites, State Bar of California records, and recognized legal directories. This 10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Temecula, CA list is intended to help readers compare local criminal defense firms using these stated criteria.

Inclusion is not an endorsement or a guarantee of results. This article is general information, not legal advice. Readers should independently verify an attorney’s current license status, disciplinary history, and any certified legal specialization through the State Bar of California Attorney Search. The State Bar provides attorney license and disciplinary information through its online search tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a criminal defense lawyer do in California?

A criminal defense lawyer represents people accused of misdemeanors or felonies and works to protect their constitutional rights throughout the case. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may investigate the allegations, review evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, file motions, and prepare for trial.

When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?

It is generally best to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest, investigation, or criminal charge. Early legal advice can help you understand your rights and avoid making decisions that could negatively affect your case.

Do I have to go to court after being charged with a crime in California?

In most cases, yes. The court will schedule hearings such as an arraignment and, depending on the charges and circumstances, additional pretrial hearings or a trial. Your attorney can explain which appearances are required and whether they can appear on your behalf when permitted.

What happens at a criminal arraignment in California?

At an arraignment, the judge informs the defendant of the charges and constitutional rights. The defendant is generally asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court may also address bail or release conditions and set future court dates.

Should I plead guilty if I am charged with a crime?

You should speak with a criminal defense lawyer before entering a guilty or no-contest plea. The consequences of a conviction can extend beyond fines or incarceration and may affect employment, immigration status, professional licenses, or other aspects of your future.

Can a criminal defense lawyer get my charges dismissed?

In some cases, an attorney may identify legal or evidentiary issues that support dismissal. Depending on the circumstances, the defense may also challenge evidence, file pretrial motions, negotiate with the prosecution, or pursue other legal options. The possible outcome depends on the specific facts and charges.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in California?

A misdemeanor is generally a less serious criminal offense than a felony and can carry jail time, fines, probation, or other penalties. Felony charges are more serious and can result in substantially greater consequences, including imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the offense and applicable California law.

Will every criminal case go to trial?

No. Many criminal cases are resolved before trial through plea agreements, dismissals, or other court proceedings. If the case does proceed to trial, the prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Can a criminal defense lawyer help with a DUI or drug charge?

Yes. Criminal defense attorneys may represent clients facing DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, theft, assault, weapons charges, and other misdemeanor or felony allegations. The appropriate defense strategy depends on the facts, evidence, prior record, and specific charges.

How do I choose the right criminal defense lawyer in California?

Consider the attorney’s experience with cases similar to yours, knowledge of the local courts, courtroom experience, professional credentials, communication style, and availability. Reviewing several attorneys can help you determine which lawyer is best suited to your circumstances.

Can I get my California criminal record expunged?

Some California convictions may qualify for record relief, but eligibility depends on factors such as the offense, sentence, probation history, and subsequent conduct. A criminal defense lawyer can review your record and explain whether an expungement or another form of record relief may be available.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. California criminal laws and procedures can vary depending on the charges and circumstances of a case. No attorney-client relationship is created by this content. Individuals facing criminal charges should consult a qualified California criminal defense attorney about their specific situation.