About Summit Defense Criminal Lawyers
Summit Defense is a Northern California criminal defense law firm representing people accused of misdemeanors, felonies, and federal crimes. Our attorneys bring more than 120 years of combined criminal defense experience to cases throughout the Bay Area and Sacramento.
Focused Exclusively on Criminal Defense
Criminal defense is not one department within our firm. It is what we do. This exclusive focus allows our attorneys to stay current on California criminal law, local court procedures, defense strategies, and the consequences a criminal case may have on a client’s freedom, record, career, family, and immigration status.
Our team represents clients facing charges involving DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft crimes, white collar crimes, and federal offenses. Visit our practice areas to see more of the criminal cases we handle.
Experience From Both Sides of the Criminal Justice System
The Summit Defense legal team includes former prosecutors, a former police officer, a Board Certified Appellate Specialist, experienced trial attorneys, and graduates of respected law schools. This range of experience helps us evaluate cases from multiple perspectives.
Our attorneys understand how law enforcement officers investigate allegations, how prosecutors evaluate evidence, and how criminal cases move through California courts. We use that knowledge to identify weaknesses, challenge improper procedures, prepare persuasive motions, negotiate from a position of strength, and take cases to trial when necessary.
- 120+ years of combined criminal defense experience
- Experience in California state and federal courts
- Former prosecutor and law enforcement experience
- Trial, appellate, negotiation, and motion practice experience
- Representation for misdemeanor and felony charges
- Defense that consider immigration consequences
A Collaborative Approach to Every Case
A criminal case should not depend on one attorney working in isolation. Summit Defense uses a collaborative approach that allows attorneys to discuss difficult legal issues, examine evidence from different perspectives, and draw upon the firm’s collective experience.
Our attorneys meet regularly to evaluate challenging cases and potential defense strategies. They can also draw upon an established collection of motions, legal research, investigators, expert witnesses, and prior case experience. Learn more about our team approach to criminal defense.
Every case is different. We take time to understand the allegations, available evidence, client priorities, and possible long-term consequences before recommending a strategy.
Early Intervention and Strategic Defense
The work of building a defense often begins before the first court appearance. When possible, Summit Defense intervenes during an investigation or before formal charges are filed. Early involvement may help preserve evidence, prevent damaging statements, locate witnesses, and give the defense more time to respond.
After reviewing the police reports and available evidence, our attorneys may investigate further, challenge unlawful searches, question unreliable witnesses, dispute forensic evidence, file motions, or present mitigating information. Depending on the facts, the objective may be to prevent charges, obtain a dismissal, reduce the allegations, avoid custody, protect a professional license, or prepare the case for trial.
Selected Case Results
Every criminal case is different, and previous outcomes do not guarantee future results. These examples illustrate how Summit Defense attorneys have challenged evidence and defended their clients.
DUI charges dismissed
Evidence Suppressed After Improper Traffic Stop
Rabin Nabizadeh challenged a DUI traffic stop in Contra Costa County. The court granted the motion to suppress evidence, resulting in dismissal of the case.
Driver’s license restored
Successful DUI Administrative Hearing
A Summit Defense attorney successfully challenged a proposed license suspension during a San Francisco DMV administrative hearing.
View more Summit Defense case results
Meet the Summit Defense Team
Our criminal defense attorneys bring different backgrounds, courtroom experience, and professional strengths to the firm.
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Local Knowledge Across Northern California
Summit Defense serves clients from eight offices located throughout Northern California. Our regional presence gives clients access to attorneys familiar with the courts, prosecutors, procedures, and legal communities in the counties where their cases are being handled.
Our offices serve San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, San Rafael, San Mateo, Pleasanton, Redwood City, and Sacramento.
Clients who cannot travel to an office may request an alternative meeting arrangement. View all Summit Defense office locations.
Clear Guidance During an Uncertain Time
Being arrested or investigated can leave people unsure about what to do next. Our role extends beyond appearing in court. We explain the charges, legal process, available options, and potential consequences so clients can make informed decisions.
Summit Defense is available 24 hours a day for confidential consultations. We also offer flexible payment options because the ability to obtain experienced representation should not depend entirely on someone’s immediate financial circumstances.
Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by law enforcement, speak with our team before making decisions that could affect your case.