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If you’ve been arrested, charged, or contacted by law enforcement in San Francisco, you’re probably feeling a mix of stress, confusion, and urgency. Criminal cases move quickly, and even one conversation with police or one missed deadline can create problems that are difficult to fix later.
At Summit Defense, we represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout San Francisco County. Our attorneys understand what’s at stake and how much your future can be impacted by one incident, whether it involves an arrest, a warrant, or a formal criminal complaint.
We focus on building smart, aggressive defense strategies designed to protect your freedom, your record, and your reputation. From the first phone call through the final outcome, our team helps you understand what’s happening, what your options are, and what to do next.
Call (415) 666-2316 to schedule a free consultation.
When you’re facing criminal charges, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. Many people assume that “a lawyer is a lawyer,” but in criminal defense, local knowledge and courtroom experience matter.
A local San Francisco criminal defense attorney understands how cases are handled in San Francisco County, how prosecutors typically approach different types of charges, and what strategies tend to be effective in local courtrooms.
San Francisco criminal cases often move fast once charges are filed, especially when your case is assigned to a downtown courtroom at the Hall of Justice. Court dates, protective orders, and pretrial deadlines can stack up quickly, and the “wait and see” approach can make it harder to protect your record. A local defense team can step in early, identify the pressure points in the prosecution’s case, and start building leverage before the situation becomes more expensive, more stressful, or more public.
Our attorneys represent clients in cases involving:
San Francisco also has unique situations that can affect how a case is charged and negotiated. A misunderstanding outside a bar in North Beach, a dispute near the Embarcadero, or an arrest tied to a busy event weekend can look very different once it’s reduced to a police report. Our job is to bring the context back into focus, push back on exaggerated narratives, and make sure prosecutors and the court see the full picture, not just a rushed version of the story.
Summit Defense represents clients facing a wide range of charges in San Francisco. Whether your case involves a first-time offense or serious felony allegations, we take the same approach: investigate early, challenge weak evidence, and fight for the best outcome possible.
Our firm defends clients charged with:
If you’re unsure what you’re being accused of, or you don’t fully understand the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony, our team can walk you through the process and explain what your charges actually mean.
Many clients reach out to us right after an arrest because they don’t know what happens next. While every case is unique, most criminal cases in San Francisco follow a general path.
After an arrest, you may face:
At arraignment, the court will formally notify you of the charges and ask for a plea. Many people assume they should “explain what happened” or try to convince the court they’re innocent, but the arraignment is not the place to argue your case. The right move is usually to have an attorney handle the appearance and start building a defense immediately.
At Summit Defense, we do not rely on one-size-fits-all defenses. Every case requires a strategy based on the facts, the evidence, and the legal issues involved.
Our defense process typically includes:
Many criminal cases are won not in the courtroom during trial, but through early defense work. That can include uncovering inconsistent witness statements, challenging improper police procedures, or identifying gaps in the prosecution’s evidence before the case gains momentum.
The prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, inconsistent, or improperly obtained, the case may be vulnerable.
We often challenge:
If evidence was gathered illegally, we may be able to file motions to suppress it, which can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
In some cases, proving you were not at the alleged scene of the crime can be a powerful defense. We may work with you to establish a clear timeline using receipts, phone data, surveillance footage, witnesses, or other documentation.
In cases involving assault or violent crime allegations, self-defense may apply. California law allows people to protect themselves under certain circumstances, but self-defense cases require careful handling.
We may help prove:
Law enforcement must follow strict constitutional rules. If your rights were violated, it may be possible to reduce or dismiss the charges.
Constitutional issues can include:
These issues can have a major impact on the prosecution’s ability to move forward.
Not every case ends in trial. In some situations, the best strategy may involve negotiating reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
Our firm evaluates plea offers carefully and helps you understand:
Plea bargaining is common in San Francisco criminal cases, but that does not mean every plea offer is fair. Prosecutors often start by charging aggressively, then offering a deal that still carries significant consequences.
Our attorneys negotiate from a position of preparation. We review the evidence, identify weaknesses, and push for outcomes that protect your record as much as possible.
A good negotiation outcome may involve:
We also make sure you are not pressured into a decision without understanding what it means. A plea agreement is a legal commitment that can affect your life for years.
If your case proceeds toward trial, preparation becomes even more critical. Summit Defense prepares cases with the expectation that every charge could require litigation, even if it ultimately resolves earlier.
Court preparation includes:
We also help clients prepare emotionally and practically for the stress of court proceedings. Many people have never been involved in a criminal case before, and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Our goal is to give you clarity and confidence at every step.
A criminal charge does not automatically mean you will be convicted. There are many possible outcomes, and the right strategy depends on the facts, the evidence, and your goals.
For many people in San Francisco, the consequences of a criminal charge go far beyond fines or jail time. A pending case can create serious stress around background checks, professional licensing, security clearances, immigration status, or employment in regulated industries. Even if you live outside the city, an SF-based case can follow you home. That’s why we focus not only on the courtroom outcome, but also on the long-term impact a conviction or plea could have on your life.
Possible outcomes include:
Our job is to guide you toward the strongest possible result and help you avoid the long-term damage that a criminal conviction can cause.
If you’ve been arrested or contacted by law enforcement in San Francisco, what you do immediately afterward matters.
To protect yourself:
People often believe that “being cooperative” will help, but in criminal cases, casual statements can be misinterpreted or used against you. The safest step is to request legal representation immediately.
Stay calm, remain silent, and ask for an attorney. Do not try to explain your side of the story to police or investigators. Anything you say can be misunderstood or used against you later.
In most cases, yes, you will have at least one court appearance. Depending on the charges and the stage of the case, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf for certain hearings, but you should always confirm what is required.
Some cases resolve in a few weeks, while others take months or longer depending on the evidence, the court schedule, negotiations, and whether the case is headed toward trial.
Yes. Charges may be reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence, witness credibility, legal issues, or constitutional violations. An experienced defense attorney can identify opportunities to challenge the case early.
Misdemeanors are generally less serious offenses with lighter potential penalties. Felonies are more serious charges that can involve state prison exposure and longer-lasting consequences. Some crimes can be charged as either, depending on the facts.
Usually, no. Even innocent people can say things that accidentally hurt their case. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It’s safest to use those rights.
Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant and additional legal problems. If you missed a court appearance, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately so the issue can be addressed as quickly as possible.
Costs vary based on the charge and complexity of the case. Many firms offer free consultations and can discuss fees after learning more about your situation and what level of defense work is needed.
If you’re facing criminal charges in San Francisco, you do not have to handle it alone. Summit Defense is here to fight for you and help you protect your future.
Our San Francisco office is located at 580 California Street in the Financial District, making it convenient for clients who work downtown or need to meet quickly before a court date. If you’re dealing with an urgent situation, we can help you take the next right step, whether that means preparing for arraignment, addressing bail concerns, or stepping in before charges are formally filed.
Call (415) 666-2316 now to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Rabin Nabizadeh is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with extensive experience in both Federal and State courts. He has successfully represented clients in cases ranging from Misdemeanor DUI and Theft to serious felonies such as Grand Theft, Burglary, Sex Crimes, and Murder. Notably, Mr. Nabizadeh possesses a unique understanding of Immigration Law, allowing him to adeptly navigate cases with both criminal and immigration consequences. Fluent in Hebrew and Farsi, he also enjoys playing classical guitar in his spare time.
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