Practice Area

At Harrison Patterson and O’Connor, our San Diego criminal defense attorneys practice criminal law not only in state courts, but also in federal courts throughout the State of California. Our attorneys regularly handle narcotics cases “adopted” by the federal government and understand the intricacies of the federal criminal justice system. Criminal cases brought by the federal government provide a unique challenge for the accused and require a criminal defense lawyer well-versed in the law and procedure of these courts – qualities you will find in the criminal defense lawyers at Harrison Patterson & O’Connor. Our criminal defense attorney in San Diego understands how to work with government prosecutors to secure the best possible results for our clients, interpret the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and comply with the procedures to properly defend a federal case.

One unique area of Harrison Patterson & O’Connor’s criminal practice involves what many call "white-collar crimes." These types of crimes are associated with money and do not involve violence or bodily injury to another person. Some examples of white-collar crimes that our criminal defense attorneys in San Diego handle involve bank fraud: such as making false statements to obtain a loan, filing false reports or returns with government agencies, insurance fraud and embezzlement. If you used the mail, phone or internet communications in committing fraud, the federal prosecutor has jurisdiction over your case. At Harrison Patterson & O’Connor, our San Diego criminal defense lawyers understand and closely monitor the federal and New York state laws that now regulate an increasing number of matters formerly the subject of purely private disputes. As a result, a businessperson may be the subject of either formal or informal federal or New York enforcement investigations.

At Harrison Patterson & O’Connor, our San Diego criminal defense attorneys are prepared to conduct thorough white collar/internal investigations. If you, your corporation, officers, directors, and/or employees are being questioned by the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other federal/New York authorities, you need help fast. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience, both in civil and criminal federal matters. This experience is put to good use for our clients. Our San Diego criminal defense attorneys will help you prepare for a government investigation so that your company will be able to respond in an organized and coherent manner. We construct strategies to protect your rights from the initial contact by a government investigator, whether by an informal request for information, to the issuance of an administrative or grand jury subpoena or execution of a search warrant. While most white collar criminal cases resolve short of trial, the criminal defense attorneys at Harrison Patterson & O’Connor possess the trial experience necessary to test the government’s case at trial if necessary.

At Harrison Patterson & O’Connor, we meticulously prepare your white collar criminal defense matters so as to protect your freedom, reputation, business and civil privileges. Our San Diego criminal defense attorneys understand that your individual livelihood is at stake, and will work diligently to prepare the best possible defense to a white-collar, drug possession or other federal matter. Contact our offices today to discuss your case.