Free consultations · Hablamos español

San Diego DUI and criminal defense lawyer who listens first.

Q: Do I really have only 10 days to protect my license?

In California, after a DUI arrest you generally have 10 days to request a DMV hearing . If no hearing is requested, the suspension can start automatically. The DMV hearing is separate from the criminal case in court, so it is worth talking to a lawyer right away.

Q: Is the DMV hearing the same as my court case?

No. A DUI arrest starts two separate cases : an administrative case at the DMV about your license, and a criminal case in court. Each has its own dates and its own rules. We explain both in plain language at the free consultation.

Q: What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

A misdemeanor is a less serious charge, usually punished with probation, fines or up to a year in county jail. A felony is more serious and can carry a longer sentence. Some charges can be filed either way, which is why the early stage of a case matters.

Q: This is my first time in trouble. What happens now?

Most cases start with an arraignment , the first court date, where the charge is read and a plea is entered. From there the case can be negotiated, go to hearings or go to trial. Many people who call have never been in trouble before. We walk you through each step.

Q: Should I talk to the police about my case?

You have the right to remain silent . Before you answer questions about your case, talk to a lawyer. Anything you say can be used in the case, even when it seems harmless.

Q: This is not my first DUI. Can you still help?

Yes. Marcus handles second and third DUI charges as well as first-time cases. Penalties grow with each prior, so the details of your record and your arrest matter. A free consultation is the place to start.

Q: I am a veteran or in the military. Are there other options?

California has a military diversion program for current and former members of the military in some misdemeanor cases. Whether it fits depends on the charge and your situation. Tell us about your service at the consultation so we can look at it.

Q: Can my record be cleared later?

In California, many convictions can be dismissed after probation under Penal Code 1203.4, often called an expungement. Some arrest records can be sealed. Whether you qualify depends on the case. We can look at it with you.

Q: Do you speak Spanish?

Yes. Hablamos español. Marcus speaks English and Spanish, so you and your family can talk through the case in the language you are most comfortable with.

Q: What does the free consultation include?

A confidential conversation about what happened. Meet in person at the Mission Valley office, or talk by phone or Zoom. We listen, explain your options and answer your questions. No obligation to hire us.

Arrested or charged in San Diego County or south Riverside County? Marcus E. DeBose has defended clients since 2001. Talk it through in person, by phone or by Zoom.

4.6 stars from 24 Google reviews
Licensed in California since 2001
In person, by phone or by Zoom

4.6 on Google · 24 reviews State Bar of California No. 216328 Licensed since 2001 Hablamos español

Meet Your Lawyer

A San Diego defense lawyer who tells your story.

Marcus E. DeBose has defended clients in San Diego since 2001. He is a partner at Tegnelia & DeBose, APC, the firm behind Email My Lawyer, with its office in Mission Valley.

Early in his career he carried a caseload of 125 felony cases at one time. His approach starts with a long first conversation, because the facts on a police report are rarely the whole story. Then he tells that story to the prosecutor and the judge.

Both of his parents are attorneys, and he was featured in the Peacock series Dateline: Secrets by the Bay. He speaks English and Spanish, with a B.A. in history and Spanish from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law.

Marcus E. DeBose Attorney · Tegnelia & DeBose, APC · San Diego

Is this you?

If any of this sounds familiar, we should talk.

Most people who call have never been in trouble before. A free consultation helps you understand where you stand. No pressure, no jargon.

You were arrested for DUI and you are worried about your license.
You were charged with a misdemeanor or a felony in San Diego County.
This is your first time in trouble and your job or family is on your mind.
You have a court date coming up and do not know what to expect.
You would rather talk it through in Spanish.

“

Marcus DeBose did an excellent job representing for a DUI case and was able to help explain terms clearly and confidently. A phenomenal lawyer!

AJ Hawkins · Google review

Why Email My Lawyer

You are not just another case file.

What to expect when you call Email My Lawyer.

Defending clients since 2001

Licensed in California since 2001, with DUI and criminal cases across San Diego County and south Riverside County.

A long first conversation

A police report is rarely the whole story. Marcus wants to know what happened, why, and who you are outside of this moment.

In person, phone or Zoom

Free consultations at the Mission Valley office, by phone or by Zoom, in English or Spanish.

“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. I’m more than appreciative of his professionalism and personalism.”

Katy Herrera

Consultation · Google review

Working Together

A simple, clear process.

Four stages, from the moment you reach out to the end of your case.

Reach out

Send the form or call. You will hear back from us.

Free consult

In person, by phone or by Zoom. We listen and explain your options.

Clear plan

The next steps for your case and your court dates, in plain language.

Your case

Negotiation, hearings or trial, whichever your case needs.

Talk to a lawyer before your court date.

Free consultation in person, by phone or by Zoom. Hablamos español.

Free Consultation (619) 901-0381

Practice Areas

DUI and criminal defense, in one place.

Representation for DUI, misdemeanor and felony charges in San Diego County and south Riverside County.

DUI Defense Second & Third DUI Felony Defense Misdemeanor Defense Drug & Theft Crimes Record Sealing

What Clients Say

In their own words.

I’m an honorable veteran and Marcus DeBose represented me in my DUI case. Since the start, Marcus made the entire process extremely smooth. From guiding me through each step to representing me in every hearing, he always handled my case with great professionalism and care. With his recognition of my eligibility for military diversion, my case was ultimately dismissed and completely cleared from my record. Marcus is an attorney who respects veterans and looks out for our best interests.

Justin Reichenbach

DUI case · Veteran · Google review

Marcus and his team are very professional and caring. Marcus communicated very well by answering phone calls and returning text messages. He provided updates on everything that transpired during and between court dates. Marcus was able to keep me out out of jail on back to back DUI cases. I, personally, was there when Marcus and team put together everything needed for court on both DUI cases, very attentive to detail. I appreciate all the time and effort Marcus and team put into keeping me out of jail. Worth every dollar.

Guillermo Sanchez

DUI cases · Google review

Google reviews, quoted as written. Client reviews describe individual experiences. Results will differ if based on different facts.

Common Questions

Answers, in plain language.

The questions we hear most often after an arrest or a charge in San Diego.

Do I really have only 10 days to protect my license?

In California, after a DUI arrest you generally have 10 days to request a DMV hearing. If no hearing is requested, the suspension can start automatically.

The DMV hearing is separate from the criminal case in court, so it is worth talking to a lawyer right away.

Is the DMV hearing the same as my court case?

No. A DUI arrest starts two separate cases: an administrative case at the DMV about your license, and a criminal case in court.

Each has its own dates and its own rules. We explain both in plain language at the free consultation.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

A misdemeanor is a less serious charge, usually punished with probation, fines or up to a year in county jail. A felony is more serious and can carry a longer sentence.

Some charges can be filed either way, which is why the early stage of a case matters.

This is my first time in trouble. What happens now?

Most cases start with an arraignment, the first court date, where the charge is read and a plea is entered. From there the case can be negotiated, go to hearings or go to trial.

Many people who call have never been in trouble before. We walk you through each step.

Should I talk to the police about my case?

You have the right to remain silent. Before you answer questions about your case, talk to a lawyer.

Anything you say can be used in the case, even when it seems harmless.

This is not my first DUI. Can you still help?

Yes. Marcus handles second and third DUI charges as well as first-time cases. Penalties grow with each prior, so the details of your record and your arrest matter.

A free consultation is the place to start.

I am a veteran or in the military. Are there other options?

California has a military diversion program for current and former members of the military in some misdemeanor cases. Whether it fits depends on the charge and your situation.

Tell us about your service at the consultation so we can look at it.

Can my record be cleared later?

In California, many convictions can be dismissed after probation under Penal Code 1203.4, often called an expungement. Some arrest records can be sealed.

Whether you qualify depends on the case. We can look at it with you.

Do you speak Spanish?

Yes. Hablamos español. Marcus speaks English and Spanish, so you and your family can talk through the case in the language you are most comfortable with.

What does the free consultation include?

A confidential conversation about what happened. Meet in person at the Mission Valley office, or talk by phone or Zoom.

We listen, explain your options and answer your questions. No obligation to hire us.

Our Promise

The standard we hold ourselves to.

These are the principles we hold ourselves to with every client.

Your story is heard. We take the time to understand what happened and who you are.
Straight answers. We tell you where you stand and what your options are, in plain language.
Clear communication. We keep you informed about your case and what comes next.
Honest counsel. Real advice on your situation, even when it is not what you hoped to hear.
Respect. No judgment. We listen first and take your concerns seriously.

Free Consultation

Talk to a defense lawyer.

Tell us a bit about what happened. Your information is kept confidential.

A reply from the firm

You will hear back from us about your case.

In person, phone or Zoom

At the Mission Valley office, by phone or by Zoom, in English or Spanish.

No obligation

The first conversation is free. No commitment to hire us.

Free Consult (619) 901-0381

San Diego DUI and criminal defense lawyer who listens first.

Tell us what happened.

A San Diego defense lawyer who tells your story.

If any of this sounds familiar, we should talk.

You are not just another case file.

Defending clients since 2001

A long first conversation

In person, phone or Zoom

A simple, clear process.

Reach out

Free consult

Clear plan

Your case

Talk to a lawyer before your court date.

DUI and criminal defense, in one place.

In their own words.

Answers, in plain language.

The standard we hold ourselves to.

Talk to a defense lawyer.

Get Your Free Consultation