Murrieta Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced Criminal Attorney in Murrieta, CA, Ready to Fight Your Charge

If you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor or felony, reach out to a criminal attorney in Murrieta immediately. Fighting your charge requires an aggressive defense, which takes a considerable amount of time to build. Retaining legal representation early allows your lawyer to expend the effort necessary to develop a strategy for your specific situation.

At The Law Office of David E. Grande, Murrieta criminal defense lawyer David E. Grande is ready to get to work for you. He has decades of experience and has handled hundreds of trials. Backed by extensive insight into the legal system and having argued in court, Attorney Grande knows what it takes to persuasively present a case. 

Many criminal cases in Murrieta begin with an arrest by the Murrieta Police Department or another Riverside County agency and then move quickly to an arraignment at the Southwest Justice Center. Acting before that first court date allows your lawyer to request police reports, body camera footage, and witness statements and begin preserving any surveillance or phone records that might help your defense. Early involvement also means you get guidance on whether to talk to law enforcement or investigators and how to avoid common mistakes that can harm your case later.

To speak with him during a free consultation, please call (951) 221-4331 or submit an online contact form today.

Types of Criminal Charges We Defend in Murrieta

Since 2002, Attorney Grande has taken on hundreds of criminal matters. He is committed to pursuing optimal outcomes and has a track record of results.

He can provide legal representation for all types of cases, including, but not limited to:

• Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges arise when a person is alleged to have caused physical, emotional, or psychological injury to someone they are in a close or intimate relationship with. The alleged act need not have involved actual contact with the victim – threatening to injure them is enough to be considered a violation of the law.

These cases are often filed quickly in Riverside County based on limited information, and they may involve emergency protective orders, no-contact orders, and immediate changes in living arrangements or child visitation. A defense lawyer in Murrieta can help you understand what conditions the court has put in place, how to avoid unintentional violations, and what steps you can take to protect your rights while also minimizing the impact on your family and employment.

• Drug Crimes

In California, drug crimes carry severe penalties. If you have been accused of possession, possession with intent to sell, distribution, trafficking, or any other controlled substance offense, discuss your case with a Murrieta criminal lawyer right away.

Drug cases in Riverside County may involve investigations by local agencies or regional task forces, and the outcome can depend heavily on whether the search and seizure was lawful. An attorney can examine how officers conducted traffic stops on I-15 or searches of homes and vehicles, challenge defective warrants, and evaluate whether treatment programs, diversion, or alternative sentencing options are available in your situation.

• DUI

DUIs are very nuanced cases. They require an understanding of the law and the science involved in these matters. Additionally, two legal processes begin when someone's accused of driving under the influence: the criminal and the administrative. Consult with a skilled criminal attorney in Murrieta to learn what options can be pursued to protect your future and your driving privileges.

After a DUI arrest in or around Murrieta, you may have a hearing at the Southwest Justice Center and also face a separate action through the California DMV. Acting quickly allows your lawyer to request a DMV hearing, review breath or blood test procedures, and evaluate whether equipment was properly maintained and calibrated. A detailed review of the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, and any video evidence can uncover defenses that are not obvious from the police report alone.

• Juvenile Crimes

If someone under 18 years of age is alleged to have violated a law, their case will go through the juvenile justice system. This system is different from the adult system. That is why it is vital to have a Murrieta criminal defense lawyer on your side who knows how to handle these types of cases.

Juvenile matters in Riverside County focus more on rehabilitation than punishment, but the consequences can still include confinement, strict probation, and long-term records that affect schooling and opportunities. A lawyer familiar with local probation officers, school resource officers, and juvenile court judges can advocate for counseling, education programs, and community-based resolutions instead of more restrictive placements whenever the circumstances support that outcome.

• Sex Crimes

A sex crime charge not only carries a possible jail or prison sentence but may also result in the requirement to register as a sex offender. These sanctions can have long-lasting consequences, making it difficult to become a productive member of society.

Because sex crime allegations are highly sensitive and often involve complex forensic evidence or digital records, early investigation is critical. A defense attorney in Murrieta can work with investigators to review phone data, social media communications, and forensic examinations, and can identify inconsistencies in statements made to the Murrieta Police Department or Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Careful preparation is also essential for any interviews or questioning, as what you say at the outset can significantly affect how the case is charged and pursued.

• Theft Crimes

Several types of offenses can fall under the umbrella term “theft.” Examples include embezzlement, grand theft, petty theft, burglary, robbery, and receiving stolen property. Regardless of the charge, the penalties can be severe and can affect your personal relationships and professional life.

Theft allegations may involve surveillance footage from local businesses, financial records, or witness identifications that are not always reliable. An experienced criminal law attorney in Murrieta can examine how evidence was collected, whether identifications were suggestive, and if there are innocent explanations for missing property or financial discrepancies. In some cases, it may be possible to pursue restitution-based resolutions or reduced charges that limit long-term consequences.

• Violent Crimes

Violent crimes involve harm or threatened harm against another person. Some of the offenses falling under this category include assault, homicide, mayhem, robbery, and kidnapping.

These cases are often aggressively prosecuted in Riverside County courts and may involve complex issues such as self-defense, defense of others, mistaken identity, or questions about who was the initial aggressor. A defense lawyer in Murrieta can review medical records, 911 calls, and witness statements to build a clear timeline and challenge assumptions made during the initial investigation. Thorough preparation for preliminary hearings and pretrial motions can influence how prosecutors evaluate the strength of their case. Please do not hesitate to contact Murrieta criminal defense lawyer David E. Grande to discuss your case. There is hope in even the most serious matters, and he will ensure that you understand your legal options and help make informed decisions about the direction your case takes.