YOU MAY NOT HAVE TO APPEAR IN COURT!  //  CALL US ANY TIME  //  LOCATED DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM VISTA COURTHOUSE

Christoph Law Offices, DUI & Criminal Defense
40+ Years Criminal Defense Experience
CALL 24/7 – Free Consultation
760-941-5720

Christoph Law Offices handles criminal defense exclusively and does not provide representation for civil litigation, family law, or personal injury

Christoph Law Offices, DUI & Criminal Defense
Christoph Law Offices, DUI & Criminal Defense

Christoph Law Offices handles criminal defense exclusively and does not provide representation for civil litigation, family law, or personal injury

HIGHEST RATING IN LEGAL ABILITY AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

  • Top Lawyers - San Diego Magazine
  • Former Deputy San Diego City Attorney
  • Former USMC Captain
  • Located Directly Across From Vista Courthouse
  • Over 150 Five Star Reviews on Google and Yelp

Attorneys William R. Christoph & Nicholas W. Christoph

Experienced North County And Encinitas Criminal Defense Attorneys

Encinitas is a coastal beach community in North San Diego County known for its beautiful beaches and great surf with a population of over 60,000. It is a popular tourist destination in California, with many people just visiting for a relaxing weekend away. Located off U.S. Highway 101 and Interstate 5, the local law enforcement includes the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol.

Handling Encinitas Criminal Defense cases, Christoph Law Offices, Attorneys Nicholas and William Christoph have been located directly across the street from the Vista North County Courthouse for over 40 years where Encinitas and all North County Criminal Cases are heard. They provide the highest quality personal DUI and Criminal Defense. “Top Lawyers” San Diego Magazine and over 150 five star Google reviews attest to their excellence.

We handle all California misdemeanors and felonies:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Hit and Run
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Theft, Shoplifting and burglary
  • Domestic violence
  • Credit Card Fraud & Identity Theft
  • Assault, Battery ADW
  • Expungements
  • Gun Violations
  • Drug Crimes
  • Probation violations

At Christoph Law Offices, Attorneys Nicholas and William Christoph serve Encinitas and all of North County from our office conveniently located across from the Vista Courthouse for more than 40 years. When you need experienced criminal defense lawyers to help you get the best resolution in your case, call attorneys William and Nicholas Christoph. We have been offering the highest level of personal and professional criminal defense representation for over 40 years in the Vista Courts.

Call our office to schedule your free consultation: 760-941-5720.

Helping You Navigate The Criminal Justice System

As Criminal defense lawyers handling Encinitas cases, we can help alleviate some of your anxiety by:

  • Helping you understand the criminal justice system, reviewing your case, and telling you what needs to be done to help you get the best resolution in your case.
  • As a former USMC Captain and both of us working regularly with military members and veterans, we are very experienced in assisting veterans and active duty military. We have a unique understanding of your situation and can help you understand special programs in Civilian Criminal Courts for the military and veterans like military diversion which can result in a dismissal of criminal charges if eligible.
  • Exploring record clean up options like expungement and reduction of felonies to misdemeanors which can help with post-conviction employment and educational opportunities.

We have built our reputation on the quality of our legal services for more than four decades. Give us a call for a free consultation which can help reduce your anxiety by better understanding what happens next and what you can do to help yourself in your case. Nicholas and William Christoph are dedicated to helping you get through this stressful time.

What Should You Do After Being Arrested In Encinitas?

Being arrested can be a startling experience. You may not know what to do next or how to protect your rights. The attorneys at Christoph Law Offices are here to help you. Here are some steps you should take after being arrested:

  • Remain calm: It is crucial to remain calm and assess your situation. The easiest way to make mistakes and be convicted of a crime is responding to an arrest with frustration. 
  • Remain silent: Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent. Invoke that right immediately. Do not try to talk yourself out of the situation. Anything you say could be used against you in court as self-incriminating evidence.
  • Ask for legal counsel: This is the absolute best way to protect yourself. Our attorneys will help you understand the charges, the options you have and the next steps in your case.

Once you reach out to our firm, our attorneys can begin reviewing your case, looking at defenses and advising you on what needs to be done to resolve your criminal case in the best possible way.

How Long Will Your Criminal Case Take In Encinitas?

How long your criminal case will take will depend on several factors, including the severity of the charges against you, the complexity of the legal issues involved, the investigation process, reviewing defenses and taking steps to help minimize the charges and penalties.

Under the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to a “speedy” trial. In California, a speedy trial means in 30 days if in custody or 45 days if out of custody for a misdemeanor charge. For felony trials, a speedy trial is within 60 days of the arraignment. There can also be exceptions allowing a later date under some circumstances. However, it is often to a defendant’s advantage to waive that “speedy trial” time limit in order to make sure you have all the evidence from the DA, complete your investigation, prepare and conduct plea bargaining negotiations and then complete trial preparation if the case is not able to be resolved.

Nicholas and William Christoph at Christoph Law Offices stand by your side every step of the way to help ensure your case is resolved as quickly as possible with the best possible outcome as the goal.

Will You Have To Go To Court?

Whether you have to go to court for a criminal charge will depend on the charges you face. For most misdemeanor offenses, your attorney is allowed to appear on your behalf in court. However, you may be required to appear in court for some misdemeanors and if your case goes to trial. If you are facing a felony charge, you will always have to appear in court at every appearance.

To learn more about the process, your charges, possible defenses and whether you will have to go to court for your criminal case, call us for a free consultation.

Call For A Free Consultation Today

We serve all of Encinitas, including Old Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Leucadia and all of North County. Get started by contacting our office today. Call 760-941-5720 or send us a message through our contact form.

Defending Against DUI and Criminal Charges Throughout San Diego County

Top Rated In The Legal Community
AS PUBLISHED IN San Diego Magazine 2025 | 2025 | TOP LAWYERS SELECTED BY PEER RECOGNITION | William R. Christoph | Top Lawyers Selected By peer Recognition San Diego Magazine - July 2025
Martindale-Hubbell | AV Preeminent | Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence
Avvo Rating | 10 Superb | Top Attorney Criminal Defense