About Campbell & DeMetrick, PLC — Criminal Defense San Francisco, California

Campbell & DeMetrick, PLC is a criminal defense San Francisco firm dedicated to defending individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout the state of California. The firm takes on cases statewide, though its San Francisco base gives clients direct access to attorneys familiar with the San Francisco Superior Court at 850 Bryant Street — the Hall of Justice where most criminal matters in the city are processed. Criminal defense San Francisco cases handled by the firm range from DUI and drug charges to assault and serious felonies. Because California’s criminal courts impose significant consequences — including mandatory minimum sentences, immigration effects, and professional licensing consequences — having a firm that argues aggressively from the start is critical. Browse criminal defense attorneys in the directory to compare your options.

San Francisco’s District Attorney’s office maintains detailed public data dashboards tracking arrests, prosecutions, and case outcomes. The SFPD arrest rate hovered around 8.5% in recent reporting periods — one of the highest since 2015 — which means a large majority of reported incidents do not result in arrest, and of those that do, many are successfully defended or declined by the DA. That dynamic underscores the importance of early intervention by a criminal defense attorney. Campbell & DeMetrick’s statewide scope also means the firm can handle cases that begin in San Francisco but involve charges in other California counties.

What Clients Say

Clients in criminal cases consistently value attorneys who stay accessible during what is often the most stressful period of their lives. Reviews for criminal defense firms in San Francisco emphasize how meaningful it is when an attorney returns calls quickly, explains possible outcomes honestly, and appears prepared in court rather than reviewing files at the last moment. Clients also note the importance of understanding the difference between a dismissal, a plea deal, and a trial outcome before committing to a strategy.

Criminal Defense San Francisco — Practice Areas & Services

• DUI Defense: California DUI charges carry license suspension, fines, and potential jail time; the firm defends clients in San Francisco and throughout California’s court system.
• Drug Offenses: Representation for possession, sale, and transportation charges under California Health & Safety Code, including Prop 47 expungement opportunities.
• Assault & Violent Crimes: Defense for charges including assault, battery, domestic violence, and robbery — handled in San Francisco Superior Court at 850 Bryant Street.
• Felony Defense: Statewide felony representation, including cases involving mandatory sentencing enhancements under California’s Three Strikes law.
• Misdemeanor Defense: Efficient handling of misdemeanor charges to minimize record impact and preserve clients’ employment and immigration status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after being arrested in San Francisco?

Invoke your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately — do not answer questions from law enforcement without counsel present. California law requires police to stop questioning once you invoke your right to counsel. Contact a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible, since early intervention before arraignment can significantly affect bail conditions and the trajectory of the case.

How serious are felony charges in California compared to other states?

California felonies carry sentences from 16 months to life in state prison under the California Penal Code, depending on the charge and any sentencing enhancements. Certain felonies also trigger the Three Strikes law, which can result in dramatically longer sentences for defendants with prior convictions. Additionally, a felony conviction in California affects voting rights, professional licensing, and immigration status — outcomes that make quality defense representation particularly consequential.

Where are criminal cases heard in San Francisco County?

Criminal cases in San Francisco are heard at the Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. This courthouse handles arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials for both misdemeanors and felonies. The San Francisco Superior Court’s Criminal Division processes hundreds of cases per week, and familiarity with local judges and prosecutors is a meaningful advantage for defense counsel.