San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge Attorney Christopher F. Morales - Morales Law Firm

California Board-Certified
Criminal Law Attorney

We Fight for Your Rights

Why Choose The Morales Law Firm

30+ Years

Defending Californians

Free

Initial Case Evaluations

Board-Certified

Criminal Law Specialist

Highly Rated Criminal Defense

Highly Rated Criminal Defense

Aggressive Courtroom Defense

Board certified criminal law specialist, Christopher Morales, founded our firm in 1991. For over 30 years he has represented thousands of clients facing criminal charges in San Francisco and throughout California. As a former champion amateur boxer, he uses his experience in the ring to aggressively defend his clients inside the courtroom. Christopher and his legal team’s fighting spirit has delivered results in numerous high-profile criminal cases and has earned our firm the most prestigious AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

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Practice Areas

As a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Christopher Morales has dedicated his legal career to defending those accused of misdemeanors, felonies, and federal crimes.

Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense

If you’ve been accused of a crime, retaining legal counsel makes sure that your rights are protected and gives you the best chance of securing a positive outcome in your case, eliminating or minimizing potential penalties.

Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic Violence Defense

Drug charges can range in severity from minor misdemeanors to felonies. From reviewing the legality of a search and seizure to challenging drug test results and defending against other accusations, our drug crimes lawyer has the experience to argue your case.

Drug Crimes

Drug Crimes

We vigorously defend clients charged with possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances, protecting their futures and fighting for the best possible outcomes.

DUI

DUI

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, you have likely lost your license and may be facing serious penalties, including jail time. Our defense attorney can build a case for alternative sentencing, such as entering a treatment facility, to reduce the impact these charges may have on your future.

Federal Criminal Defense

Federal Criminal Defense

Federal crimes, including tax evasion, trafficking, and fraud, can result in long prison sentences and hefty fines. Working with our attorney, who has experience defending claims in federal court, can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.

Murder

Murder

Murder charges range in degree depending on the circumstances surrounding the loss of life. If you are facing a homicide case, working with our criminal defense attorney increases your odds of getting an acquittal or pleading down to a lesser charge, shortening your potential sentence.

Theft & Robbery

Theft & Robbery

The difference between theft and robbery is the use of violence. The value of the stolen goods also influences the degree of charges you may be facing.

White Collar Crime

White Collar Crime

A white collar crimes financially benefit the accused, such as embezzlement, insider trading, fraud, and tax evasion. Despite their nonviolent nature, these charges still carry substantial penalties and sentencing minimums.

Personal Injury

Personal Injury

When you are harmed because of another person’s negligence, the law allows you to file a personal injury claim to recover losses related to the accident, such as medical bills, missed wages, property damage, emotional distress, and more.

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Client Reviews

We are proud to represent clients throughout California, delivering top-notch legal defenses to thousands of individuals in The Golden State.
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Attorney Insights

On Criminal Law

Facing criminal charges is scary, and these videos offer quick answers from Attorney Morales on serious matters like murder, sex crimes, and juvenile cases. You can quickly understand how things like bail and arrest without a warrant work, helping you prepare for your legal defense. Take a few minutes to watch and learn what steps you can take now, and why choosing a certified specialist makes a real difference in the outcome of your case.

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Meet Our Attorney

Christopher F. Morales

Christopher Morales established our private law practice in 1991. His passion for battling police and prosecutors inspired his dedication to criminal defense law. Throughout his career, Chris has helped thousands of individuals in San Francisco and beyond through fierce representation and his fighting spirit.

Attorney Christopher F. Morales - Morales Law Firm
San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge
Who We Help

Serving San Francisco,
The Bay Area, and all of California

If you are facing criminal charges, contact our office today for help with building your defense.

Attorney Morales is a native San Franciscan. He is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and Santa Clara University Law School.

Why Acting Quickly Matters When You’re Facing Criminal Charges

Criminal Defense Lawyer San Francisco, CA

If you are facing criminal charges in San Francisco or anywhere in California, taking fast action can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. At Morales Law Firm, we have seen firsthand how the early steps our clients take often shape the rest of their legal journey. With over three decades of experience defending people across the Bay Area, we know how to help you protect your rights from the very beginning.

Why Quick Action Protects Your Rights

When you get arrested or learn that you are under investigation, your first instinct might be to wait and see what happens. Many people hope the situation will resolve itself. In reality, waiting can put you at a serious disadvantage. Police and prosecutors start building their case the moment you are charged or suspected. Every day they spend collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses can work against you. That is why getting a skilled San Francisco criminal defense attorney involved as early as possible is one of the best moves you can make.

By contacting our team quickly, you give us the chance to preserve important evidence, protect your legal rights, and start laying the foundation for a strong defense. Memories can fade and surveillance video or physical evidence can disappear days or even hours after an incident. We act fast to secure the details and documents that support your side of the story. Whether you are facing charges for DUI, drug crimes, theft, violent offenses, white-collar crimes, or any other criminal matter, our early involvement lets us raise legal challenges, spot possible defenses, and limit the harm to your reputation and future.

Three Decades of Trusted Criminal Defense

With more than 30 years of practice, our firm has built a reputation as a top choice for criminal defense in San Francisco. Attorney Christopher Morales is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist who is recognized for his aggressive, intelligent, and client-focused approach to every case. Over the years, we have successfully defended thousands of people in cases ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies. The Morales Law Firm is trusted by clients, respected by courts, and honored with top ratings by organizations like Avvo, the Better Business Bureau, and the National Trial Lawyers Association.

We know that criminal charges can bring stress, confusion, and worry about your future. That is why we are dedicated not only to defending you in court but also to giving you clear information and honest answers every step of the way. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide urgent support when you need it most.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

We offer free consultations, so you can speak with us about your situation without any risk or obligation. During this consultation, we listen to your story, explain your rights and options, and outline how we can help you move forward. At Morales Law Firm, our goal is to protect your freedom and your future. Criminal charges do not have to define your life. By acting quickly and getting the right legal team on your side from day one, you give yourself the best possible chance for a favorable outcome.

Whether you need strong representation, confidential guidance, or just a conversation to discuss your options, our experienced San Francisco criminal defense lawyers are here for you. Reach out to us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you and start building your defense now. Your case deserves immediate attention and a proven team fighting for you every step of the way.

Criminal Defense
Answers to Your

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I've been arrested?

If you’ve been arrested, we recommend that you stay calm, clearly say that you want to remain silent, and ask to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions, because anything you say can be used against you later. With over 34 years of criminal defense experience in private practice since 1991, we understand how those first decisions at the station or jail can shape the rest of your case. We offer free consultations and 24/7 phone answering, so call us at (415) 552-1215 or contact us online as soon as possible so we can start protecting your rights and building a defense plan tailored to you.

Do I need a lawyer if I haven't been charged yet?

Yes, talking with a lawyer while you are under investigation but before charges are filed can make a real difference, because we can deal with detectives for you, help you avoid harmful statements, and in some cases present information that may influence a prosecutor’s charging decision. With over three decades of criminal defense experience across California, handling misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile matters, we know how pre-charge work can affect what happens later in court. We offer free consultations, so reach out now and let us review what is happening before things get worse, instead of waiting until you are already in court.

Can I get my charges reduced or dismissed?

Many cases can be reduced or even dismissed, but it depends on the facts, the evidence, your record, and how the prosecution and judge see the case, so we start by carefully reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any video or scientific evidence for weaknesses we can challenge. Attorney Morales has experience defending everything from DUI and drug charges to serious felonies and white collar cases. We know which issues to attack and when to push for dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative resolutions. While no lawyer can promise a specific outcome, we offer free consultations to talk through your options and next steps, so contact us today and let us evaluate the best strategy for your situation.

What are my rights during a police investigation?

During a police investigation, you have the right to remain silent, the right to ask for a lawyer, and in many situations the right to refuse consent to a search, even if officers try to pressure you to talk or let them “just look around.” Attorney Morales has spent over 30+ years defending people in police stations and courts throughout California, so we know how officers question suspects and what tactics they use to get statements. We offer free consultations and 24/7 phone answering, so contact us as early as possible, ideally before you meet with the police, so we can explain your rights in plain language and speak to law enforcement on your behalf.

Can you tell me if I'll have to go to trial?

Most criminal cases do not go all the way to trial, but some do, and whether yours will depend on the strength of the evidence, the offers from the prosecutor, and your own goals and risk tolerance. With over 34 years of trial experience handling everything from DUI and assault to murder, sex crimes, and complex white collar matters, we can give you a realistic picture of what a trial would look like and when it makes sense to fight in front of a jury. During your free consultation, we’ll review your situation, talk about possible outcomes both with and without trial, and help you decide the path that best fits you and your family.

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?

The cost of a criminal defense attorney depends on factors like the seriousness of the charges, how complex the evidence is, whether the case is likely to go to trial, and which court the case is in, so we usually cannot give a meaningful quote until we know some details. Since 1991, Attorney Morales has handled everything from misdemeanors and juvenile cases to serious felonies in courts across California. We can quickly assess what level of work your case will likely require. We offer free consultations so we can review your situation, explain your options, and discuss fees and payment arrangements upfront. Contact us today to talk through costs before you make any big decisions alone.

Can I get my record expunged in California?

In many situations, people can seek to have certain California convictions expunged, meaning the court treats the conviction as if it never happened and removes it from the public record, but eligibility depends on the type of offense, your sentence, and whether you have completed all terms of probation and are free of new charges. We handle expungements and record-clearing work as part of our practice, using over thirty years of experience in criminal law to review your history and determine what relief may be available. We offer free consultations, so contact us and we’ll go through your record with you, explain what can and cannot be cleaned up, and map out the next steps to give you a better future.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?

In California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the injury, and claims against government entities can have much shorter deadlines, which is why waiting too long can cause you to lose your rights entirely. With over 34 years of experience and a practice that includes serious personal injury matters such as car and truck accidents, we know how critical it is to investigate early, preserve evidence, and deal with insurance companies before time runs out. We offer free consultations, so if you or a loved one has been hurt, reach out to us as soon as possible so we can review the timeline, protect your claim, and start working toward the compensation you deserve.

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