When you are facing criminal charges in San Diego County, every decision you make matters. You need an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney who understands the local courts, the prosecutors, and the defense strategies that can protect your freedom, record, and future.

At Poseidon Defense A.P.C., we defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout San Diego County, including Downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Del Mar, Coronado, Encinitas, Carlsbad, North Park, Hillcrest, Mission Hills, South Park, City Heights, East San Diego, University Heights, Kensington, Golden Hill, and Bankers Hill. We provide aggressive, strategic criminal defense tailored to the facts of your case and the courthouse where your case is filed.

Call or Text for a FREE Consultation: (657) 255-6455
Available 24/7 | Se Habla Español

Criminal cases are not won by passively reacting to the prosecution. We prepare every case aggressively, examine every weakness in the government’s evidence, and build a defense strategy designed to position your case for dismissal, reduction, diversion, or trial.

Geronimo Gutierrez IV previously served as a Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender, where he represented individuals facing serious misdemeanor and felony charges in one of the busiest criminal court systems in the country. That background brings courtroom experience, practical defense judgment, and a client-centered approach to every case.

San Diego County courts do not all operate the same way. Cases in Downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, Vista, El Cajon, and other courthouses can move differently depending on local procedures, prosecutors, and courtroom expectations. We tailor the defense strategy to the venue, the charge, and the facts.

In many cases, the best defense begins before charges are even filed. We act quickly to evaluate police reports, identify legal issues, gather favorable evidence, and present mitigation when appropriate.

Arrests, search warrants, and police contact rarely happen at convenient times. We are available around the clock to respond quickly and start protecting your rights.

We proudly represent Spanish-speaking clients and families throughout San Diego County and Southern California.

We represent clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including:

• DUI under VC 23152
• DUI causing injury under VC 23153
• Felony DUI
• DMV administrative hearings
• Suspended license charges under VC 14601
• Checkpoint and unlawful stop challenges

• Domestic battery under PC 243(e)(1)
• Corporal injury under PC 273.5
• Criminal threats under PC 422
• Child endangerment
• Protective order and restraining order issues

• Possession under H&S 11350
• Possession for sale under H&S 11351
• Transportation and sales under H&S 11352
• Methamphetamine-related charges
• Fentanyl-related cases
• Manufacturing allegations under H&S 11379.6
• Diversion under PC 1000 and PC 1001.36 where eligible

• Petty theft and shoplifting
• Grand theft
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Auto theft
• Organized retail theft
• Receiving stolen property

• Forgery under PC 470
• Embezzlement under PC 503
• Identity theft under PC 530.5
• Insurance fraud under PC 550
• Credit card fraud
• Money laundering
• Complex fraud investigations

• Assault
• Battery
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Criminal threats
• Attempted murder
• Murder and manslaughter
• Gang-related allegations

• Carrying a concealed firearm under PC 25400
• Carrying a loaded firearm under PC 25850
• Assault weapon allegations under PC 30600
• Felon in possession
• Search and seizure challenges under PC 1538.5

• Federal drug trafficking
• Wire and mail fraud
• Money laundering
• Conspiracy allegations
• Border-related and multi-agency investigations
• Parallel federal and state investigations

• Juvenile delinquency matters
• Diversion options
• Sealing juvenile records
• Transfer-to-adult-court issues

• Expungements
• Early termination of probation
• Record sealing
• Resentencing
• Appeals and post-conviction motions

We represent clients throughout San Diego County, including matters filed in:

• Central Courthouse – Downtown San Diego
• South County Regional Center – Chula Vista
• North County Regional Center – Vista
• East County Regional Center – El Cajon
• San Diego Federal Courthouse – Southern District of California

Each courthouse has its own filing patterns, courtroom procedures, prosecutors, and strategic considerations. Local court familiarity can matter in bond arguments, charging negotiations, motions, and overall case planning.

The first step is to understand exactly what happened, what evidence exists, and what legal issues may already be in play. Quick action can prevent avoidable mistakes and create early leverage.

In some cases, especially domestic violence, theft, and white collar matters, there may be an opportunity to intervene before formal charges are filed. We can present favorable facts, mitigation, and legal arguments directly to the filing agency when appropriate.

Police reports rarely tell the whole story. We review witness statements, surveillance, body camera footage, search and seizure issues, digital records, forensic evidence, and timelines to identify weaknesses in the case.

We challenge illegal searches, unlawful detentions, unreliable identifications, involuntary statements, and weak charging decisions. A well-timed motion can suppress key evidence or significantly weaken the prosecution’s position.

Strong negotiation starts with real trial preparation. When the prosecution knows the defense is prepared to litigate, it changes the posture of the case.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its own facts, evidence, and circumstances.

• Petty Theft Diversion Granted
  Dismissed and sealed
• Avoided Mandatory Penal Code 290 Registration
  Prosecution changed charge
• Avoided Prison in Penal Code 245 Case
  Credit time served

“Excellent communication and availability. Walked me through each step and took care of everything.”

“Geronimo was absolutely the best and made a hard time in my life as smooth as possible.”

“Best lawyer in town, Geronimo is professional, friendly and effective. Got me out of doing jail time 10/10 recommend.”

“An exceptional attorney—sweet, compassionate, and truly dedicated. Jerry made us feel supported every step of the way and handled our case with care and professionalism. His friendly, approachable manner is a plus. We’re grateful for his help and will absolutely seek his services again. Highly recommend Jerry’s services.”

“Mr. Gutierrez did an outstanding job for us. He was very knowledgeable, thorough, and patient with our questions. He explained all steps and procedures. We would definitely use him again if needed.”

“I recently had one of the most positive experiences with Mr. Gutierrez, as he helped me out with a school research project regarding attorneys. He gave excellent insight and feedback. He is an awesome and responsive attorney. It is clear that he holds such pride and…”

Geronimo Gutierrez IV is the founder of Poseidon Defense A.P.C. and a criminal defense attorney representing clients throughout San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County.

Geronimo previously served as a Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender, where he represented clients facing serious criminal allegations and developed substantial courtroom experience in a demanding high-volume criminal defense environment.

• 2025 – Harvard Kennedy School of Government
  Certificate in Constitutional Foundations, HarvardX
• 2020 – Thomas Jefferson School of Law
  JD – Juris Doctor
• 2017 – California State University, Fullerton
  BA – Bachelor of Arts – Political Science
• 2013 – Fullerton College
  Associate of Arts – Political Science

Geronimo Gutierrez IV believes that every client deserves direct communication, honest case assessment, and a defense strategy grounded in the actual facts of the case. He approaches each matter with urgency, preparation, and a strong commitment to protecting his clients’ rights and futures.

Remain silent, do not consent to searches, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not discuss your case with police, cellmates, or anyone else before speaking with counsel.

Yes, depending on the facts. Charges may be challenged through motion practice, factual investigation, diversion, negotiation, or preliminary hearing litigation.

It depends on the charge, the court, whether the case is filed as a misdemeanor or felony, and whether it resolves early or proceeds toward trial. Some matters resolve in weeks, while others may take months or longer.

A misdemeanor generally carries up to one year in county jail. A felony carries greater custody exposure, more serious long-term consequences, and in some cases state prison time.

Not every case results in jail or prison. Depending on the facts, there may be opportunities for diversion, probation, treatment-based resolutions, reduced charges, or other alternatives.

In many cases, yes. Eligibility depends on the nature of the conviction, the sentence imposed, and whether probation or other terms were successfully completed.

Yes. In some cases, early intervention may help prevent charges, reduce charges, or improve the posture of the case before arraignment.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in San Diego County, contact Poseidon Defense A.P.C. immediately for a confidential consultation. Early action can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

Call or Text: (657) 255-6455
Office: 1440 N Harbor Blvd #260, Fullerton, CA 92835
Website: PoseidonDefenseLaw.com
Email: PoseidonDefenseLaw@gmail.com
Se Habla Español

This content is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique. For legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, contact a qualified California criminal defense attorney.