John Karas

Trial attorney (not merely a negotiator). Criminal defense (misdemeanors and felonies), Civil (personal injury) and Appellate (criminal and civil). Worked on the defense team for then San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock. Written successful briefs and oral argument in both Civil and Criminal Appeals.

Specialize in Criminal Defense cases up to and including trial.

Criminal Law

Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes

DUI & DWI

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Criminal Defense

Cannabis & Marijuana Law

Marijuana Business Formation

White Collar Crime

Personal Injury

Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death

Products Liability

Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts

Civil Rights

Police Misconduct

Insurance Claims

Bad Faith Insurance

Appeals & Appellate

Civil Appeals

• Free Consultation
  30 minutes devoted totally to your case (not your financial information like most lawyers/law firms).

California

Since 1984

California

Federal Circuit

Since 1984

San Diego State Univ

Undergraduate Degree

California Western School of Law

Law Degree

California State Bar  # 115833

Member

1984 - Current

Q. Is assult and battery with deadly weapon a more serious crime than criminal threats?

April 10, 2023

A: Both are "wobblers" meaning they can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. However, if charged with ADW, it has a higher jail sentence if charged as a felony (up to 4 years in state prison) whereas CT if charged as a felon carries a 3 year prison sentence. Of the two, ADW is charged as a felony 99% of the time in my experience while CT is almost always charged as a misdemeanor. It's also considered a serious and violent felony and counts as 1 strike under California's 3 strike laws which one a person gets 3 they can be sentenced to state prison for life. However, if the CT was something like a threat to blow up someone's car or house and the police conducting an investigation find evidence that the person making the threat has the means to carry it out (i.e. find a detonator, trace evidence of an explosive), it would most certainly be charged as a felony with enhancement for possession of an explosive device or any of its components. If you or someone else you know is charged with either offense, it would be best to hire a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney who has handled both types of crimes. There are certain defenses to both that to get the best outcome.

Q. Hi I got a dui last year and was supposed to start my work release program on 3/1/23 but I mistaken it for a later date

March 30, 2023

A: I wrote a Guide on this subject several years ago which may provide you with some guidance. https://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/bench-warrant-violation-of-probation-diy-or-hire-a-lawyer-legal-guide-

Q. Why is there a statute of limitations on a serious bodily head injury, that Almost caused death.

March 27, 2023

A: This isn't a criminal law question but I'll answer it anyway. The SOL for most personal injuries cases is 2 years.