San Diego Criminal Attorney

Are you facing criminal charges in greater San Diego and looking for answers?  Whether you’ve been arrested for DUI, assault, fraud, drugs, theft, or another offense, the attorneys at RJT Criminal Defense can help.  Founder Ryan J. Tegnelia is an experienced criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor, and he understands what it takes to provide you with the best chance of a dismissal, a reduction in the charges against you, or a not guilty verdict.

The fact is that when charges are formulated by the police and the prosecutors, they have significant leeway in identifying what laws you’ll be charged under.  A simple shoplifting charge, for example, could wind up as a burglary case.  The penalties, as wells as the availability of alternative sentencing, vary greatly from case to case, even where the underlying facts are essentially the same.  This is where experience, reputation, and negotiation come into play, and having the right lawyer at your side can make all the difference when it comes to reining in excessive charges and penalties.

Don’t leave your case, or your future, to chance.  Contact RJT Criminal Defense and find out what we can do for you.

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SAN DIEGO CRIMINAL ATTORNEY

Experience, Honesty, Dedication

Being charged with a crime carries with it more than enough fear and anxiety.  You don’t want to add additional insecurity over the way you will be represented by your attorney.

At RJT Criminal Defense, we will listen to what you have to say about your case, review all the facts, and provide you with an honest and straightforward evaluation of where you stand.

  • We will also lay out in plain language a strategy for obtaining the best possible result. We will undertake whatever investigation is appropriate, and develop evidence favorable to your defense.
  • We understand the plea bargain process, and we know what type of deal can be struck with the prosecutor.
  • And we are not afraid to take your case to trial if that provides the best alternative for you.

From beginning to end, you will be kept informed of the status of the case, and we will always place your interests first.  This means, among other things, that we will be aggressive and proactive, and take the steps necessary to place you in the best possible position for a successful result.

We will fight for your rights.

Your San Diego Legal Defense Team


  • San Diego Criminal Attorney

    Brandon Naidu

    Criminal Attorney

  • Criminal Defense Attorney Ryan Tegnilia

    Ryan Tegnelia, Legacy Partner 1980-2021

    Criminal Attorney

  • Executive Director Josh Vargas

    Josh Vargas

    Executive Director

Practice Areas

  • DUI

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  • Drugs

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  • Prescription Drug

    Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse, and prescription drug arrests, are on the rise.  If you are one of the many people in San Diego…

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  • Marijuana

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  • Domestic Violence

    Are You Facing a Domestic Violence Charge? If you have been arrested for domestic violence, you probably have questions about what it all means.  The underlying…

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  • Violent Crimes

    Have you been arrested for assault or other violent crime? Violent crimes are treated harshly in the California criminal justice system. And while everyone would agree…

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  • Theft

    San Diego Theft Attorney The range of theft offenses is substantial, as is the range of penalties. There is also a good deal of overlap among the…

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  • Sex Crimes

    What to Do When You’ve Been Accused of a Sex Crime Being accused of a sex crime is a devastating experience. The accusation alone causes panic…

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  • Homicide

    Homicide Charges in California Few crimes carry the stigma, or the heavy penalties, of homicide.  Any offense that involves taking the life of another human being…

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  • Weapons

    Weapons offenses in California run the gamut from misdemeanors to serious felonies.  If you have been arrested on a gun charge, for example, it is essential…

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  • White Collar Crimes

    White collar crimes run the gamut from securities scams to bribery, fraud, counterfeiting and more.  While the range of these offense is substantial, they all have certain things in…

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  • Federal White Collar

    What to Do if Charged With Federal White Collar Crimes If you have been charged with a federal white collar crime, or even if you…

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  • Prostitution

    Have You Been Arrested for Prostitution? Are you facing a prostitution charge in the greater San Diego area? Engaging in (or agreeing to engage in) prostitution is…

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  • Soliciting Prostitution

    Were You Charged with Soliciting Prostitution? Prostitution charges include not only engaging in sex for money, but also solicitation. If you are facing a solicitation charge, you…

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  • Loitering

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  • San Diego Fentanyl Attorney

    WHAT IS FENTANYL? Fentanyl is classified as an opiate under the California Health and Safety Code, HS 11055(c). It is a synthetic opioid, a class of…

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  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon

    Assault with a Deadly Weapon Attorney in San Diego Assault with a deadly weapon (ADW) is a sometimes a wobbler in California, although it is…

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  • San Diego Grand Theft Lawyer

    San Diego Grand Theft Defense Lawyer In order to understand the crime of grand theft in California, it is necessary to define what is meant…

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  • San Diego Felony Defense Lawyer

    Felony Defense Lawyer in San Diego If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony, you need the help of an experienced,…

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  • Grand Theft Auto

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  • Child Molestation Defense

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  • Sexual Battery

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  • Drug Transportation

    San Diego Drug Transportation Defense Lawyer Have you been charged with transporting drugs in the greater San Diego area? The statute covering drug transportation, HS 11352,…

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  • Illegal Possession of a Firearm Attorney in San Diego

    Illegal Possession of a Firearm in California While the laws in California permit most adults to purchase and possess a firearm, there are many restrictions…

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  • San Diego Rape Defense Lawyer

    San Diego Rape Defense Attorney If you are facing a charge of rape in the San Diego area, you need to understand precisely what you…

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  • Attempted Murder

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  • Manslaughter

    Manslaughter Defense Lawyer in San Diego, CA A homicide offense is generally the most serious charge anyone can face in a criminal case. But within…

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  • Civilian Defense Lawyer for Members of the Military

    Defense Attorney for Military Facing Civilian Criminal Charge Are you a member of the armed services being investigated for a crime? It is difficult enough…

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Choose The Right San Diego Criminal Lawyer