San Mateo County Criminal Defense

Misdemeanor Defense in San Mateo County

ASH Legal is a misdemeanor-focused criminal defense practice. The firm's main office is in San Francisco, with a Redwood City office available by appointment, and Ahmed appears in San Mateo County courts for clients charged across the Peninsula — from Daly City and South San Francisco down through San Mateo, Redwood City, and the coast.

A misdemeanor in California carries up to one year in county jail. For most first-offense, lower-level charges the real exposure is far less — and for many, the right path ends in a dismissal rather than a conviction. The point of hiring counsel early is to steer toward that outcome from the first hearing, not to react after the case has hardened.

The San Mateo County Courthouses

San Mateo County criminal cases are heard at two courthouses. Which one hears your case depends on where the offense is alleged to have occurred and how the case is filed — the department and date are on your citation or arraignment notice.

Charges We Defend

The misdemeanor charges handled most often in San Mateo County include:

• DUI — VC 23152. See the DUI defense page.
• Domestic violence — PC 273.5, PC 243(e)(1). See the domestic violence page.
• Petty theft & shoplifting — PC 484, PC 459.5. See the petty theft page.
• Drug possession — HS 11350, HS 11377. See the drug possession page.
• Vandalism — PC 594. See the vandalism page.
• Public intoxication — PC 647(f). See the public intoxication page.
• Trespassing — PC 602. See the trespassing page.
• Assault & battery — PC 240, PC 242. See the assault & battery page.
• Resisting arrest — PC 148. See the resisting arrest page.

For a San Mateo County–specific breakdown of a charge — the local courthouses, the District Attorney, and the county’s diversion and collaborative courts — see our San Mateo County guides to DUI, domestic violence, petty theft & shoplifting, drug possession, assault & battery, vandalism, public intoxication, trespassing, resisting arrest, hit and run, reckless driving, DUI causing injury, criminal threats, carrying a concealed firearm, misdemeanor diversion.

Not sure where your charge fits? See the full misdemeanor defense overview, or just call and ask.

Diversion & Dismissal Paths

California's diversion statutes are statewide — they apply in San Mateo County the same as anywhere else. For many first-time misdemeanor clients, diversion is the difference between a conviction and no record at all:

What to Expect

A misdemeanor case moves through a predictable sequence: arraignment (where the charges are read and a plea is entered), pretrial conferences (where negotiation and motions happen), and — if it doesn't resolve — trial. For many misdemeanor clients, the defendant does not have to personally appear at every hearing; counsel can appear on your behalf under Penal Code 977, so your work and life aren't put on hold for every court date.

The goal from the first hearing is the same: understand the charge, find the leverage in the report, and steer toward the best available resolution — dismissal, diversion, or a reduction — rather than letting the case drift toward a conviction.

Flat-Fee Cost

ASH Legal handles San Mateo County misdemeanor cases on a flat fee starting at $3,500. One number, all-inclusive, in writing — arraignment, court appearances, negotiation with the District Attorney, motions, and resolution. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. Payment plans are available. DUI matters are quoted separately given the added DMV and defense work involved.

More on how criminal defense fees work.