When you’re facing criminal charges in Santa Barbara, you need a law firm that knows Santa Barbara County courts inside and out. At Central Coast Criminal Defense, we’ve been defending clients in Santa Barbara since 2010, representing individuals charged with criminal offenses throughout Santa Barbara County including Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, and surrounding communities.
We serve clients from downtown Santa Barbara, the Mesa area, and throughout the Highway 101 and State Street corridors. We practice in Santa Barbara County Superior Court and know the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures that will determine your case outcome. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 now for a free consultation.
Serving Clients at Santa Barbara County Superior Court
We represent clients charged with criminal offenses at:
- Santa Barbara County Superior Court
Located at 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101
We handle all criminal cases in all criminal departments serving Santa Barbara and South County coastal communities
Our familiarity with Santa Barbara County Superior Court procedures, local judicial practices, and the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office prosecution strategies provides our clients with critical advantages that out-of-area attorneys cannot match.
What Are Criminal Charges in Santa Barbara?
Criminal charges in Santa Barbara encompass any violation of California state law punishable by jail, prison, fines, or other penalties. These range from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies. The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, headquartered in Santa Barbara, prosecutes all felony cases and most misdemeanor cases originating in Santa Barbara, with cases heard at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court.
In Santa Barbara and throughout Santa Barbara County, criminal arrests commonly occur during traffic stops on Highway 101 and State Street, at DUI checkpoints near downtown Santa Barbara and the waterfront area, following incidents in the State Street entertainment district, at UCSB campus locations, and in Montecito and Hope Ranch neighborhoods. The consequences of criminal convictions extend far beyond immediate jail time or finesāthey create permanent records affecting employment, housing, professional licenses, immigration status, and your ability to move forward with your life.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases aggressively, and convictions carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, and permanent criminal records that can impact your future for years.
Important: If you’ve been arrested in Santa Barbara, Goleta, or anywhere in Santa Barbara County, call +1 (805) 621-7181 immediately. Early intervention can make the difference between conviction and dismissal.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas We Handle in Santa Barbara
We handle all criminal charges in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, and throughout Santa Barbara County, including:
- DUI ā Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including first offenses, repeat DUI, felony DUI, and license suspension defense
- Drug Crimes ā Possession, sales, transportation, manufacturing, and prescription drug offenses
- Assault & Battery ā Simple assault, aggravated assault, domestic battery, and violent crime allegations
- Theft & Property Crimes ā Petty theft, grand theft, shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and receiving stolen property
- Domestic Violence ā Spousal abuse, dating violence, restraining order violations, and related charges
- Sex Crimes ā Sexual assault, indecent exposure, sex offender registration issues, and related allegations
- Violent Crimes ā Assault with deadly weapon, robbery, carjacking, and serious felony charges
- Weapons Charges ā Illegal firearm possession, concealed weapons, assault weapons, and gun violations
- White Collar Crimes ā Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, and financial crimes
- Juvenile Crimes ā Defense for minors charged with criminal offenses in juvenile court
- Probation & Parole Violations ā Defense against violation allegations and revocation proceedings
- Restraining Orders ā Defense against protective order requests and violation charges
- Expungement ā Clearing criminal records and post-conviction relief
Don’t see your charge listed? We defend against all criminal charges in Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County. If you’re unsure what you’re facing, call +1 (805) 621-7181 and we’ll explain your charges in plain English.
Consequences of Criminal Convictions in Santa Barbara County
Criminal convictions in Santa Barbara and throughout Santa Barbara County can result in:
Immediate Penalties
- County jail (up to 1 year for misdemeanors) or state prison (16 months to life for felonies)
- Substantial fines ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars
- Probation with strict conditions including drug testing, counseling, and search waivers
- Restitution payments to victims for losses or damages
Long-Term Consequences
- Loss of professional licenses and certifications
- Lifetime firearm prohibition for felonies and domestic violence
- Immigration consequences including deportation for non-citizens
- Loss of student loans and financial aid eligibility
- Permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and professional licenses
ā ļø Time is critical. The earlier we start building your defense, the better your chances in Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 now.
Why Choose Central Coast Criminal Defense for Criminal Defense in Santa Barbara?
Deep Knowledge of Santa Barbara County Courts
We practice in Santa Barbara County Superior Court and know the judges, prosecutors, and court staff. We understand how the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office evaluates cases, which defenses work with local juries, and the sentencing practices of local judges. This institutional knowledge provides strategic advantages that attorneys from outside Santa Barbara County simply cannot match.
Experience with Santa Barbara Law Enforcement
We regularly defend cases involving arrests by Santa Barbara Police Department, UCSB Police Department, and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. We understand local law enforcement procedures, arrest practices, and investigation tactics. This familiarity allows us to identify weaknesses in police reports and challenge arrest procedures effectively.
Understanding of Santa Barbara Community
As attorneys serving Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County since 2010, we understand the local coastal community, the challenges residents face, and how to present defenses that resonate with local juries. We recognize that Santa Barbara clients include UCSB students, university employees, tourism and hospitality workers, professionals, and affluent residentsāall factors that can be valuable in negotiations and sentencing.
Accessible to Santa Barbara Residents
We serve clients from throughout Santa Barbara County including residents of Santa Barbara, downtown Santa Barbara, the Mesa area, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Goleta, and surrounding South Coast communities. Our location is easily accessible from Highway 101 and State Street, making it convenient for Santa Barbara residents to meet with their attorney.
How Central Coast Criminal Defense Defends Criminal Cases in Santa Barbara
Defending clients in Santa Barbara and throughout Santa Barbara County since 2010, we provide:
- Immediate Case Assessment
We review police reports, arrest records, and witness statements within 24-48 hours to identify weaknesses and develop defense strategies before prosecutors finalize charging decisions. - Aggressive Defense Strategy
We challenge prosecutors by filing motions to suppress evidence from illegal searches, questioning witness credibility, demonstrating insufficient evidence, and exposing violations of constitutional rights. - Evidence Investigation
We conduct independent investigations including obtaining surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, challenging Santa Barbara Police Department and County Sheriff reports, and gathering evidence supporting your defense. - Skilled Negotiation
We work directly with Santa Barbara County deputy district attorneys to negotiate favorable resolutions, charge reductions, and alternative sentencing that protects your record and future. - Trial-Ready Advocacy
When prosecutors won’t offer reasonable resolutions, we take cases to trial in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, cross-examining witnesses and presenting compelling defenses to local juries. - Personal Attention
You work directly with experienced criminal defense attorneys who understand the Santa Barbara community and are available to answer questions, explain procedures, and guide you through every stage of your case.
We’ve successfully defended thousands of criminal cases in Santa Barbara County since 2010, representing Santa Barbara clients in matters ranging from DUI and drug charges to assault, theft, domestic violence, and serious felonies. Our clients include UCSB students facing first-time charges, university faculty and staff, tourism and hospitality workers, professionals whose careers depend on clean records, parents fighting to avoid convictions affecting custody, immigrants facing deportation, and defendants facing enhanced sentences. We understand that people facing criminal charges come from all walks of life, and everyone deserves vigorous defense.
When you need a criminal defense law firm in Santa Barbara, you need attorneys who know Santa Barbara County courts, understand local prosecutors, and have a track record of success defending residents of Santa Barbara. That’s exactly what you get with Central Coast Criminal Defense.
Areas We Serve in Santa Barbara County
Our criminal defense law firm serves clients throughout Santa Barbara County including:
- Santa Barbara ā Downtown Santa Barbara, State Street corridor, waterfront area, Mesa neighborhoods
- Montecito ā Montecito residential areas, Coast Village Road, upscale coastal communities
- Goleta ā Old Town Goleta, UCSB campus area, Isla Vista
- Carpinteria ā Beach communities, Linden Avenue area
- Summerland ā Coastal communities between Santa Barbara and Carpinteria
- Santa Ynez Valley ā Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos
- Santa Maria ā North County hub, agricultural communities
- Lompoc ā North County, Vandenberg Space Force Base area
We represent clients arrested by Santa Barbara Police Department, UCSB Police Department, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol on Highway 101, and other law enforcement agencies operating in Santa Barbara County.
Get Your Free Consultation with a Santa Barbara Criminal Defense Law Firm
Don’t face criminal charges alone. Our criminal defense law firm is ready to fight for you in Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Whether you’ve been arrested in Santa Barbara, Goleta, or anywhere in Santa Barbara County, call +1 (805) 621-7181 now for a free, confidential consultation.












