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Arrested or Facing Criminal
Charges in San Diego?
Work With Stacey A. Kartchner
Chair of Klinedinst’s Criminal Law Practice Group & Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney with 22+ Years of Courtroom Success
📞 Submit The Form To Request
A 100% Free Consultation with Stacey
Meet Stacey A. Kartchner
With over 22 years of courtroom experience, Stacey A. Kartchner has successfully defended clients in both state and federal courts, handling everything from DUI and drug charges to serious felonies.
As Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC and Immediate Past President of the San Diego County Bar Association, Stacey brings proven expertise, leadership, and relentless dedication to protecting your freedom and your future.
Here's Why Clients Choose
Stacey A. Kartchner
Former Defense Firm Owner & Bar Association Leader
Proven Results: DUI, Drug, Theft, Domestic Violence, Assault, Felony, Juvenile Defenses; Hit and Run cases, Federal, and More
Transparent and Aggressive Representation
Client Privacy
22+ Years of Courtroom Experience
Former Defense Firm Owner & Bar Association Leader
Outstanding lawyer!
“Stacey is a professional, committed lawyer who was a absolute light in a dark times for me. She helped me avoid some serious penalties and fought for me like a family member. I can’t recommend her enough and am so grateful for her assistance. She goes above and beyond for her clients and is the best in the business bar none. Can’t recommend her” enough!"
Ray
“Stacey was very thorough in her explanations and procedures going through the process for me. I was never left in the dark, she was very easy to contact and she responded quick whenever I had any questions. Above all, she made me feel comfortable during the process. This was my first time experiencing anything like this and it made me feel a little extra secure having her in my corner. She is an amazing lawyer and an even better person!”
Marc
Here's How Criminal Defense Works in San Diego, CA
Part 1. The Arrest & Booking
When arrested, you’ll be processed and charged. Every word and action can impact your case. The right defense attorney will immediately step in to protect your rights and start building your defense before the prosecution gains an advantage.
Part 2. The Arraignment
This is your first court appearance, where charges are formally read. Your lawyer can enter a plea, negotiate early, and sometimes prevent harsher penalties before trial even begins. Quick legal action often makes the biggest difference here.
Part 3. Pre-Trial
Your attorney gains access to “discovery,” with all the evidence the prosecution plans to use against you. A skilled defense lawyer scrutinizes every detail for errors, rights violations, or weak links that can lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges.
Part 4. Trial
If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney’s reputation, preparation, and courtroom experience are everything. Stacey Kartchner has handled hundreds of cases across California’s courts, protecting clients’ freedom and futures with aggressive, strategic advocacy.
Learn More About Stacey A. Kartchner
Chair of Klinedinst’s Criminal Law Practice Group, Senior Counsel,
Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney
Stacey A. Kartchner is a respected criminal defense attorney with over 22 years of courtroom experience defending clients in both state and federal courts.
She has:
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Owned her own criminal defense firm for 14 years before joining Klinedinst PC in 2023
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Served as Immediate Past President of the San Diego County Bar Association
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Earned a reputation for strategic advocacy, integrity, and results
Over 2 decades of experience in matters involving arrests, bail, and warrants; assault and battery; burglary and theft-related offenses; domestic violence; drug offenses; driving under the influence (DUI); record expungement and sealing criminal records; felonies; juvenile defenses; criminal threats; federal offenses; felony misdemeanor offenses; hit and run cases; homicide; military diversion; property crimes, weapons charges, white collar defenses, and various other criminal charges.
Our Promise
At the Law Office of Stacey A. Kartchner, you’re not just a case number. You’re a person whose future matters. We fight for our clients with precision, strategy, and respect because your freedom deserves nothing less.
Here's More Client Feedback From Avvo.com
Stacey saved my daughter's life.
“We were honest with Stacey about our daughter's mental health, bipolar disease, self medication, three suicide attempts, and more than I care to share here. Stacey truly listens. She is highly specialized, tough, strong, emphathetic and kind, as needed. And she knows how to respond. We absolutely believe, without a doubt, she saved our daughter's life.”
Marsha
Fantastic ATTY you can count on, I recommend her and consider her to be a TOP Criminal Defense ATTY in San Diego, for sure.
“I decided to hire a new ATTY after having a good experience with my last ATTY, but not great. I felt I needed someone new, fierce, kind-hearted, upfront, realistic, understanding and determined. I immediately felt I was in good hands. That did not change through the process of my 2 cases she handled for me. She had knowledge that was impressive and beyond what I expected. She knew the prosecution and she knows the LAW. I trusted her and I am pleased with the outcome. I learned of her through ATTY GRIMES; Google him and you will know he is great, as well. She used to work for him, so I had to `take a chance` with who I was hearing was the `best.'
I truly am pleased that she listened to me, she was always communicating with me, even received messages at 10PM from her iPhone. She is a hard-worker and got mind-blowing results. I am happy now! I am at peace. Thanks Stacey, I have your card in my wallet and will continue to recommend you!”
Bethany
Stacey is by far the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Sothern California
“Unfortunately I have had some very serious charges wrongly brought against me in my life. Fortunately, I was able to have Stacey represent me multiple times in different cases. Every time, Stacey has done an absolute amazing job with all aspects of the case, defended me and achieved an amazing result. After working with some other high profile Lawyers in Southern Californian it became clear just how much better of a job Stacey does for the client than others. As a client, Stacey always made sure I was clear and understood all the aspects, possible outcomes, and complexities of each case. During the extremely stressful, fearful times of facing serious criminal charges, Stacey also did a phenomenal Job of providing the information needed to really help reduce the stress and fear that go along with dealing with serious charges and the daunting legal system. Stacey's knowledge of the law is astoundingly amazing and allowed me to know I had the best person possible representing and defending me.
Stacey is incredibly professional but also very personable and while working with her it is clear she cares about your case and wants the best possible outcome just as much you do. I truly feel forever indebted to Stacey for defending me so incredibly well and I would be in a much worse place in life if I did not have Stacey Kartchner as my Lawyer. I have, and will continue to recommend Stacey to my close friends and family, and would continue to have her represent me if ever needed. I give my highest recommendation if you are facing criminal charges you should get in contact with Stacey Kartchner right away. Stacey is, in my opinion, the best defense Lawyer in Southern California.”
Sean
Get The Free Guide:
“5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a
Criminal Defense Attorney”
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A 100% Free Consultation with Stacey
Before hiring any attorney, read this essential guide revealing the five most expensive mistakes people make, and how to avoid them.
You’ll discover:
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What to ask before you sign an agreement with any attorney
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How to spot red flags in an attorney’s strategy or billing
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Why some lawyers “promise results” but can’t deliver
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The #1 trait that separates a real defense expert from a general practitioner