JZ
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John Zahar
· San FranciscoJohn Zahar is a licensed attorney (Bar #202557) in San Francisco, CA, admitted in 1999. Specializes in criminal defense.
Criminal Defense
Professional profileFree plan
Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Francisco, CA
Find verified criminal defense lawyers in San Francisco. Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals charged with misdemeanors, felonies, and federal offenses. Their work spans every stage of the criminal process — from arrest and arraignment through plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, and appeals. A defense attorney's role is to protect your constitutional rights, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
1 profile found.
See criminal defense lawyers across California or all lawyers in San Francisco.
Quick summary
Listing of criminal defense lawyers in San Francisco, California. Each profile shows years of experience, languages and direct contact channels.
If you need a Criminal Defense lawyer for a matter outside California, confirm cross-jurisdiction admission with the attorney before retaining.
The directory is informational. The professional relationship is established directly between user and attorney.
When do you need a Criminal Defense lawyer in San Francisco?
- →You have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime
- →You received a target or subject letter from a grand jury
- →You are facing DUI, drug, assault, theft, or white-collar charges
- →You want to appeal a conviction or seek post-conviction relief
Criminal Defense lawyers in San Francisco — frequently asked questions
- How do I find a Criminal Defense lawyer in San Francisco?
- Browse the profiles on this page — each listing has San Francisco as a primary location and Criminal Defense as a declared practice area. Compare experience, editorial verification, languages, and contact channels, then reach out directly. No referral fees apply.
- Should I speak to police without a criminal defense attorney present?
- You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney before and during questioning. Exercising those rights — and consulting a defense attorney before making any statement — is strongly advisable regardless of whether you believe you are guilty. Statements made to police can be used against you and are difficult to walk back.
- What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
- Generally, misdemeanors carry lesser penalties (typically up to one year in jail and fines), while felonies can result in state or federal prison sentences and long-term consequences such as loss of voting rights and professional licensing restrictions. The exact classification depends on the jurisdiction and the specific offense charged.
- How does a criminal defense attorney help even if the evidence looks bad?
- Defense attorneys examine how evidence was gathered (to identify constitutional violations), challenge witness credibility, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, and ensure the legal process is followed correctly. A strong defense can affect whether charges are dismissed, reduced, or taken to trial, and what sentence is ultimately imposed.