Criminal Defense in kearny Mesa, California 

Standard Criminal Charges Handled at Kearny Mesa Courthouse 

The Kearny Mesa Courthouse at 8950 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard stands as a key pillar of justice in San Diego's Central Division, processing a high volume of criminal cases that affect the lives of Kearny Mesa residents, workers, and families. This courthouse deals primarily with traffic offenses, low-level offenses, and juvenile cases in the communities of Clairemont, Serra Mesa, and Linda Vista. From DUIs from a late-night drive on Convoy Street to petty thefts in a busy retail area, like the Kearny Mesa Auto Mall, and juvenile offenses near MCAS Miramar, the courthouse has thousands of cases in a calendar year. In San Diego County courts, including the Kearny Mesa court, there were over 50,000 traffic-related filings in 2025 alone, with DUIs among the largest categories. Although DUIs and traffic violations may be labeled as "minor" offenses, the truth is that the emotional, financial, and career repercussions are extensive and troubling, just like in personal injury cases when discussing pain and suffering. 

At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, we defend clients facing criminal charges with the same fierce commitment we bring to personal injury victims seeking compensation for lost wages and emotional distress. If you or a loved one is charged at the Kearny Mesa Courthouse, contact us online at michellechoelaw.com for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable outcome, whether that's a dismissal, reduction, or diversion program. 

The Role of Kearny Mesa Courthouse in San Diego Criminal Justice 

The Kearny Mesa Courthouse is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. It handles all misdemeanor, infraction, and juvenile delinquency cases in compliance with the California Penal Code. Unlike the Central Courthouse downtown, which handles felonies, the Kearny Mesa Courthouse aims to provide a more efficient resolution for lower-level offenses. It has limited business hours for public inquiries from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parking is available in designated public areas, but the real challenge lies in the courtroom, where a single charge can upend your life. 

The existing standard charges include DUIs under Vehicle Code §23152, shoplifting under Penal Code §484, and juvenile offenses under Welfare & Institutions Code §602. In San Diego County, traffic courts like Kearny Mesa handle over 100,000 citations a year, with thousands of DUIs and many other offenses. These are not just numbers; they represent those accused of various crimes who have had their driver's licenses suspended, faced fines, and, most importantly, been stigmatized. 

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Charges at Kearny Mesa 

DUIs often rank among the highest-volume charges, which occur primarily on I-805, Convoy Street, and after civilian events at local bars and restaurants, as well as at the Kearny Mesa Courthouse. Vehicle Code §23152 outlines that a DUI is not driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater (or in the influence of drugs). For first-time offenders, a DUI is charged as a misdemeanor. In contrast, a prior DUI or injury conviction would result in a felony charge. 

• Court Process: The first court appearance after a DUI arrest is called an arraignment and is scheduled within forty-eight hours. The judge will ask for a plea at arraignment and will make a recommendation to the defendant early in the case. Next, there is a "pretrial conference." One of the purposes of pretrial conferences is to inform the defendant of options for diversion, such as completing DUI School or a "First Time Offender Program." If a trial is needed, the person being prosecuted for the DUI has the option of challenging the breathalyzer test and fighting the field sobriety test. 
• Impacts Paralleling Pain and Suffering: A DUI conviction triggers immediate emotional turmoil, fear of job loss, family judgment, and restricted freedom, akin to the anxiety in personal injury cases. Financially, fines start at $390–$1,000, plus $2,000+ in insurance hikes, license suspension (6 months), and IAP fees ($1,000+). Lost wages from missed work on court dates or during ignition interlock installation compound the strain, much as recovery time in injury claims. For military personnel near Miramar, a DUI risks security clearance and career derailment. 

At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, we investigate field tests, chain-of-custody issues, and rising BAC defenses to seek dismissals or reductions to "wet reckless" charges. 

Minor Theft and Shoplifting Charges 

Minor theft, governed by Penal Code §484 (petty theft) for values under $950, is routinely handled at Kearny Mesa, often from retail hotspots like Target on Murphy Canyon Road or the Auto Mall. Shoplifting (Penal Code §459.5) involves entering with the intent to steal and is treated as a misdemeanor. 

• Court Process: Infractions may resolve via pay-fine-or-appear, but misdemeanors require arraignment and may involve diversion, such as community service. Theft prevention classes can lead to dismissals. 
• Impacts: The emotional weight mirrors personal injury's psychological toll, shame, trust erosion, and fear of judgment. Financially, fines reach $1,000, plus restitution and probation fees, leading to lost wages from court-mandated classes or employment barriers (e.g., retail jobs). A conviction creates a permanent record, hindering housing or loans, much like injury-related credit hits. 

We challenge lack of intent, video evidence, or Miranda violations to secure diversions or acquittals. 

Juvenile Infractions and Delinquency Cases 

The Kearny Mesa facility also processes juvenile infractions (Welfare & Institutions Code §256), including traffic tickets and minor offenses for minors under 18, often tied to school truancy or petty vandalism near Kearny High. For delinquency (Wardship petitions under §602), cases involve theft, drug possession, or assaults, with detention possible at nearby Kearny Mesa Juvenile Hall (2801 Meadow Lark Drive). 

• Court Process: Informal hearings for infractions; formal petitions lead to adjudication hearings and disposition (probation, community service). Diversion via Juvenile Drug Court or truancy programs is common, with average detention under 30 days. 
• Impacts: For families, receiving a juvenile charge creates emotional trauma, worry about their child’s future, and feelings of parental guilt, all similar to the stress and strain of families with injured persons. There are also financial consequences, including restitution, counseling fees ($500+), loss of wages due to unavoidable court appearances, and the strain of involvement with the criminal justice system. The outcome of a sealed record may help, whereas an unsealed record could impact college entrance and job opportunities. We support diversion to give minors the best chance for a prosperous future, focusing on rehabilitation, not punishment. 

The Broader Consequences of Kearny Mesa Charges 

These charges ripple beyond the courtroom: 

• Emotional Toll: Anxiety, depression, and isolation, much like PTSD in injury cases, exacerbated by stigma in tight-knit Kearny Mesa. 
• Financial Hardship: Fines ($1,000+), legal fees, increased insurance (DUI: $3,000/year), and lost income from suspensions mirror medical bills and wage losses. 
• Professional Repercussions: Job loss, license revocation, or clearance denials for Miramar personnel. 
• Family Strain: Custody threats in DV-related charges or juvenile cases disrupt homes. 

Our firm approaches these issues holistically and looks for results that return you to stability. 

How the Law Offices of Michelle Choe Defends Kearny Mesa Clients 

We provide comprehensive defense: 

• Free Case Evaluation: Assess charges, evidence, and defenses at no cost. 
• Evidence Investigation: Challenge breathalyzers, alibis for theft, or juvenile intent. 
• Plea Negotiations: Secure reductions, diversions, or dismissals. 
• Court Representation: Appear at arraignments, hearings, and trials. 
• Post-Conviction Relief: Expungements to clear records. 

Contingency means no upfront fees, we win, you pay; we lose, you owe nothing. 

Steps to Take After a Charge at Kearny Mesa 

1. Invoke Your Rights: Say nothing beyond name/BAC refusal; request an attorney. 
2. Gather Evidence: Photos, witnesses, timelines. 
3. Appear for Arraignment: Within 48 hours; plead not guilty if advised. 
4. Avoid Self-Incrimination: No social media posts. 
5. Contact Michelle Choe for your free consultation. 



Kearny Mesa Courthouse Insights: With limited hours and high volume, early action is key. DUIs dominate mornings; juvenile afternoons. 

Contact the Law Offices of Michelle Choe Today

Facing charges at Kearny Mesa Courthouse? Our San Diego criminal defense attorneys serve Kearny Mesa and beyond with dedicated support. Contact us at michellechoelaw.com for your free consultation. We are your advocate, fighting for dismissals and relief.