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Deanna Lynn Lopas

Criminal defense Attorney at Vista, CA

5.0   3 reviews

also known as San Diego County Attorney

  • Licensed for 16 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2007
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Deanna

Learn Deanna’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    30%
    Felony, Misdemeanor, including: Drug crime, property crime, gang allegations, DUI, domestic violence, restraining orders, assault and battery, sexual misconduct, weapon offenses, theft/fraud, computer/internet crime, & homicide.

    17 years, 2,000 cases

  2. Juvenile law
    30%
    Felony, Misdemeanor, and Traffic offenses, including: Drug crime, property crime, gang allegations, DUI, domestic violence, restraining orders, assault and battery, sexual misconduct, weapon offenses, theft/fraud, computer/internet crime, & homicide.

    7 years, 300 cases

  3. DUI and DWI
    20%
    Your driver license and livelihood depend on quick action with DMV and the courts. To avoid a license restriction or suspension you need to start the moment you are arrested. I provide service for the DMV hearing, legal detention motions, and trial

    17 years, 500 cases

  4. Expungement
    10%
    Includes motions to terminate probation early, post-conviction reductions to misdemeanor, relief under Proposition 47, and Penal Code section 1203.4 Petitions for Dismissal.

    14 years

  5. Appeals
    5%

    5 years

  6. Speeding and traffic ticket
    5%
    Keeping points off of your DMV record and maintaining your driver license are crucial to your livelihood.

    17 years, 200 cases

As a criminal defense practitioner for the last 15 years, I have represented clients in all areas of criminal law, from the most complex cases involving homicide, sexual misconduct, and 3 strikes to common drug possession, driving under the influence, and traffic offenses. Prior to establishing LOPAS LAW, I spent a decade as a public defender, in California's Capitol city of Sacramento as well as El Dorado County, during which time I represented clients in high-stakes, high-profile litigation and defended thousands of adults and juveniles facing prosecution. In my career, I have successfully litigated 4th Amendment search and seizure violations, Miranda violations, Writs of Habeas Corpus, bail reductions, and Jury Trials in a multitude of misdemeanor and felony cases to verdict.

My representation of each client is focused solely on achieving the best outcome for that particular client. I work diligently and aggressively to achieve each clients unique and tailored goals. I have negotiated thousands of pre-trial litigation resolutions and have proven to be a zealous, compassionate, and effective advocate in Preliminary hearing, Court Trial, Jury Trial, and post-conviction litigation.

I have extensive experience representing juveniles accused of all manner of delinquency. As a juvenile law practitioner I have established myself as a tireless advocate for hundreds of youth accused of the most basic school misconduct to serious crimes such as rape and murder. During my time in El Dorado County, I was recognized for "changing the face of Juvenile Justice" through tireless advocacy, successful motion and trial practice, and reduction of the incarcerated youth population in the County by half. I enjoy trial practice, but understand that not every case or client is best served through court adjudication or verdicts. I work closely with my clients to reach efficient and positive resolutions and believe in the fragility and growth potential of every youth. ​

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Similar lawyers nearby

LOPAS LAW
450 South Melrose Drive
Vista, CA, 92081
LOPAS LAW
333 S. Juniper Street, Suite 110
Escondido, CA, 92025
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  3 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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3 Star
 
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2 Star
 
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1 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | May 6, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Suspended license solution.
I highly recommend Deanna to anyone facing criminal charges. She is very experienced, reliable, responsive, and committed. After meeting with her and describing the situation, she told me exactly what we could do to solve my problem. I was nervous, but in court everything went exactly like she said, and I couldn't be happier about the end result. Hiring Mrs. Lopas was a great decision and saved me from huge fines and possible jail time. She was friendly and professional and I'm grateful.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | May 6, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Spot on advice
I recently consulted Deanna Lopas because an underage family member was arrested on sex crime charges. I was in a panic and did not know which way to turn. Deanna was very calming and told me exactly what to expect at the first couple court hearings. Deanna was absolutely correct. Thanks to Deanna I was able to keep my wits.
Posted by Kari | May 4, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
She knows her stuff!
She answered my question, we went to court the next morning and everything was correct, + his licence was taken for a year. It gave me piece of mind to at least know what I was walking into. She knows what she is talking about. Quick responder on messages as well.

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 300-300 per hour
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.5 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Appellate Panel Attorney
  • Central California Appellate Project
  • 2019 - Present
  • Managing Partner
  • LOPAS LAW
  • 2019 - Present
  • Appellate Panel Attorney
  • Appellate Defenders, Inc.
  • 2019 - Present
  • Deputy Public Defender
  • El Dorado County Public Defender
  • 2015 - 2018
  • Assistant Public Defender
  • Sacramento County Public Defender
  • 2007 - 2015
View all work experience

Education

  • McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2006
  • California State University, Sacramento
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 2003

Legal Cases

  • In re J.C.- 273.5 felony
  • 654.2 (6 months informal probation) after contested hearing
  • In re S.H. 211- Robbery
  • Negotiated down to 487 (grand theft) with 594 dismissed, eliminating strike, 707(b) offense
  • In re J.C.
  • Dismissed and record sealed
View all legal cases

Associations

  • CPDA
  • Member
  • 2022 - Present
  • Parent Teacher Association
  • Executive Board Member
  • 2022 - Present
  • Lawyer Legion
  • Member
  • 2020 - Present
  • California Appellate Defense Counsel
  • Member
  • 2020 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of California
  • Member
  • 2019 - Present
  • California Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2019 - Present
  • Pacific Juvenile Defender Center
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Parent Teacher Association
  • Programs Chair
  • 2019 - 2020
  • El Dorado County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2017 - 2018
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Best DUI Lawyer in Escondido
  • Expertise
  • 2022
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Justia Lawyer Top Rating
  • Justia Lawyer
  • 2019
  • AB 703 Certification
  • Pacific Juvenile Defender Center
  • 2016
  • Cum laude Academic Distinction
  • CSU, Sacramento
  • 2003
  • Dean's Honor List
  • CSU, Sacramento
  • 2003
  • Dean's Honor List
  • CSU, Sacramento
  • 2002
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Law and Social Media
  • Social Media, Kids, and the Law
  • 2019

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)
Given (7)
Endorse Deanna
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I had the opportunity to work with Deanna for several years at during our time with the Sacramento County Public Defender. She is a fantastic trial attorney. Subsequently I have observed Deanna in court handling a variety of matters from private criminal cases to very specialized juvenile dependency cases. I have always known Deanna to be diligent, thoughtful and willing to go the extra mile to ensure her clients receive the best representation possible. I endorse this attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Deanna Lopas is one of the most intelligent, compassionate and well-spoken attorneys I have ever had the privilege to work with. Her commitment to her clients is unwavering. Her ability to communicate complex legal issues to a jury is inspiring. She is always well-prepared for her cases, regardless of the stage in litigation or the seriousness of the offenses. She understands that mistakes do not have to define a person for a lifetime. She treats each of her clients with the respect and empathy they deserve during very trying times in their lives. Deanna is the real deal and I would recommend her to anyone who is in need of a great defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I worked with Deanna several years ago. I personally witnessed her advocacy on behalf of her clients. She works hard and cares."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Lopas is a dedicated, talented attorney who will work diligently on your case. I endorse her without hesitation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Deanna is an experienced litigator and compassionate person. She has extensive experience in all areas of criminal law, including serious and violent adult and juvenile cases. She has taken many cases to trial, but has also achieved numerous victories for clients without a courtroom. Any client would do well to hire her."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Deanna for years and have always considered her to be a very knowledgeable and professional lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Deanna and I were fellow public defenders for several years. I have always found her to be diligent, compassionate, hard-working, and professional in dealing with all types of criminal cases."
Juvenile law Attorney | May 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Deanna is my go to lawyer when I have any questions about juvenile law. She has a passion and knowledge of the subject unlike any other lawyer I know. San Diego's criminal law community is lucky to have her."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Deanna is a dedicated, experienced and compassionate attorney. She is very knowledgeable with nuanced areas of juvenile law including education rights, and truly cares about her clients and how their cases affect their lives. She does not hesitate to litigate difficult issues and she provides excellent representation. She is very professional and good at building relationships with other people in the justice system to effectively advocate for her clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Deanna in a high volume criminal practice where she was the "go to" person for me. If she did not have the answer to a question, she would find it. She works tirelessly on behalf of her clients to obtain the best result possible. Whether your matter is criminal or juvenile, there would not be an attorney who would work harder on your behalf than Deanna Lopas."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Deanna is an exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate attorney. She is very respected among fellow defenders, opposing counsel, and judges. She works hard for every client and has achieved excellent results in some of the most difficult cases. She has my highest recommendation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 29
Relationship: Co-worker
"Deanna is an outstanding attorney! We are former coworkers. I know her to be a passionate and aggressive advocate for her clients. Knowledgeable and experienced in multiple areas related to criminal, juvenile, and mental health law. One of the best."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known and worked alongside Deanna for over a decade. She is incredibly dedicated to her clients and their defense. She is a highly effective advocate and will go the extra mile to make sure her clients get the best representation possible. I give her my highest recommendation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Friend
"I endorse this lawyer. She is gifted in criminal and juvenile practice. Her husband is also a superior attorney in the same fields. Southern CA is fortunate to have them!"
View more endorsements
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