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William R. Christoph
About William
Biography
William R. Christoph was a USMC Captain 1969 - 1976. He was an Infantry Platoon Commander in Vietnam and a Cobra Helicopter Gunship Pilot.
In 1978, William Christoph graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He served as a Deputy San Diego City Attorney in the Criminal Division in 1979, and since 1980, he has dedicated his practice to Criminal Defense. In addition, since 1987, he has served as a Judge Pro Tem in the North San Diego County Courts.
William Christoph has over 35 years of experience and has handled all types of criminal cases: well over 3,000 DUIs and hundreds of theft, narcotics, sex, and violence offenses. He has had numerous jury trials, including several murder trials. He provides the highest level of personal professional service, coupled with a genuine caring for his clients. He is listed in the Martindale Hubbell Register of Preeminent Attorneys and holds its highest peer review rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. San Diego Magazine listed him as one of San Diego's "Top Lawyers". Christoph Law Offices have been across from Vista Courts for over 32 years. In 2007 he was joined by his son Nicholas who practices exclusively criminal and DUI defense continuing the tradition of providing the highest level of professional Criminal and DUI representation.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 46 years
State: California
Acquired: 1979
No misconduct found
Licensed in Wisconsin for 47 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 1978
No misconduct found
Location
Christoph Law Offices
400 S. Melrose Dr., Suite 101, Vista, CA, 92081
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William R. Christoph's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
26 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by James | July 09, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Excellence
Mr. William Christoph, as others have attested to before, is an exceedingly hardworking, responsive, and kind man. I came to his office, after receiving a DUI, like a deer in headlights; I was completely overwhelmed by the entire situation and felt completely paralyzed as what to do or what would hap...
Posted by anonymous | March 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Incredible Attorney
Hired William R. Christoph for a misdemeanor charge, he helped me lower it to a criminal infraction, he was very understanding and did an amazing job helping me forward from this. I would highly recommend him to anyone, he keeps close contact and does not hesitate to answer questions.
Posted by anonymous | September 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
DUI: Military on base
When I received a DUI, I did a web search for an attorney with experience in handling military DUI's on base. On my smart phone I found several websites, but Christoph Law Offices seemed the most reputable. I called their office and received an appointment on the same day. Upon arrival, Attorney B...
Posted by patrick | May 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Do Not Retire, William
DUI case two times for me in a span of 19 years, and William Christoph was there for me in all manner of support. You see, your life is turned upside down by Court and DMV, and William helped me through all of those difficulties. I kept my job, my secret clearance, my ability to get on base, to dri...
Posted by Markus | November 05, 2015 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great Job!!
Had a DUI handled by Bill Christoph. He mastered it better than I could have asked for. When I met Bill the first time, I knew he was the right guy, and he did an excellent job. He got my sentence way down to where you can't complain. He always kept me posted, made sure that I wouldn't miss any dea...
William R. Christoph's Lawyer Endorsements
"Attorney William Christoph is a most zealous advocate for his clients with an admirable mastery of DUI and DWI law. His ability to provide consistently excellent representation has earned him the respect of both his peers and the community he serves. I wholeheartedly endorse him"
"Bill has been around forever, knows everyone, knows the law, and fights hard for his clients. I trust his knowledge and ability without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have seen this attorney practice in various courts throughout San Diego. He is highly respected and well known throughout the county. He cares deeply for his clients and is sharing his passion for his field with his son, whom he works with. This attorney has a great deal of experience in both Criminal Defense and DUI law. You are in good hands with him as your counsel."
"Mr. Christoph is very experienced and a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer. He is well known in the San Diego legal community and highly respected by other lawyers as well as Judges. He obtains outstanding results for his clients."
"I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Bill Christoph for 25 years. He is one of the few attorneys I would refer clients to in North County. He is a fixture in the Vista Courthouse, and knows the judges and prosecutors as well as any lawyer there. He is a vigorous advocate and has a vast knowledge of the law. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Christoph since he was a prosecutor in the late 1970's. Since then he has practiced criminal defense in the North County and San Diego areas. I have observed him in trial, where he has defended cases from murder, down to DUI's, as well as having seen him negotiating, and have discussed his negotiating techniques with him. He is always prepared, and maintains an excellent relationship with both judges and prosecutors. He knows the little quirks of most of the people he has to deal with on a daily basis, which along with his reputation for vigorously defending his clients, enables him to get them the very best results."
"Bill is a very knowledgeable and cordial attorney. I am happy to endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Christoph is an outstanding Criminal Defense Lawyer, who works very hard for his clients.. His prior experience as an Officer in the USMC, and as a Prosecutor,are an added asset that guide him in his defense of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known and worked with Mr. Christoph for more than 20 years. He is fair, knowledgeable and extremely effective. I recommend him without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellant attorney. I refer all my north county/vista clients to him."
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Experience
Honors
2022
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
"Top Lawyers", San Diego Magazine
2022
AV Rating, Lexis Nexis
2021
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
AV Rating, Lexis Nexis
2021
Top Lawyers, San Diego Magazine
2020
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
AV Rating, Lexis Nexis
2020
Top Lawyers, San Diego Magazine
2019
AV Peer Review Rating, LexisNexis
2019
Top Lawyers, San Diego Magazine
2005
Certificate of Appreciation - Judge Pro Tem, San Diego Superior Court
1994
Certificate of Appreciation - Judge Pro Tem, San Diego Municipal Court
1985
Certificate of Acknowledgement, Tribal Resource Development
1970
Bronze Star, USMC
Work Experience
1980 - Present
DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney, Christoph Law Offices
1979 - 1980
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, San Diego City Attorney Criminal Trial Unit
1968 - 1976
Infantry Platoon Commander & Cobra Gunship Pilot, USMC
Associations
1990 - Present
California Public Defenders Associationmember
1979 - Present
American Bar Association
1979 - Present
San Diego North County Bar Association
1979 - Present
San Diego County Bar Association
1979 - Present
State Bar of California
1978 - Present
State Bar of Wisconsin
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Hu
Not Guilty (Jury Trial)
People v. Gonzales
Plea to lesser charge "Wet Reckless"
People v. Sims
Dismissed
Education
1978
Univ of Wisconsin Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1969
Wabash College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2007
USMC Post Deployment Safety Stand Down
DUI
Publications
2022
2022
2022
2021
Findlaw.com
DUI IN THE MILITARY: WHAT IT CAN MEAN FOR YOU
2021
Findlaw.com
HOW DOES A CALIFORNIA DUI BECOME A FELONY?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My lawyer requested a second test on bac 0.087 and will take about 2 month, sould i file sr22 and provisional licence or wait?
06 May 2014
Q&A
DUI Court orders 3 month driving school, but DMV Try's to impose 18 month + breath alcohol ignition interlock device. what todo?
03 Jan 2014
Q&A
Misdemeanor petty theft JC Penney. - San Diego
07 Jan 2014