William R. Christoph

William R. Christoph

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 47 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Vista, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

400 S. Melrose Dr., Suite 101, Vista, CA

About William

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 70%

Christoph Law Offices will give you an honest appraisal of your case, review all possible defenses, and advise you concerning what can be done to help achieve the best result in your individual case.

70%
Criminal Defense 30%

You need lawyers who will give you a realistic and honest appraisal of your case, who will tell you what they can do for you, how they will do it, and then do it.

30%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 46 years

State: California

Acquired: 1979

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Wisconsin for 47 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1978

Good Standing

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

4.9 /5.0

26 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (26) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Evie | October 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Very Pleased With William Christoph

William Christoph was our first experience with a defense attorney.  My husband got into a little dispute with an Oceanside Police Officer, not good.  Mr. Christoph met with my husband and I and worked magic, getting charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor (public disturbance), with a very sma...ll fine and unsupervised probation.  My husband was very lucky and learned a lesson from all of this.   Mr. Christoph did a wonderful job for my husband, he was very accessible to us and was very kind.  His fee was very reasonable.  We highly recommend Christoph Law Offices.

Posted by anonymous | June 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

THE BEST!

I was recently arrested for a domestic battery complaint filed by my fiancé who called the police in a manic state of bipolar, then made a false report. The police never looked at the facts, and with the charges, I was facing a year in jail. After I made bail, I immediately began to research online a...ll of my options (which wasn't many) and realized this case would affect me for the rest of my life. California does not mess around with cases like this, and with a charge like this on my record, I would not be able to be employed, find housing, and also live with the stigma and embarrassment disclosing such information. I found Christoff Law Office's website online, and took note of their location right next to the Vista courthouse. I also took note of all the other raving reviews they have, and decided to take them up on the free consultation offered. I met with William Christoph and immediately knew he would be able to help me with my case. He spoke to me like a person, not a "criminal" like everyone else did (who I disclosed my situation to). He didn't sugar coat anything and told me the FACTS, not just what I wanted to hear. He was also confident that my case could be rejected, but told me he'd still stand by me if otherwise. He was clear with his rates and fees which were VERY reasonable compared to other lawyers in the area, and he seemed to take more personalized care with the details and facts. I hired him, and it was the BEST MOVE I COULD HAVE DONE. He addressed my case professionally and always emailed or called back if I had concerns. My case was ultimately rejected and dismissed, and it never would have been if I went with a public defender or fought my case alone. I can't recommend Christoff Law Office enough. Don't play games with your life or freedom. The Call these guys as soon as you can!

Posted by anonymous | September 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Review

I hired mr. Christoph a year ago and he handled my case very professionally. He communicated all aspects of my case clearly and did a fantastic job in court. A year later a medical issue prevented me from required completions and he contacted me and again did a great job in court to resolve my le...gal issue. An excellent and professional attorney.

Posted by Lorena | June 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

MY HERO! 100 Stars!

If you are looking for a lawyer here is Mr. William Christoph 100 percent Honest, Sincere and always no matter what, he answer the phone or email for you or return your call right away, always there for me and everything will explain to you! and I’m so far from Dallas Tx and he's in CA that was no p...roblem for him I felt alone without a future and he changed everything I’m very grateful to you and never ever will forget you and will always be in my prayers and your family too ! He helped me to stay with my son who’s recovering from cancer I have no words to thank this man Mr. Williams Christoph and his office are very good people and THEY do not judge you ! They will help you fight and stay strong. Thank you very much my HERO!

Posted by Dwayne | November 11, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

High Integrity lawyer who cares

Mr. Christoph is very knowledgable about the California judicial system and has excellent relationships with all judges and key personnel in the North San Diego area. Also, he was proactive every step of the way in keeping me informed about the next steps and possible outcomes.

See All Client Reviews

William R. Christoph's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse William
Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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"

Joel W. Bailey headshot
Joel Bailey

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill has been around forever, knows everyone, knows the law, and fights hard for his clients. I trust his knowledge and ability without hesitation."

Amir Soleimanian headshot
Amir Soleimanian

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joni Kay Eisenstein headshot
Joni Eisenstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jennifer Gerstenzang headshot
Jennifer Gerstenzang

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

David Michael Boertje headshot
David Boertje

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

James Frank Pokorny headshot
James Pokorny

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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."

Jerrold Bodow headshot
Jerrold Bodow

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Theresa Suzanne Hofmeister headshot
Theresa Hofmeister

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill is a very knowledgeable and cordial attorney. I am happy to endorse this attorney."

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

James Stephen Sweeney headshot
James Sweeney

Unknown lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Richard L. Katzman headshot
Richard Katzman

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellant attorney. I refer all my north county/vista clients to him."

View All Endorsements
Joel W. Bailey headshot
Joel Bailey

Criminal defense lawyer

Jennifer Gerstenzang headshot
Jennifer Gerstenzang

Criminal defense lawyer

Rafael Acosta Jr headshot
Rafael Acosta

Criminal defense lawyer

David Michael Boertje headshot
David Boertje

Criminal defense lawyer

William Lewis Wolfe headshot
William Wolfe

Criminal defense lawyer

James Frank Pokorny headshot
James Pokorny

Criminal defense lawyer

Jerrold Bodow headshot
Jerrold Bodow

Criminal defense lawyer

James Stephen Sweeney headshot
James Sweeney

Criminal defense lawyer

Theresa Suzanne Hofmeister headshot
Theresa Hofmeister

Criminal defense lawyer

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Association

member

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

See More Legal Cases

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

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution