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Dod Ghassemkhani
also known as Dod Law
About Dod
Biography
AWARD-WINNING TRIAL ATTORNEY
Named TRIAL LAWYER OF THE YEAR, Attorney Dod of DOD LAW can be best described as a-------- FIGHTER. Known for his passion and tenacious litigation skills Dod has the results to prove it. One of his greatest accomplishments during his 20+ year career are 3 STRAIGHT NOT GUILTY verdicts on felony cases including an all out ACQUITTAL on a client looking at 25-life. Dod has sucessfully taken numerous felony and misdmeanor cases to jury trial including murder, rape,child mollest, stabbing, DUI, vehicle theft, drug offenses, workmans comp fraud, lewd act in public, resisting arrest, domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and many many more. See Dod's case results in the case results section.
In 2023 Attorney Dod was named Trial Lawyer OI the Year for winning a Murder case where his client was facing 50-Life and an Attempted Premedicated Murder cae.
Practice Areas
9
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
22 years | 7,100 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
22 years
Drug Crime
15%
22 years
Violent Crime
10%
22 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 21 years
State: California
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
DOD LAW
303 A Street, Suite 306, San Diego, CA, 92101
DOD LAW
380 S. Melrose Drive, Suite 372, Vista, CA, 92081
DOD LAW CRIMINAL DEFENSE
1043 W. CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 101, Santa Ana, CA, 92703
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Dod Ghassemkhani's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
141 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (141)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (110)
Advocacy (75)
Recommendation (73)
Responsiveness (48)
Professionalism (46)
Practice Area Knowledge (43)
Communication Style (42)
Character & Conduct (30)
Trustworthiness (29)
Cost of Services (25)
Compassion (12)
General Knowledge (11)
Payment Plans (4)
Punctuality (4)
Staff & Support (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 106 - 110 of 141 reviews
Posted by Angela | June 10, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Very Pleased
Dod was very professional and timely about handling all of the process. His emails and consistent updates kept me aware and prepared. The results of the case were far better than I had even hoped. I am thankful for the work be put in for my case, and highly recommend his services to anyone in need.
Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2015 | DUI & DWI
Trustworthy and intelligent. Great result. HIGHLY recommended.
Hiring Mr. Ghassemkhani was the best move I ever made, following the worst move I ever made (DUI). Mr. Ghassemkhani was extremely professional, knowledgeable and prompt with responses to all of my questions. He managed to completely eliminate my community service component and helped me to navigate t...
Posted by Matthew | April 20, 2015
Very Impressed
I was very impressed with the proffesionalism and promptness with how my case was handled from start to finish. I would highly reccomend this lawyer.
Posted by Adam | April 03, 2015 | DUI & DWI
Title
Very straight foreword and to the point which i like. Is always willing to answer any legal related question truthfully. Very knowledgable about dui's and will fight for you.
Posted by M. J | April 03, 2015 | DUI & DWI
3rd Time DUI, Driving on Suspended License, Hit and Run with Minor Injury
I got my 3rd Dui a few months ago. My first was one 9 years ago, then i got one just a few years ago so this was my 3rd time. I was at a bar in Mission Valley. I thought i was okay to drive. I ran a stop sign and side swiped a car. I knew my license was suspended and i had been drinking so i sta...
Dod Ghassemkhani's Lawyer Endorsements
"I tried a case against Mr. Ghassemkhani a few years ago as a Deputy District Attorney. His tenacity and creativity in the courtroom resulted in a full acquittal for his client, in what was a very complicated case. I fully endorse him for those seeking an aggressive criminal defense attorney."
"Dod is the definition of a true expert in criminal defense. His reputation in the legal community is second to none. As a high school student, Dod introduced me to the world of public defense and trial advocacy. He is one of the biggest reasons I was so passionate about becoming an attorney. As a younger attorney, Dod has mentored me and help me develop my skills. I am grateful to have Dod as part of my network."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Beyond his excellent legal skills, he is a wonderful and caring human being."
"One of the best criminal defense attorneys you will find. He has handled every type of criminal defense case. His experience and passion will make the difference in your case."
"Attorney Ghassemkhani is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in San Diego. I have personally seen how much time and effort he puts into his cases. His legal knowledge, skill, and results are amazing. However, what impresses me the most is how much he cares about his clients."
"Dod has a range of expertise in state court that cannot be matched by most. He can deliver winning results on everything from DUIs to murder. Great lawyer!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Dod is by far one of the best attorneys I have ever seen. With over 10 years of experience as a Public Defender, he has handled THOUSANDS of cases and possesses knowledge far superior than the prosecutors he faces. The proof is in the results! If you need a criminal defense attorney, you don't need to look any further!"
"I've opposed Dod Ghassemkhani on a workers' compensation fraud case. I know first hand that he is a top-notch defender who will get you results. He is very intelligent and quick to understand your problem and any legal issues associated with it. He's punctual, analytic, and aggressive, yet he's also very skilled in negotiation, professional courtesies, and speaking to people in a way that evokes their cooperation. Prosecutors like and respect Mr. Ghassemkhani. Thanks to that respect and credibility, you'll be most likely to get a fair and favorable result."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
"Mr. G continues to display efficiency and strong advocacy in the courts. He is an effective advocate for his clients."
"Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!"
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Experience
Honors
2015
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Winter Graduate, National College of DUI Defense
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Top Contributor 2013, AVVO
2013
Certificate of Attendance Death Penalty Training, Making the Case for Life
2012
Clients Choice, AVVO
2012
Certificate of Attendance 1108/1109 Evidence, San Diego Public Defender's Office
2012
Avvo Rated Attorney Awarded an Excellent Avvo Rating, AVVO
2011
Certificate of Attendance CASES 2011, San Diego Public Defenders Office
2011
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE Realignment in California, San Diego Public Defender's Office
2011
Certificate of Attendance GANG ISSUES IN HOMICIDE CASES, San Diego County Office of the Public Defender
2011
Certificate of Attendance ARANDA-BRUTON AND CO-Ds, San Diego Office of the Public Defender
2011
Certificate of Attendance JURY SELECTION IN HOMICIDE CASES, San Diego County Office of the Public Defender
2011
Certificate of Attendance MENTAL DEFENSES IN HOMICIDE CASES, San Diego County Office of the Public Defender
2011
Certificate of Attendance LAW OF HOMICIDE, San Diego County Office of the Public Defender
2007
EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARD, STEVEN J. CARROL
2005
Certificate of Attendance "CPDA TRIAL SKILLS" 2 day workshop, CPDA
2005
Supervising Attorney Team C Misdemeanor, San Diego Public Defenders Office
2003
SBA VICE PRESIDENT, USD SCHOOL OF LAW
2002
Vice President of SBA Evening program, USD School of Law
Work Experience
2014 - Present
CEO/ OWNER/ PRESIDENT, Dod Law
2004 - 2004
Intern, Law Offices of Knut Johnson
2004 - 2014
TRIAL ATTORNEY, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER
2002 - 2003
Legal Intern, San Diego County Office Of The Public Defender
1997 - 1997
Investigative Intern, Santa Clara County Public Defender Office
Associations
2014 - Present
Iranian American Bar Association (San Diego Chapter)Attorney Member
2014 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2014 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseAttorney Member
2013 - Present
San Diego Public DefenderMentor
2004 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2004 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2004 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAdmitted
2005 - 2005
San Diego Public Defender's OfficeTeam C Leader Misdemeanor
2002 - 2003
USD Bar ReviewPRESIDENT
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. T.S.
Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
People v. A.N- PC4573- Smuggling a controlled substance into prison and jail
INFRACTION- NO FINE NO PROBATION- IMMEDIATE RELEASE
People v. I.G.- FELONY CHILD ABUSE WITH GREAT BODILY INJURY
PROBATION- CREDIT FOR TIME SERVED
PEOPLE v. H. A PC211(Robbery) with prior Strike (Robbery) and Nickel Prior
Petty theft- Probation
People v. J. M PC496 x2 Receipt Stolen Property
Infraction
People v. M.W-DUI WITH MULTIPLE PRIORS, .32 BAC, GROSS BODILY INJURY
NOT GUILTY ON GBI
People v. C.E- FELONY DUI
Misdmeanor
People v. C.F. - PC 245 with a knife- STABBING
NOT GUILTY
People v. I.T. PC 459/460 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
DISMISSAL
People v. R.E. - PC 487(a)- Grand Theft
NOT GUILTY
People v. Crain-PC 459/460 and PC 245 HOT PROWL RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY AND ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON to wit: a BRICK
NOT GUILTY
People v. J.F.- PC 245 Assault with a Deadly Weapon
HUNG JURY- DISMISSED
People v. B.M. PC 484 Theft
HUNG JURY- DISMISSED
People v. J.S. HS 11352- TRANSPORTATION AND POSSESSION FOR PURPOSES OF SALE to wit: ROCK COCAINE
NOT GUILTY
People v. J.T- DUI .10 bac
JURY TRIAL- CLIENT GETS RECKLESS DRIVING INSTEAD OF DUI
People v. C.R- PC 273.5(a)- Corporal Injury to Spouse/ Domestic Violence
JURY TRIAL- DISMISSED
People v. Bailey-PC 273.5(a)- CORPORAL INJURY TO A SPOUSE/ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
NOT GUILTY
People v. Campos- PC 243(e)(1)- Battery on Spouse/ Domestic Violence
HUNG JURY- DISMISSED
People v. G.P HS 11364 HS 11377
HUNG JURY- DISMISSED
People v. Cox- PC 242/243(a)- BATTERY
NOT GUILTY
People v. Banos- PC 484 Theft
HUNG JURY- DISMISSED
People v. R.A. -DUI and RECKLESS DRIVING
NOT GUILTY
People v. Smith- PC 647(a)-LEWD ACT IN PUBLIC
HUNG JURY- CLIENT DID NOT HAVE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER
People v. A.W. -HS 11364- POSSESSION OF A CRACK PIPE
HUNG JURY- CASE DISMISSED
People v. Ngo PC12020(a)(4) PC466 CARRYING A CONCEALED DAGGER AND POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS
MISDEMEANOR
People v. Neal FELONY EVADING VC 2800.2(a)
Misdemeanor
People v. Novela FELONY BURGLARY, FORGERY, APPROPRIATION OF PROPERTY
DISMISSAL!!!!!!!
People v. Payne PC148.9(a) GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO A POLICE OFFICER
DISMISSAL!!!!!!
People v. Salazar PC242/243(e)(1) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BATTERY
DISMISSAL!!!!!
People v. Sharifi FELONY SELLING COUNTERFEIT ITMES
Misdemeanor
People v. I.S PC148.1(A) FELONY MAKING FALSE BOMB THREATS
MISDEMEANOR
People v. Smith VANDALISM
DISMISSAL
People v. Stefan VC20002(a) HIT AND RUN
DISMISSED
People v. Thompson FELONY VANDALISM
Misdemeanor
People v. Timas PC148.9(a) GIVING FALSE INFO TO A POLICE OFFICER
DISMISSED!!!!!
People v. VItela PC245(a)(1) FELONY ASSAULT WITH FORCE LIKELY TO CAUSE GBI AS A STRIKE
Misdemeanor no Strike
People v. Walton PC470 FELONY FORGERY
Misdemeanor
People v. M.D FELONY CORPORAL INJURY TO A COHABITANT, BATTERY, FALSE IMPRISONMENT with a Prior Strike
DISMISSAL!!!!!
People v. Huynh 3 STRIKES CASE Felony Burglary, Theft, 2 Prison Priors, 2 STRIKE PRIORS
Misdemeanor CREDIT FOR TIME SERVED
People v. Montez FELONY VANDALISM AND BATTERY
Misdemeanor no Jail
People v. J.M. - RAPE OF INTOXICATED AND UNCONSIOUS/ SODOMY/ RAPE BY FOREIGN OBJECT
Dismissed!!
People v. McGowan PC422 Criminal Threats/ Arson/ Prior Strike and NIckel Priors
Probation
People v. Aitch FELONY RESISTING ARREST AND BATTER WITH INJURY ON AN OFFICER WITH STRIKE PRIOR RES BURG
Misdemeanor no probation
People v. Bourgerie 5 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA FOR SALE
Misdemeanor- CREDIT FOR TIME SERVED
People . Aguilar PC 496- RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY
NOT GUILTY
People v. Alvares- VC 10851 Vehicle Theft
HUNG JURY- CASE REDUCE FROM FELONY TO MISDMEANOR
People v. P.P. Workmans Compensation Fraud
HUNG JURY- FELONY REDUCED TO MISDMEANOR
People v. Haslip PC459 FELONY BURGLARY
Misdemeanor
People v. Gonzales- VC 10851 VC 23152- Vehicle Theft and Driving Under the Influence
HUNG JURY- CASE REDUCED FROM FELONY TO MISDMEANOR
People v. R.S -ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON WITH GROSS BODILY INJURY
MISDEMEANOR NO JAIL
People v. Adams
Case reduced to misdemeanor no jail time
People v. Aguiar DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PC240 ASSAULT, PC242/243(E)(1) BATTERY, PC273.6(A) VIOLATION OF COURT ORDER
DISMISSED
People v. Brayo HS11379(a) FELONY TRANSPORTATION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
Misdemeanor no jail time
People v. Clark PC459/460 FELONY STRIKE RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY HOT PROWL
Misdmeanor Tresspass no additional custody
People v. Diaz PC594(a)(b)(1) FELONY VANDALISM
REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR NO JAIL
People v. Garcia PC496d FELONY CONCEALING A STOLEN VEHICLE
DISMISSED
People v. Gaston PC422- FELONY STRIKE MAKING CRIMINAL THREATS
MISDEMEANOR NO STRIKE NO JAIL
People v. Gates PC182 PC 459/460 PC211- FELONY CONSPIRACY TO COMMITT HOME INVASION ROBBERY, RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
PROBATION
People v. Castro-VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER WITH ALCOHOL
MISDEMEANOR WORK FURLOUGH
People v. Gonsalves- PC 459 FELONY BURGLARY
Reduced to Misdemeanor no Jail
People v. Delatorre- VC23152- DUI . 20 BAC
HUNG JURY- CASE DISMISSED
People v. Hawkins VC23152(a) DUI on drugs, HS11150- Under the influence of a controlled Substance
Case Dismissed
People v. Iatridis PC134 FELONY Preparing False Evidence
Misdemeanor
People v. Joy PC459 Felony Burglary PC487 Felony Grand Theft
Misdemeanor
People v. Devel HS11382 Felony Selling Bunk in Lieu of a Controlled Substance
Misdemeanor
People v. Kelsey FELONY EMBEZZELMENT
Misdemeanor
People v. Laasko PC459 FELONY BURGLARY and PC484
Misdemeanor
People v. Lopez FELONY THEFT WITH A STRIKE PRIOR
Misdemeanor
People v. G.M PC243.9(a) FELONY SPITTING ON A PEACE OFFICER WHILE IN A DETENTION FACILITY
Misdemeanor
People v. Martinez PC594(a)(b)(1) FELONY VANDALISM
Misdemeanor
People v. McCoy PC148.9 GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO A POLICE OFFICER
DISMISSED
People v. Meredith-SEXUAL ASSAULT
DISMISSAL!! IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM JAIL
People v. Moran PC487(b)(3) FELONY GRAND THEFT
MISDEMEANOR NO JAIL
Education
2014
National College of DUI Defense
Winter Graduate
2003
Univ of San Diego SOL
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
Santa Clara Univ
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
San Diego Public Defender
Closing Arguments
2009
San Diego Unified School
Criminal Law
2009
LECTURE ON BAIL REVIEWS
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
2009
Eastlake HIgh School
Criminal Justice
2007
Mission Bay High School
Search and Seizure
Publications
2014
IN YOUR DEFENSE
THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS JURY SELECTION
2014
AVVO Legal Guides
What is Reasonable Doubt?
2013
LA JOLLA PATCH
CRAIGSLIST KILLER SENTENCED
2013
SAN DIEGO UT
TIERRESANTA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO KILLING MOTHER
2013
UT SAN DIEGO
SHOULD TEEN KILLER GO TO PRISON FOR 65 YEARS?
2012
ALL VOICES
HEARING HELD IN HOME INVASION
2011
San Diego Union Tribune
GATES FIRST TO PLEAD GUILTY IN USD BRIBERY CASE
2011
AVVO Legal Guides
I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER FOR A DUI-WHAT DO I DO?
2010
10news.com, Signonsandiego.com, sandiego6.com
DEFENSE CLAIMS MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING ROOMMATE WAS INSANE
2010
San Diego Union Tribune
MURDER CHARGES ADDED TO DEFENDANT ACCUSED OF DEFRAUDING VICTIM
2010
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
My friend has a warrant for her arrest from 2007
17 Apr 2019
Q&A
Why would the D.A. not file charges?
09 Jun 2016
Q&A
How do i get a petty theft charge dismissed or dropped?
09 Jun 2016