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Marcus Edward DeBose
About Marcus
Biography
Criminal Defense Attorney Marcus E. DeBose speaks both English and Spanish fluently. He is experienced in felony litigation and jury trials in San Diego. A San Diego attorney since 2001, Mr. DeBose is an admitted member of State Bar of California. Marcus worked for some of San Diego’s largest criminal defense firms. He is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law where he was a member of the prestigious Appellate Moot Court Board. Mr. DeBose believes in seeing the good in every individual client. Marcus always engages in extensive intake interviews with his clients, learning their life stories and understanding each client’s individualized life perspective during a free consultation before developing the strongest possible defense. Marcus had litigated hundreds of felony cases. He has achieved success in multiple jury trials including “Not Guilty” verdicts in felony armed robbery and elder abuse trials. His litigation successes also include 5 out of 5 “Not Guilty” Verdicts in domestic violence trials.
Interests and Activities: A graduate of the University of Virginia and a former soccer player at the University of Valencia in Spain, Marcus is not only fluent in Spanish but also brings a wealth of international life perspective to each of his cases. He also assists the San Diego Superior Court with the “every 15 minutes Program,” alerting teenage drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
35%
25 years | 2,200 cases
DUI and DWI
25%
25 years | 1,500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 24 years
State: California
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
TEGNELIA & DEBOSE, APC
2820 Camino Del Río, S., San Diego, CA, 92101
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Marcus Edward DeBose's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
29 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Posted by Patti | October 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Failed his obligations. Be cautious.
My family entrusted this attorney to represent a loved one who was in crisis and unable to advocate for himself. Instead, we experienced repeated neglect of duty: missed hearings, no proper communication about court times, arriving unprepared, and an absence of professional diligence or empathy. ...
Marcus Edward DeBose's Lawyer Endorsements
"Marcus is a very skilled and aggressive advocate for his clients and I have absolutely no reservations recommending him to anyone in need of a very fair and competent criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Marcus for years and I refer to him anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney. I consistently hear from those I referred that Marcus did a great job for them. If Marcus can't help you, he probably knows someone who can, so he is a great first point of contact."
"I have known Marcus for many years and he is one of the most thoroughly prepared, and thus effective, advocates in town. I would highly recommend Mr. Debose to anyone charged with a crime."
"Marcus E. DeBose has been my business partner since April 1, 2009. He is a fantastic lawyer and has been an incredible mentor. His desire to help others is unmatched and his passion for the law is inspiring. I 100% endorse Marcus for any criminal matter you may have."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Alicia Freeze
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Macneil
Divorce and separation lawyer
Ryan Tegnelia
Criminal defense lawyer
Evan Braunstein
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2021
Client's Choice, Avvo
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Partner, Tegnelia & DeBose
2009 - 2016
Partner, Marketing Director, Senior Felony Litigator, The Ertz Law Group
2005 - 2009
Trial Attorney, Pacific Law Center, San Diego, Ca
2001 - 2005
Associate Attorney, Solare & Associates
Associations
2014 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Felony DUI
All charges reduced to misdemeanors, probation. Client permitted to remain in Navy, GI Benefits maintained.
Education
2001
University of San Diego School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
University of Virginia
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
California Association of Public Retirement Systems
Felony Forfeiture
Publications
2016
2016
2015
Website Blog
Hit and Run Penalty
2015
Possessions Blog
San Diego Drug Possession Lawyer Help
2015
2015
2015
2015
New Article
New San Diego Traffic Ticket Lawyer Page
2015
2015
2015
Attorney Article
Learn About Hiring Break And Entering Law or Burglary Lawyer
2015
Attorney Article
San Diego Grand Theft Auto Lawyer
2014
2014
Attorney Blog
new tro lawyer page
2014
2014
2014
Attorney Blog
Hiring A San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
Attorney Blog
Choosing A San Diego Robbery Lawyer
N/A
New Blog
Public Urination California
N/A
N/A
New Blog Page
White Collar Crimes & Embezzlement Lawyer New Page Added
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What does the *9 restriction on my nc licence mean
28 Apr 2015
Q&A
Chances of plea bargaining for a lesser charge?
27 Apr 2015
Q&A
How much time can u get for attempted murder when this happen like 6yrs ago self defense towards the "victim" was an adult
24 Apr 2015