Marcus Edward DeBose

Marcus Edward DeBose

4.9
Rating: 8.5

Licensed for 24 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence ... +2 more

2820 Camino Del Río, S., San Diego, CA

About Marcus

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

25 years | 2,200 cases

35%
DUI and DWI 25%

25 years | 1,500 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 24 years

State: California

Acquired: 2001

Active

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

4.9 /5.0

29 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (29) 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 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. ... Even after receiving the majority of his fee, he threatened not to appear in court unless further demands were met — conduct that conflicts with Rule 3.10 (which forbids attorneys from using threats of criminal or disciplinary action to gain advantage). He also failed his obligations under the duties of diligence and communication (Rules 1.1 / 1.3 / 1.4) by abandoning representation and ignoring calls. His conduct constitutes a betrayal of the fiduciary responsibility owed to clients — failing to act in their best interest — and raises serious concerns of coercive or extortionate tactics, which may even implicate Penal Code 518 / 524 (extortion / attempted extortion) if proven. No one should endure representation that compounds suffering rather than alleviates it.

Posted by Cynthia | July 10, 2022

Awesome Man

Marcus is a very down to earth, straight forward, generous, empathetic and compassionate man. I was referred to him by a good friend who highly recommended him. I texted him and he got back to me within an hr. He took time on a saturday in between being a devoted parent to get back to me and helped m...y husband and i through a trying time. It wasn't about the money. He gave us the insight and knowledge of the situation and led us to an understanding of what was at stake without asking for anything. If there ever be a time we need another lawyer Marcus will be the one we hire without a doubt. Thank you Marcus for easing my mind and your honesty!!

Posted by Joshua | July 07, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Fantastic Service, Rapid Action, and Compassion

Marcus helped our family when my brother was involved in a situation with law enforcement. Marcus was communicative with us throughout the process, and went above and beyond to help bridge the gap with my brother while in holding. Marcus telephoned us all throughout. We knew updated information a...bout his case. Marcus is a true professional and treated us fairly, which is a lot to ask for on a short timeframe. If this could help you decide to pick an attorney for your situation, I would say to hire Marcus for your case.

Posted by anonymous | September 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Redemption Rockstar

I met Marcus Debose as a guest at my wedding in 2008. He had previously won a case for my wife and made quite a positive impression on her. Last year, I decided to get an expungement on an old felony DV case. I chose Marcus Debose to represent me and man, am I glad I did! Even with the outbreak and c...losesures that came with Covid-19, he always remained in touch with me every step of the way. My life had changed dramatically over the years and the man in the court's records, looked nothing like the man I am today. Marcus sat down with us and put a presentation together that more accurately described me now. He put such energy and enthusiasm into his work and was honest about what may and may not happen. In the end, he not only got my record expunged, he got my charges reduced to a misdemeanor and dismissed. I am free to live my new redemptive life and protect my family. I am so grateful to him for a second chance.

Posted by Ingrid | June 09, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Impeccable Counsel

Retaining Marcus to represent me in my criminal case was the best decision I've ever made. He is super responsive and incredibly knowledgeable; he knows the law inside and out. Marcus is realistic but reassuring. He walked me through every step of the process and treated me as if I were a member o...f his family. Marcus helped me to achieve the best possible outcome: my freedom! I cannot recommend him highly enough.

See All Client Reviews

Marcus Edward DeBose's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Marcus
Ryan Joseph Carlson headshot
Ryan Carlson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Michael Colin Macneil headshot
Michael Macneil

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Paul Sousa headshot
Michael Sousa

Criminal defense lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Ryan James Tegnelia headshot
Ryan Tegnelia

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Abby Lynn Ertz headshot
Abby Ertz

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Joubin Sedgh headshot
Joubin Sedgh

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Evan Scott Braunstein headshot
Evan Braunstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Alicia Claire Freeze headshot
Alicia Freeze

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Colin Macneil headshot
Michael Macneil

Divorce and separation lawyer

Ryan James Tegnelia headshot
Ryan Tegnelia

Criminal defense lawyer

Evan Scott Braunstein headshot
Evan Braunstein

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.5 (Excellent)

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 Association

Member

2001 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Felony DUI

All charges reduced to misdemeanors, probation. Client permitted to remain in Navy, GI Benefits maintained.

See More Legal Cases

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

2015

Website Blog Hit and Run Penalty

2015

2014

Attorney Blog new tro lawyer page

Languages

English

Spanish

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
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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