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Patrick M Griffin
also known as Griffin Law Office, APC
About Patrick
Biography
Award winning San Diego Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney Patrick Griffin was raised in a large family in a rural Montana community where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. Mr. Griffin has won cases in every courthouse in San Diego County and has a long list of satisfied clients. Mr. Griffin has successfully defended cases ranging from first degree murder to driving under the influence. His success is based on the attention he gives to each and every client, his tireless work ethic and his knowledge of the San Diego court system. Mr. Griffin’s extensive criminal defense experience started at one of the nation’s top boutique criminal defense firms, Brown & Doherty, P.A. At Brown & Doherty, Mr. Griffin defended nearly every type of criminal case. Mr. Griffin authored numerous federal appeals, including an appeal from a capital murder trial where the federal appellate court vacated the sentence of two consecutive life terms and remanded the case to the trial court.
Mr. Griffin’s legal experience is not just limited to advocating for clients, he also completed a federal judicial internship with the Honorable James D. Whittemore, who has presided over numerous high profile cases, including the Terri Schaivo case. This position allowed Mr. Griffin an inside look as to how judges decide legal issues and what judges look for in legal writing and argument. This behind the scenes experience equipped Mr. Griffin with the tools and information on how best to persuade a judge.
Mr. Griffin graduated with honors from the US News & World Report’s #1 ranked trial advocacy school in the nation. Being a member of the nation’s #1 Trial Team allowed Mr. Griffin to learn from some of the country’s foremost experts on trial skills and techniques. This unmatched trial advocacy training allowed Mr. Griffin to win his first jury trial before he graduated from law school.
Mr. Griffin has been featured as a legal expert on local news programs and has received multiple awards for his courtroom advocacy and high client satisfaction.
Bar Memberships
• California
• United States District Court, Southern District of California
Professional Memberships
• The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers
• American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys: 10 Best
• Appellate Defenders Inc.
• San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
• San Diego County Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
• San Diego Inn of Court
• California DUI Lawyers Association
Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, The University of Montana
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, The University of Montana
• Juris Doctor, with Honors, Stetson University College of Law
– Graduated Cum Laude
– Trial Team Member
– ABA Advocacy Competition: Regional Champion & Top Individual Score at Nationals
– Honor Roll
– Member of Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Fraternity
– Recipient of the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges Award
– Recipient of the William Blews Award for Exceptional Pro Bono Service
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
33%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 14 years
State: California
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Griffin Law Office, APC
1350 Columbia, Unit 401, San Diego, CA, 92101
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Patrick M Griffin's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 2, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
THE BEST
Patrick was very professional and fair priced for his outstanding services and due diligence. He came out with the best case scenario. And I could not be more pleased with the entire firm. From contacting me and keeping me up to date with my case, to putting my mind at ease with the possible pending ...
Posted by Anthony | June 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best criminal defense attorney in San Diego
I met with a few attorneys before choosing to go with Patrick. I couldn't be happier with the service that Patrick provided throughout the entire process. The end result was the case being dismissed. He handled everything for me and that allowed me to focus on the important things in life. I would re...
Posted by J | June 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
San Diegos Greatest Lawyer of All Time (GLOAT)
I am really greatful to have met MrGriffin he is upfront and there for you no matterwhat. When you hire him he is on your side and personally makes sure that every detail is cared for!! If you are looking for an attorney who actually cares about you and is incredibly smart and really good at his job...
Posted by Eugene | June 5, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mr. Eugene Watson
I first met Mr. Griffin back in December 2019, while incarcerated. He helped me so much in my case and he believed in me. His team and himself are very professional, intelligent, and honest. I highly recommend his law firm
Posted by Therese | May 8, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Representation
Mr. Griffin was hired to defend our son and did a stellar job. He knows the law and will go over and above the call of duty to accomplish the job. He's a highly respected defender. He even defended our son on an erroneous charge that appeared out of nowhere and was able to get all the charges dropped...
Patrick M Griffin's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I went to law school with Mr. Griffin. He is a very smart man and a very hard worker. I would not want to go against him as opposing counsel!"
"Patrick Griffin is my go to guy whenever I refer a criminal matter, no matter how minor or serious the charges may be."
"Patrick Griffin is a tenacious defender of his client's rights. He will go the distance to ensure that he secures the absolute best outcome possible. With Patrick in their corner, his clients are always well represented in court."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Excellent attorney. Hard-working and honest. I endorse Mr. Griffin."
"I am pleased to endorse this lawyer!"
"I endorse this lawyer.This lawyer has an expertise in DUI defense. By attending DUI seminars throughout the year to keep up on the latest in the law, field sobriety testing, blood testing, and breath testing, this attorney is an asset to the clients. This lawyer is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association. I endorse this lawyer."
"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!"
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I first met Patrick Griffin while he was with the public defender and was impressed with his negotiating and courtroom demeanor. He always did well for his clients whenever he and I crossed paths. I would not hesitate to hire Mr. Griffin if I was in need of help. He will fight and fight well."
"I endorse this lawyer. I had the pleasure of having Patrick as co- counsel on a DUI trial case. His assistance was invaluable. His knowledge and insight helped prevent a conviction on a third time dui client."
"I endorse this lawyer. Patrick is a passionate and dedicated attorney, who goes above and beyond to meet his clients' needs."
"I endorse this lawyer. Outstanding lawyer"
"I went to law school with Patrick and saw first hand how dedicated he is to his profession. He is ethical, hard-working, and a fantastic advocate. If you need legal help in the greater San Diego area, look no further."
"Mr. Griffin is a detail oriented attorney always focused on meeting the needs of his client. He is a zealous advocate always working to protect his client's interests. I endorse and recommend him without reservation. He will always fight the system and will not stop until justice is served."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Griffin worked as co-counsel, second chair in a large federal drug smuggling jury trial, with me. His assistance was invaluable. I would have been at a loss without his assistance."
"Mr. Griffin is a zealous advocate for his clients and is known for going the extra mile. I highly recommend this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Best Law Firm 2018, Locale Magazine
2018
Attorney of the Month, San Diego Attorney Journal
2017
People Love Us On Yelp, Yelp
2016
Premier Attorney, National Academy of Jurisprudence
2016
People Love Us On Yelp, Yelp
2015
10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
People Love Us On Yelp, Yelp
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
People Love Us On Yelp, Yelp
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2010
William Blews Award for Exceptional Pro Bono Service, Stetson University College of Law
2010
Honor Roll, Stetson University College of Law
2010
2009-2010 Advocacy Competition: Regional Champion, American Bar Association
2010
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, Who's Who In American Law
2010
Cardozo Inn honoree, Phi Delta Phi
2006
Scholar of the College of Arts & Sciences, University of Montana
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Attorney/Owner, Griffin Law Office
2011 - 2011
Post-Bar, Office Of The Public Defender San Diego County
2010 - 2010
Law Clerk, Attorney General Of Montana
2010 - 2010
Judicial Intern to the Honorable J.Whittemore, U.S. District Court Middle District Of Florida
2009 - 2010
Law Clerk, Brown & Doherty, PA
2009 - 2010
Clinical Intern, University Of Montana School Of Law
2006 - 2008
Litigation Paralegal, Law Office of Scott Johni, P.A.
Associations
2011 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2011 - Present
San Diego Consumer AttorneysAttorney Member
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
2011 - Present
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2011 - Present
San Diego Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2011 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeAttorney Member
2011 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysAttorney Member
2012 - 2013
Appellate Defenders, Inc.Attorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
DUI (2nd Offense)
Evidence suppressed after Penal Code 1538.5 motion
Assault with Deadly Weapon Jury Trial
Not Guilty
DUI Jury Trial
Not Guilty
Federal Capital Murder Appeal
The US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit vacated the sentence and remanded the case for re-sentencing.
Felony Domestic Violance
Case dismissed on day of trial
Felony Drug Sales While Armed with a Firearm
Case dismissed on day of trial
Felony Battery with Great Bodily Injury
Case dismissed at preliminary hearing
Felony Drug Sales
Case dismissed after winning motion to suppress evidence
Domestic Violance
Case dismissed
Felony Domestic Violence
Case dismissed on day of trial
Education
2010
Stetson University College of Law
Juris Doctor
2006
University of Montana
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2006
University of Montana
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
San Diego Young Professionals Mixer
Hanging Your Own Shingle
2010
Stetson Law's Advocacy Resource Center
Opening Statements
2010
Stetson Law's Advocacy Resource Center
Cross Examination
2010
Stetson Law's Advocacy Resource Center
Closing Arguments
Publications
2018
Attorney Journal
Attorney of the Month
2016
Griffin Law Office
Your Rights During a DUI Stop
2011
United States v. Julian, 633 F.3d 1250 (11th Cir. 2011)
Capital Murder Appeal: USCA 11th Circuit Published Opinion
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What can my boyfriend expect after being arrested crossing a pound of crystal into San Diego from tj?
26 Apr 2018
Q&A
Can a convicted felon become a lawyer and actually pass the moral fitness requirements?
16 Nov 2011
Q&A
What happens if I miss a MADD class because I am out of the country? Do I need to notify anybody?
15 Nov 2011