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Peter A. Mesich
also known as Pete Mesich
About Peter
Biography
Dedicated Attorney, Former Prosecutor
I have a diverse background in various areas of law that give me a broad, thorough legal base to provide quality services to my clients. I am aggressive but polite, and firm but compassionate.
Criminally, I prosecuted misdemeanors for the City of San Diego with multiple trials and a winning record. I never lost a DUI jury trial verdict for the City. My responsibilities include reviewing thousands of cases (DUI and misdemeanor) to determine if the City should prosecute or not. Now, you can put this former prosecutor experience to work for you.
First, I can analyze a case as a prosecutor, and clearly identify how they will view the facts. This means I can also identify what they are likely to overlook, or any weaknesses that can be exploited. Second, I know the prosecution procedures from the inside. From a strategic perspective, this provides me a chance to act before they do, or adjust the litigation timeline to my client's benefit. Third, I know what will best produce judicious results for my clients in negotiations. I know how to present factors or evidence to them in the most palatable, favorable light as they see it. Lastly, there is professional respect from having done their job: we are opposing counsel and viciously fight for our client's best interests, but it can be done with civility and decorum.
My civil work for the City of San Diego includes reprsenting the Transportation and Engineering Design Division (TEDD) in the Engineering and Capital Projects Department. TEDD handled transportation construction contracts and amendments in the City. I handled dozens of contracts and amendments from initial review to City Council ratificaiton, including drafting City Council resolutions and ordinances. Although I kept a low profile, I worked on some of the highest profile and controversial projects in recent City history. Now, I offer my clients inside knowledge of City contracting procedures to either negotiate a resolution, or recommend an efficient course of action.
For the County of San Diego, I reviewed all projects requiring grading over 200 square yards for environmental law compliance- from driveways or tennis courts to multi-million dollar developments. My knowledge of municipal development or permit approval is available to clients to help facilitate project approval, or negotiate mitigation requirements.
Contact me for a free consultation to determine how my services can assist you.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
65%
18 years | 1,000 cases
Civil Rights
20%
25 cases
Criminal Defense
15%
18 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 23 years
State: California
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Offices of Peter A. Mesich, Esq.
525 B Street, Suite 1500, San Diego, CA, 92101
The Law Offices of Peter A. Mesich, Esq.
Del Mar/Solana Beach Office, 445 Marine View Avenue, Del Mar, CA, 92014
Mission Valley Office
7676 Hazard Center Drive, Fifth Floor, San Diego, CA, 92108
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Peter A. Mesich's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Robert | June 5, 2015
Attorney Client
I am a local San Diego civil attorney and I strongly recommend Peter Mesich as your attorney to handle any criminal or civil matters. He has personally represented my family members and friends over the past year - each receiving either an early dismissal, not guilty result or a very favorable resol...
Posted by Mike | February 3, 2015
Quality professional defense
Peter was an absolute life saver to me. I had not dealt with DUI issues before, so when this all began, I knew I needed a good attorney. I originally liked the fact that Peter had been a prosecutor before working as a defense attorney. My case was a bit complicated, but after I got into the proce...
Posted by SR | February 3, 2015
Best Lawyer!
Peter was a guiding light for me during a very nerve wracking period. I received a misdemeanor and a potentially steep fine, and did not know where to turn. Peter came very highly recommended and was a real savior. He took total control of the case and made himself readily available at any time. H...
Posted by Kelly | January 20, 2015
So happy we chose Peter
From the first conversation to the last Peter made us feel comfortable and gave us all our options. He was positive and always kept us informed of what was going on with our case. I would highly recommend him. Thank you Peter Mesich!
Posted by Sarah | July 26, 2014
DUI Lifesaver
I got Peter's pamphlet in the mail after my arrest along with a thousand others, and I'm SO glad I hired him. Peter was supportive and informative throughout my long, stressful DUI case. I had a very low BAC, so I wanted to fight my case as best as I could, and Peter took me all the way to the point ...
Peter A. Mesich's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Mesich is a hard working attorney who is constantly looking for opportunities to learn and grow. He is committed to his clients and I would recommend him to anyone accused of crime."
"Peter used to work for the prosecution and has great experience as a trial attorney. He is very, very well-versed in how the system works and truly understands how to approach, prepare, and represent each case. Definitely a guy you want on your side. And to boot, he’s great with responding to emails and calls—something most lawyers push to the side. Within minutes, you’ll understand Peter knows his material and cares about his clients."
"He is committed to his clients and I would recommend him to anyone accused of crime in San Diego County."
"Peter knows the law and the courts in San Diego. It's great having a lawyer that you can call and get help on cases."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mesich is exceptionally talented and experienced in various types of criminal cases with his major emphasis on DUI/DWI. He was formerly a Prosecutor in the City of San Diego and is regarded highly by his associates."
"Peter cares about his clients and attends legal trainings to be able to stay on top of changes in the law."
"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."
"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!"
"I endorse attorney Peter Mesich. Peter is a true advocate for his clients. He is calm, collected, and always prepared. I had the advantage of seeing him from several different vantage points. I had the pleasure of working with him while we are prosecutors. He was in my office bouncing off the cases. He would research the law until he became almost an expert with it. I later worked with him while he was defense and I was a prosecution pre trial negotiator. Peter came in on a pre trial case. When other attorneys come in and make a "pitch", Peter came in with a presentation....complete with photos, relevant caselaw, and affidavits. Needless to say his client got the proper resolution (I cannot remember whether it was a dismissal or infraction). Finally, I have dealt with him as we are now both defense. His understanding of case law is impressive. His litigation skills again is calm yet with purpose. His clients will be taken care of."
"I have known Peter for two years and routinely negotiated cases with him while I was a prosecutor. He is a professional that advocates strongly for his clients. His case law knowledge comes through with arguments that support his position. A strong lawyer."
"Peter is the exact type of lawyer I would want if I were a client, honest, tenacious, knowledgeable and dedicated. He is always striving to better himself and thus, his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Peter is a former prosecutor in San Diego and is well respected in all of the courts. He is an outstanding attorney and goes the extra mile for his clients. Definitely recommended."
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Mesich for several years now and also had the challenge of facing him court in trial. He was a talented litigator as a prosecutor. He also was skilled in negotiating a anaylyzing cases as well. His experience as a prosecutor gives him a unique attribute now as a defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Peter is one of the best DUI defense attorneys in San Diego. He has an excellent reputation and gets great results for his clients. I am happy to recommend Peter for any DUI case in San Diego."
"I endorse Peter. He is an excellent trial lawyer with a reputation for aggressively defending his clients."
"I worked with Peter at the Standard Field Sobriety workshop. He knows his stuff. He is familiar with how police officers are trained. Peter will see the mistakes the officers make and use this to your advantage. I am very proud to know Peter. Peter is also an instructor now and is can teach this class to law enforcement as well."
"I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mesich at the NHTSA Instructor Course this spring, in Irvine Ca. Any attorney who can complete AND pass the 4 day NHTSA Instructor Course for Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and DUI Enforcement, is at the very top of his or her profession. Being a qualified instructor on DUI enforcement and standardized field sobriety tests give Mr. Mesich the unique ability to prove to judges, prosecutors and jurors that his client is not under the influence, and therefore not guilty of the charged crime. I would unequivocally hire Mr. Mesich if I was charged with a crime in San Diego."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2012
Instructor, Standardized FST Administration, La Pier per National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration and International Association of Chiefs of Police
2011
Qualified Standardized FST Administration, LaPier per National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration and International Association of Chiefs of Police
2011
Instructor Qualified Standardized FST, LaPier per National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration and International Association of Chiefs of Police
2005
Public Service Award, County of San Diego
1993
Honoree, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universties
1992
Most Improved, Roger Williams University- NCAA Div. III Intercollegiate Wrestling
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Owner, The Law Office of Peter A. Mesich, Esq.
2007 - 2010
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City of San Diego, Criminal Division
2006 - 2007
Deputy General Counsel, City of San Diego
2005 - 2006
Legal Land Use Planner, County of San Diego
2004 - 2005
Litigation Associate, Naumann & Levine
2003 - 2004
Associate, Briggs Law Corporation
2002 - 2003
Principal, Peter Mesich, Sole Practitioner
Associations
2015 - Present
American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (San Diego chapter)Board of Directors
2015 - Present
Public Interest Advocacy ClinicBoard of Directors
2011 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2011 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2011 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
San Diego Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2002 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2002 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
1992 - 1993
TEP Public Service GroupPresident
1991 - 1992
Harvard United NationsPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
High BAC Marine
Offer: wet reckless with dry reckless conditions
High BAC (.22) with Two Priors
No jail time, priors dropped, 10 PWS, standard 1st DUI sentence
Solo Accident
Standard DUI, no PWS
High BAC (.32) accident with Prior
DUI, priors dismissed, no jail, 5 PWS (30 day exposure)
DUI and resisting arrest
DUI (standard sentence), Evasion (no resisting arrest)
DUI (with prior), Hit and Run, on DUI Probation
All charges dismissed
DUI with Prior, .15 BAC
No custody, no public work service
.11 DUI with prior stopped at sobriety checkpoint
No prior, wet reckless reduction, no custody
Reckless Driving, Exhibition of Speed
Zero point Vehicle Code violation (infraction) upon completing 16 hours of volunteer work service
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (2 counts)
1 year probation minor misdemeanor (making noise) case dismissed after 1 year probation. The daughter now lives with loving grandparents in the midwest.
High BAC, accident in parking lot
No public work service, no restitution, client allowed to attend college
DUI (drugs) with minor allegation, child endangerment
Wet reckless reduction (no allegations), all other charges dropped
Education
2001
Vermont Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
Vermont Law School
MA - Masters
1996
The George Washington University
MA - Masters
1993
Roger Williams University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
City Heights Law Day
Expungements
2012
Standardized Field Sobriety Test Administration per NHTSA
Instructor, Legal Environment, Standardized FSTs
1990
New Hampshire Municipal Law Lecture Series
Innovative Land Use Techniques
Publications
2015
2001
Vermont Law School Forum
The Sybilline Pages
2000
Vermont Law School Forum
What's Behind "Take Back Vermont"
1990
New Hampshire Municipal Law Lecture Series
Innovative Land Use Techniques
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is the punishment for 3rd offense driving on a suspended license within a 5 year span for a previous dui.
06 Mar 2014
Q&A
In Ca, can you be convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol level of .03?
24 Mar 2011
Q&A
I had 2 DUI's from 10 years ago that I got a 1203.4 granted on. I just got another DUI how will they treat this one?
24 Mar 2011