Russell Sheridan Babcock

Russell Sheridan Babcock

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 44 years

Federal crime Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Federal Crime, Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime, Appeals

1901 First Avenue #138, San Diego, CA

About Russell

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Federal Crime 60%

I practice both in state and federal court and have traveled to Russia, Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, and Colombia as well as appearing in more than ten state courts to help my clients.

44 years | 800 cases

60%
Criminal Defense 25%

I have worked in the San Diego area more than twenty years in criminal defense and have handled every kind of case from death penalty to DUI's

44 years | 3,000 cases

25%
White Collar Crime 10%

I handle complex money laundering, structuring, fraud, and baking crimes.

44 years | 200 cases

10%
Appeals 5%

I have defended individuals on appeal for more than two decades and was named the Appellate Attorney of the Year for San Diego in 1998.

44 years | 500 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 400-450 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 44 years

State: California

Acquired: 1981

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Colorado for 38 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 1987

Dismissed

No misconduct found

Licensed in Alaska for 43 years

State: Alaska

Acquired: 1982

Suspended

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Russell Sheridan Babcock

1901 First Avenue #138, San Diego, CA, 92101

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Russell Sheridan Babcock's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

107 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 26 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Miguel | May 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime

Young lady caught at border

A close relative recently moved to San Diego, and subsequently got drawn in by a colleague to cross the SD/TJ border to lend her car to his friends; she was left in a hotel room, and when they gave back the car, Border Control detected a gas tank full of drugs. Thus began a nerve-wracking nightmare. ... We sought out a knowledgeable attorney to guide us through our options. I interviewed three to query their approaches, tone and attempt to elucidate their effectiveness. Mr. Babcock provided the most meaningful and coherent explanation of what needed to happen, sounded empathetic yet realistic, and had broad experience with similar cases. The case dragged on, with so many tense moments and fears of the unknown. Yet through it, Russell proved to be attentive, responsive, patient and understanding. While much of his work was invisible to us, he helped us understand we were in a marathon, not a sprint. The twists and turns in the process were navigated adeptly, and it was clear Russell had his finger on the pulse of the system. He never ceased working towards the best solution under the circumstances, even when it meant waiting. I found that the best way to interact was to deliver what he requested in the most expedient manner. I was often delivering quicker than he expected, which gave him greater freedom to work on our behalf. If you have questions, ask; when he didn't respond in my timing, I'd ask again. He always found the time to give a thorough explanation. While he didn't believe everything told to him by us or the client (and admittedly, our emotions were high) he did always receive and process it, and attempt to verify its fit with all the evidence. We learned that Russell, although he's seen a wide variety of situations, has a passion and integrity in his work, as well as a thorough knowledge of the law I have to say the outcome was truly extraordinary, and if you choose Mr. Babcock, he will look for the real "you", demonstrate compassion with your plight, and guide you into your best solution. You, as the client, a friend or relative, should show your support at every turn, pray without ceasing, take some deep breaths, and help all your loved ones rebuild towards stronger bonds and futures.

Posted by Rosalin | April 09, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Worse Nightmare ever!!

July 20 20 was the most worst year ever in our family life , my daughter got in criminal issues with us government , the charges were really scary , according to the us laws she could of spent years incarcerated, we consulted several federal criminal attorneys with very little hope because of the big... charges set against her plus the unreasonable cost the attorneys were charging us. finally after consulting with several attorneys , we found Mr. Russell Babcock and he was a blessing from the first time I talked to him, he gave me a lot of confident hope and now great results, like I said her case was real bad on top all the issues dealing with her to get things done right on her side, it was a nightmare , Mr Russell had a lot of patient knowledge to get things done right , he gave lots of support to her and our fam he really knew what the best route to guide us was throughout this nightmare I’m very satisfied and happy with the results given, and I humbly want to appreciate and thank him for all his time spent in this case efforts given took the time to talk to us or respond our calls even on weekends and all the keep in touch emails really Thank You So Much Attorney Russell Babcock for given us our girl back home soon!!! We Really Appreciate You and Highly Recommend your knowledge and your Criminal Law Firm.”The Best”

Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Wonderful Attorney even greater human being

Russell Babcock is quite frankly a very talented lawyer. I do not have that much experience to draw from as far as lawyers go, but I can say this with absolute confidence: Mr. Babcock is an exceptional attorney. The man defines what it is to fight tooth and nail for his clients no matter the circu...mstances. We all have certain rights in this country that cannot be taken away from us, and this man is one of those rare individuals ready to go into battle with you and protect those rights. He will do whatever it takes to make sure you have the absolutely best defense possible, regardless of the odds or what you are up against. He helped me against immeasurable opposition to fight the system, and in the end due to his efforts, I am now a free man and on a path to getting my life back together. I am truly blessed to have found Russel, he cares so much about the well being of his clients and in the case of any matter in the criminal justice realm this man understands the law and knows how to use it to his advantage. If there is any legal issue he happens to be unfamiliar with, he will put in the time and research necessary until he does. I owe this man so much and if you are in need of criminal legal counsel you would foolish to not at least give him a call...

Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Russell Sheridan Babcock Federal crime, definitely the BEST criminal defense in San Diego. He worked hard and He handled my case get dismissed in less time that I thought; I’m very thankful! Now I can see my wife in Mexico and meet my 1rs baby. He kept his words that he would fight for me and he ...did. He is so professional and always to get me updated on everything. Highly recommend!

Posted by anonymous | October 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime

Great lawyer

I recommend Mr. Babcock for federal drug cases. He took my families case and he was supportive, communicative during the while process. Answering amy and all of our concerns. We had a great resolution in our case.

See All Client Reviews

Russell Sheridan Babcock's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Russell
Knut Sveinbjorn Johnson headshot
Knut Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Russell and I worked together on a difficult bank robbery case and he was able to secure a fantastic deal for his client. He works hard, is very committed, and he is a terrific lawyer."

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Unquestionably competent, consistently conscientious, endlessly hardworking, always helpful, and highly dedicated, it is well-known this exceptional lawyer is an excellent trial attorney who is a tremendous asset to the Defense Bar community. Any person in need who hires this superb attorney will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of positive reasons, I am honored to endorse Mr. Babcock."

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Russell is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Russell. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Donte Terrill Wyatt headshot
Donte Wyatt

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Babcock is an excellent attorney. I have had the opportunity to view him in trial as an opposing counsel. Attorney Babcock was aggressive, prepared and a strong advocate for his client. He ultimately prevailed in the matter in which we were opposed. Attorney Babcock is very knowledgeable of the law. His experience as a former prosecutor combined with years of experience as a criminal defense attorney makes him one of the best attorneys in San Diego County. I recommend him without reservation."

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."

Michael Shemtoub headshot
Michael Shemtoub

Appeals lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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!"

Jon Martin Pettis headshot
Jon Pettis

Unknown lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Martin Smith headshot
Daniel Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I go to Russ for advice in many cases. He has incredible experience and is highly intelligent. Prosecutors know they have their hands full when Russ is involved. Great lawyer."

Robert Michael Garland headshot
Robert Garland

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Friend

"Russell is a very hard worker and an intelligent advocate. I have watched him at trials and he develops a great rapport with the jury. He is very skilled and a great lawyer. I recommend him highly."

James Cannon Huber headshot
James Huber

Appeals lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Michael Stephen Berg headshot
Michael Berg

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse russell's work. i have known him for over 25 years and once worked with him in the anchorage, alaska city prosecutor's office. he is intelligent, hard-working and cares a great deal about each of his clients."

Samuel Eugene Spital headshot
Samuel Spital

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I fully endorse this lawyer's work. Russell Babcock is a fellow criminal defense lawyer in the community with whom I have known and worked together for nearly 25 years. He is a "lawyer's lawyer," dedicated to getting results and satisfying his clients. Russ works 24/7 and has also obtained recognition by his peers, having received the "Super Lawyer" award for 2008 and 2009. We continue to associate on countless criminal matters, thereby giving our respective clients the benefit of our team approach to strategize legal issues, facts and circumstances."

C. Logan McKechnie headshot
C. McKechnie

General practice lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"This is one of the hardest working and most talented lawyers who works very hard for his clients."

View All Endorsements
Benjamin Jerome Cheeks headshot
Benjamin Cheeks

Criminal defense lawyer

Donte Terrill Wyatt headshot
Donte Wyatt

Criminal defense lawyer

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Thomas Mardock headshot
Ryan Mardock

Criminal defense lawyer

Mary Frances Prevost headshot
Mary Prevost

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Michael Garland headshot
Robert Garland

Family lawyer

James Cannon Huber headshot
James Huber

Appeals lawyer

Cesar Luna headshot
Cesar Luna

Immigration lawyer

Michael Stephen Berg headshot
Michael Berg

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael L. Crowley headshot
Michael Crowley

Criminal defense lawyer

Knut Sveinbjorn Johnson headshot
Knut Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer

Samuel Eugene Spital headshot
Samuel Spital

Administrative law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Client's Choice, Avvo

2009

Super Lawyer (top 5% of lawyers), Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer (Top 5% of lawyers), Super Lawyers

2007

Kudos (Acquittal in First Degree Murder Case, San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association

2004

Kudos (Acquittal in Largest Maritime Drug Case), San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association

1998

Appellate Attorney of the Year (Reversal of Life Case), San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association

1995

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, State Bar of California

1981

Top 15% of Law School Class, University of California, Davis

1978

Top University Student Rhetoric/Communication, University of California, Davis

1977

Phi Beta Kappa (top 1% of class), University of California, Davis

Work Experience

1990 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Russell S. Babcock

1991 - 1992

Special Prosecutor, District Attorney's Office

1988 - 1990

Attorney, Rosner and Law

1987 - 1988

Supervising Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office

1982 - 1987

Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney's Office

1982 - 1982

Deputy District Attorney, District Attorney's Office

Associations

2007 - Present

Moot Court Judge, Finals

University of San Dego School of Law

1994 - Present

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

Practicing Attorney

1994 - Present

United States District Court Southern District of MIchigan

Practicing Attorney

1991 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

1991 - Present

California Appellate Defense Counsel

Member

1991 - Present

Criminal Justice Act (CJA Panel)

Member

1991 - Present

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Practicing Attorney

1991 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of California

Practicing Attorney

1998 - 2000

William Enright Inn of Court

Barrister

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Covarubbias

Acquittal all charges, including murder

People v. Chagovic

Client acquitted of all charges

People v. Kasim

Life Sentence reversed on appeal, defendant freed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1981

University of California at Davis School of Law

Juris Doctor

1978

University of California, Davis

A.B.

Speaking Engagements

2000

Youth in Cuba

State of Education for Children in Cuba

Publications

2016

Fiction Novel Based on my experience defending drug smuggling cases The Blind Mule

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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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