Ernest J. Lee

PRO

Ernest J. Lee

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 24 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

2878 Camino del Rio South, Suite 400, San Diego, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Ernest

Biography

Millions Recovered For Injured Victims - Get The Compensation You Deserve

The Lee Law Group provide top flight legal representation for you and your family.

Our personal injury relief provides medical care, and compensation for your losses.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 95%

We provide criminal defense for all types of matters, especially DUI, domestic violence and possession of drugs cases. In addition, we have recently invested significant resources in augmenting our criminal defense practice so that we would be, and are, better equipped to protect you, your rights and your freedoms.

20 years

95%
Personal Injury 5%

Our personal injury relief provides cash awards for medical care to compensate you for your loss earnings and other financial losses due to injury caused by the actions of others.

23 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 500-600 per hour

Contingency

25%-40%

Pro bono

2 %

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in California for 24 years

State: California

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Lee Law Group: DUI & Criminal Attorneys

2878 Camino del Rio South, Suite 400, San Diego, CA, 92108

leelawgroup.net/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Ernest online.

Ernest J. Lee's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

119 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 46 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by Ezra | May 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Lee Law Group came through for my family by providing the highest quality of service! My son was going through hard times and made a decision that placed him at the mercy of our justice system. We consulted with quite a few highly reviewed Lawyers in San Diego. Most would t...alk a confident game, even claiming to have connections in the District Attorney Office, but would end up providing inconsistent information and a weak plan of attack. Then we talked with Mr. Lee, who after reviewing my son's charges, gave honest answers, provided a solid way forward and gave us a sense of security that he was an extremely competent lawyer that wouldn'tlet us down. He did not disappoint. We are a minority family, and Mr. Lee understands that young minorities are not often afforded the opportunity to make a mistake that didn't rob them of a future. Even though my son was fully cooperative, but not in his right mind, the police still put charges on him that could have placed him in the prison system for 2 - 6 years, this is nonviolent too. This is why we were soo blessed to have hired Mr. Lee. We worked out a flat fee and a payment plan that didn't kill us financially, and their help was worth every penny. We showed up to the first court date, and like he explained to us, Mr. Lee was able to knock down the charges from a felony to a misdemeanor. Then he told us don't worry about coming back to court, because he will take care of the rest. From there, we just simply followed the guidance that the Lee Law Group provided. Mr. Lee even found a community service program for my son to volunteer. Finally, we get a congratulations by Mr. Lee, letting us know that he got my son's case dismissed, with the attached court dismissal documents. Again, Thank you soo much to the Lee Law Group for allowing my son the chance to have a wake up call in this unfair society, and keep my son's record clean for future opportunities that would have been lost. Sincerely, Ezra

Posted by N Lee | February 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

5 STARS!!!

I’m incredibly grateful to Mr. Lee for his outstanding work in getting my case dismissed and securing a 3-month early dismissal. From start to finish, he was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. He kept me informed and reassured throughout the process, answering all my ques...tions and providing clear guidance. Their expertise and dedication exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome and highly recommend Mr. Lee to anyone in need of legal representation.

Posted by JUAN | January 10, 2025 | Criminal Defense

To the best of San Diego

Once again this is the second time he saves my freedom I appreciate you and your team very professional and explained everything as we were going I appreciate it thank you guys

Posted by anonymous | October 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent service

The team was so helpful in my dwi case. Answering all my questions in a timely manner. They even won my DMV case when i refused the breathalyzer and blood test, which helped me in huge way through these hards times. Highly recommended to anyone in need of Representation and DWI case . This teams rock...s!!!

Posted by Jose | August 06, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

DUI Case

After I accidentally drove into a military base in San Diego I realized too late that my passenger was drinking and had her containers on my center console. I was questioned by military police and soon after I was outside doing their tests to see if I was under the influence. I was scared It was my f...irst encounter with any type of police and when they told me I could deny the breathalyzer test I did. I then got taken into custone into their base and was told I could not deny the chemical test, I walk in the room and they told me I could deny it but it would be an "automatic DUI". Again, I was so scared I refused and shortly after they gave me 3 citations in total , dui refusal , opened container, and driving without license in possession. I Then began to seek legal help because a DUI is permanent or I read online the refusal could be worse. I did 3 consultations but when I called Ernest Lee I instantly knew to go with him. The moment I began to explain my situation he already knew how it went down and he told me he had experience with these cases and even knew what court it would be in since it was military police. Couple months after Ernest and his team were able to get me a plea deal im very happy with.He was also very understanding about payment options. Overall I would def. recommend Ernest and his team for DUI cases.

See All Client Reviews

Ernest J. Lee's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ernest
Joshua Rollin Bourne headshot
Joshua Bourne

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ernest Lee is a great lawyer. He works hard on every case, and is well respected by his peers, opposing counsel, and the judges."

Erik Adler Friis headshot
Erik Friis

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ernest for several years now. Ernest is a very hard - working attorney and is always trying to find ways to help his clients. We have had many great discussions about the law and ways we can serve our clients better. Ernest is a stand-up guy, a friendly guy, and a great advocate for his clients as well as a great friend. I endorse him."

Charles Roy Gilliland headshot
Charles Gilliland

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ernest for several years now and have seen him in action many times. Ernest is always prepared, thorough, and zealous in his representation of his clients. He has been of invaluable assistance to me a number of times in the past and he never hesitates to help. You are in good hands indeed if Ernest is in your corner."

Shoshuen Chiu headshot
Shoshuen Chiu

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Ernest is caring, fair, and professional. Absolutely loved working with him!"

Wei-Hua Wang headshot
Wei-Hua Wang

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ernest is a tremendous attorney. Resourceful, diligent, and cares deeply about his clients. That is a heck of a combination! Any client will be happy to have Ernest as their counsel. I have no reservations in endorsing Ernest!"

Jeremy H. Elias headshot
Jeremy Elias

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've had the pleasure of working with and for Mr. Lee on many matters over the last year. He really is a true professional whose number one priority is always his clients. I have the upmost respect for him as an attorney and as a person."

Joshua James Price headshot
Joshua Price

Unknown lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ernest now for a couple of years and every time I see him in Court, he is fighting for his client! I cannot say that about all attorney's and have a huge amount of respect for his willingness to fight and knowledge of the law. He will work relentlessy to get his client the best possible deal! I endorse this lawyer."

Alisha A. Wood headshot
Alisha Wood

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A true professional. Zealously advocates for his clients. I endorse this attorney."

Matthew H. Springmeyer headshot
Matthew Springmeyer

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ernest for several years, and he is an amazing advocate. He is one of the rare criminal defense attorneys that will go above and beyond for his clients. He not only knows all aspects of criminal law, but he pursues novel issues to ensure his clients' rights are protected. He zealously advocates for all of his clients, but he is also a good person. You will not be disappointed if you hire him to represent you on ANY criminal matter. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."

Rosemary Jane Meagher-Leonard headshot
Rosemary Meagher-Leonard

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ernest is an excellent and conscientious attorney. He is also a tireless advocate for his clients. I have been working with Ernest on a couple of cases and I have been very impressed with his knowledge of the law and his work ethic. I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Joshua Rollin Bourne headshot
Joshua Bourne

Criminal defense lawyer

Shoshuen Chiu headshot
Shoshuen Chiu

Criminal defense lawyer

Erik Adler Friis headshot
Erik Friis

Criminal defense lawyer

Wei-Hua Wang headshot
Wei-Hua Wang

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremy H. Elias headshot
Jeremy Elias

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua James Price headshot
Joshua Price

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles Roy Gilliland headshot
Charles Gilliland

Criminal defense lawyer

Alisha A. Wood headshot
Alisha Wood

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew H. Springmeyer headshot
Matthew Springmeyer

Criminal defense lawyer

Rebecca Lack headshot
Rebecca Lack

Insurance lawyer

Terry Lynn Thomas headshot
Terry Thomas

Intellectual property lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

SuperLawyer, SuperLawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2012

Top Attorney, Semi-finalist, San Diego Daily Transcript

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Founder, Chief Counsel, LEE LAW GROUP

2004 - 2007

Associate, Simpson & Brenner

2002 - 2008

Founder, Counsel, Ernest Lee & Associates

2000 - 2001

Associate Attorney, Martorella & Associates

1998 - 1999

Clerk, US District Court, E. District Missouri

Associations

2012 - Present

San Diego Consumer Attorneys

Member

2012 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2012 - Present

American Association for Justice

Member

2010 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Education

1998

University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

University of Missouri

BA - Bachelor of Arts

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