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also known as Law Offices of Mark Deniz, APLC., Former San Diego Prosecutor and Award-Winning Defense Attorney
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Deniz is a native of Southern California. He earned a scholarship playing college football. He earned the honor of Academic All-American.
After college he spent a few years as a high school educator and a varsity football coach. He then followed his dreams and attended law school. During law school he focused on helping people navigate through the legal system. He had internships with Prisoner Legal Services, Marin County Counsel, and Contra Costa Senior Legal Services.
In January 2004, he joined the ranks of the District Attorney’s Office. There, he learned behind-the-scene intricacies of criminal prosecution and was quickly promoted to Deputy District Attorney IV. Mr. Deniz worked closely with law enforcement. He went on ride-a-longs with police offices, reviewed police reports, filed criminal charges, negotiated plea bargain deals, interviewed expert witnesses and successfully tried more than 50 jury cases. He received training in evidence, trial technique, and felony sentencing from the California District Attorney Association.
In March 2009, he became a Deputy at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. As a Deputy City Attorney he spent time in several units including the Domestic Violence, Issuing, and general trial unit. In 2012, he tried 13 jury trials alone. He was Prosecutor of the Month for September 2011 and November 2012. He has conducted over 70 jury trials as well as hundreds of motions and hearings. He handled thousands of cases while with the City Attorney’s office alone.
Mr. Deniz learned the prosecution's side of the law from the inside out, with all its strengths and weaknesses. This is unique and vital knowledge for a defense attorney. Preferring private practice and being well-armed with first-hand experience in the District Attorney's office and the City Attorney’s office, Mr. Deniz opened his own practice, focusing on San Diego DUI and San Diego criminal cases. With his depth of experience, he knew there were better ways to get favorable results besides the generic, impersonal approach often found in big law firms, and those without the knowledge of the inner workings of the prosecution.
Mr. Deniz opened his own law firm to satisfy clients' needs for individualized, professional services, tailored to give a quality defense that has reasonable and realistic fees.
At the Law Offices of Mark Deniz, Mr. Deniz provides his personalized, aggressive litigation expertise to each and every case. Your case will not be assigned to a junior-level associate. By handling the cases himself, Mr. Deniz provides his clients with top-shelf attention. Criminal Law has many attended and unintended consequences; you must have quality representation. You have to try your best to get out of an unsympathetic and complex system.
Mark Deniz is active and up-to-date within the legal community. This includes:
· Attended the prestigious National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina.
· Member of California DUI Lawyers Association
· Member of National College of DUI Defense
· Member of San Diego Criminal Defense Bar
· Member San Diego County Bar Association
Mr. Deniz also sits on several consulting and referral panels throughout San Diego County.
Some other tidbits about Mr. Deniz include:
· Former Special Prosecutor for the Auto Theft task force
· Was Prosecutor of the Month in San Diego for September 2011 and November 2012.
· Former member of the California District Attorney’s Association
· Respected by judges, court staff, prosecutors, and his colleagues in the criminal defense bar.
· Mark graduated from the prestigious and rigorous National College of DUI Defense Summer Session, held at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
* Graduated from La Pier’s rigorous DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course; he is certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests under NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
4
Practice Areas
23 years | 9,000 cases
23 years | 1,000 cases
23 years | 9,000 cases
23 years | 1,000 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
Always
State: California
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
2831 Camino Del Rio South, Ste 307, San Diego, CA, 92108
www.denizdefense.com205 West 5th Avenue, Suite 104, Escondido, CA, 92025
www.denizdefense.comMobile
San Diego Pacific Heights, 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd, Suite 150, San Diego, CA, 92121
www.denizdefense.com
Other places you can find Mark online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 369 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by AO | December 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Mark was incredibly professional, reliable, and truly an expert at what he does. From the beginning, he made me feel seen, heard, and supported throughout my entire case. I’m 19 years old, and this was a really overwhelming situation for me, but he guided me with patience and clarity. He always liste...
Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Mark is very experienced, he knows the system inside and out. I felt very protected in a really bad situation. His confidence and knowledge made me feel like I was in safe hands. I was facing a DUI charge and my case was resolved with a wet. He was able to work out a deal before my case would have go...
Thank you for your positive review. I narrow my practice with work with quality people as much as I can. This case is an example of working with someone you want to go fight for. Thank you for the kind words!
Posted by A | October 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Mark is an amazing lawyer. He picked up my case last minute and helped me through the whole process. This was all new to me because it was my first time getting arrested. He is professional and easy to contact . With his help my case was dismissed and doesn’t even show up on my record. In my opinion ...
Thank you for the kind words. Communication is key for us. I know people have a cloud over their head when they are going through the case. I work hard to keep the trust people give me. I was glad to have been a help. It is easy advocating for a nice person. The future is nothing but up for you.
Posted by Tony | September 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I highly recommend Mark Deniz as a defense attorney. Having never been arrested for anything in my life I did not know where to turn upon a dui arrest. My wife suggested I get an attorney, so I started by looking on the internet. I was immediately drawn to Mark’s background as a prosecutor and as a d...
You are a benefit to the community. You were easy to come in an advocate for. When I was a prosecutor I knew good people were coming into the process seeking fairness. The punishment did not always fit the act. It takes hard work, communication with the prosecution/judge, as well as having sound legal arguments. I am glad to have the pleasure of advocating on your behalf.
Posted by Alex | September 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I’ll start off by saying I have a few friends who are defense attorneys in different states so had some sound advice as to what I should look for. Their biggest advice was you don’t want a lawyer that tries to use fear tactics to get you to book retainer, and when you tell your case you want someone ...
A big part of being a good advocate is the ability to get a client's story. I was able to hear a story that provided context for what was happening. This big-picture approach is one way to show the issues in the case, while highlighting your character. Glad we nipped it in the bud promptly. I narrow my practice to work with quality people as much as I can. This case is an example of working with someone you want to go fight for. Thank you for the kind words.
"Mark has exceptional knowledge and experience in criminal law, having done numerous jury trials as a prosecutor. Mark thoroughly evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of his cases and his opponents. He also thinks outside of the box when necessary for his cases. Mark is respected in the legal community."
"Simply put, Mark Deniz is a legal specimen. From the opposite side of the courtroom to watching him work as a defense attorney, one thing is clear: he has an approach to lawyering that is unparalleled. His systematic, relentless preparation is unlike anything I've ever seen. The novelty of his ideas are far beyond the typical "textbook defense" approach that we see all too often (to the client's detriment). The prosecution simply cannot keep up with him. Mark Deniz is seven moves ahead on the chessboard and it's an absolute privilege to watch this attorney unfold his game-plan. He has literally re-invented the game. To use a sports analogy, Deniz is, frankly, the Billy Beane of criminal defense. Game-changer. Highest recommendation I can give an attorney."
"I recommend Mark for any criminal case. Mark has the knowledge, work ethic, resume, and results to get things done! I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mark Deniz. He is an outstanding legal contributor who ensure the best for his clients. Mark is respected in the legal community. I recommend his services to anyone seeking dedicated legal services within his respective practice areas."
"I've known Mark Deniz since he was a prosecutor; he has always shown intelligence, passion, and professionalism in and out of the courtroom. He is a particularly knowledgeable lawyer on DUI cases."
"Mr. Deniz is not only extremely knowledgable, but has unique experience that allows him to be more effective than most trial attorneys. He is not afraid to take your case to trial and fight for you tirelessly. He is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking effective counsel in any serious matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. He has years of legal experience to provide any client in need. Recommended."
"I have known Mark for over a year now, and I have seen him handle numerous cases in court. Mark Deniz is a very knowledgable and excellent attorney. Do not let his calm demeanor fool you though. He is a zealous advocate that is not afraid to fight for his clients regardless his opponent. He places his clients first and his passion to help his clients and the love of his work shows in court. I endorse this lawyer without hesitation."
"I sat across the hall and worked for Mr. Deniz for over a year in prosecution. I can confidently say that you would be hard pressed to find a more learned, more experienced and more professional defense attorney in San Diego. This is especially true of DUI cases. He has worked criminal cases from every different angle forwards and backwards and much of that time has been in the San Diego courts. He also carries the rare quality of being genuinely caring and committed to all his clients. I attribute much of my knowledge as an attorney from what I learned from him - the Obi-Wan Kenobi to my Luke Skywalker (If I may use a pop culture reference for a moment). A top notch lawyer all the way around."
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Mr. Deniz. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
"I endorse this lawyer. Creative, personable, and sharp as a tack. Great DA, Great defense counsel."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"Mark Deniz has had the unique experience of working for both the prosecution and the defense. I have known Mark in both these rolls. This kind of perspective is incredibly helpful in designing and preparing a defense in your case, and Mark is an attorney you can count on to take your case seriously. I certainly endorse this attorney."
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2020
Client's Choice 2020, Avvo
2015
AVVO Clients Choice Award, AVVO
2015
Superb Rating, AVVO
2015
AVVO Contributor, AVVO
2015
A Rating Better Business, Better Business Bureau
2014
Clients Choice-San Diego, AVVO
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 10 Attorney Award for the State of California, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2013
Certification Qualified Standardized FST Administration, LaPier per National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration and International Association of Chiefs of Police
2013
Summer Session Graduate, National College for DUI Defense
2013
SFST Student Course Graduate, La Pier & Associates
2013
Superb Rating, AVVO
2012
Deputy City Attorney Criminal Prosecutor of the Month, San Diego City Attorney-Criminal Division-Trial Unit
2011
Deputy City Attorney- Criminal Prosecutor of the Month, San Diego City Attorney-Criminal Division-Trial Unit
2008
Criminal law Mock Trial Champion, County of Tulare Bar Association
2006
Criminal Law Trial - California Delegate, United States Department of Justice-Criminal Trial Advocacy Center, Columbia, South Carolina
2013 - Present
Owner & Operator, Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC
2019 - 2020
Faculty Member, National Academy of Continuing Legal Education
2009 - 2013
Deputy City Attorney, City Of San Diego, Criminal Division
2004 - 2009
Deputy District Attorney, Tulare County District Attorney's Office
2000 - 2003
Certified Law Clerk, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services
1999 - 1999
Law Clerk, Marin County Counsel
1998 - 1998
Law Clerk, San Francisco County Sheriff Department- Prisoner Legal Services
2019 - Present
National Academy of Continuing Legal EducationFaculty Member
2015 - Present
Duey Dialer National DUI AppPanel member for San Diego County
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2014 - Present
National Academy of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
2013 - Present
University City Little leagueOfficer
2013 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Criminal Defense Bar Association of San DiegoAttorney Member
2013 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseAttorney Member
2013 - Present
San Diego Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
SDBA Lawyer Referral PanelPanel Member
2013 - Present
Attorney Search NetworkOfficer/Panel Member
2003 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2009 - 2013
Deputy City Attorney Association San DiegoAttorney Member
2004 - 2009
California District Attorneys AssociationAttorney Member
2004 - 2013
National College of District AttorneysAttorney Member
Case Dismissed
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Infraction
Wet Reckless
Misdemeanor DUI
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Case Dismissed
Wet Reckless
No Custody, no interlock and trash pick up
No Custody
No custody
Trash pickup
Infraction
No Custody
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
No Custody
DUI refusal and no custody time
Misdemeanor
Misdemeanor
Prior dismissed
Prior dismissed
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Strike prior
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Dismissed
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
wet Reckless
Dismissed
wet Reckless
Misdemeanor
Dismissed
Strike Prior
Strike Prior
Infraction
Wet Reckless
Dismissed
Wet Reckless
Dismissed
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Wet Reckless
Dismissed
Wet Reckless
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Wet Reckless
Dismissed
Infraction
Dismissed
DUI Prior Dismissed. No Jail Time
Prior dismissed
Prior Stricken, No Jail Time
Case Dismissed
Wet Reckless
Judge Granted Dismissal
Infraction
Case Dismissed
DMV Suspension Satisfied
Case Dismissed
Reduction to Disturbance the peace
Case Dismissed
Standard DUI. NO Interlock Device
Case Dismissed
Wet Reckless
DUI Prior Dismissed. No Custody
Case Dismissed
Wet Reckless
Result in Fractions
No Custody Time
Wet Reckless
Misdemeanor
Motion Granted
Reduction to Disturbance the Peace
Prior Dismissed
No Custody Time. No Interlock Device
Motion Granted
Infraction
Misdemeanor
No jail, no interlock, no public works
Disturbing the peace infraction
Wet reckless with reduced probation
No public works, no interlock, no jail
Infraction
Wet reckless
No jail, no public works, 3 years probation
Dismissed
No jail, no public works, volunteer work only
Lowered DUI class, no jail
Wet reckless
No jail, no interlock
Reduced to 1 count of battery against adult
Case dismissed
No custody, probation
No jail, no public works, lower probation
Wet Reckless
Case dismissed
Infraction
Case dismissed
Case dismissed
Case dismissed
Prior stricken
Case expunged
Prior stricken
No custody, 3 years probation
No custody
Case dismissed
Wet Reckless
Case dismissed
Case dismissed
Case dismissed
Successful termination of probation
No custody, no theft class, fine and probation
Result: 1 misdemeanor, no custody, probation
Charges dismissed
Successful expungement
Successful expungement
Case dismissed
Case dismissed
No jail time and probation reinstated
No custody, probation reinstated
Probation, no public works, no IID, no custody
Infraction
No jail time and probation
Dry reckless
Wet Reckless
Probation
Misdemeanor
No custody, no IID
No custody, no public works
Successful DUI expungement and termination of probation
Result: disturbing the peace, no custody
Result: infraction
Result: charges dismissed
Successful felony expungement
Result: no IID, no public works, 3 years probation
Result: no public works, no IID, no custody
Charges Expunged
Early termination of probation, and expungment of charges.
Early termination of probation, DUI dismissed, case expunged.
Dismissed
Dismissed
Misdemeanor Domestic Violence
Infraction
Infraction
One count of felony Domestic Violence with no prison time.
Infraction
Wet and Reckless
Dismissal
Wet and Reckless
Dismissed
Client received a generic DUI.
Client received a generic DUI.
Client obtained a restraining order.
Dismissed
Dismissal
Dismissed
Charge reduced to misdemeanor and then expunged.
Restraining Order lifted
Client granted restraining order after a hearing.
Misdemeanor and placed back on probation
Passed the hearing
Reduction
No charges filed
Case Dismissed
Infraction
No charges filed
Case Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Reduced to misdemeanor with no jail time
Wet Reckless
Infraction
Dismissed
Reduced to misdemeanor with no jail time.
Wet Reckless
Guilty all counts, 32 years prison
Case Dismissed
2013
Harvard Law School Summer Session
2013
NHTSA Certificate on Field Sobriety testing
2008
Certificate of Completion in Tech Issues in Criminal Prosecution
2007
Certificate of Completion in Asset Forfeiture
2007
Certificate of Completion in Felony Sentencing
2006
Certificate of Completion
2005
Certificate of Completion in Insurance fraud
2004
Certificate of Completion in DUI Investigations
2002
law
1995
Bachelor Science
2015
2015
SDSU Media Law Panel
2014
DUI Defense
2014
Practical Law for young adults
2014
Becoming a Lawyer
2014
2013
CLE- Penalties for multiple DUIs
2013
CLE-Rising blood alcohol & using the See Saw
2013
CLE Weaving DMV Suspensions in your DUI Defense
2012
CLE- Working with your Criminaist
2012
CLE The four phases of a DUI
2012
Avoiding criminal trouble during college
2011
CLE-Law Enforcement report writing
2011
CLE Criminal Restitution 101
2011
CLE Cross Examination of a DUI witness
2009
Jury Trial Preparation
2009
CLE Cunningham and Motive
2009
CLE How to Proof up a Drug Preliminary Hearing in 7 quesions
2008
Staying out of trouble during college
2008
CLE - Grand theft auto PC 10851(a)
2008
CLE - Techniques in Voir Dire
2007
CLE - How to prove up a drug charge
2007
CLE - Closing Arguments
2022
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2001
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English
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Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Mark earned significant contribution points in 2019.
I have never had a cdl I have 2 duis that are old how can I get one ?
12 Jul 2025
How do I get my license reinstated in California after getting a DUI in Arizona?
01 May 2025
Being charged with 69(A) PC/ resisting arrest while intoxicated?
12 Mar 2025
DNA swabs now are being used for Drug DUIs
06 Feb 2016
How to breakdown a DUI investigation
27 Jan 2014
Steps to get off probation and expunge your case after a DUI in California
27 Jan 2014