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Edward J Southcott
About Edward
Biography
Prior to practicing law, Edward J. Southcott worked for the San Diego Sheriff's Department for 21 years. During his career the Sheriff's Department, Edward gained a broad range of experience in the criminal justice system.
As a detective, Edward investigated all types of crimes ranging from minor infractions to murder. He was specially trained as a hate crime detective and as a vice crimes investigator. As a detective on the San Diego County Human Trafficking Taskforce, Edward gained extensive knowledge and experience in the investigation and prosecution of prostitution, pimping, pandering, commercial sexual exploitation of children, and human trafficking. Working undercover, he gained an insider's understanding of how the cases are built and prepared for prosecution.
Edward worked for several years as a school resource deputy sheriff at Mount Miguel High School in the Grossmont Union High School District. He gained extensive knowledge of school attendance and discipline systems and the potential consequences they can have for students.
Edward draws on his education and experience when representing clients struggling with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or psychiatric conditions. These clients often require additional attention and understanding, as neither the criminal justice system nor the education system is properly equipped to address their special needs. Edward is sensitive to these special needs and experienced in addressing them.
Edward was certified in the administration of computer voice stress analysis (lie detector) as well as speed enforcement using both radar and LIDAR (laser speed determination). He was also trained in drunk driving detection and the proper administration of field sobriety tests.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 10 years
State: California
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
Location
Bobbitt Pinckard & Fields, APC
8388 Vickers Street, San Diego, CA, 92111-2109
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Edward J Southcott's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Richard | June 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Felony Robbery turned into misd theft NO JAIL
Mr Southcott was an EXCELLENT attorney for me. I was facing felony robbery with a prison prior and I pled to restitution and a misdemeanor theft. No jail and easy probation. He was a sheriffs deputy for 20 years before becoming an attorney so he knows the system very well. He spent time with me, expl...
Edward Southcott
Replied last June 29, 2018Thank you for your trust and this review. It was a pleasure working with you.
Posted by Teresa | February 8, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Outcome
Many Thanks to Atty Southcott for his great work in helping my daughter. Atty Southcott was very detail oriented and shared the great outcome of the case with us moments after leaving the courtroom. I greatly appreciate his knowledge and explanations of what we could expect and helpful insights on ho...
Edward Southcott
Replied last February 9, 2018Thank you for trusting me to help you through a difficult situation.
Posted by Ivan | March 31, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Awesome stellar
So I was a respondent to a domestic violence restraining order, I hired Ed Southcoat to represent me in my hearing because there were strong accusations of lies from the petitioner. Ed really cared me as a human being listening and taking care of my tough case, treated me with respect and believing...
Edward Southcott
Replied last April 4, 2017Thank you for your review and for trusting me to assist you. It was my pleasure to work for you.
Posted by MICHELLE | August 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Lawyer
I feel Mr.Southcott gave me best legal advice,in a calm reassuring voice . He did not make us feel that we were in the wrong, but let us know how the leagal systems works. He always answers my phone calls right away, and answers any and all questions. Mr.Southcott was always on time for court, and le...
Edward Southcott
Replied last August 24, 2016Thank you so much for your review. It was a pleasure working with you.
Posted by Sam | April 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Work
Ed met with me the day I called him and came recommended by a police officer (not the one involved in the case). I was stressed out about the whole situation and Ed kept me informed at all times helping to calm my nerves. I ended up avoiding any legal repercussions and settled outside of court which ...
Edward J Southcott's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Southcott in a number of different settings and am constantly impressed by his analytical skills and courtroom advocacy. Mr. Southcott gets excellent results for his clients and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney."
"Dedicated. Dependable. Strong. Ed is all of these things and more. He's seen it all and can roll with the punches. His background makes him uniquely situated to handle criminal defense cases with clarity and insight. I am proud to endorse Ed Southcott."
"He was one of the "good guys" while he was in uniform and after handling life's responsibilities and serving others, he pursued a degree in law. Now, armed with experience on the streets and in the courtroom, he brings a wealth of understanding and institutional knowledge to bear in representation of people who find themselves in a legal jam. A good guy wielding a shield and a sword... You can't do much better than that. I am proud to have him as a fellow defense attorney and endorse him if you are seeking representation."
"Smart, determined, and driven Ed knows the ropes and will fight for you and your case. I have known Ed for years and have been impressed with him at every turn. You will be too."
"Edward is is an outstanding attorney who goes above and beyond for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"Ed is dependable. After working with Ed in academic and professional settings, his dependability sets him apart from other Criminal Defense Attorneys. It's no surprise Ed understands the underlying issues and strategies pertaining Criminal Law because of his previous experiences as a law enforcement officer. I am confident in Ed and endorse his work."
"Mr. Southcott's substantial experience in law enforcement is an asset to his clients, for whom he is a zealous and effective advocate. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him."
"I have known Ed for several years both as a deputy sheriff and an attorney. His background in law enforcement gives him experience and insight few other attorneys can match. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal attorney."
"It is with pleasure I endorse Ed Southcott's as a criminal defense attorney. Ed has the unique experience of being an experienced law enforcement professional coupled with his time in the courtroom watching and learning what to do, and equally as important, what NOT to do as a criminal defense attorney. Ed's knowledge of the courts make him an invaluable resource to his clients and he has been welcomed into the criminal defense community with open arms."
"Mr. Southcott is a very intelligent and hard working attorney. His past experience as a Detective and a Sheriff Deputy unquestionably serves him well in his practice as a criminal defense attorney. I trust and recommend Mr. Southcott."
"I have known Edward for the past 8 years to be an honest, intelligent and trusted professional. His expert knowledge of the criminal laws makes him an asset for anyone seeking assistance in this area. I fully endorse Edward and would recommend him to anyone looking for a quality attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've known Mr. Southcott for a few years now. In addition to being approachable and attentive with his clients, he is also very knowledgeable and skilled in criminal defense. I endorse his firm."
"I've known Ed since law school, and have always been impressed with how together he is. He comes from a background working (and retiring) from the police force, which is an incredible approach to have in criminal defense cases."
"Edward is an exceptionally bright attorney who works incredibly hard to get the results he desires. His extensive background in law enforcement gives him a unique perspective on the criminal justice system. I frequently turn to Edward when I'm faced with a particularly tricky legal question because his knowledge of criminal law and procedure is rivaled by very few in San Diego. Edward is well-respected within the legal community due to his professionalism, work ethic, and level-headed approach to the practice of law. I highly recommend Edward as a criminal defense attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Magna Cum Laude, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2014
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence - Constitutional Law II, Witkin Legal Institute
2014
Excellence for the Future Award - Constitutional Law II, CALI
2014
Jefferson Medal - Constitutional Law II, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2014
Distinguished Honor Roll, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2013
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence - Criminal Procedure, Witkin Legal Institute
2013
Jefferson Medal - Trial Practice, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2013
Jefferson Medal - Criminal Procedure, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2013
Jefferson Medal - Scholarly Legal Writing, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2013
Excellence for the Future Award - Federal Criminal Practice, CALI
2013
Jefferson Medal - Federal Criminal Practice, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2013
Excellence for the Future Award - Trial Practice, CALI
2013
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence - Trial Practice, Witkin Legal Institute
2013
Distinguished Honor Roll, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2013
Excellence for the Future Award - Criminal Procedure, CALI
2012
Academic Honor Roll, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2011
Excellence for the Future Award - Legal Writing, CALI
2011
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence - Legal Writing, Witkin Legal Institute
2011
Jefferson Medal - Legal Writing, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2011
Distinguished Honor Roll, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2007
Key Community Leader, San Diego County Policy Panel on Youth Access to Alcohol
1999
Academic Achievement, San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility
1999
Honor Graduate, San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility
1998
Magna Cum Laude, National University
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Associate Attorney, Bobbitt, Pinckard & Fields, APC
2015 - 2020
Owner, Law Office of Edward J. Southcott, APC
1995 - 2016
Deputy Sheriff, San Diego Sheriff's Department
Associations
2018 - Present
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Alumni AssociationBoard Member
2017 - Present
Stand Down Planning CommitteeMember
2017 - Present
Navy League of the United StatesMember
2016 - Present
U.S. District Court Southern District of CaliforniaAdmitted
2016 - Present
San Diego County Bar Association, Military Law SectionExecutive Committee Member
2016 - Present
American Law SocietyMember
2016 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Criminal Defense Bar Association of San DiegoMember
2015 - Present
San Diego County Bar Association, Young/New Lawyers DivisionMember
2015 - Present
Moose InternationalMember
2015 - Present
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Alumni AssociationMember
2015 - Present
San Diego County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
2015 - Present
San Diego County Bar Association, Juvenile Law SectionMember
2015 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAdmitted
2011 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
San Diego Deputy Sheriff AssociationMember
2018 - 2019
San Diego County Bar Association Military Law SectionChair
2016 - 2017
Crawford High School Academy of LawMentor
2015 - 2016
San Diego County Bar Association, Military Law SectionMember
2015 - 2016
Federalist SocietyMember
2014 - 2014
Thomas Jefferson Law ReviewStaff Member
2014 - 2015
Thomas Jefferson Law ReviewEditor
2011 - 2015
Thomas Jefferson Criminal Law SocietyMember
2011 - 2015
Thomas Jefferson Criminal Law FellowshipAdmitted
2011 - 2016
American Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Felony Criminal Threats
Resolved as an attempted misdemeanor
Felony Battery with Serious Injury
Settled as a misdemeanor
Restoration of Firearm Rights
Rights Restored
School Shooting Threat
Dismissed
Felony Domestic Violence
Dismissed
Robbery
Misdemeanor with no jail time
Restraining Order
Restraining Order Dismissed
Assault with a Deadly Weapon - Juvenile
Probation - No Custody - Sealed Record
Petitioner to Remove Firearms Prohibition
Prohibition Removed
Arson of a Residence
Reduced to Misdemeanor & Expunged
Assault with a Firearm
Probation
Restraining Order
Restraining Order Denied
Possession of Metal Knuckles
No Charges Filed
Minor in Possession of Alcohol
Reduced
DMV Negligent Operator Action
Driver License Suspension Reversed
Felony Criminal Threats
All Charges Dismissed
Commercial Burglary / Grand Theft
No Charges Filed
Terrorist Threats / Displaying a Weapon
Dismissed
Education
2015
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Juris Doctor
1999
San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility
POST Certificate
1998
National University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1996
Grossmont College
Associate of Science
Speaking Engagements
2009
San Diego Unified School District Parent Symposium
Human Trafficking
Publications
2020
San Diego Lawyer
What To Do When There's a Pandemic
2017
Law Office of Edward J. Southcott Blog
Restraining Order Abuse: It Can Happen to You
2017
Law Office of Edward J. Southcott Blog
Cleaning Up Your Criminal Record
2016
Law Office of Edward J Southcott Blog
You're on Probation. Can the Police Search Your Phone
2016
Law Office of Edward J. Southcott Blog
Must You Tell the Police Your Name?
2016
Law Office of Edward J. Southcott Blog
Coercive Police Techniques / False Confessions
2016
Law Office of Edward J. Southcott Blog
Common Items that can Land you in Jail
2015
Thomas Jefferson Law Review
Editor: Volume 37, Issue 2
2014
Thomas Jefferson Law Review
Editor: Volume 36, Issue 2
2014
Thomas Jefferson Law Review
Editor: Volume 37, Issue 1
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I have an arrest record without being taken into custody?
09 Apr 2019
Q&A
Is it a good idea to write a letter to a police officer who issued you the ticket?
04 Dec 2017
Q&A
Can my case be dismissed at the arraignment?
04 Dec 2017