Christopher Francis Morales

PRO

Christopher Francis Morales

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 34 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Francisco, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

1388 Sutter Street, Ste. 805, San Francisco, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Christopher

Biography

Chris Morales is one of the top attorneys in San Francisco as rated by judges and other lawyers.

Criminal Law is Serious Business, you need Chris Morales, a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

I have been practicing criminal defense exclusively since 1991, handling everything from DUI's to murder and White Collar crime cases. We get a lot of cases dismissed. I can't promise that in every case but we have an outstanding track record.

34 years | 10,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2010

Licenses

Licensed in California for 34 years

State: California

Acquired: 1991

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Morales Law Firm

1388 Sutter Street, Ste. 805, San Francisco, CA, 94109

sfcriminallawspecialist.com

The Morales Law Firm

605 Middllefield Road, Redwood City, CA, 94063

sfcriminallawspecialist.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Christopher online.

Christopher Francis Morales's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

37 Client Reviews

5 star (35)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Narsis | February 6, 2020 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Highly recommend

If you’re looking for a trusted and experienced criminal attorney in the Bay Area Mr. Morales is the one. I had a Great experience with him , he’s a great attorney and good human being. He is beyond helpful. I highly recommend his services to anyone in need. Thank you Mr. Morales!

Christopher Morales

Replied last August 30, 2023

Thank you!

Posted by Azael | August 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Perfect job

I am on Luisiana, and He did a perfect job, with my case in San Francisco I really appreciate your work thanks for help me

Posted by Omari | October 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Firm

Mr. Morales has received these stellar reviews for good reason. As many have said, he is exceptional at what he does, which I came to find out after my first true engagement with the justice department and legal system. Given the specifics of this case I wasn't very optimistic of the outcome. Mr. Mo...rales's confidence and motivation was a blessing to have in my corner. He is always honest, clear, and thorough in with his advice and explanations. I never felt any pressure to agree with his recommendations. I trusted his advice and received the best possible results- a complete dismissal. The courtesy and professionalism of his staff has also contributed to this 5 star review.Great team at this firm! Will definitely recommend! Thank You

Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Experience counts.

I hired Mr. Morales to handle my case. He answered all my questions clearly and addressed all my concerns. Chris was courteous, experienced, knowledgeable and never condecending. My case was dismissed. I was very relieved I did not have to go through the stress of a trial. Thanks Chris.

Posted by Rita O. | July 6, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Chris Morales a family blessing

Mr.Morales's understanding of the law and his ability to communicate with our family and all the players in the courtroom was pure proffessional truly appreciated. We were in great need of someone who could speak on our families behalf .Our first attorney did nothing of such. Mr.Morales is confide...nt,honest , and diligent. He makes himself available when needed and presents himself with great rapport. He has admirable qualities and by far exceeded our expectations. Quality representation! He is a true blessing..

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Francis Morales's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Amie Denise Miller headshot
Amie Miller

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Christopher Morales is a highly regarded, expert criminal defense attorney. He treats his clients with dignity and respect, and educates them so they understand and make informed decisions about their cases. I am an immigration attorney and regularly - and highly - recommend Christopher to people in any stage of the criminal process, because he is extremely diligent, knowledgable and effective."

Albert Smith headshot
Albert Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Morales is a real lawyer, he is not afraid to force the prosecution to prove their case. Unlike other lawyers who are "dirty letter writers" he is a trial attorney."

Patrick P Phancao headshot
Patrick Phancao

White collar crime lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with some of the greatest white collar crime attorneys in my time as an attorney, and I am more than happy to endorse Chris as one of them. What distinguishes him is not only his knowledge, but his personal attention to his clients' needs. As an individual, I have rarely met someone with this type of work ethic. I endorse Chris with absolutely no reserve!"

Shadi Alai Shaffer headshot
Shadi Alai Shaffer

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Chris Morales is Committed & Experienced and will fight for his client unlike many other criminal defense attorneys. Anyone faced with a criminal charge should not hesitate in hiring Mr. Morales and his legal team. Mr. Morales is a legal expert in criminal defense and in helping clients with the most challenging charges get the best outcome possible. Trial does not scare Mr. Morales as his boxing background has built a "no fear" mentality and approach to his client's cases which is why Chris has such a stellar track record in his defense of his clients. I have referred clients to Chris and urge you to hire Chris. If faced with a criminal charge you want the best criminal defense attorney from the start to get you the results that your case and life depends on."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Kaiya H Reeve headshot
Kaiya Reeve

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Chris is an experienced criminal defense specialist who fights tirelessly for his clients. He has an outstanding reputation in the Bay Area and is deeply committed to providing the best legal defense for his clients."

Paul Dennis Staley headshot
Paul Staley

White collar crime lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've been in practice for nearly twenty years now and can confidently recommend Chris to anyone needing defense in a white collar or other criminal defense matter. Chris is a fighter, as his pose suggests. He's a consummate professional who looks thoughtfully at the evidence shaping his client's case. Where other lawyers might settle for an easy plea, Chris puts on his client's strongest case. Smart, conscientious and hardworking, Chris loves to win."

William West Seegmiller headshot
William Seegmiller

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris Morales is a highly experienced attorney and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking representation."

David Blake Newdorf headshot
David Newdorf

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is smart, shrewd and aggressive. A real triple threat in the courtroom. When my business clients need a criminal defense lawyer, I send them to Chris."

Mark Allan Anderson headshot
Mark Anderson

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Chris is a top notch lawyer. He is smart and knows how to defend his clients and get the best possible results. I highly recommend Chris to anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney in SF."

Daniel Martin Smith headshot
Daniel Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Christopher Morales does an outstanding job for each and every client."

Olga Kelley headshot
Olga Kelley

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is very dedicated, experienced and competent attorney who does terrific job for his clients."

Jennifer Marie Peterson headshot
Jennifer Peterson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Mr. Morales is an extraordinary lawyer. He offers impeccable service to his clients."

George William Wolff headshot
George Wolff

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Vaughan R De Kirby headshot
Vaughan De Kirby

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As an attorney for over thirty years I know a great attorney when I see one. If you are facing a criminal charge you need an attorney who really cares about you as a person and is ready to go to bat to see that you receive justice. You need an attorney with the skill and experience to see that your rights are protected. You need a Certified Criminal Specialist like Christopher Morales. Christopher is an attorney for the people and having him at your side can make all the difference."

William C. Makler headshot
William Makler

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Morales's reputation precedes him as an excellent lawyer who fights very hard for each and every client. I endorse his work."

James A. Bach headshot
James Bach

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Morales as an expert in all aspects of criminal law. I am familiar with his work because I referred an immigration client to him to expunge a conviction that potentially subjected the client to deportation. Mr. Morales quickly and efficiently obtained the expungement, and as a result my client will soon be a U.S. citizen. I recommend Mr. Morales without reservation."

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work: extraordinarily conscientious, extremely hardworking and very dedicated to each Client, Californians understand that Mr. Morales is an excellent San Francisco trial attorney who is a beneficial asset to the entire California DUI Defense Bar community. Any person in need of a superb criminal defense lawyer will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of reasons (but without enough character space to properly do this fine attorney justice), I am honored to endorse this superb lawyer."

John Bisnar headshot
John Bisnar

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Chris Morales is the guy you want fighting for you if you have been charged with a serious crime. Chris really will fight for you. Fighting is in his blood. His dad was a Golden Gloves Champion. Chris was a Golden Gloves fighter as well. He was a 1984 National Collegiate Champion and a 1985 AAU Champion. Chris was a champion in the ring and for the last two decades he has been a Champion in the criminal courts, so says the California Bar Association Board of Specialization. Chris is a certified Criminal Law Specialist which means he is in the top 1% of all California attorneys in his criminal law proficiency. When charged with a serious crime in California you want a real fighter on your side. Chris Morales is your man."

Joshua Shulman headshot
Joshua Shulman

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Chris is a fantastic criminal defense attorney who is dedicated to his clients and his work. He doesn’t give up, and is not afraid to put up a good fight; maybe it’s something he picked up from being a collegiate boxing champion. If you ever need a criminal defense attorney, Chris is your man."

View All Endorsements
Joel Daniel Lee headshot
Joel Lee

International law lawyer

Diana Rose Passadori headshot
Diana Passadori

Family lawyer

Stephen Bernard Ruben headshot
Stephen Ruben

Family lawyer

Paul Dennis Staley headshot
Paul Staley

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Shadi Alai Shaffer headshot
Shadi Alai Shaffer

Estate planning lawyer

Patrick P Phancao headshot
Patrick Phancao

Estate planning lawyer

Richard J Vaznaugh headshot
Richard Vaznaugh

Employment and labor lawyer

J.S. Lucas Fleming headshot
J.S. Fleming

Criminal defense lawyer

James Wilson Harwood headshot
James Harwood

DUI and DWI lawyer

Clifford Abraham Blackman headshot
Clifford Blackman

Car accident lawyer

David Blake Newdorf headshot
David Newdorf

Business lawyer

Lee Ippolito Jurewitz headshot
Lee Jurewitz

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Daniel Martin Smith headshot
Daniel Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

James Ernest Ballidis headshot
James Ballidis

Personal injury lawyer

Ross A. Jurewitz headshot
Ross Jurewitz

Personal injury lawyer

Mark Allan Anderson headshot
Mark Anderson

Personal injury lawyer

Jason Garrett Epstein headshot
Jason Epstein

Personal injury lawyer

Milla Leah Lvovich headshot
Milla Lvovich

Business lawyer

George William Wolff headshot
George Wolff

Construction and development lawyer

Vaughan R De Kirby headshot
Vaughan De Kirby

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers

2017

Top 100 Lawyer, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2017

Top American Lawyer, Top American Lawyers

2017

Top 10 Attorney Award for the State of California, The National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Inc.

2016

Best Law Firm of America, A Best Attorneys of America Company

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2016

2016 Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2016

Best DUI Lawyers in San Francisco, Expertise

2016

Best Attorney of America, Rue Ratings

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

2015 Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2015

Best Attorney of America, Rue Ratings

2015

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

10 Best Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2014

2014 Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

2013 Superlawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2010

A+, Better Business Bureau

2008

Triple A rating, Attorney Search Network

2003

Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California

1990

Community Service Award, Santa Clara University Law School

Work Experience

1992 - Present

Partner, Morales Law Firm

Associations

2007 - Present

Criminal Law Section State Bar of California

Member

2006 - Present

San Mateo County Bar Association

Board of Directors

2000 - Present

Bar Association of San Francisco

Member

1996 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

1995 - Present

Peninsula La Raza Lawyers Association

Board Member

1992 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

1991 - Present

Bar Associaiton of San Mateo County

Member

1991 - Present

Private Defender Panel of San Mateo County

Member

1991 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Mora

case dismissed

People v. Rodriquez

case dismissed

People v. Lufti

all counts of attemtped murder dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1990

Santa Clara University

JD - Juris Doctor

1984

University of California Berkeley

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Lecture

8 Ways to Cleanup Your Criminal Record

2014

Criminal Law: How to Clean Up a Criminal Record. Your Legal Rights

2009

Made in California, KIQI Radio

What to do when a friend gets arrested

2008

Your Legal Rights KALW, Public Radio

What you need to know about Identity Theft

2008

Preventing Immigration consequences of criminal convictions, San Mateo County Bar Association

Immigration consequences of criminal convictions

2008

Preventig Gender Bias in the Courtroom,San Mateo County Bar Association

Gender Bias in the Courtroom

2006

Lawyers Club of San Francisco

Starting your own law practice

2004

Fox news

Expert Commentary on Scott Peterson Murder case, analysis of the prosecution case

2004

Fox News

Expert Commentary on Scott Peterson murder trial, Amber Fry testimony

Publications

2014

Daily Journal Limiting the definition of 'Insider Trading'

2012

Amazon.com 11 Mistakes to Avoid at the Beginning of Your Criminal Case

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

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