John Karas

Trial attorney (not merely a negotiator). Criminal defense (misdemeanors and felonies), Civil (personal injury) and Appellate (criminal and civil). Worked on the defense team for then San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock. Written successful briefs and oral argument in both Civil and Criminal Appeals.

Specialize in Criminal Defense cases up to and including trial.

Criminal Law

Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes

DUI & DWI

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Criminal Defense

Cannabis & Marijuana Law

Marijuana Business Formation

White Collar Crime

Personal Injury

Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death

Products Liability

Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts

Civil Rights

Police Misconduct

Insurance Claims

Bad Faith Insurance

Appeals & Appellate

Civil Appeals

• Free Consultation
  30 minutes devoted totally to your case (not your financial information like most lawyers/law firms).

California

Since 1984

California

Federal Circuit

Since 1984

San Diego State Univ

Undergraduate Degree

California Western School of Law

Law Degree

California State Bar  # 115833

Member

1984 - Current

Q. If a current charge is non-violent can a 30yr old strike be used as an enhancement?

28 May 2021

A: I suggest you consult with and perhaps hire a different attorney in your area. When I talk with DA's on behalf of my clients, they voluntarily dismiss the prior felony enhancement even when it's far more recent than yours. Otherwise, they know a Romero motion will follow to strike the enhancement. Judges hate it when DA's play hard ball in plea bargaining negotiations knowing how over-crowded the state prisons and county jails are and will usually grant a Romero motion without hesitation unless there's something more to the defendant's background. Be aware the prior felony doesn't disappear from your record. It's just not used for enhancement purposes. Good luck.

Q. Can police officers execute a warrant on weekends?

15 May 2021

A: Short answer is yes.

Q. If a business with legal product sell or delivers to customers who uses it for illegal activity, is that aiding & abedd?

10 May 2021

A: It depends on the nature of the product, by whom it's used and for what purpose. For example, you posted this question under several categories including Cannabis & MJ law. MJ is now legal for persons over the age of 18. However, if you sold/ delivered MJ to a minor (under 18) that would be unlawful in the first place without going through any aiding and abetting analysis. Still sticking with MJ (or other drugs), if you sold or delivered products you knew or had reason to know was being used to refine MJ to Cannbis wax or acetone (as one example) used to manufacture meth, you could be charged with aiding and abetting or being a co-conspirator with the parties involved in manufacturing.