Alameda County Criminal Defense Attorney
Two East Bay Offices, One Trusted Defense Award-winning Bay Area criminal defense — free consultation 24/7When you have been charged with a crime in Alameda County or the East Bay, you need a defense attorney who knows the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures. Morris Law has defended Bay Area clients for over a decade from our offices in Oakland and Berkeley — handling everything from DUI and drug charges to serious felony cases. Attorney Seth Morris personally handles every case, with a track record of dismissals, no-time deals, and acquittals on charges other firms would not take. Se habla español.
An East Bay Defense Firm That Brings Passion to Every Case
Founded by veteran trial lawyer Seth Morris, Morris Law is one of the Bay Area’s most respected criminal defense practices. From our two East Bay offices serving clients across Alameda County, we handle the most serious criminal cases — from DUI and domestic violence to murder, federal drug trafficking, and white collar crime.
Our practice spans every level of California criminal law: misdemeanor citations, felony charges, federal prosecutions, and post-conviction appeals. Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI in Oakland, drug charges in Berkeley, or federal conspiracy charges, we bring the same level of preparation and intensity to every case.
Seth has built a reputation for being a dependable criminal attorney you can trust to be there when you need him. Criminal charges require quick action — that is why our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call Morris Law, you get Seth Morris personally — not handed off to a junior associate.
Bilingual services available. Hablamos español — full representation in English and Spanish throughout your case.
How Morris Law Defends Clients Across Alameda County
From our Oakland office at 2744 E 11th St ((510) 824-8831) and our Berkeley office at 2025 Rose St, Suite 200 ((510) 350-3225), Morris Law represents clients in every Alameda County courtroom — from the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse (661 Washington Street, Oakland) where most misdemeanor cases are heard, to the René C. Davidson Courthouse (1225 Fallon Street, Oakland) where felony trials take place. We also defend federal cases at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Our two-office structure means we are close to wherever your case is being heard — and we know the specific judges, prosecutors, and procedures that shape Bay Area criminal cases.
Deep Knowledge of California Criminal Law
Seth has worked in the California legal system for years — as a public defender, in private practice, and through hundreds of trial and pretrial appearances. He knows what the Alameda County District Attorney’s office considers valuable in plea negotiations, what motions move which judges, and where prosecution cases tend to break down.
Bay Area Court Experience
The local courts that handle your case operate on their own rhythms. Our attorneys regularly practice in Alameda County Superior Court, Contra Costa Superior Court, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. This local familiarity makes a real difference in case outcomes.
Insights from Attorney Seth Morris
Follow along for quick legal tips and Bay Area criminal defense updates
Criminal Defense Services We Provide
Morris Law handles the full range of California and federal criminal charges. Explore our full practice areas for detailed information on each charge type, or jump directly to your office: Oakland or Berkeley.
You're Not Alone When You Face California Criminal Penalties
Whether your case involves a misdemeanor citation or a felony charge with state prison exposure, Morris Law has the experience to fight for the best possible outcome. Many California crimes are 'wobblers' — chargeable as either misdemeanor or felony — and reducing felony exposure to misdemeanor can mean the difference between freedom and years of incarceration.
Misdemeanor Offenses in California
California misdemeanors are criminal offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail (typically Santa Rita Jail for Alameda County cases) and fines up to $1,000. While "only" misdemeanors, these convictions create a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status. Common misdemeanors include first-time DUI, petty theft, simple assault, drug possession under HS 11377, and disturbing the peace.
Felony Offenses in California
California felonies are serious criminal offenses with state prison sentences. Most felonies carry low-term, mid-term, and high-term sentences ranging from 16 months to 25 years or more depending on the specific charge and circumstances. Felony convictions trigger lifetime firearm prohibitions, potential deportation for non-citizens, loss of professional licenses, and three-strikes consequences for future criminal cases.
Wobbler Crimes in California
Wobbler crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts and the defendant's criminal history. The prosecution decides initially, but a skilled defense attorney can often negotiate a wobbler reduction from felony to misdemeanor — the difference between county jail and state prison, between probation and incarceration, between a record that can be expunged and one that cannot. Common wobblers include grand theft, vandalism over $400, criminal threats, and many drug possession charges.
California's Three-Strikes Law
California's three-strikes law (Penal Code §§ 667 and 1170.12) imposes dramatically increased sentences for defendants with prior serious or violent felony convictions. A second strike doubles the sentence on a new felony; a third strike can result in 25 years to life in state prison — even for relatively minor offenses. Strike priors stay on your record forever and cannot be removed except in extraordinary circumstances.
First serious or violent felony – Standard statutory penalty
Second strike – Sentence doubled on new felony
Third strike – 25 years to life in state prison
Without a qualified criminal defense attorney, the outcome of your case is uncertain. It takes a skilled lawyer to identify whether a prior conviction qualifies as a strike, to negotiate strike reductions through Romero motions, and to challenge enhancements that could turn years into decades.
Areas Served Across Alameda County and the Bay Area
Morris Law represents clients throughout the Bay Area from our two East Bay offices.
Oakland Office: 2744 E 11th St, Oakland, CA 94601 · (510) 824-8831
Berkeley Office: 2025 Rose St, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94709 · (510) 350-3225
Alameda County cities served: Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Piedmont, Emeryville, San Leandro, Hayward, Fremont, Pleasanton, Dublin, Newark, Union City.
Contra Costa County: Richmond, El Cerrito, Albany, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pittsburg, Antioch.
Plus: San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Clara counties.
Click a location in blue for more information.
Alameda County
Fairfield
Vallejo
Santa Clara County
Palo Alto
San Jose
Marin County
Publications & Media Coverage
Attorney Seth Morris has been interviewed and called upon to comment on criminal law topics throughout his career — from publications covering Bay Area legal trends to commentary on high-profile California cases. Morris Law's media coverage reflects the firm's reputation for handling cases that matter.
See All News MediaFrequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Alameda County
Where are Morris Law's offices located?
Morris Law has two East Bay offices:
- Oakland Office: 2744 E 11th St, Oakland, CA 94601 — (510) 824-8831
- Berkeley Office: 2025 Rose St, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94709 — (510) 350-3225
Both offices serve clients throughout Alameda County and the broader Bay Area. Free consultations available 24/7.
What should I do immediately after a criminal arrest in Alameda County?
- Do not speak to police beyond identifying yourself.
- Politely state: "I am exercising my right to remain silent and I want a lawyer."
- Do not consent to any searches.
- Do not sign anything.
- Call Morris Law at (510) 824-8831 — we are available 24/7.
Anything you say can be used against you. The first 48 hours are critical.
Does Morris Law speak Spanish?
Yes. Morris Law provides full criminal defense services in both English and Spanish (Se habla español). Our team can communicate with clients and their families in either language throughout the criminal defense process — from initial consultation through court appearances and resolution.
What courthouses serve Alameda County criminal cases?
- Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse at 661 Washington Street, Oakland — for most misdemeanor cases
- René C. Davidson Courthouse at 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland — for felony cases
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Oakland) — for federal criminal cases
Morris Law attorneys regularly appear in all of these courtrooms.
What cities does Morris Law serve?
Morris Law serves clients throughout:
- Alameda County: Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Piedmont, Emeryville, San Leandro, Hayward, Fremont, Pleasanton, Dublin, Newark, Union City
- Contra Costa County: Richmond, El Cerrito, Albany, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pittsburg, Antioch
- Plus: San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Clara counties
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in the Bay Area?
Criminal defense fees vary based on charge severity and case complexity:
- Misdemeanor cases: typically $2,500 to $7,500
- Felony cases: typically $5,000 to $25,000+
- Trial work and federal cases: higher fees due to complexity
Morris Law offers free initial consultations and transparent flat-fee structures where appropriate.
Should I plead guilty to get my case over with quickly?
Almost never without an attorney's advice. Prosecutors offer plea deals because going to trial creates risk for them too. A defense lawyer can often negotiate:
- Reduced charges
- Deferred entry of judgment
- Diversion programs
- Outright dismissal
Free consultation with Morris Law before any plea decision: (510) 824-8831.
Does Morris Law handle federal criminal cases?
Yes. Morris Law defends federal criminal cases in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, including:
- Federal drug charges
- Federal gun crimes
- RICO and racketeering
- Federal conspiracy
- White collar crime and fraud
- Federal sentencing guideline defense
Federal cases require specialized expertise — we have it.
What's the difference between a misdemeanor and felony in California?
- Misdemeanors: Up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $1,000
- Felonies: 16 months or more in state prison and fines up to $10,000+
- Wobblers: Many California crimes can be charged as either, depending on facts and prior history
A skilled defense lawyer can often get wobblers reduced from felony to misdemeanor — saving years of prison time and lasting consequences.
Why hire Morris Law over other Bay Area criminal defense attorneys?
- Decades of Alameda County experience under founder Seth Morris
- Track record of dismissals, no-time deals, and acquittals on serious charges
- 4.8-star rating with 41 verified reviews
- Free consultations available 24/7
- Bilingual (English + Spanish) services
- Two convenient East Bay offices (Oakland + Berkeley)
- Personal attention — Seth Morris handles every case directly, not handed to associates