Berkeley Criminal Defense Attorney
The Volume of Injustice is Deafening, and you need Seth Morris in your corner.When the legal system fails you, you can’t leave yourself or your child at the mercy of a judge and 12 jurors. Seth Morris has saved his clients from the grasp of the system, time and time again by securing dismissals and no-time deals on murder cases and people facing life in prison.
A Defense Attorney That Brings Passion to Your Case
Seth Morris is one of Berkeley’s most skilled and talented trial lawyers. He is committed to keeping his clients out of custody and bringing them home to their families because this isn’t just his job; it’s his life’s work. Whether it’s reducing bail to go home that night or challenging flaky evidence from the prosecution, he puts his gloves on and fights for what you deserve.
As a Berkeley criminal defense attorney practicing in California trial courts and federal courts, Seth understands the uphill battle you face when entering the criminal justice system. Whether you’re facing charges for theft, violent crimes, or need a sexual assault defense lawyer, he ensures your Sixth Amendment right to an unbiased representative is protected, guaranteeing a fair trial and upholding your constitutional rights.
Seth has built a reputation for being a dependable attorney you can trust to be there when you need him. Criminal charges require quick action and a sense of urgency that sadly not every attorney can offer. When you’ve been robbed of your freedom, he will provide unrivaled dedication to your case. He is your helping hand to guide you through the criminal court process.
How a Berkeley Criminal Attorney Benefits You
From resources like expert witnesses to negotiating with the prosecution, a skilled Berkeley Criminal Defense Attorney is invaluable to your case.
Here’s How:
Experience in Local Bay Area Courts
A Berkeley criminal defense attorney has experience defending clients in local courts throughout the Bay Area. You can expect to appear in the following court:
Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse
661 Washington Street
Oakland, California 94607
Thorough Understanding of California Law
Seth has worked in the California legal system for years as a public defender, litigation associate, and private criminal defense attorney. All of which have given him extensive experience and a broad understanding of California law as well as the U.S. constitution.
Attorney Morris is aware of your rights and won’t stand by and watch them be violated.
Exploiting Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Case
Although the odds may seem stacked against you, the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence isn’t compelling enough for a conviction, your charges will be dismissed, and you’ll be free to go.
A skilled Berkeley criminal defense attorney can challenge the evidence against you and fight to have it thrown out.
Providing Dedicated Representation
A criminal defense attorney can provide unmatched experience and dedication to fighting the charges against you. When police are making an arrest or raid, they will try to use anything to incriminate you. This includes anything you say.
Attorney Morris can speak on your behalf and prevent self-incrimination.
Insights from Attorney Seth Morris
Follow along for quick legal tips and Bay Area criminal defense updates
Morris Law Defends Against Many Offenses
Morris Law has handled hundreds of cases as an experienced Berkeley criminal defense firm serving all nine Bay Area counties. Whether you were charged with a felony or misdemeanor, we’ll build a solid defense for the following offenses:
- School suspension and expulsion – we have experience dealing with school districts and universities when a student is facing suspension or expulsion based on alleged wrongdoing;
- Federal Crimes – Carrying substantial penalties, we take high-level cases that have escalated to federal offenses for drugs, firearms, and any other conduct that falls within the jurisdiction of the federal government;
- Murder – From involuntary manslaughter to murder in the first degree, we’ll mount a robust defense to the charges, analyzing every detail of the case and standing with the accused at every step of the process;
- Felony Crimes – ranging in severity, a felony conviction can result in high penalties. We defend against many felony charges and protect your rights in court.
No matter what crime you’re charged with, your future could be unclear if you’re arrested and taken to the Berkeley Police Department. Seth Morris will examine your case and give you options.
Drug Charges
We defend against charges of possession, possession for sale, transportation, and manufacturing, among other offenses regarding a variety of drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
Sex Crimes
Complex and ranging in severity, we defend against sex crimes such as rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, among other offenses.
Domestic Violence
Whether you’re facing charges for violating a restraining order, spousal abuse, or any other domestic violence offense in Berkeley, our experienced Berkeley domestic violence lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.
Violent Crimes
No matter what type of violent crime you have been charged with, the consequences of a conviction could permanently alter the course of your life. Do not risk your future.
Weapon Crimes
A gun charge lawyer examines your case and gives you options. Don’t risk fighting these charges alone.
Title IX
When you have been accused of Title IX violations, you need to take action to protect your future and preserve your reputation. The Berkeley criminal defense attorneys at Morris Law can help.
DUI
Whether your charges are fought through negotiations with the prosecutor or trial, a Berkeley DUI attorney like Seth Morris has the knowledge and skills to help you avoid damaging your reputation.
Theft
Whether you’ve been falsely accused or you were the rightful owner of the property, your theft lawyer will challenge the prosecution’s case and fight to keep your future clear.
Murder Defense
Murder cases (PC §187) — 25+ jury trials, life-in-prison experience.
Misdemeanor Defense
Diversion, deferred entry, expungement, jail alternatives.
Federal Crime Defense
Northern District of California — drug, fraud, firearm, RICO.
Juvenile Crime Defense
WIC 602 petitions, transfer hearings, sealing (WIC 781).
White Collar Defense
Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, money laundering.
Gang Crime Defense
PC 186.22, AB 333, People v. Sanchez challenges.
Felony Defense
Wobblers, strikes, PC 17(b) reductions, expungement.
You’re Not Alone When You Face High Penalties
Although you may feel like your case is too far gone, you don’t need to accept your fate. Attorney Morris knows your future is riding on the court’s decision, and it’s his job to ensure a reduction or dismissal of your charges.
Misdemeanor Offenses
The penalties for a misdemeanor offense range and can be different depending on the type of misdemeanor. However, misdemeanors that don’t have a set punishment listed in the statute could have a maximum penalty of six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. These crimes include the following:
Possession of drugs like cocaine, heroin, or meth for personal use
Shoplifting of property worth $950 or less
Simple assault or battery
Felony Offenses
Felony criminal offenses have low-term, mid-term, and high-term prison sentences that range depending on the statute. For a charge like drug possession transportation, you could face a sentence of 3, 4, or 5 years instead of a sentence of 3 to 5 years. The judge must choose a specific number of years for a jail sentence. Your charges could be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor if you were charged with a wobbler crime.
Wobbler Crimes
Wobbler crimes could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. It is up to the prosecution to decide whether a crime should be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. This decision is often impacted by the circumstances of the crime and if the defendant has had prior convictions. Domestic violence assault is a common wobbler crime. If the assault caused severe injuries, you could be charged with a felony and face 2, 3, or 4 years in prison. If the assault was charged as a misdemeanor, you might face jail time of 1 year and fines up to $6,000.
The Three-Strikes Law
California’s three-strikes law aims to prevent individuals with prior convictions for violent felonies from reoffending. Under the three-strikes rule, the penalties progress after each strike:
First serious or violent felony – Normal statutory penalty
Second violent felony – Mandatory sentence of double the normal statutory penalty
Third violent felony – Mandatory sentence of 25 years to life
Without a qualified criminal defense attorney, the outcome of your case is unclear. It takes a skilled lawyer like Seth Morris to discredit the evidence against you, effectively negotiate with the prosecution, and highlight a path to the best possible outcome for your case.
Serving Clients Throughout The Bay Area
Morris Law, A Criminal Defense Firm proudly serves clients throughout the Bay Area, including:
Click a location in blue for more information.
Alameda County
Publications & Appearances
Attorney Morris has been interviewed and called upon to comment on topics and events impacting the legal industry throughout his career. From publications in the Washington Post to speaking at local Universities, Seth Morris has positioned himself as a thought-leader covering today’s legal issues.
See All News MediaBerkeley Criminal Defense — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Morris Law's Berkeley office?
Morris Law's Berkeley office is at 2025 Rose St #200, Berkeley, CA 94709. Call (510) 350-3225 for a free case review. Our North Berkeley office serves Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, Emeryville, and the surrounding area.
Where do Berkeley criminal cases go to court?
Berkeley cases go to the Alameda County Superior Court. Misdemeanors and traffic go to the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse (661 Washington St, Oakland). Felonies go to the René C. Davidson Courthouse (1225 Fallon St, Oakland). Our attorneys appear at both regularly.
Who is Seth Morris?
Seth Morris founded Morris Law in 2021. He earned his JD at UC Berkeley School of Law in 2006, served as a Deputy Public Defender in Alameda County, and has tried more than 25 jury trials — including cases with life-in-prison exposure. He helped develop the national Body Camera Toolkit for President Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
Does Morris Law handle UC Berkeley student criminal matters?
Yes. Criminal arrests involving UC Berkeley students often trigger parallel Student Conduct & Community Standards investigations. We coordinate criminal defense with student-conduct advocacy from intake. Our Berkeley office is close to campus.
What charges does Morris Law defend in Berkeley?
Every category of California criminal charge — DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, assault, theft, sex crimes, weapons charges, juvenile matters, federal cases, and complex felony cases. We also handle Title IX matters for UC Berkeley students.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Berkeley?
Fees depend on the charge and case complexity. Most misdemeanor defenses start with a flat fee covering pre-filing through resolution. Felony fees are quoted after a free case review. Payment plans are available. Call (510) 350-3225 for a specific quote.
How quickly can I meet with a Berkeley criminal defense lawyer?
Same day, in most cases. Attorneys are reachable 24 hours a day at (510) 350-3225. If a family member has been booked at Berkeley Police Department or transferred to Santa Rita Jail, we can arrange contact within hours.
Which Berkeley neighborhoods and cities does Morris Law serve?
We serve all of Berkeley — Downtown, North Berkeley, South Berkeley, West Berkeley, Elmwood, Berkeley Hills, and the UC campus area. We also handle cases in Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, and Emeryville. Cases across Alameda County and Contra Costa County are welcome.
Can my Berkeley case be dismissed?
Yes, when the facts and law support dismissal. We file motions to suppress evidence under Penal Code 1538.5, motions to dismiss under Penal Code 995, and pre-filing letters that sometimes stop charges from being filed. Every case is evaluated for a dismissal path first.
What happens at an arraignment in Alameda County?
At arraignment, the judge reads the charges, sets bail (or grants own-recognizance release), and asks how you plead. The hearing usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. It is critical to have counsel present. Never plead guilty at arraignment without first talking to an attorney — that plea will bind you.