Christian M. Ham is a criminal defense trial attorney with over 22 years of legal experience. His success in the courtroom has been recognized by Super Lawyers, the San Diego Daily Transcript, and the National Trial Lawyers. Mr. Ham’s trial success includes “not guilty” jury verdicts in federal and state court, and complete dismissals pre-trial and during trial in state court.
DUI/DWI
Christian Ham was the best lawyer (criminal and DUI lawyer) I could have ever found. I regretfully made the stupid decision to drive after drinking in July and got a DUI. I was super lost on where to start to get it sorted out. My friend told me about Christian and I am so lucky she did!
Traffic Violations
Facts: A father of two minor children was driving to work when he was pulled over for speeding by a Chula Vista Police Officer. The police officer searched the man’s car and found a weapon. The man was arrested and charged with possessing a weapon. Mr. Ham went to trial and a jury returned a not guilty verdict.
Sex Crimes
Robbery
Burglary
Mr. Ham is an experienced criminal attorney who has successfully obtained dismissals for clients’ accused of felony residential burglary, felony commercial burglary, grand theft, and petty theft. He has handled hundreds of criminal cases, including high-profile theft and burglary cases. He has won dismissals in criminal cases before and during jury trials, at preliminary hearings, and after prevailing at speedy trial and suppression hearings. He has tried multiple cases resulting in not guilty verdict.
Theft
Misdemeanors
A criminal misdemeanor offense is one that can be punished with imprisonment in the county jail for no more than one year. A misdemeanor charge is less severe than a felony charge, however, a misdemeanor can still be punished with jail time. A misdemeanor is any offense that can be charged with a fine or imprisonment in the county jail for no more than one year.
Drug Crimes
Criminal drug charges vary from simple possession to distribution. Determining the seriousness of a drug offense is the first step in preparing for a legal defense. A possible jail and or prison sentence depends on several factors such as the type of drugs and the amount of drugs.
Assault
In certain instances, assault charges can be charged as strikes. Penal Code Section 245(a) is assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. Penal Code Section 245(a) becomes a strike when a weapon, such as a gun or knife is used. If serious injury is suffered by the victim, then a strike great bodily injury allegation can be added.
Murder
Mr. Ham practices law in the state and federal courts. He has been principal attorney of record in hundreds of criminal cases, including high-profile cases. Some of the significant cases include: major drug trafficking, kidnap for ransom, and conspiracy to commit murder. Mr. Ham has successfully represented individuals facing prison sentences of 25 years to life, as well as life without the possibility of parole. He has fought for and earned complete dismissals before and during jury trials, and at preliminary hearings. His has successfully argued motions to suppress as well as motions to dismiss for violation of speedy trial rights. He has tried multiple cases resulting in not guilty verdicts and has tried cases in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, and in each of the four San Diego Court Divisions.
Homicide
Criminal defense attorney Christian M. Ham has handled hundreds of criminal cases, ranging from homicide to complex mortgage fraud. He has handled many high-profile cases, including kidnapping for ransom, conspiracy to commit murder, and drug trafficking. Mr. Ham has successfully represented individuals facing prison sentences of 25 years to life, as well as life without the possibility of parole. He has won dismissals before and during jury trials, at preliminary hearings, and after prevailing at speedy trial and suppression hearings. He has tried multiple cases resulting in not guilty verdicts.
Arson
Strike convictions have a tremendous and potentially devastating effect because any future conduct will be punished more severely. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to determine the consequences of a strike conviction. If you are charged with a strike offense or have a prior strike conviction, Mr. Ham can explain the potential outcome of your case and help you through this difficult process.
Shoplifting
Felony charges are crimes that can be punished by imprisonment in the state prison. Recently, the California voters passed Proposition 47, which makes crimes that were previously prosecuted as felonies now misdemeanors. Certain theft crimes such as shoplifting where the value taken is less than $950.00, and simple possession of drugs, are now punishable as misdemeanors. Please note that certain individuals with prior convictions may not qualify under proposition 47 and their felonies may not be reduced to misdemeanors.
Restraining Order
Temporary restraining orders against the accused are petitioned by the prosecuting agency. Even if the victim or protected person does not request a stay away order, the court may issue an order prohibiting the accused to have any contact with the victim. If the victim and the accused, even if consensual, have contact, the accused may be arrested and charged with violating a court order.
Forgery
Facts: Mr. Ham’s client, a restaurant manager, was at home with his wife, two minor children, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law when law enforcement stormed into his home with a search warrant. Multiple law enforcement officers in tactical gear and with their firearms drawn searched the home. Mr. Ham’s client was handcuffed in front of his family, accused of fraud, and then arrested and taken into custody. Mr. Ham’s client was booked into county jail, posted bond, and was arraigned and charged with 4 felony counts of fraud and forgery. Mr. Ham’s client was accused of fraudulently obtaining a bank customer’s account number and passing three checks to businesses.