Summit Defense
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Summit Defense
With over 120 years of cumulative and exclusive Criminal Defense experience, our reputation for aggressive and results oriented performance, whether in State court or Federal Court, has been documented by several Bay Area news channels and vetted by hundreds of satisfied clients. Our success and industry recognition is the result of our EXCLUSIVE FOCUS on criminal defense; we don't accept personal injury or family law cases.

This single-minded focus allows us to keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of legal doctrine and provide you with the best results possible. A criminal lawyer can convince the District Attorney not to charge the case or resolve cases through civil compromise. Our criminal lawyers want you home because fighting your case out of jail is a huge advantage.
Services
Summit Defense only represents individuals charged with or accused of a crime. Our philosophy is simple-it is best to practice in one area of law. We do not specialize in criminal law-it's all we do. Nearly every day Summit Defense attorneys are in Bay Area courtrooms fighting for client's freedom, insisting on the presumption of innocence, and taking police and prosecutors to task when they violate your rights.
Summit Defense is Northern California's largest exclusively Criminal Defense Law Firm. Our attorneys are all highly experienced, aggressive and battle tested. We have taken much care in putting this team together in an effort to provide you with the best legal team in the bay area.

The Summit Defense legal team includes three former prosecutors, a former Police Officer, a Board Certified Appellate Specialist and attorneys who graduated from the country's top law schools.Summit Defense offers a free initial consultation and their staff is available 24/7 to answer legal questions.
Member of the National Lawyer's Guild, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter - specifically, Demonstrations Committee and Police & Prisons Committee. Tennille Duffy has a unique professional background that sets her apart as an attorney that critically examines the actions of the police and the prosecution, from every angle, to best defend her client's rights.
Before joining Summit Defense, Deepti Sethi worked for the public interest in several capacities. She has consistently advocated for those without power and those who find themselves up against large institutions. Deepti's experience includes corporate governance, negotiations, policy level advocacy, direct representation of clients, and supervision of other attorneys.
AILA Northern California liaison to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from 2013 to 2016. Scott regularly answers these and other questions for Summit Defense attorneys and their clients, allowing them to make educated decisions regarding their defense strategies. Mr. Mossman is considered to be an expert in the immigration law field and presents seminars to other attorneys on relevant immigration subjects.
Reviews (11)
Joana Ana
Joana Ana
Mar 04, 2021
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This review is for Tennille Duffy - she helped my dad with his case and got it dismissed. She is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and overall a great person to work with. Although the process dragged on, I always felt Tennille was giving us the correct advice, keeping us in the loop, and fighting for us. I felt heard, supported, and cared for every single time I talked to her. She makes you feel like you’re the only client she’s working on, although she has many cases going at the same time. She a very strong lawyer you want on your side. I contacted the firm from their online reviews so
Jonathan Pascual
Jonathan Pascual
Feb 14, 2021
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I just want to say that Tennille Duffy from Summit Defense has had my back since day one. I had a legal exposure back in the summer of 2019. The outcome of my case would determine whether or not I would be able to retain my job as a Class A truck driver. Tennille is extremely diligent, attentive to details, and is a great communicator. You will never have to worry about following up with her about your case because she is completely on top of her game and will guide you each step of the way. With the help of Tennille, my case was ultimately dismissed and I remain a trucker to this day. I cannot
Adriana Regalado
Adriana Regalado
Sep 12, 2020
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We hired summit defense since we had an issue with only of my husband’s client that escalated, we where assigned to Attorney Tennille Duffy and she was definitely the correct attorney for our case. She was super helpful and worked extra hard to get the outcome for my husband. I highly recommend her personally, she super friendly and professional. Thank you so much for all your help.!!!
Courtney Lang
Courtney Lang
Jul 04, 2020
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I hired Summit Defense for help with a citation involving a taxidermied bear. Despite it being an abstruse area of law, especially for the Bay area, Tennille Duffy was able to resolve everything. And she did so remotely, which was important for me in this time of COVID. Thank you Tennille.
Anthony Myers
Anthony Myers
Dec 04, 2018
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So thankful for Tennille Duffy for helping me out of a real jam. Ms. Duffy is a ferocious, tenacious and an amazing criminal lawyer. I highly recommend Summit Defense. I cant really put into words what this firm has done for me and my family.
C. Kischowski
C. Kischowski
Oct 31, 2017
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Rabin Nabizadeh is a lifesaver. I contacted him the moment I was bailed out and was utterly terrified as I have never so much as had a parking ticket before this unfortunate incident. He was kind, thoughtful, and extremely prompt in his replies. He thoroughly listened to me and made me feel so much more comfortable.
He was able to contact the DA and get my case dismissed before I even had to be seen in front of a judge. Each situation is different but I truly believe that without his help I would not have had such a favorable outcome. My sense of relief is beyond what I can properly convey with
Yamil Molina
Yamil Molina
Jul 18, 2016
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Amazing law firm. Honest, aggressive, caring and reasonable fees. Ryan mchugh is an incredible lawyer and got case dismissed before court. Worth every penny.
Jena Alvarez
Jena Alvarez
Nov 27, 2015
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My sister was facing criminal charges and had hired an attorney that was not getting the job done. He was completely failing her and seemed to just not care. It was months into her case and this guy was getting her no where. It was clear to everyone around that it was time for her to move on with a new attorney.
That's when Summit Defense stepped in.
We were all concerned about whether or not our family was investing in the right firm since the first seemed to be a waste of a large amount of money and time. However, it did not take long before we could see that this was the best thing for her
J. F.
J. F.
Nov 23, 2015
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I have to say I am very pleased with the work that Summit Defense did for me. The attorneys and staff at this firm are experienced and really know what they are doing.
Before I went into their office I was skeptical about spending money on a private attorney, but I'm glad I did it. They made sure I was able to follow along with what was happening every step of my case and explained all the possible consequences. They were able to get me to the best outcome that I don't think I would've been able to get had I gone with a public defender. They were even accommodating to my financial situation and
N. O.
N. O.
Nov 18, 2012
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Michelle Spaulding was amazing. She was compassionate and guided me through this whole ordeal.
A.-Tek J.
A.-Tek J.
Sep 20, 2012
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I'm writing a follow up review. several weeks ago after my 1st review i received a number of follow up calls and unfortunately due to a new baby coming its taken me a while. the follow up calls i received expressed how concerned the firm is about their name, selfish? sure, a good attorney is apt to protect their and the firms name, its how they become successful. i even got another follow up message yesterday which reminded me about the communications. i made my 1st review again, based on conversing with 1 member on a weekend. this update too is based on their continued efforts in communication