English-speaking criminal defense
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tijuana
Arrested in Tijuana, or is a loved one being held in Baja California? I provide immediate criminal defense in English and Spanish, 24/7.
Practice areas
Defense from the very first moment
The first hours after an arrest are critical. I step in from the start to protect your rights and give your family peace of mind.
Arrest and the Public Prosecutor's Office
I assist you from the first moment before the Public Prosecutor (Ministerio Público): I make sure your rights are respected, review whether the arrest was lawful and make sure you don't give a statement without a defense attorney.
Initial hearing
I represent you before the supervising judge (juez de control) during the review of the arrest, the formal charges and the decision on whether the case moves forward (vinculación a proceso).
Pretrial measures and release
I argue for you to face the case out of custody, with measures less restrictive than pretrial detention whenever the law allows it.
24/7 emergencies
Has a loved one been arrested in Tijuana?
Act quickly. Here is what to do:
Find out where they are
Ask which Public Prosecutor's office (Fiscalía) is holding them and write down the time and place of the arrest.
No statements without a lawyer
Under Mexican law, every detained person has the right to remain silent and to a defense attorney from the moment of arrest.
Ask for consular notification
Foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, have the right to have their consulate notified. The consulate can check on them and contact family, but it cannot act as their lawyer.
Contact me right away
Message or call me any time. I handle arrests and emergencies 24/7, in English and Spanish.
About me
Carlos Alexis Noriega González
Criminal Defense Lawyer and Trainer in Mexico's Criminal Justice System
I defend my clients with honor, strategy and dedication. I know that an arrest or a criminal case is one of the hardest moments for a person and their family. That's why I respond immediately, explain every step clearly, in English or Spanish, and handle every case with complete confidentiality.
Besides litigating, I am a trainer in Mexico's criminal justice system, and I bring that knowledge of the process to your defense.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do you speak English?
Yes. I assist English-speaking clients and their families in English, and I explain every step of the Mexican criminal process clearly.
How long can someone be held after an arrest in Mexico?
As a general rule, up to 48 hours. Within that time, the Public Prosecutor must release the person or bring them before a judge. In organized crime cases, this period can be doubled.
What happens at the initial hearing?
It is the first hearing before the supervising judge. The judge reviews whether the arrest was lawful, the prosecutor presents the charges, and the judge rules on pretrial measures and, where applicable, on whether the case moves forward (vinculación a proceso).
Do I have to give a statement?
No. You have the right to remain silent, and your silence cannot be used against you. It is best not to give any statement without your lawyer.
Can the U.S. Consulate get someone out of jail?
No. The consulate can check on a detained U.S. citizen, contact their family and provide a list of local attorneys, but it cannot act as their lawyer or get them released. A Mexican defense attorney handles the case.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Book online with the "Schedule a consultation" button (the booking page is in Spanish) or simply message me on WhatsApp. Everything you share is confidential.