Our People
Charles L Goldberg
Firm Member
Charles L. Goldberg is a shareholder of the firm and heads the firm’s Specialized Criminal Defense Group. Mr. Goldberg has specialized in criminal law for more than 30 years. His practice emphasizes criminal defense, complex civil defense litigation and white collar criminal defense. A large percentage of his current practice is representing individuals and corporate entities that are subject to or under investigation by various state, federal or administrative agencies. He has represented clients in more than 13 different states, seven different federal districts, three federal circuits, and before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Education Background
Mr. Goldberg attended San Diego State University and the University of California, Los Angeles receiving his B.A. in 1964, and his law degree from the University of California School of Law in Los Angeles in 1967.
Employment Background
Prior to the merger of his firm with Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek, Mr. Goldberg was a partner in the law firm of Goldberg and Hall.
Representative Matters
- Represented high-tech companies under investigation for misappropriation of trade secrets
- Handled many extradition cases involving the Netherlands, France, Mexico and Great Britain
- Represented individuals and companies under investigation for, or charged with, securities violations
- Represented individuals under investigation by the Department of Justice and Internal Revenue Service for tax fraud
- Represented major federal defense contractor for alleged violation of campaign contributions and violation of Federal Trade Commission regulations
- Represented San Diego businesses being investigated for violations of environmental laws
- Represented San Diego businesses charged with violation of Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Represented San Diego businesses being investigated for violations of fraud and under-reporting taxes
- Represented automobile dealer under investigation for failing to report and pay the State Board of Equalization for sales tax collected
- Represented health care company under investigation for under-reporting and false reporting of workers’ compensation premiums
- Represented health care company under investigation for fraudulent billing practices
- Represented building contractors under investigation for misrepresenting payroll status
- Represented an individual under investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the violation of the Clean Water and Clean Air Act
- Represented a major Nevada casino resort under investigation for violation of federal environmental laws
- Defended federal qui tam case alleging billing fraud and sale of defective products by a defense contractor
Professional Affiliations & Admissions
- State Bar of California
- San Diego County Bar Association
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
- San Diego Trial Lawyers Association
- Criminal Defense Lawyers Club (Founding Member)
- American Board of Criminal Lawyers (Elected as Fellow, 1983; Member, Board of Governors, 1986-1990; Vice-President, 1990-1994; President 1995-1996)
Publications & Speaking Engagements
- Guest lecturer, University of California, Los Angeles, Law School (UCLA) 2008
- Instructor, Criminal Law, Grossmont College
- Panelist, California Western School of Law, Institute of Criminal Law Advocacy
- Conducted seminars and lectured for the California Trial Lawyers Association
- Conducted seminars and lectured for the San Diego Trial Lawyers Association
- Conducted seminars and lectured for the San Diego County Bar Association
- Regular commentator on criminal law and the O.J. Simpson trial for several San Diego television stations
- Chaired a point-counterpoint commentary on the O.J. Simpson trial for Sky News in London, England
Professional Awards & Honors
- Recognized as one of San Diego’s best criminal defense attorneys in San Diego Super Lawyers magazine (2007-2009)
- Recognized as one of San Diego’s best criminal defense attorneys in San Diego Magazine (September 2001 through current editions)
- Recognized as one of Southern California’s Super Lawyers in the areas of white collar and non-white collar criminal defense in Los Angeles Times West Magazine, Southern California Super Lawyers (in each edition)
- Recognized as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the country in the publication, The Best Lawyers in America (1983 - present)
- Outstanding Advocacy Award, Consumer Attorneys Association of San Diego (1996)
- Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award, San Diego Trial Lawyers Association (1993)
- Trial Attorney of the Year, San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association (1992)
- Elected as a Fellow, American Board of Criminal Lawyers (1983)
