San Diego DUI lawyer staff biographies

Michael spent 14 years in the Navy (both Officer and Enlisted) before going to Law School here in San Diego at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. While in Law School he was a member of the Mock Trial Team.

Michael's defense philosophy was crystalized after he was arrested for a DUI in San Diego before becoming a lawyer. Why is that important?

Because some lawyers will say anything to get your business. Then if you do pay their astronomical fees you get treated like a number or worse can't even speak to the lawyer that you thought you hired.

Case wise: The government should always be held accountable. We can't break the law, so why should they be able to? Ensuring that the government plays by the rules (e.g. no rights violations); keeping your record clean; preventing you from losing your license; AND preventing you from being jailed - these are the goals for each and every client.

The following is a list of Specialized Training that Michael has and also organizations that he is an active member of:

•     The California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
•     The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
•     National College For DUI Defense.
•     California DUI lawyers Association.
•     San Diego County Better Business Bureau membership.
•     Certified operator of the Intoxilyzer ("breath machine").
•     CES Consulting certified Intoxilyzer maintenance tech.
•     N.H.T.S.A. Standard Field Sobriety Testing Course.

Attorney Do graduated from Lincoln Law School in San Jose, June 1995 where he was the Business Editor of the Law Review from 1994-1995. Prior to Law School he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of California, Irvine, in June 1988. He is fluent in Vietnamese.

Mr. Do's primary area of experience is Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals although he also has extensive experience in DUI, Criminal Defense & Traffic Court issues. As a Hearing Representative since 1991 he has successfully represented hundreds of clients with the social security administration. In the area of criminal defense his 13 years of experience is invaluable.

Mr. Cantor graduated from the San Diego Police Academy in 1971 and then served with the San Diego Police Department for 11 months, after which time began working for the La Mesa Police Department in 1973. He served in the Patrol Division for seven years, serving the last few years as a Field Training Officer. Three years were spent as a criminal investigator until being promoted to the rank of Corporal. Promotion to the rank of Sergeant occurred in 1986, serving in Patrol, Training and Traffic until retirement in 2000.

Among his primary responsibilities throughout his police career was the detection, apprehension and documentation of drunk drivers. Consequently, he personally arrested and supervised the arrest of hundreds of drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. He graduated from the 191 class of the FBI National Academy and also graduated from the P.O.S.T. Supervisor leadership Institute.

He supervised numerous DUI check points while working as the Traffic Supervisor for the La Mesa Police Department. Additionally, he was awarded DUI Officer of the Year by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers in 1999. Finally, it was his responsibility to read and evaluate reports generated by other officers to ensure accuracy and completeness, for the successful prosecution of violators at a later time.

Ms. Surde received her Law Degree from the University of Barcelona, Spain in 2002. That same year she began a Master’s Degree in Law at the Superior Institute of Law and Economics in Barcelona, Spain. After finishing the Master’s Degree in 2003, she worked for almost 4 years in two Law Firms in Spain, while completing another Master’s Degree in Real Estate Law by the Barcelona Bar Association.

She is fluent in English, Spanish and Catalan.