San Bernardino is one of the largest cities in the Inland Empire, and it faces unique legal challenges. While every city has its issues, knowing what charges are most common here helps you stay informed and prepared if you ever find yourself in a difficult situation.
This post breaks down the data behind local crime, compares San Bernardino to state and national averages, and explains what you should know if you’re charged.
At Manshoory Law Group, we use our deep local experience to guide clients through even the most complex criminal cases, turning confusion into a clear plan.
Crime in San Bernardino: What the Numbers Show
The numbers tell the real story of what you’re up against.
The city-wide crime rate is 44 crimes for every 1,000 residents. For you, that means a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. More than 96% of other California communities are safer.
Property crime is a huge part of the problem. Your chance of being a victim of property crime here is 1 in 30. And it’s not just minor stuff. The city has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation.
The violent crime rate is also one of the country’s highest. Your chance of being a victim of violence is 1 in 91. The state average is 1 in 197. That gap is massive. And yes, this includes a murder rate that is higher than most other U.S. cities.
How San Bernardino Compares to National Crime Rates
The picture gets even clearer when you put San Bernardino next to the rest of the country.
- The city’s overall crime rate is 2% higher than the national average.
- Violent crime rates are 220.7% higher. This means they are more than triple what you see elsewhere.
- Property crime rates are 51% higher.
This isn’t a small problem. Economic pressure and the city’s role as a huge transportation hub create a tough environment for law enforcement and residents. When you are charged here, you are part of a system dealing with a massive number of cases.
Common Criminal Charges We Handle in San Bernardino
These numbers become real police reports and criminal charges every day. From what we see fighting in the San Bernardino courts, these are the charges that fill the dockets.
DUI Offenses (VC 23152)
San Bernardino is a commuter city, and the freeways are patrolled heavily. A DUI arrest is very common. A first-time DUI is a misdemeanor, but don’t let that fool you. You’re still looking at jail time, big fines, and a suspended license. If you have prior convictions or someone was hurt in the incident, it immediately becomes a felony DUI, and the stakes are much, much higher.
Drug Possession & Distribution (HS 11350 & 11351)
California drug laws are a maze. Simple possession of a controlled substance (HS 11350) is often a misdemeanor. But police have a lot of discretion. If they decide you had the intent to sell, they’ll charge you with a felony under HS 11351. They make that call based on things like how much of the drug you had or if you had a scale. Their opinion can be the difference between a fine and prison.
Assault & Battery (PC 240 & 245(a)(1))
Simple assault and battery are misdemeanors. But the real problem here is aggravated assault under Penal Code 245(a)(1). Assault with a deadly weapon. A “deadly weapon” can be almost anything in a fight, not just a gun or knife. This is a felony, and it makes up a huge portion of the local violent crime stats.
Domestic Violence (PC 273.5)
In these cases, the phone call to the police is often enough. Once an accusation of domestic violence is made, an arrest is almost certain. If the alleged victim has any kind of visible injury—even a scratch—you will be charged with a felony for corporal injury to a spouse. A conviction means jail, probation, a year-long class, and a lifetime ban on owning a firearm.
Theft & Burglary (PC 487 & 459)
There’s a big difference here. Grand theft (PC 487) is stealing something worth more than $950. But burglary (PC 459) is about intent. It’s entering a building with the intent to commit a theft or any felony inside. You don’t have to actually steal anything. If they can convince a jury you intended to steal when you walked in, that’s the crime. And it’s a felony.
Juvenile Offenses (WIC 602)
When your kid is the one in trouble, the stakes feel even higher. The juvenile system is built for rehabilitation, not punishment like in adult court. But a conviction—called an “adjudication”—can still create huge roadblocks for college and future jobs. The goal is always to secure a real second chance, fighting to have records sealed so one mistake doesn’t define a young person’s life.
Expungements (PC 1203.4)
There is life after a conviction. A call to the court to dismiss your past conviction. It doesn’t erase your record, but it lets you legally and honestly say you were not convicted of that crime on most job applications. It’s a key tool for a fresh start.
Why Local Legal Representation Matters in San Bernardino
In a place like San Bernardino, having a local lawyer isn’t just an advantage; it’s a necessity.
Every courthouse has its own culture and unwritten rules. The San Bernardino Superior Court is an overloaded, fast-paced system. An out-of-town lawyer won’t know the prosecutors. They won’t know the judges’ tendencies. This is a home-field advantage, and you need it on your side.
A San Bernardino criminal defense attorney who is in these courtrooms every day knows things you can’t look up online:
- They know the process. From the first day in court—the arraignment—to the pre-trial negotiations where cases are often won or lost, they know the procedures that work here.
- They know the people. Knowing which Deputy District Attorney is more likely to make a fair deal—and which ones aren’t—is critical information. That’s not in a law book. It’s learned from experience.
- They know the stakes. They know what a San Bernardino jury is likely to do. They know what kind of plea bargain is a good deal and what is a complete waste of your time. This knowledge is leverage.
Why San Bernardino Clients Trust Manshoory Law Group
- Available 24/7: We know arrests happen at 3 a.m. We’re here when you need us.
- Former Prosecutor’s Insight: Our background as prosecutors means we know how the other side thinks and how they build their cases. It’s how we find the weaknesses.
- 10+ Years in SoCal Courts: We have a deep, proven history of defending clients in San Bernardino and across Southern California.
- Multilingual Staff: We are ready to serve everyone in our diverse community.
- Personalized, Results-Driven Strategies: Your case is not a file number to us. We build a defense strategy for you and your situation.
Arrested in San Bernardino? Contact Us Today.
Just call to set something up. Legal trouble moves fast. The prosecution is already building its case. So should your defense.
Our office is right here in the community. Come see us in person, or we can set up a virtual meeting online if that works better for you.
Get immediate help from our team now.
San Bernardino Criminal Defense FAQs
What are the most common arrests in San Bernardino?
Besides DUI and domestic violence, the two big ones are aggravated assault and motor vehicle theft. Property crime and violent crime drive most of the arrests.
What court handles my criminal charges in San Bernardino?
Criminal cases are heard at the San Bernardino District of the Superior Court of California, located at 247 West Third Street.
Is it possible to reduce or dismiss charges locally?
Yes, that's the job. An attorney can file a motion to have a case dismissed if the police violated your rights. Or we can negotiate with the prosecutor to get a charge reduced—like a felony down to a misdemeanor.
Can I meet with a lawyer online or after hours?
Of course. We offer virtual consultations and we are available 24/7. Trouble doesn't stick to a 9-to-5 schedule. Neither do we.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
Anyone who gives you a quick answer is not being honest. A simple misdemeanor might take weeks. A complex felony trial can take more than a year. It depends on the facts of your case.
References:
NeighborhoodScout. (n.d.). San Bernardino, CA Crime Rates. Retrieved from https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ca/san-bernardino/crime
AreaVibes. (2024). San Bernardino, CA Crime Rates. Retrieved from https://www.areavibes.com/san+bernardino-ca/crime/
DUI.org. (2025, March 20). California DUI Laws: When is a DUI a Felony or Misdemeanor? Retrieved from https://www.dui.org/resources-and-articles/dui-in-california-felony-vs-misdemeanor/
California Legislative Information. (2018, January 1). Health and Safety Code – HSC, Division 10, Chapter 6, Article 1, Section 11350. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=11350
California Legislative Information. (2012, January 1). Penal Code – PEN, Part 1, Title 8, Chapter 9, Section 245. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=245
California Legislative Information. (2025, January 1). Penal Code – PEN, Part 1, Title 13, Chapter 5, Section 487. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=487.&lawCode=PEN
California Legislative Information. (1991). Penal Code – PEN, Part 1, Title 13, Chapter 2, Section 459. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=459&lawCode=PEN
Superior Court of California County of San Bernardino. (2025). Welcome to the Superior Court of San Bernardino. Retrieved from https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/