ATTORNEY BIO & EXPERIENCE

Attorney Joel W. Bailey was born and raised in San Diego, California. He graduated from La Jolla High School, and earned degrees in Psychology, Sociology and Political Science from UC Santa Barbara, as well as completing a semester at the Universidad de Madrid in Spain.

After undergraduate work, Mr. Bailey earned his Juris Doctorate Cum Laude from Western State University, and began practicing criminal defense, aggressively representing clients in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

When not working, Joel likes spending time with his family, surfing, racing motorcycles and enjoying San Diego.

Mr. Bailey served on the Board of Directors of the Bar Association of North San Diego County as both a Director and Vice President.  He also volunteers his time at One Safe Place in San Marcos, assisting victims of Domestic Violence.  He was named the San Diego District Attorney's office Volunteer of the Year for 2024.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Over thirty (30) years of practicing criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Internet Crimes, Three Strikes, Domestic Violence, embezzlement/white collar crimes, and Temporary Restraining Orders.  Our office now also offers full family law representation for divorce, custody, and support matters.

AGGRESSIVE CRIMINAL DEFENSE

I became a lawyer because I wanted to help people. I work in the Vista, California, area because I believe people here deserve to have a professional, tough attorney on their side. I know sometimes good people make bad mistakes. I am also aware innocent people can be convicted because of embarrassment, fear, or lack of representation.

If you are being investigated, or charged with any criminal offense, anywhere in California, contact me, attorney Joel Bailey, at Bailey Criminal Defense, Inc. For over 30 years I've had the privilege of helping people stay out of jail and protect their livelihoods and families. Put my experience to work for you. For more information about me click on my attorney profile below.

BAR ADMISSIONS

• California, 1993
• 9th District Federal Court, 1994

EDUCATION

Western State University/ Thomas Jefferson College of Law, San Diego, California

• J.D. cum laude
• Honors: International Business Transactions and Legal Research
• Honors: American Jurisprudence Awards: Contracts II and Criminal Procedure
• Law Review: Criminal Justice Journal, 1992 – 1993

University of California, Santa Barbara, California

• B.A. – 1989
• Honors: With Distinction
• Major: Law & Society

University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

PAST EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS

• Wallin & Klarich, Associate, 1993 – 1996
• California Court of Appeals, Fourth District Div. 1, Judicial Extern, 1992
• San Diego Superior Court, Student Intern,Pre-trial Services, 1991 – 1993
• Malowney, Chialtas & Bishop, Law Clerk, 1991
• Western State University, Teaching Assistant, 1991 – 1992
• Eckert, Smith Tyler & Hoppell, Law Clerk, 1986 – 1989