Samantha Greene - Partner at Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers

Samantha Greene, a Founding Partner of Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers and native of California, is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist (State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization) with more than 20 years of experience representing clients in complex criminal cases. She has handled hundreds of cases involving felony and misdemeanor charges, including violent crimes, sex offenses, domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and DUI matters.

FAQs About Attorney Samantha Greene

Is Samantha Greene a Certified Criminal Law Specialist?

Yes, Samantha Greene is certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. This certification requires meeting specific standards, including experience in criminal law, completion of continuing legal education requirements, and passing a written examination.

How much experience does Samantha Greene have as a criminal defense attorney?

Samantha Greene has more than 20 years of legal experience in criminal law. She has practiced in courts throughout San Diego County and is familiar with the procedures and processes involved at each stage of a criminal case.

What types of cases does Samantha Greene handle?

As a San Diego criminal defense attorney, Samantha Greene represents clients facing a wide range of felony and misdemeanor charges. Her work includes cases involving violent crimes, sex offenses, domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and other serious allegations.

What can clients expect when working with Samantha Greene?

Clients can expect clear communication and guidance throughout each stage of the legal process. Samantha Greene works closely with clients to help them understand their options and navigate the legal system as their case progresses through the legal system.

Attorney Samantha Greene’s Background & Achievements

From an early age, Samantha Greene knew she was destined for the courtroom. Growing up in Los Angeles, her passion for justice was sparked when her father, a civil litigator, introduced her to the legal world. At just six years old, she visited a courtroom for the first time and was captivated by the power and responsibility of the legal profession. However, it wasn’t until she witnessed how the criminal justice system could overwhelm individuals without proper representation that she found her true calling: becoming a criminal defense attorney.

Samantha’s interest in the legal field led her to the University of California, Santa Barbara and then to the University of San Diego School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor. During law school, Samantha gained early exposure to criminal law and courtroom proceedings through hands-on legal experience, and her legal education laid the foundation for her career in criminal defense law in San Diego County.

Working with Clients Facing Criminal Charges

“Criminal defense isn’t just about the law; it’s about understanding people, their challenges, and the circumstances surrounding their cases.” - Samantha Greene

Samantha Greene’s perspective on criminal defense law is informed by her belief that many individuals facing criminal charges are dealing with complex personal circumstances, including addiction, mental health challenges, or other difficult situations. This understanding shapes her approach to working with clients throughout the legal process. She takes the time to listen to her clients’ stories, understand the circumstances surrounding their cases, and develop legal strategies based on the specific facts involved.

Legal Background and Professional Experience

“My mission is to ensure that no one stands alone in the courtroom. Justice demands a voice, and I am proud to be that voice for my clients.” - Samantha Greene

Before establishing her private practice, Samantha served as a Deputy District Attorney for San Diego County, worked as a Certified Law Clerk for the Public Defender’s Office, and held the role of Senior Associate at a trial law firm in San Diego. In 2013, she co-founded Sevens Legal with criminal defense attorney Kerry Steigerwalt and her father, business manager Stan Mann. Since then, Samantha has helped build Sevens Legal into the largest private criminal defense firm in San Diego.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in criminal defense law, Samantha has handled a wide range of cases, including felony and federal criminal matters. She has also received a 10.0 Avvo rating and numerous client endorsements related to her criminal defense practice. In 2024, her commitment to her legal career and family came full circle as she welcomed her husband, criminal defense attorney Dan Greene, as Managing Partner at Sevens Legal.

Most Notable Cases

Murder and Conspiracy Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing

Samantha Greene and co-counsel represented a client facing murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges. During an intensive four-day preliminary hearing, they challenged the evidence presented, including call detail records, text messages, Snapchat photos of weapons, and Perkins operation details. Samantha and co-counsel argued that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient and both charges were ultimately dismissed. This outcome at the preliminary hearing stage led to the client’s release after nearly a year in custody.

Forcible Rape and Sexual Penetration Charges – Full Acquittal

Samantha Greene represented a client charged with one count of forcible rape and three counts of sexual penetration by force, charges that carried the possibility of 32 years in prison. Samantha presented a defense that highlighted flaws in the prosecution’s case, and after 40 minutes of jury deliberations, her client was fully acquitted, receiving a not-guilty verdict on all charges.

Achieving a Not-Guilty Verdict in a Child Molestation Case

Samantha Greene defended a client facing serious allegations of child molestation, a charge that carried severe legal and personal consequences. She prepared the case for trial, analyzing evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting a compelling defense, and her client was found not guilty.

Federal Marijuana Importation and Distribution Charges – Not Guilty

Samantha Greene represented a client charged in the Southern District of California with importation of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Following a jury trial on the federal charges, the jury returned not-guilty verdicts on both counts, and the case was dismissed.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and should be evaluated by a qualified attorney. For legal advice, please contact our office directly.

Highlighted Case Outcomes

Murder

Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder → Dismissal
Samantha Greene represented a client facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, which carried severe legal and personal consequences. The case resulted in a dismissal of all charges.

Sex Offenses

Forcible Rape and Sexual Penetration by Force → Full Acquittal**
**Samantha Greene represented a client facing one count of forcible rape and three counts of sexual penetration by force, charges carrying a potential 32-year prison sentence. The case resulted in a full acquittal after just 40 minutes of jury deliberations.

Child Molestation → Not Guilty
Samantha Greene represented a client accused of child molestation, a serious charge with potentially devastating consequences. The case went to trial and led to a not-guilty verdict.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence→ Dismissal
Samantha represented a client in a domestic violence case that required swift action and sensitive negotiation. She analyzed the facts and presented evidence disproving key accusations, leading to the dismissal of all charges.

Federal Charges

Importation of Marijuana and Possession with Intent to Distribute → Not Guilty
Samantha Greene represented a client in federal court facing charges of importation of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Following a jury trial in the Southern District of California, the jury returned not-guilty verdicts on both counts.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and should be evaluated by a qualified attorney. For legal advice, please contact our office directly.

Top Awards and Accolades

Recognition by Legal Associations and Publications

Samantha Greene has received recognition from legal organizations and publications during her career in criminal defense law. These recognitions include:

Top 10 Female Attorneys: American Association of Attorney Advocates, 2024
Super Lawyers: Super Lawyers Magazine, 2023-2026
Past recipient of the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award
Past recipient of Best of The Bar award, San Diego Business Journal
Past recipient of Top Lawyer and Top Attorney award, San Diego Daily Transcript
Named among the “2025 Leaders of Influence in Law” by the San Diego Business Journal

Bar-Certified Criminal Law Specialist in California

Samantha Greene holds the title of Certified Criminal Law Specialist, awarded by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in 2017. This certification requires attorneys to meet specific standards, including criminal law experience, continuing legal education, a written examination, and peer review.

Attorney of the Month Feature in Attorney Journal (2016)

In 2016, Samantha Greene was named Attorney of the Month by Attorney Journal in a feature titled “Securing a Strong Finish.” The article highlights Samantha’s criminal defense practice and her ongoing work with clients facing criminal charges in San Diego.

Recognized as a San Diego Leader in Law by Fortune & Forbes (2024)

In 2024, Samantha Greene was featured in Fortune & Forbes as one of San Diego’s Leaders in Law. The article, titled “Playing Defense,” highlights Samantha’s approach to representing clients facing life-altering criminal charges and her philosophy of viewing criminal defendants as individuals rather than case numbers.

Named Among the San Diego Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence in Law” (2025)

Samantha Greene was named among the San Diego Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence in Law” in 2025. Her inclusion on the list, which also named husband Dan Greene, reflects her commitment to criminal defense and serving the San Diego community.

Practice Areas

Samantha Greene’s criminal defense practice is informed by more than 20 years of legal experience. She works with individuals facing a range of criminal charges in San Diego, with a particular emphasis on:

Murder and other violent crimes
Sex crimes
Domestic violence
White-collar crimes
Felony and misdemeanor charges
Drug-related offenses
DUI offenses

Education & Credentials

Juris Doctor Degree: University of San Diego School of Law, 2001
Bachelor’s Degree: University of California, Santa Barbara, 1997

Professional Associations

The State Bar of California: Admitted 2002
Federal Bar Association (Southern, Central Districts Of California): Admitted 2002
Federal Bar Association (Western District Of Virginia): Admitted 2004
Federal Bar Association (Eastern District Of Texas): Admitted 2006

Client Testimonials

If you find yourself or someone you love in a situation you never imagined, Sevens Legal should be your first call. Recently, my family hired Samantha to represent my brother who was facing life on a murder charge and she was nothing short of amazing. She kept us constantly updated and filled us with hope while still keeping our expectations realistic. My brother walked away with his charges dismissed in prelims. He didn’t even have to go to trial. Samantha is the reason why. Watching her fight for my brother’s freedom in a way that we would fight for him was phenomenal. She is who you want on your team fighting for you.

Victoria G.

I contacted Samantha Greene for some legal advice and she immediately returned my call. She listened, put me at ease, and told me she would call me back after looking into things. She called me back within 24 hours to give me information and advice. Samantha was professional, she was kind, and followed through with everything she said she would do. If you are looking for an attorney that is dedicated to her profession, you need to call her. It is very hard to find good people like her. She is the attorney you want. Thank you, Samantha, for everything!

Erika S.

Samantha Greene is an extremely experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected criminal defense attorney who sincerely cares about every case and every client. I was fortunate to work with Samantha as co-counsel on a serious criminal case several years ago, and her diligence, dedication, and genuine compassion was nothing short of inspiring. Samantha is a seasoned professional who is generous with her time, energy, and thoughtful ideas. I am grateful to have worked closely with her and hold her in the highest esteem

Julie B.

Instagram: @sevenslegal
LinkedIn: @sevenslegalcriminallawyers
YouTube: @sevenslegalsd
Facebook: @sevenslegalapc
X: @sevenslegalsd
TikTok: @sevenslegalsd

Instagram: @samanthagreeneesq
X: @samgreene_law

Courthouses in San Diego County