Visalia, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact Us

Your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake when facing criminal charges in Visalia or Tulare County. California law is tough on crime, and even a seemingly minor offense can lead to jail time, fines, and long-lasting consequences. At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we understand the stress and uncertainty accompanying a criminal accusation. That is why we fight relentlessly to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Whether you have been arrested for DUI, accused of assault, or are under investigation for a serious felony like homicide or embezzlement, you deserve a skilled and dedicated criminal defense lawyer near Visalia, CA to defend you and protect your future. Our Central Valley criminal defense team knows Tulare County’s legal system. With a track record of successful case resolutions and courtroom victories, we are prepared to take on even the most complex criminal matters.

Why Choose the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP?

When you are facing criminal charges in Tulare County, choosing the right defense attorney can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal or between incarceration and freedom. Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP brings 80 years of legal experience, community trust, and courtroom excellence to every criminal defense case we handle in Visalia and throughout California’s Central Valley. 

We are proud to offer the following: 

  • A legacy of legal excellence since 1945: Our firm has been a pillar of legal advocacy in the Central Valley for generations. Our long-standing commitment to the Visalia and greater Tulare County community sets us apart from firms new to the area or unfamiliar with the local court system. We have deep roots in the region and long-standing relationships with legal professionals that we leverage to defend our clients better.
  • Full-service legal insight: Unlike boutique criminal defense firms with limited scope, our team is part of a full-service law firm with various practice areas, including civil litigation, business law, estate planning, and real estate. This breadth of legal knowledge allows us to understand the broader implications of your criminal charges and develop a defense strategy that protects every aspect of your life.
  • Personalized, client-centered representation: We know that no two clients are alike, and no two cases follow the same path. That is why we take a client-centered approach to criminal defense. From the moment you walk through our doors, we take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and tailor our strategy to meet your needs. You will never feel like just another case file.
  • Skilled trial attorneys with proven results: We are not afraid of the courtroom. Our attorneys are experienced litigators with extensive trial experience in state and federal courts. No matter what type of criminal charge you face, we are fully prepared to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a compelling defense. While we are always open to negotiation, we do not shy away from trial when your freedom is on the line.
  • Strong local ties and community trust: Our firm is woven into the Central Valley’s fabric. We understand the local community’s values and concerns because we are part of it. Our reputation for honesty, diligence, and ethical practice has earned us the trust of clients, colleagues, and local leaders for decades. When you work with our team, you are hiring a firm that cares about the community and the people in it, not just the outcome of a single case.
  • A commitment to justice and due process: We are committed to upholding your constitutional rights. Regardless of the charges against them, we believe everyone deserves a strong, fair defense and the presumption of innocence. We will investigate every aspect of your case to ensure justice.

You need more than just a defense attorney when everything is on the line. You need a team of seasoned professionals with a legacy of trust, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy. You need Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP.

We Handle Various Criminal Cases in Visalia and Tulare County

We represent individuals facing various criminal charges in Visalia, Tulare County, and throughout the Central Valley. Some of the most common cases we handle include:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

California has some of the nation’s strictest DUI laws, and Tulare County law enforcement is aggressive in its prosecution. A first offense DUI can lead to fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, and jail time. Repeat offenses and DUIs involving injury or death carry significantly harsher penalties. Our firm investigates every aspect of your DUI arrest, including:

  • Whether the traffic stop was legal
  • Whether law enforcement administered the field sobriety or chemical tests properly
  • Potential issues with breathalyzer calibration or blood sample handling

We work to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and negotiate for reduced charges or fight for acquittal at trial.

Assault and Battery

In California, assault is the unlawful attempt to cause another person injury, while battery is the actual physical contact or use of force. Charges can range from simple misdemeanor assault to felony aggravated battery, depending on the circumstances and alleged injuries. We defend against all types of assault-related charges, including:

  • Bar fights or altercations
  • Road rage incidents
  • Domestic-related assaults
  • Assault with a deadly weapon

Some of the defenses we may use to fight these accusations include self-defense, mistaken identity, or lack of intent.

Embezzlement and White-Collar Crime

White-collar crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and identity theft can have serious consequences, including prison time and restitution, even if you have never been in trouble with the law before. We defend clients against:

  • Embezzlement from employers or organizations
  • Forgery or falsifying financial documents
  • Healthcare, insurance, and credit card fraud
  • Misappropriation of public funds

Our firm understands the complex financial documents and regulations involved in white-collar crime cases. We will scrutinize the prosecution’s case and protect your rights during any government investigation.

Drug Charges

Drug crimes are prosecuted aggressively in Tulare County, even as California continues to reform its laws regarding controlled substances. Depending on the circumstances, drug offenses can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, with consequences ranging from probation to years in prison. We represent clients charged with:

  • Drug possession, including for personal use
  • Possession for sale or trafficking
  • Marijuana cultivation, such as illegal grows or distribution
  • Prescription drug fraud

We may be able to challenge an unlawful search and seizure or seek diversion programs or treatment options instead of jail time for eligible defendants.

Domestic Violence

Allegations of domestic violence can lead to immediate arrest, restraining orders, and criminal charges, even without physical evidence. A domestic violence conviction can affect child custody, gun rights, employment, and more. We represent individuals accused of:

  • Physical abuse of a spouse or partner
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Violating a restraining order
  • Domestic battery or assault

Our attorneys understand the sensitive nature of these cases. We provide a balanced and compassionate defense, often involving false accusations, misinterpretation of events, or mutual conflict.

The Criminal Defense Process in Tulare County

Understanding how the local criminal justice process works is crucial for making informed decisions. Here is a general overview of what to expect if you are charged with a crime in Visalia or anywhere in Tulare County:

  • Arrest and booking: Law enforcement will typically take you to the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility or another local holding center after an arrest. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. Exercise those rights immediately.
  • Arraignment: At your arraignment, the judge will formally read the charges against you and ask how you plead. They may set bail at this time. Having legal representation to advocate for release or reduced bail is crucial.
  • Pre-trial hearings: Our attorneys will review the prosecution’s evidence, file motions to suppress unlawful evidence, and potentially negotiate a plea deal. If we do not reach an agreement, the case proceeds to trial.
  • Trial: At trial, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case before a jury of your peers.
  • Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on the charges and any aggravating or mitigating factors. We fight hard to secure lenient sentences, alternative sentencing, or probation where possible.

Navigating the criminal justice system in Tulare County can be daunting, but you do not have to go through it alone. With the help of our experienced Visalia criminal defense lawyers, you will have a trusted advocate guiding you at every step, protecting your rights, explaining your options, and fighting for the best possible outcome.

How Our Team at Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP Builds a Strong Criminal Defense

Our criminal defense team serving Visalia, CA understands that every criminal case is unique and every client deserves a tailored, strategic defense. Our approach is thorough, aggressive, and rooted in decades of legal experience in Tulare County and throughout California’s Central Valley. We do not rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we craft custom defense strategies to dismantle the prosecution’s case and protect your future.

We Intervene Early and Take Immediate Action

Time is critical in criminal cases. From the moment you contact our firm, we move quickly to protect your rights. Early intervention allows us to preserve crucial evidence, identify legal defenses, and, in some cases, convince prosecutors to reduce or drop charges before formal proceedings begin. Getting our defense team involved as early as possible gives you the strongest chance of success.

We Conduct a Detailed Case Investigation

A successful defense begins with an in-depth understanding of the facts. We conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation that goes beyond the police reports. Our team will:

  • Interview witnesses and identify inconsistencies in their statements
  • Review body cam footage, surveillance video, and digital evidence
  • Visit the crime scene to examine physical evidence and context
  • Retain private investigators or forensic experts when necessary

This meticulous approach allows us to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a solid foundation for your defense.

We Challenge the Evidence

Not all evidence is admissible in court. We carefully scrutinize how law enforcement obtained the evidence to determine whether they violated your constitutional rights. If they conducted an illegal search, failed to read your Miranda rights, or obtained a confession under duress, we will file the appropriate motions to suppress that evidence. In addition, we challenge the reliability of the prosecution’s evidence, including:

  • Questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer or drug tests
  • Highlighting inconsistencies or bias in police reports
  • Discrediting unreliable witnesses or confidential informants
  • Exposing flaws in forensic methods or expert testimony

By undermining the credibility of the government’s evidence, we create reasonable doubt that can lead to reduced charges, a favorable plea deal, or full acquittal at trial.

We Develop a Powerful Legal Strategy

Every case requires a strategy tailored to the charges, the available evidence, and your individual goals. For example:

  • In a DUI case, we may challenge the legality of the traffic stop or the accuracy of the chemical testing.
  • We may argue an unlawful search and seizure or improper chain of custody in a drug case.
  • We may uncover financial discrepancies or demonstrate a lack of intent in an embezzlement matter.
  • In domestic violence cases, we often examine motives for false accusations or explore evidence of self-defense.
  • In homicide cases, we may develop affirmative defenses such as justifiable homicide, accident, or mistaken identity.

We tailor our defense to your case’s facts and the legal nuances of your specific charges.

We Collaborate With Experts

In complex cases, we work with a network of trusted experts whose insights can strengthen your defense. These may include:

  • Forensic scientists
  • Toxicologists
  • Digital forensic analysts
  • Financial auditors
  • Psychologists and mental health professionals

Their reports and testimony can be invaluable in disproving elements of the prosecution’s case or bolstering our defense theory.

We Negotiate Strategically When Appropriate

While we are always prepared to go to trial, we also understand that we can resolve many cases through negotiation. When appropriate, we engage in discussions with the District Attorney’s office to secure the most favorable outcome, whether that is a reduction in charges, entry into a diversion program, or an alternative sentence that avoids jail time. We advise you of your options and will only recommend a plea deal if it aligns with your best interests.

We Prepare Relentlessly for Trial

If a trial becomes necessary, we are ready. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in Tulare County courtrooms and understand how to present persuasive arguments to judges and juries. We carefully select jurors, deliver compelling opening and closing statements, and use expert witnesses and visual evidence to support your case. Our team remains focused, strategic, and tenacious.

Contact Our Visalia Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

If you are facing criminal charges in Visalia, Tulare County, or anywhere in the Central Valley, do not wait to get the legal help you need. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we believe everyone deserves a strong defense, regardless of their charges. Let us stand between you and the power of the government. We will fight to protect your freedom, record, and future. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Visalia, CA.