Fresno, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Facing criminal charges in Fresno puts everything on the line: your freedom, your job, and your future. With over 200 years of combined experience, your Fresno, CA criminal defense lawyer from Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP is here to step in, take your side, and fight back with real strategy. Call today to get honest answers and find out what we can do to protect you.

What to Expect When You Are Charged With a Crime in Fresno

If you were recently charged with a crime, you are probably feeling uncertain, frustrated, or just plain overwhelmed. That is completely normal. In Fresno, the process usually starts with an arrest, followed by booking, fingerprinting, and paperwork. After that, you will go through arraignment where charges are formally read, you will enter your plea, and bail may be discussed. From there, deadlines begin to stack up quickly.

The earlier you have someone on your side, the better. From the moment you are charged, every decision you make can affect your case. A defense lawyer helps protect your rights, manage communication with police and prosecutors, and make sure you do not say or do something that could hurt you later. Even during those first few days, there is already a strategy starting to take shape.

Our criminal defense lawyers step in quickly to keep the process steady and focused. We make sure the prosecution does not get too far ahead before the defense even starts. That means reviewing reports, gathering evidence, and speaking with potential witnesses. It also means taking over communication so you are not left fielding questions or trying to navigate the court process on your own. 

Common Criminal Cases We Handle in Fresno County

We represent people throughout Fresno County who are facing serious charges and uncertain futures. Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, each case deserves a defense that fits the situation and goals of the person involved. Below are some of the most common types of cases we regularly take on for clients in the area:

  • DUI charges
  • Drug possession and distribution cases
  • Assault and battery
  • Domestic violence accusations
  • Probation violations
  • Theft and shoplifting offenses
  • Juvenile delinquency proceedings
  • White-collar crimes like fraud or embezzlement
  • Weapons and firearm-related charges
  • Record sealing and expungement efforts

Every case depends on the evidence, the timing, and how the law applies to your situation. We look at what the state is claiming and focus on the facts that really matter. Our criminal defense attorneys work to resolve cases early when possible, but we also prepare every case as if it is going to court, so you are never caught off guard.

How DUI Cases Are Prosecuted in Fresno County

A DUI charge can turn your life upside down. Suddenly, you are dealing with both court deadlines and the possibility of losing your license. In Fresno County, law enforcement takes these cases seriously and pursues charges under California Vehicle Code § 23152, even for first-time offenses. 

When we take on a DUI case, we start by looking at how the stop happened and whether the officers followed the rules during every part of the process. If we discover that any of your rights were violated, we will work diligently to have any illegally obtained evidence excluded from your case. 

Legal Challenges After You Agree to Testing

Agreeing to chemical testing during a DUI stop does not mean the results are beyond question. We look at how the test was handled, whether the device was calibrated properly, and whether the officer followed protocol. If anything was done incorrectly or rushed, it could change how that evidence is viewed in court.

We also take a closer look at the moments before the test. If the officer failed to explain your rights or pressured you into agreeing without giving you time to think, that could be an issue. Every step matters in a DUI case, and we take the time to check each detail so nothing unfair gets used against you.

Problems with Field Sobriety Tests

Before any chemical testing is done, officers often rely on field sobriety tests to decide whether to make an arrest. These tests can be affected by everything from poor lighting to medical conditions to nerves. If you were asked to perform these roadside tests, our team can look closely at how they were explained, whether they were recorded, and if they were used fairly in your case.

Administrative and Criminal Penalties That Follow a DUI Arrest

Getting arrested for DUI means dealing with more than just a court case. You will also face a DMV hearing, often times before your court hearing, which can lead to a license suspension. If deadlines are missed or paperwork is incomplete, your ability to drive could be affected even before your court date arrives.

We manage both the court process and the DMV side of things for you. That includes showing up for your hearing, preparing the paperwork, and guiding your defense every step of the way. You should not have to juggle this without legal guidance or support. We are here to protect your rights and help you move through this with a plan.

Defending a White Collar Crime Charge

White-collar cases are often built on paperwork, timelines, and long trails of digital records. These charges can feel confusing because they are usually tied to technical information rather than direct confrontation. We work with professionals who are accused of fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and similar offenses, and we understand how to break these cases down from the inside out.

Fraud, Forgery, and False Statements

If you are facing a charge under California Penal Code § 118, such as perjury or filing false documents, the state is likely relying heavily on paperwork and written records. These cases often come down to what was said, signed, or submitted, and when it was done. We start by reviewing every part of the state’s evidence and asking where the gaps are.

Even small inconsistencies in documents or timelines can change how the case is viewed. We look for missing information, conflicting reports, or moments where the records do not quite line up with the state’s version of events. That kind of careful review can be the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.

Building a Strategic Defense in Paper-Based Cases

Paper-based cases are unique because they require a different kind of investigation. Instead of focusing only on eyewitness testimony or physical evidence, we bring in forensic accountants, review metadata, and consult with internal audit professionals. These tools help us trace the flow of information and identify errors or assumptions that weaken the prosecution’s argument.

Our role is to look closely at how the evidence was gathered, how it was handled, and whether any important context was left out. When the government builds its case around documents and digital records, even one flawed link in the chain can raise serious doubt. We work to find those flaws and use them to protect your future.

We Take On Drug Possession, Diversion, and Record Sealing Charges

Being charged with drug possession under California Health & Safety Code § 11350 can be serious, even if you have never been in trouble before. In California, this charge can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the type of substance, how much you had, and your criminal history. What happens next depends on how the case is handled early and what legal options are available in your situation.

For eligible cases, California Penal Code § 1000 offers a chance to avoid a conviction through pretrial diversion. This program allows nonviolent drug offenders to complete treatment and education classes instead of going through a traditional court process. If the program is completed successfully, the charges are dismissed and no conviction appears on your record. This option is often available to people who have never gone through the system before.

California law also gives you a way to move forward after a case has ended. Under California Penal Code § 851.87, you can request to seal your arrest record if the case was dismissed or you were never convicted. The California Senate Bill 731, known as the Clean Slate Act, goes a step further by providing automatic relief in certain cases after probation is completed. These laws were designed to give people a real second chance without having a past mistake follow them for life.

How Violent Crimes Are Charged and Prosecuted in Fresno

If you are facing a violent crime charge, everything can feel like it is moving fast and against you. These cases are high-stakes from the start, with the potential for long prison terms, life sentences, or even capital punishment in extreme cases. We understand how heavy that feels, and we do not take it lightly. 

From the moment we get involved, we treat your case with the urgency, care, and respect it deserves. Every decision matters, and every detail needs to be taken seriously.

Use of Force and Intent-Based Enhancements

In violent crime cases, prosecutors often try to add charges that make the sentence even harsher. These might involve allegations about a weapon, claims of serious bodily injury, or arguments about what they believe your intent was at the time of the alleged incident. Once those enhancements are added, the penalties can increase significantly, even if the underlying charge was already serious on its own.

We do not let those claims go unchallenged. We examine what really happened, who was involved, and whether the facts support what the state is trying to prove. If something about the enhancement feels exaggerated or unfair, we do everything in our power to challenge it. These charges carry weight, and our job is to make sure the court sees the full picture, not just the version that helps the prosecution.

Witness Statements Can Either Build or Undermine Your Case

When physical evidence is limited, prosecutors often rely on what someone else says happened. However, not all testimony is created equal. As it happens, witness credibility and your case are closely connected, especially when a single person’s statement becomes the core of the prosecution’s case.

In some situations, those statements come from people who are confused, afraid, or have something personal at stake. We take time to understand who is speaking and why. 

We look at when the statement was made, whether it changed, and how reliable it really is. If the witness has a reason to lie or simply got it wrong, that needs to be addressed. In a case where your freedom is on the line, nothing should be accepted without being tested.

Sentencing Exposure and Long-Term Consequences

If you are facing a charge like murder, manslaughter, or aggravated assault, you are probably already thinking about the worst-case scenario. That is completely understandable. California laws take violent crime charges seriously, and the penalties reflect that. For instance:

These penalties also come with long-term consequences that can affect everything from housing to employment, even after your sentence is served. That is why it is so important to understand exactly what is at stake and what can be done to reduce that risk. 

We take the time to talk with you about sentencing in a way that is clear and honest, without adding fear to an already stressful situation. That includes explaining how enhancements work, what the district attorney might be aiming for, and where there may be opportunities to push back. 

Early Action Makes a Difference in a Fresno Criminal Case

When you are facing criminal charges, it can feel like everything is happening all at once. It is easy to feel frozen or unsure of what to do next. However, one of the most important things you can do is act early. Getting ahead of the case gives you more options, more control, and a better chance of protecting your future. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to shift the direction of things. 

Here are some of the ways early action can help:

  • Early evidence gathering to support your side of the story.
  • Pre-file representation before the district attorney makes a charging decision.
  • Timely suppression motions when your rights were violated during a search or stop.
  • Reviewing security footage and witness statements before they disappear.
  • Exploring pretrial diversion if this is your first time in the system.
  • Connecting with treatment or support programs before court involvement.
  • Having time to negotiate before formal charges are filed.
  • Clearing up old warrants before they cause more problems.
  • Working on a strategy if you are facing a probation violation.
  • Planning for release conditions if you expect to be taken into custody.
  • Looking at prior convictions that might impact sentencing.
  • Getting in front of the DA early to explain who you are, not just what is on paper.

 

Time really does make a difference in these cases. When your Fresno, CA criminal defense attorney is brought in early, we are able to help guide things before they get locked in. Instead of just reacting to what the state throws your way, we can help set the tone from the start and work toward the outcome you actually need.

How Constitutional Violations Can Affect Criminal Charges in Fresno

The U.S. Constitution gives you important protections if you are accused of a crime. One of the most important is your Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. This applies to traffic stops, home searches, pat-downs, and arrests. If police cross this line, the evidence they collect may not be allowed in court.

Issues often come up during traffic stops, and the Fourth Amendment plays a critical role in these moments. If officers stop your car without a valid reason or search your vehicle without probable cause or consent, that can create serious problems for the prosecution. We look closely at dashcam footage, police reports, and body camera recordings to see if anything was done improperly. When there is no clear reason for the stop or search, we raise that concern in court.

One of the most powerful tools we use in these situations is a motion to suppress. This allows us to challenge the way evidence was collected and, in some cases, get key parts of the case thrown out. If the court agrees that your rights were violated, the case may be significantly weakened or even dismissed. We take these challenges seriously because your rights matter and no one should be convicted based on improperly gathered evidence.

Trust in a Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Fresno, CA Today

Your criminal defense attorney serving Fresno, CA is here to guide you through this and give you honest answers when everything feels uncertain. At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we build strong defenses from the start because your freedom deserves nothing less. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and find out where your case really stands.