Criminal Defense Attorneys in Fresno, CA

Charges in Fresno, from DUI to drug and assault cases, are prosecuted in Fresno County. A California-licensed criminal defense attorney serving Fresno will review your case for free.

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How we match your Fresno criminal defense case

When you submit a Fresno criminal defense matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.

Case type

A criminal defense matter needs someone who handles criminal defense work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.

Size and complexity

Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.

Jurisdiction and licensing

Your matter is decided under California law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in California who regularly appears where your case would be heard.

Capacity and fit

Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.

Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.

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DearLegal provides marketing and matching services and is not a law firm, and is not a State Bar-certified lawyer referral service. Submitting a case does not create an attorney-client relationship. Matches depend on case type, jurisdiction and firm availability.

Criminal Defense cases in Fresno

More about legal help in Fresno →

Criminal charges in Fresno arise from DUI stops on Highway 99 and city streets, drug and gang-related prosecutions, domestic violence calls, agricultural theft, and campus incidents near the university. Cases are prosecuted in Fresno County courts, which handle one of the larger criminal dockets in the Central Valley. A conviction can affect immigration status, professional licenses, and farm or commercial driving jobs, so how a case is resolved matters. DearLegal matches you with a California-licensed attorney who handles criminal defense cases in Fresno, with a free review.

Criminal cases from Fresno arrests are prosecuted in Fresno County courts, one of the Valley’s busiest systems.
Highway 99 produces a steady stream of DUI and drug transportation charges around Fresno.
Immigration consequences of a plea are a major concern for many Fresno defendants.

California criminal defense rules at a glance

Fresno cases run under California law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the California page.

Read the full California criminal defense guide →

Felony Statute of Limitations: No limit
No limit for offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment (e.g., murder); 6 years for felonies punishable by 8+ years; 3 years for other felonies (Cal. Pen. Code § 800, § 801, § 799)
Misdemeanor Statute of Limitations: 1 year
1 year for most misdemeanors (Cal. Pen. Code § 802)
Sentencing Structure: Determinate Sentencing
Determinate Sentencing Law under Cal. Pen. Code § 1170 — low/middle/high triad with SB 567 (2022) middle-term presumption; Three Strikes enhancements under Pen. § 667/§ 1170.12 (modified by Prop 36, 2012)
Expungement / Record Sealing: Cal. Pen. Code § 1203.4
Cal. Pen. Code § 1203.4 dismissal (post-probation); Pen. § 851.91 arrest sealing; AB 1076/SB 731 automatic relief for many offenses; Prop 64 marijuana reclassification (Pen. § 11361.8)
Bail / Pretrial Release: Cal. Const. Art
Cal. Const. Art. I, § 12 bail right with exceptions; In re Humphrey (2021) requires ability-to-pay findings; SB 10 (2018) cash bail elimination struck down by Prop 25 referendum (2020), so cash bail remains
Typical attorney fee: Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee

Exhibit D

How much do Fresno criminal defense attorneys cost?

Typical fee schedule

California · Criminal Defense

Fee modelHourly / Flat Fee

Feequoted per petition or matter

Filing costsitemized upfront

Case reviewFree

Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.

Criminal Defense matters in California are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.

Criminal defense attorneys in California work on hourly or flat-fee retainers — contingency fees are prohibited in criminal cases under Cal. Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d) and ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Misdemeanors and most felonies are flat-fee; complex cases (homicide, capital, federal, multi-count) use hourly billing with substantial retainers. The Los Angeles County, San Francisco, San Diego, and Alameda County Public Defender Offices represent indigent defendants — some of the most respected PD offices in the country.

A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.

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Exhibit F

Fresno criminal defense questions, answered

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Misdemeanors and felonies from Fresno arrests are generally handled in Fresno County courts, with federal charges going to the federal courthouse in Fresno. The process begins with an arraignment, usually within days of arrest. An attorney can appear with you and often negotiate before the case goes further.

If you know you are under investigation, yes. An attorney can speak to investigators for you, prevent damaging statements, and sometimes persuade the prosecutor not to file or to file a lesser charge. Early involvement is one of the most effective tools in criminal defense.

Yes, certain convictions and even some plea deals can trigger removal or block future immigration benefits. A defense attorney in Fresno who understands those consequences can negotiate pleas structured to avoid them. Tell your attorney about your status early so they can protect it.

No. Politely decline and ask for an attorney. California police — LAPD, SFPD, CHP, sheriffs — are skilled interrogators. The Reid Technique is in active use, and what you say in a “casual” pre-Miranda conversation is admissible. Invoke your Fifth Amendment right to silence and Sixth Amendment right to counsel clearly: “I’m invoking my right to remain silent and I want an attorney.”

Yes. California misdemeanors carry up to 6 months or 1 year in county jail, fines up to $1,000–$10,000, and collateral consequences (immigration, licensing, firearm rights). Many misdemeanors are eligible for diversion (Pen. § 1001.95, mental health diversion under § 1001.36, military diversion under § 1001.80) — but only with effective advocacy.