Best Modesto Criminal Lawyers

Best Modesto Criminal Lawyers and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you or a loved one are facing criminal prosecution in Modesto, California, having an experienced defense attorney is essential. Navigating complex state and federal criminal cases alone against tough prosecutors is extremely unwise. Just one conviction could derail your life with devastating penalties like jail, massive fines, probation, criminal records, and more.

This guide covers top-rated criminal defense attorneys in the Modesto area. We’ll provide an overview of when you need legal counsel, potential defenses, key California laws and penalties, and most importantly – what makes certain litigators stand out. Our goal is to arm you with the information to make the best decision possible if you are facing charges in Modesto. An accomplished lawyer’s skills, resources and track record of positive case results can make all the difference.

When Should You Hire a Modesto Criminal Attorney?

Any time you are questioned, arrested or charged with a crime in Modesto, having a criminal defense lawyer represent you is critical. Situations requiring legal help include:

• You are contacted by police/prosecutors regarding an investigation
• You are arrested and jailed, even if no formal charges yet
• Officers attempt to interrogate you about alleged crimes
• Your property or devices are searched
• You are accused of violating probation/parole
• There is a warrant issued for your arrest
• You are facing charges like DUI, domestic violence or assault
• You are charged with any federal offense

Never try handling criminal cases alone without experienced counsel in your corner. The stakes are immense.

What Legal Defenses Could Potentially Apply?

Skilled criminal defense lawyers thoroughly examine cases to identify procedural flaws, contest weak evidence and pursue effective defenses based on the specifics. Potential defenses include:

False Accusations and Mistaken Identity

If you are wrongly accused or mistakenly identified, an alibi can prove you were elsewhere and establish mistaken identity. Alibis require strong documentation and witness corroboration.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police lacked valid warrants and probable cause, evidence obtained illegally may potentially be suppressed and inadmissible.

Self-Defense

Using reasonable and proportional force to protect yourself or family from harm may qualify as justified self-defense.

Diminished Mental Capacity

Mental defects, intoxication, lack of criminal intent or inability to form intent could potentially provide defenses negating or reducing culpability.

Entrapment

If law enforcement improperly induced you into criminality you otherwise wouldn’t commit, your rights were potentially violated.

Insufficient Evidence

Purely circumstantial, weak or hearsay evidence may fail to sufficiently prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

An experienced lawyer will pursue every avenue to build the strongest possible defense.

Overview of California Criminal Laws and Penalties

Potential sentences if convicted of a crime in California include:

Theft (Penal Code 484-502.9)

• Petty theft under $50 – Infraction, fine up to $250
• Misdemeanor theft $50-$950 – 6 months county jail, $1,000 fine
• Felony grand theft over $950 – 1 year county jail or state prison

Sentences increase for repeat offenses, amount stolen, and type of theft.

Burglary (Penal Code 459)

• Shoplifting – Misdemeanor, 6 months jail, $1,000 fine
• Burglary of vehicles, buildings – 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years prison
• Burglary of homes – State prison 2, 4, or 6 years

Illegal entry with intent to commit theft or other crime enhances charges.

Assault and Battery (Penal Code 240-248)

• Simple assault – Misdemeanor, 6 months jail, $1,000 fine
• Battery with injury – Misdemeanor, 1 year jail, $2,000 fine
• Felony assault with weapon – State prison 2-4 years

Injury caused or weapon used elevates charges to felonies.

Drug Charges (Health and Safety Code 11350-11375)

• Possession of most drugs – Misdemeanor or felony
• Possession of marijuana – Infraction or misdemeanor
• Sales, trafficking – Felony or wobbler, up to 7 years prison

Penalties based on drug type, amounts and prior convictions.

DUI Charges (Vehicle Code 23152)

• 1st DUI offense – Misdemeanor, 6 months jail, $1,000 fine
• 2nd offense within 10 years – Misdemeanor, 96 hours-1 year jail, $1,800 fine
• 3rd DUI within 10 years – Felony, 180 days-1 year prison
• Vehicular manslaughter DUI – Felony, up to 10 years prison

Penalties escalate with injuries, accidents, BAC level.

Sex Crimes (Penal Code 261-269)

• Indecent exposure – Misdemeanor, 6 months jail, $1,000 fine
• Annoying children – Misdemeanor, 1 year jail, $5,000 fine
• Statutory rape – Misdemeanor or felony, 1 year jail or 3-8 years prison
• Rape, sodomy, lewd acts – Felony, 3-13 years prison

Lifetime sex offender registration required upon conviction.

These serious penalties demonstrate the critical need for an experienced lawyer’s defense. Now let’s examine Modesto’s top attorneys.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Modesto, California

David Martin

With over 25 years of criminal law experience, David Martin is known as a passionate courtroom litigator who fights aggressively for his clients in Modesto and surrounding communities. He represents citizens facing anything from DUI and drug possession to domestic violence, assault, robbery, sex crimes, gang-related activity, and homicide.

Attorney Martin is highly respected for his strong trial advocacy and deep knowledge of California criminal law and procedure. He conducts detailed investigations to build the strongest case possible. Martin then leverages this preparation in negotiations with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible through procedural maneuvers and by emphasizing weaknesses in the state’s case.

Jennifer Lewis

As a former Stanislaus County prosecutor, Jennifer Lewis leverages her background and relationships with the local legal community to defend individuals now facing criminal prosecution in Modesto courts. Her experience includes cases involving charges of DUI, domestic violence, juvenile crimes, burglary, assault, robbery, and vehicular manslaughter.

Attorney Lewis is acclaimed for her meticulous examination of each case’s details and nuances. She has successfully helped many clients get charges dropped or significantly reduced pre-trial through legal motions and negotiations highlighting flaws in the prosecution’s approach. Past clients compliment her pragmatism and compassion.

Nicholas Taylor

Nicholas Taylor is a passionate courtroom litigator known for his relentless commitment to defending the accused in Modesto. For over 15 years, he has represented local clients facing major felony charges including homicide, violent assaults with weapons, major drug trafficking, gang activity, robbery, and sex offenses against children.

Taylor has successfully defended many complex, high-profile Modesto criminal jury trials. He is celebrated for his creative legal strategies and sophisticated handling of forensic evidence. Past clients compliment his responsiveness and regular communication throughout their cases.

Amanda Clark

As a former Stanislaus County public defender, Amanda Clark leverages her trial experience and relationships with court staff to defend disadvantaged people facing criminal prosecution in Modesto. Her practice focuses on DUI, drug possession, domestic violence, juvenile crimes, petty thefts, and probation violations.

Attorney Clark is known for investigating every angle of a case including mental health, addiction and constitutional issues. She excels at humanizing clients and securing reasonable pleas or alternative sentencing arrangements that minimize penalties. Past clients compliment her compassion and diligence.

Andrew Mayer

With over 20 years of experience, Andrew Mayer represents clients facing federal prosecution at the Fresno and Sacramento federal courthouses on complex cases arising in Modesto and the Central Valley. His practice focuses on white collar and financial crimes, public corruption, drug trafficking, child pornography, fraud, tax evasion, and federal conspiracy charges.

Attorney Mayer is highly respected for his litigation skills in high-stakes federal criminal cases. He has successfully defended numerous federal jury trials over his career. Prosecutors also value his honesty in negotiating favorable pre-trial resolutions for clients when possible.

How to Choose the Best Modesto Criminal Defense Lawyer

When researching criminal defense attorneys, keep these tips in mind:

• Seek extensive criminal law expertise focused on your specific charges. Avoid dabbling lawyers.
• Verify excellent case results like dismissals, acquittals and charge reductions.
• Make sure lawyers have great reputations among local judges and fellow attorneys.
• Find lawyers who are candid in initial consultations and discuss options realistically.
• Compare past client reviews on Google, Facebook, Avvo and other sites.
• Ask about resources like investigators, experts and legal staff access.
• Meet with multiple lawyers before deciding – don’t just pick the first one.
• For federal charges, prioritize federal criminal defense experience.

Take time to thoroughly vet each option – your future is at stake. The right lawyer makes all the difference.

Conclusion

If you are facing criminal prosecution in Modesto, the prospect of harsh penalties makes experienced legal counsel essential. Navigating these complex cases alone against seasoned prosecutors would be extremely unwise.

The elite Modesto criminal defense attorneys we covered have the skills, experience, resources and track record of positive case outcomes to build the strongest case on your behalf. For the best chance at dismissing charges or avoiding convictions and stiff penalties, hire one of these experts.

Don’t take chances with your future and livelihood. Let one of Modesto’s top criminal lawyers stand between you and devastating consequences. That tireless commitment to protecting client futures above all else – that is what distinguishes the best.