Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Bakersfield

Our Recommended Top 19

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Bakersfield Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

250

Reviewed

157

Curated

19

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
8501 Brimhall Rd Ste 404 Bldg 400, Bakersfield, CA 93312

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1993, Middlebrook & Associates is a Bakersfield DUI defense law firm that handles DUI-related criminal cases throughout California's Central Valley. Founding partner Richard O. Middlebrook utilizes his experience to defend his clients' rights, reputations, and futures. The firm uses various strategies to challenge DUI charges in criminal court, including against field sobriety, blood, and breath tests. Middlebrook & Associates assists with first time, multiple, underage, and felony DUIs.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Richard Middlebrook - Founding Partner31 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (77)
Google
4.7 / 5 (48)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (31)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1309 L Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Rai Law Firm is a private multi-practice firm that serves individuals, families, and businesses in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. It provides legal advice and representation for a variety of misdemeanors and felonies, including DUI charges. The firm also offers services in other areas of law, including business law and civil litigation. Principal attorney Navraj S. Rai serves on the board of the Multicultural Bar Association and Young Lawyers Association. He and his team can accommodate clients in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and Spanish.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1226 L Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Victor Nasser caters to individuals and and businesses in Bakersfield. It offers legal guidance and representation to defendants in criminal cases involving offenses like DUI, domestic violence, and felony. It handles negotiations with prosecutors and faces judges on behalf of its clients. The other practice areas of the firm include business, immigration, and personal injury law. Nasser is licensed to practice law in California and Arizona. He previously worked as a deputy public defender before establishing his firm.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1670 M St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Monica L. Bermudez defends clients facing criminal charges in California. Located in Bakersfield, practice areas range from DUI charges to juvenile delinquency, with the firm representing clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges. Federal criminal defense is available for clients charged with money laundering, drug conspiracy, and mail and wire fraud. Bermudez previously worked with the Tulare Country public defender's office and is a past president of the Kern County criminal defense section.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Monica Bermudez - Principal13 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (27)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3200 21st Street Suite #103, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Bakersfield DUI Attorneys is a criminal defense firm representing clients in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. The firm is focused on protecting the rights of individuals who are facing DUI charges by seeking dismissal of cases or reduction in charges. Its team of lawyers also educates clients on DUI probation violations, ignition interlock devices, and driver's license restoration. Principal attorney Patrick Bowers is part of a team that successfully disproved the presumed reliability of blood tests.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (47)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1215 L Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Why choose this provider?

Hennessy Law Group is a criminal defense firm representing clients in Bakersfield. It protects the constitutional rights of individuals charged with criminal offenses in both state and federal courts. The firm handles criminal cases that involve DUI, kidnapping, and sex crimes. As a member of the Kern County Indigent Defense Panel, founding attorney Timothy Hennessy defends the freedom of the poor accused of committing crimes. He provides legal representation based on the belief that all citizens are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1318 K Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crime
  • Theft & Burglary

Why choose this provider?

Torres | Torres Stallings A Law Corporation is a criminal defense firm that has been assisting clients in Bakersfield for over two decades. It represents clients with state criminal charges such as vehicular manslaughter, DUI, voluntary manslaughter, gun charges, drug possession, and sex crimes. Its lawyers also provide defense for federal crimes, including money laundering, unlawful entry, mortgage fraud, tax fraud, and tax evasion. David is an awarded veteran and a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He caters to English and Spanish-speaking clients.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.1 / 5 (35)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (17)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (5)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1929 Truxtun Ave STE C, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Bill Slocumb represents individuals in the Bakersfield area who are charged with criminal cases. He defends individuals who have been accused of driving while inebriated—including first and second offenses—theft, drug possession, and trafficking. With experience as a prosecutor, Slocumb has gained connections that contribute to and benefit the defense. He works to reduce or potentially terminate the consequences of an arrest. The attorney has handled more than 100 cases involving kidnapping, murder, and robbery cases.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (21)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1412 17th St. Ste 313, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Theft & Burglary
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Gereis Law provides aggressive representation to clients in the Bakersfield area who have been accused of committing a crime. Its principal attorney, Henry G. Gereis, utilizes creative bargaining and interest-based and below-the-line strategies to obtain a favorable outcome for defendants facing DUI, robbery, kidnapping, money laundering, embezzlement, and reckless driving charges. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been featured on numerous media outlets, including Influencive, Disrupt, and Yahoo! Finance.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (38)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (4)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1712 19th St., Suite 211, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence

Why choose this provider?

Tony V. Lidgett is an attorney who caters to clients in Bakersfield and the surrounding communities. His law office represents people who are facing criminal charges, including murder, serious and violent felonies, and misdemeanors. It also provides legal representation in traffic matters, such as DUI. Lidgett has been practicing law for more than 15 years and has won 92% of the cases he handled. He is a recipient of the West Law Scholar Award and holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (12)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
641 H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Elliott B. Magnus is a legal firm that provides advocacy for criminal defendants throughout Kern County. Its criminal lawyer in Bakersfield handles cases involving violent crimes, such as assault and battery, domestic violence, homicide, and weapons charges. The practice also helps clients charged with drug, alcohol, theft, and white-collar crimes, including money laundering, forgery, tax evasion, embezzlement, corporate espionage, counterfeiting, and all forms of fraud. Attorney Elliott B. Magnus works to protect clients' rights, reputation, and freedom.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Elliott Magnus - Principal14 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3300 Truxtun Ave Ste 350, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of James E. Noriega has served clients in the Bakersfield and Kern County area since 1973. It provides representation for those facing DUI, aggravated assault, domestic violence, theft, and fraud charges, and also handles cases involving internet crime, drugs/narcotics, and sexual offenses. Noriega deals with state and federal charges, as well as criminal and civil matters. Other areas of practice include accident and personal injury cases. Noriega also offers immediate jail release assistance.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Noriega - Principal51 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1701 Westwind Dr Ste 203, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2015, Bigger & Harman APC is a Bakersfield traffic defense law firm that handles traffic infractions and misdemeanor offenses. The firm protects those charged with traffic crimes from losing their drivers' licenses and paying increased insurance rates, while seeking to reduce or eliminate fines. Bigger & Harman offers legal counsel for commercial drivers in cases that involve speeding, log book violations, overweight trucks, and lane violations. It also assists with California DMV administrative hearings.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Paul Harman - Founding Partner15 yrs
Mark Bigger - Founding Partner21 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (361)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (196)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (81)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
––
Detail
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Website
651 H St Ste 200, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Mark Anthony Raimondo PC represents clients facing both felony and misdemeanor criminal charges. The firm handles cases involving domestic violence, drug charges, violent crimes, and weapons charges, as well as felony cases including murder and gang charges. It has been ranked as one of the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2015, and clients speak highly of the firm's dedicated and experienced attorneys. Free consultations are available for new clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mark Raimondo - Partner25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (165)
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (50)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
641 H St, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Why choose this provider?

H. A. Sala Attorney at Law serves those charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Bakersfield. The firm works to protect the rights of clients charged with narcotics trafficking, homicide, DUI, embezzlement, theft, and fraud, in addition to assault, conspiracy, battery, and domestic violence. It also defends clients accused of gang-related activities and who are affected by California's "three strikes" rule. Sala focuses on pretrial motions covering Miranda violations, insufficient evidence, defective search warrants, illegal search and seizure, and government misconduct.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Antonio Lopez-hutchison - Associate9 yrs
H.A. Sala - Principal42 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.6 / 5 (19)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (13)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (7)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
12022 Main Street, Lamont, CA 93241
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Lamont Law Firm protects the rights of persons facing criminal charges in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. Its local attorneys, Matt Ruff and Alex Griggs, have over 45 years of combined experience handling criminal defense matters involving traffic tickets, drunk driving charges, drug possession, domestic violence, and child endangerment. They help clients get their sentences reduced or dismissed through a solid defense. Ruff has been appointed by the Lamont Court as counsel for indigent defendants in many criminal cases.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2112 17th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michael S. Parent defends clients in criminal cases in Bakersfield. Practicing since 2008, attorney Michael S. Parent handles cases involving narcotics possession, driving under the influence, domestic violence, firearms violations, and various misdemeanor criminal offenses. He works to protect his clients' rights at critical junctures in their criminal cases, and he seeks the best outcomes possible, including the avoidance of fines, jail time, and loss of employment.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Parent - Principal14 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.4 / 5 (9)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (8)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1412 17th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

California DUI Attorneys is a firm that provides criminal defense representation to clients in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. The firm works on cases like public intoxication and DUIs, working with defendants who have been accused of operating vehicles while drunk or high. Counsel Matthew J. Ruff has over 25 years of defense experience. A member of the National College for DUI Defense, he emphasizes discrediting official police accounts and contesting the authorities' blood chemistry reports and procedural lapses.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
230 H St, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Why choose this provider?

Opened in 2014, the Bakersfield Law Office of Francis Henriquez and Associates protects people needing legal assistance in criminal and immigration matters throughout California. She offers need-based legal service to help with obtaining fingerprint records, reducing sentences, ICE hold visits, and criminal appeals. She handles criminal cases that include DUI, drug offenses, and domestic violence. Francis Henriquez-Ferreira also assists with personal injury claims and immigration, including with naturalization, asylum, deportations, family petitions, deferred actions for childhood arrival, and bond hearings.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Francis Henriquez - Principal12 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (75)
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (11)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (8)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bakersfield, California?

    661-327-7111 is the non-emergency contact number of the local police station in Bakersfield.

  • What is the eligibility for clearing one's criminal record in Bakersfield?

    To be eligible for expungement in Bakersfield, one must meet certain criteria, including the lack of formal accusations filed, having charges dismissed or being acquitted, completing a pre-filing diversion program or drug diversion program, being under 18 years old and convicted of a misdemeanor, or completing probation for certain misdemeanor or "wobbler" offenses. However, eligibility depends on individual circumstances, and it's best to consult an experienced expungement attorney to understand your legal options fully.

  • Why is clearing your criminal record in Bakersfield important?

    It's crucial to seal your record to avoid its negative impacts. Your arrest record can damage your reputation as it can be accessed in background checks and used by various agencies. This information may be used against you when it comes to housing, schooling, professional licensing, and more. Your arrest record is available to the public and can be viewed by anyone with an internet connection. Sealing or destroying your arrest record in Bakersfield can also help protect your privacy.

  • Should you retain a local criminal defense attorney in Bakersfield?

    Having a local attorney in Bakersfield is advantageous because they are well-versed in the procedures and protocols followed by local judges who will preside over your case. Additionally, they carry experience litigating against local prosecutors and have built a positive reputation with their office. This "hometown advantage" can greatly benefit your case and make a local criminal defense attorney highly effective in representing you in court.

  • In what situations would an arrest warrant be used in Bakersfield?

    In Bakersfield, an arrest warrant should be endorsed by a judge or magistrate who concludes there is a likelihood that a crime has been committed. Ordinarily, a warrant is necessary before arresting an individual in their residence. Nonetheless, an arrest may take place without a warrant if the suspect poses a hazard to others or destroys the evidence. Upon the issuance of a warrant, any officer can apprehend the individual, even without possessing a copy of the warrant.

  • What is the crime rate in Bakersfield?

    Bakersfield's crime rate is 48 per 1,000 residents, with a resident having a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime. Its violent crime rate ranks higher than most US communities, with a 1 in 203 chance of a person becoming a victim. Property crimes are also common, with a citizen having a 1 in 23 chance of someone becoming a victim. Among these property crimes, a high rate of motor vehicle theft is seen at 1 in 89.