Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Chico

Our Recommended Top 10

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 Chico 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.

75

Reviewed

49

Curated

10

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
2068 Talbert Dr. Suite 300, Chico, CA 95928

Why choose this provider?

Nor Cal Criminal Law is a Chico-based law firm that represents clients in the counties of Butte, Glenn, and Tehama. Susan M. Hearne is the firm's lead attorney, defending clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors in Yuba County Court and Plumas County Court. Ms. Hearne's services include expungement and record clearing, minor in possession, and underage alcohol-related offenses. The attorney also handles more serious cases, such as domestic violence and drug crimes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Susan Hearne - Principal24 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
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (22)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (18)

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
2540 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95973

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Matthew S. Luzaich is a criminal defense law practice founded in Chico by Attorney Matthew Luzaich, a 2013 graduate of the Golden Gate University Law School. He represents clients at DMV hearings and in court for offenses such as public intoxication, minor in possession, drug possession, DUI, resisting arrest, and assault & battery. The attorney also handles domestic violence cases. Mr. Luzaich is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Matthew Luzaich - Principal11 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
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
Yelp
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.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2595 Ceanothus Avenue, Chico, CA 95973

Why choose this provider?

Howell & McHugh is a multi-practice law firm founded in 2005. Martin S. McHugh is a criminal defense attorney in Chico who has been practicing law in California since 1984. He advises clients under investigation for felonies and misdemeanors and defends those brought to trial. The attorney has experience representing people in a wide range of cases, such as domestic violence, assault, theft, DUI, and drug-related offenses, including possession and distribution.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Martin Mchugh - Partner40 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.
4.6
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (9)
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
330 Wall St 20, Chico, CA 95928-5479

Why choose this provider?

Latimer & Kenkel is a DUI and criminal defense law firm based in Chico. It has been providing legal services to clients facing criminal charges throughout the northern part of the state for more than four decades. Collectively, the lawyers at the firm have been defending the rights of clients in criminal cases for over 75 years. The criminal charges the firm handles include DUI and other reckless driving cases, drug crimes, assault, and theft offenses.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Elizabeth Latimer - Partner9 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.
4.3
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (6)
Google
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
196 Cohasset Rd, Chico, CA 95926-2287

Why choose this provider?

Rooney Law Firm is a Chico-based criminal defense firm that represents clients in Yuba City, Butte County, and Northern California. It's also available by appointment-only in Redding and Nevada City. The firm's attorneys have more than 30 years of combined experience defending clients accused of felonies and misdemeanors. They have experience in crimes involving property, gang-related crime, domestic violence accusations, DUI, and crimes involving juveniles, such as minor in possession.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Rooney - Principal27 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.
2.1
Yelp
2.1 / 5 (18)

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
341 Flume Street, Chico, CA 95928

Why choose this provider?

Amaya & Associates Attorneys at Law is a criminal defense practice founded in 2002. Maria J. Amaya is a criminal lawyer in Chico who represents clients in state and federal courts throughout the surrounding areas of Northern California. The attorney has experience defending clients charged with white-collar crimes, theft, domestic violence, drug crimes, and violent crimes. Ms. Amaya is a member of the Butte County and California State Bar associations and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Maria Amaya - Founding Member and Managing Partner22 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.
3.6
Yelp
2.0 / 5 (5)
Avvo
4.0 / 5 (5)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)

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
1550 Humboldt Road, Chico, CA 95928

Why choose this provider?

E. Ryan Lamb Law Firm has been catering to the legal needs of clients in Chico and nearby areas since 2007. The company seeks justice for individuals who are accused of criminal offenses. The firm litigates several types of criminal cases, including domestic violence, sex offense, DUI, illegal possession of weapons, theft, and other serious criminal charges. Other practice areas include campfire lawsuits, personal injury, and employment law. Lamb also works on legal matters across the counties of Butte, Glenn, and Tehama.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Eric Lamb - Principal15 yrs

License Verified:

License: 266850

The State Bar of California

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
4.7 / 5 (15)

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
1074 East Avenue, Chico, CA 95926

Why choose this provider?

Anu Chopra, the owner and founder of Chopra Law Firm, is a criminal defense attorney that provides legal representation to individuals in Chico. She caters to clients who have been accused and arrested for criminal charges as well as those who are being investigated for crimes. She holds more than 14 years of legal experience handling various felony and misdemeanor charges. She offers consultation services to discuss the case facts and client concerns. She also served as a deputy district attorney in California.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Anu Chopra - Principal19 yrs

License Verified:

License: 238327

The State Bar of California

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
4.6 / 5 (9)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)
Facebook
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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1440 Lincoln Street, Oroville, CA 95965

Why choose this provider?

Daniel Ledford is a former deputy district attorney and current criminal justice attorney near Chico who represents people accused of felonies and misdemeanors throughout the surrounding counties. Mr. Ledford has particular experience defending clients charged with DUI, domestic violence, and federal and state drug offenses, such as possession of paraphernalia and distribution. Attorney Daniel Ledford is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and the Butte County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Daniel Ledford - Principal22 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
4.8 / 5 (6)

Website
1339 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926

Why choose this provider?

North Valley Attorneys is a law firm that provides criminal defense in Chico. The firm's lead attorney, Joe VanDervoort, has over 48 years of law experience. VanDervoort's team represents clients charged with assault, which may include homicide, obstructing an officer, resisting arrest, and other forms of assaultive behavior. They also deal with cases of domestic violence, including assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threat, spousal battery, vandalism, and violation of a restraining order.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Geoff Dulebohn - Associate16 yrs
Matthew Bently - Associate12 yrs
John Vandervoort - Lead Attorney52 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
4.3 / 5 (6)
Yelp
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

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 Chico, California?

    530-897-4900 is the non-emergency phone line of the local police station in Chico.

  • What types of cases do Chico criminal defense lawyers typically handle?

    Chico criminal defense attorneys typically handle cases involving drunk in public, drug charges, reckless driving, domestic violence, juvenile defense, and minors in possession. They are also responsible for resolving a variety of issues regarding sexual abuse, theft charges, recall warrants, expungements, and assault and battery.

  • In Chico, what are the three types of criminal charges?

    Chico has three types of criminal charges: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. A minor violation is an infraction, also known as a petty offense. In California, infractions are only punishable by a fine. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a penalty of up to $1,000. In contrast, felonies are the most serious type of criminal offense and are punishable by sentences ranging from sixteen months to life in prison and heavy fines.

  • In Chico, how do criminal court proceedings begin?

    A solicitor files a Statement of Claim to initiate court proceedings in a criminal case in Chico. You should pay attention to one of these if it is served to you. If you ignore it, the creditor may file a lawsuit against you in court. After receiving a Statement of Claim, you usually have 28 days to take action.

  • Can your Chico criminal case affect your professional license?

    If you are a licensed professional in Chico, such as a real estate broker, doctor, or teacher, your job may be jeopardized if you have been convicted of criminal activity. The good news is that the board, department, or commission regulating your profession cannot simply revoke your license without a hearing.

  • What are the advantages of hiring a Chico criminal defense attorney following an arrest?

    The following are some advantages to hiring a Chico criminal defense attorney following an arrest:

    • The ability to examine evidence to identify flaws in the prosecution's case.
    • Extensive legal knowledge and experience to pursue the best possible defense.
    • Access to expert witnesses, private investigators, and other resources to help build a solid case.
    • Negotiation skills that may enable plea bargains or alternative sentences to be reached outside of court.