2025
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LicensingUser ReviewsMystery Shopping CallsOur goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Chico criminal defense lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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= Featured ProviderLatimer & 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.
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.
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.
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.
(18)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.
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.
(10)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.
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.
(6)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.
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.
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530-897-4900 is the non-emergency phone line of the local police station in Chico.
You can obtain a free copy of a police report from the Chico Police Department Online Crime via its online reporting system. All cases reported through the Online Crime Reporting System will be investigated. Following review, you may be contacted if further investigation of your case is required.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The following are some advantages to hiring a Chico criminal defense attorney following an arrest:
Explore the four main criminal defenses and their use in trials. Learn about the role and challenges of defense attorneys in ...
