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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Merced, CA

Our Recommended Best Merced Criminal Defense Lawyers

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Merced 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.

58Reviewed

35Curated

2Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Merced
139 West El Portal Drive, Merced, CA 95348

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Fresno Legal Defense has more than 100 years of combined experience navigating through the criminal justice system and accommodates locals of Merced and across California, who are in need of a criminal defense lawyer. The law firm has handled thousands of criminal cases, including gang crimes, drug offenses, domestic violence, and theft crimes. Its team conducts an independent investigation on behalf of the accused and seeks other potential eyewitnesses who can provide testimonies that will help its client's defense.

Adam J. Rodriguez has conducted more than 25 jury trials in various defense cases, including DUI and homicide. He has previously worked with the Fresno Public Defenders and the Alternate Defense Office in the Juvenile Delinquency Division. Adam has also been featured on Central Valley Talk.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Domestic Violence
  • Juvenile Crimes

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Merced
2121 K St, Merced, CA 95340

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (9)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Led by a former prosecutor, Carlos Fuentes Attorney at Law handles criminal defense cases in Merced and the rest of California. It prides itself on a solid reputation of fighting for the constitutional rights and interests of individuals who have been accused of committing crimes. It provides aggressive legal defense and counsel against various charges, including drunk driving, domestic violence, robbery, and drug-related offenses. The law firm offers a confidential initial consultation. It also serves Spanish-speaking clients.

Carlos Fuentes was sworn in as a full-fledged attorney in 2002. He earned his J.D. from the University of California. The Mexican-born lawyer also holds a bachelor's degree in psychology. He is also a former Spanish interpreter at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

Compare Best Merced Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Fresno Legal Defense
139 West El Portal Drive, Merced, CA 95348
Carlos Fuentes Attorney at Law
2121 K St, Merced, CA 95340

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 with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Merced, CA Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Merced, California is (209) 385-6905.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Merced, California?

    You can get a copy of the police report for your case in Merced from the Records Division of the Main Police Station located at 611 W. 22nd Street, Merced. You may contact the Records Division at (209) 385-6912.

  • Is it necessary to acquire legal representation in Merced despite your innocence?

    In Merced, it's crucial for all those accused of a crime to secure the services of a skilled defense lawyer. Some innocent people still end up behind bars. To prevent such miscarriages of justice, hiring a criminal defense attorney is highly recommended. Your attorney will work to defend your rights and ensure the truth is upheld throughout the criminal justice process.

  • Is it possible to face penalties for only trying to carry out a criminal act in Merced?

    In Merced, attempting to perpetrate a criminal act is considered a crime in its own right. This law enables prompt criminal sanctions against those with criminal intent, even if they fail to succeed. To be convicted for an attempted offense, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused not only intended to commit the crime but also undertook steps beyond planning to carry out the act.

  • Is a warrant necessary for Merced police to detain you?

    Typically, police officers in Merced need a warrant before making an arrest. Nevertheless, according to California Vehicle Code 40300.5 and Criminal Code Section 836, police can arrest without a warrant. Specifically, a warrantless arrest is permissible when: (1) a crime is committed in the presence of law enforcement or (2) police officers have probable cause to believe the individual committed the crime, irrespective of whether the crime was done in their presence.

  • What rights are available to you after being arrested in Merced?

    In the event of an arrest in Merced, you possess the right to refrain from speaking and the option to seek legal representation. If you're coerced into disclosing information to the authorities without legal counsel, it's considered a violation of your rights. You can invoke your Fifth Amendment privilege and stay silent to prevent self-incrimination. It's recommended that you use this right to protect yourself.

  • In Merced, what distinguishes misdemeanors from felonies?

    In Merced, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are considered less severe, such as drug possession, first-time DUI, and theft of less than $500. On the other hand, felonies are deemed more severe offenses, such as murder, kidnapping, rape, armed robbery, and burglary. This classification system applies to Merced and the whole state of California.