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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Modesto, CA

Our Recommended Top 3

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

149Reviewed

90Curated

3Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

801 10th St, 5th Floor, Modesto, CA 95354

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (47)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Rebecka A. Monez serves the Modesto community. It exclusively practices criminal law, handling cases including homicide, robbery, domestic violence, and sex crimes. Founder Rebecka A. Monez brings over 15 years of legal experience to fight for defendants' rights in settlement negotiations and litigation in state and federal courts. She understands the complexity of the California Sentencing Enhancement, which gives her the advantage of creating a strong defense. She was named 2023 Litigator of the Year by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers.

900 G Street, Suite 300, Modesto, CA 95354

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (31)
Facebook
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Lobo Law protects the constitutional rights of Modesto residents facing criminal charges. It handles a variety of criminal defense cases related to assault, drug abuse, and domestic violence. The firm also represents clients in DMV hearings in surrounding counties and helps qualified individuals obtain a restricted license. Through expungement proceedings, Lobo Law helps the accused or convicted maintain their ability to keep or gain employment. Founding partner Aaron Villalobos has computer skills and has taught law students how to use legal databases.

801 15th St Suite B, Modesto, CA 95357

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (45)

Why choose this provider?

Salgado Law Office represents business owners, wrongfully accused individuals, and families in Modesto and its surrounding communities. It provides legal counsel in a variety of practice areas, including criminal defense, bankruptcy, and family law. Wilber M. Salgado, sole practitioner, has been advocating for the client's rights in and out of the courtroom since 2014. Before starting the Salgado Law Office, he worked as a paralegal for several firms, including Curtis Legal Group and Hakeem Ellis & Marengo.

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Law Office of Rebecka A. Monez
801 10th St, 5th Floor, Modesto, CA 95354
Lobo Law
900 G Street, Suite 300, Modesto, CA 95354
Salgado Law Office
801 15th St Suite B, Modesto, CA 95357

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.

FAQs

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

    Call the Modesto Police Department at (209) 572-9500 or (209) 552-2470 for non-emergency concerns.

  • Do you still need a Modesto criminal defense attorney if you plan on pleading guilty?

    Yes! If you enter a guilty plea, the prosecution will proceed, and the prosecutor will attempt to impose the harshest penalties for the crime. A Modesto criminal defense attorney will work to have the charge reduced and the punishments minimized, such as getting you probation rather than jail time. The lawyer might even be able to have all charges dropped.

  • What happens if you get arrested for DUI while passing through Modesto, CA?

    If you’re an out-of-state DUI defendant in Modesto, you will have 10 days from the arrest to have a DMV hearing scheduled to get your license back. If not, your license will be automatically suspended for 30 days. Your privilege to legally drive in your home state may also be suspended. It is important that you work with a local criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities and tight deadlines involved in out-of-state DUI.

  • How do the California Sentencing Enhancements affect your case in Modesto?

    The California Sentencing Enhancements add a minimum of three years of prison time on top of your initial sentence. The Firearm Enhancement is for when you were armed or used a firearm, or injured someone using the firearm while committing the crime. The Gang Enhancement is if you committed the crime in association with or to benefit a street gang. And, the Three Strikes Rule for when you already have two prior felony convictions.

  • Can you talk to the witness and convince them to withdraw from your criminal case in Modesto?

    You must not. According to the California Penal Code Section 136.1, it is a crime to dissuade or intimidate a witness into withholding their testimony. Depending on the circumstances, you can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor for doing this in Modesto. A conviction for dissuading a witness has serious repercussions, including deportation if you're a non-U.S. citizen.

  • Can a criminal conviction be expunged in Modesto, CA?

    Under the California Penal Code § 1203.4, yes, it can be expunged. Take note that expungement in California is not the same as in other states. It does not result in your criminal records being wiped out as if the case never happened. Rather, the expungement process allows the Modesto judge to reopen your case, strike your prior conviction, and then dismiss the case. You can say that you were never convicted of the crime.