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The Mitchell Law Group handles all major areas of criminal defense, both in State and Federal Court. If you're faced with a serious felony or misdemeanor charge, and you're concerned about the impact on your life and livelihood, our Fresno Criminal Defense Lawyers will provide the dedicated defense you need to see you through his difficult period in your life. If charged, you may be wondering though, how do criminal cases work in California and what can I expect? Here are some steps the courts will follow.

California's Mental Health Diversion pretrial program has significant new changes starting January 2023 with Senate Bill 1223.

Effective January 1, 2023, Senate Bill 357, the Safer Streets for All Act, went into effect eliminating from the law books the crime of loitering in a public place with the intent to commit prostitution in California. If you feel you have been unfairly profiled by a police officer with the intent to engage in prostitution in California, it is important to take into consideration Senate Bill 357 and review the circumstances involved.

It is important to understand that California is a “mandatory arrest” state, which means law enforcement officials are required to make an arrest of the dominant aggressor if there is probable cause that any form of domestic violence occurred - whether or not a crime has actually been committed. Domestic violence cases are often complex and emotionally overwhelming, which is why having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make a difference.

Mental health diversion is a pretrial program in California that diverts individuals from the criminal justice system into mental health treatment in lieu of facing a criminal trial or conviction. This is an alternative, created for individuals where mental health played a significant part in their alleged crime. However, is it available after the entry of a guilty/no contest plea or the commencement of trial?

Finally, defendants are getting some financial relief when it comes to the burden of onerous court fees. Starting July 1, 2021, administrative fees for criminal court proceedings will be no longer be charged in California. If you are a Fresno resident with questions about fees imposed in a criminal proceeding, contact us for more information on this new law.

We have all seen the videos and heard the recordings of people who were caught saying or doing something the public sees as racist. Many of these individuals are not only shamed and embarrassed, but they can lose their careers and personal relationships based upon their behavior. But what happens if someone accuses you of a crime that you didn't commit because of their racial biases? What if there is no video to prove your innocence? If you’ve been accused of a crime in this area, you speak to an experienced criminal lawyer who can help you sort out the truth.

If you live in California and own a gun, it is critical that you know CA Senate Bill 23, for both your safety and others. Effective since January 1, 2000, CA Senate Bill 23 established new criteria to define assault weapons. Penal Code Section 12276.1 defines an assault weapon as any weapon that exhibit any of following...

Recently enacted, The Mental Health Diversion Law (PC 1001.36) allows for alternative sentencing and treatment under special circumstances. A written motion submitted by a well-qualified attorney is routinely opposed by the prosecution. Thus, when considering defense options in a misdemeanor or felony case, it is critical to use the expertise of a Lawyer.

California has new criminal laws which took effect starting from January 2019. Whether these laws are designed to bring fairness to offenders or sanity in the state, it is essential to have a look at them.

The start of 2019 ushered in several new gun laws here in California. One of the bills signed into law, Assembly Bill 3129, prohibits anyone convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense from owning a firearm for the rest of their life. The new law covers any domestic violence convictions that occur on or after January 1st, 2019. An existing state law already prohibited anyone with a felony conviction from owning firearms. Violating the new firearms law can result in jail or prison time and a fine.

A research group examined known wrongful felony convictions in California over the course of 20 years and estimated that taxpayers lost roughly $282 million as a result.