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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.

Emergency Protective Orders are the initial order given by law enforcement on the scene when there is a domestic violence incident. If you have been charged with domestic violence in California, please contact us at once for a free consultation. It is imperative to know and follow all boundaries of the orders that have been placed against you and all parties involved. 

California enacted a new law effective July 1, 2022. This law addresses court video appearances in criminal matters AB 199. This bill extends the courts’ ability to allow defendants and witnesses in criminal proceedings to appear remotely under certain circumstances. AB 199 still requires the defendant’s consent, and the court still maintains the discretion to require the physical presence of any defendant or witness in a criminal proceeding.

New misdemeanor diversion law doesn't apply to California DUI's, it is found after confusion. Prosecutors argued instead that an existing state Vehicle Code provision forbids diversion for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Regardless if it’s a DUI or any charge, if you have been charged with a misdemeanor and think you may be eligible for Diversion, please contact us at once for a free consultation.

Being subjected to misconduct from a Police Officer or Police Gang? Bill AB 958 states that it will define law enforcement gangs and officers, require law enforcement agencies to have a policy prohibiting law enforcement gangs, and make participation grounds for termination. Read more to find out how we can help if you have been subjected to misconduct.

Accused Of Arson? Arson charges are dependent on the accused perpetrator's intent. Did you mean to start a fire, or was it an accident? Did you intend to burn down a garage or an entire neighborhood? Did you intend to hurt anyone?

An arrest for a DUI is a frightening and confusing experience, and most people lack knowledge about how to handle the situation. Everything you do and say matters, so it's essential to know your rights and be cognizant of your behavior and statements to the authorities. Read more for things you should be aware of.

There may be times when you're not sure whether the police have arrested you in a lawful way. Don't the police always need a warrant to make an arrest? Can they arrest you without one? You may not be sure about the answer, and it might help you to know whether the police followed due process while arresting you.

In the State of California, the penalties for a DUI conviction are tough. If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or above or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, to the point that your driving is significantly affected, you can be convicted of a DUI charge. How can a DUI lawyer help with California’s tough penalties for a DUI?

It is illegal to drive under the influence, which means that all Fresno DUI charges go to criminal court. While individuals have the right to represent themselves in court, most defendants in these cases will either have a court-appointed public defender or hire a private attorney to represent them.

There are many ways in which an attorney can present a DUI defense, depending on the circumstances under which the person was arrested. Of course, there are many factors which determine whether a person will be convicted of driving under the influence. There are various things which the arresting officer will note in their report, and these may be used to determine whether the person was driving under the influence of alcohol. Read More...

A DUI conviction can have far-reaching consequences that will affect virtually every aspect of your life, from your finances to your employment and even your personal relationships. Some of these effects are short-term, but others are long-term and potentially permanent. Read more to find out what ways a DUI affect your life.

The California Supreme Court, last month, upheld the Court of Appeal Decision in In Re Kenneth Humphrey. This is a game changer for the bail system in California. Now the court can consider a defendant’s ability to pay the bail in deciding what the bail should be, or if alternatives to incarceration can be arranged.

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.

Unemployment benefits skyrocketed as soon as the coronavirus made itself known. Many states, including California, are finding out that they gave out millions of dollars in benefits that they have now decided to revoke. Some authorities in California are saying that mass unemployment fraud has been committed.

Are you facing criminal charges that could attract a hefty fine or imprisonment? A competent criminal lawyer can help to mitigate or negate the charges you are facing. Experienced Defense Lawyers understand that no criminal case is like another; they spot unique aspects of your case and use tactics to safeguard your rights and interests. Read more to find out how.

There's some good news for many Californians facing criminal misdemeanor charges. As of January 1, 2021, Assembly Bill 3234 is now an active law. A primary provision in this bill means California judges can now offer a pretrial diversion in a qualifying misdemeanor case even when the prosecuting attorney objects to the offering. This can be a great tool for experienced lawyers to help clients avoid criminal convictions.

With the start of the new year, we have some important new criminal laws going into effect in the Golden State. Read more to find out what laws these include.

There are many things that a DUI attorney can use in order to present your DUI defense—things that you may not know can be used in a court of law. This is the reason why it is best to seek out a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney before you go to court. Read more to find out some of the things that a DUI attorney might use in your defense.

If you've been accused of a crime, one of the most important things to do is to find a good criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Sometimes it can be hard to know how to choose the right one for your case, particularly when time is of the essence. Below are three things to look for in your legal representative.

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.

Michael E. Mitchell is an excellent attorney with proven results. He works tirelessly for his California Community. Contact us, immediately, if you have been wrongfully accused of any crime, and we will build a plan to clear your name and protect your children. Your initial consultation is free and without obligation. Come in and witness our dedication for yourselves.

Recently, California courts extended, in certain cases, the time frame to hold preliminary hearings in March of 2020. However, preliminary hearing time frames were, often violated, due to unilateral extensions. A California Court of Appeal (First App. District, Division 5), ruled the “speedy” preliminary hearing right of a Defendant in a human trafficking case were violated when the Contra Cost County Court did not hear his preliminary hearing within the 10 day period as required by law. For those lawyers looking for the citation, the case is Dejuan Bullock v. Superior Court of Contra Costa County (2020) 51 Cal.App.5th 134.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives radically; business closures, social distancing, and public health measures have all created a new normal for society. At Mitchell Law Group, we understand that going through criminal prosecution is already difficult on its own, let alone during a global health crisis. We've adapted our approach to ensure you still get the defense you need while staying safe, and we've compiled a list of tips so you can do so as well.

Most new laws in California go into effect on January 1st following the year they were enacted. However, AB12, an expansion on gun violence restraining orders, goes into effect on September 1, 2020. This mid-year activation may catch those tasked with enforcing the new law by surprise, and may catch those who are the targets of such a law even more by surprise.