Clovis Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney
Arrested or Charged with a Crime in Clovis, California?
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Clovis, California, choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. You want an attorney who regularly practices in Fresno County Superior Court, understands the local criminal justice system, and is familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and procedures that will affect your case.
The City of Clovis is located in Fresno County. As a result, criminal cases arising from arrests in Clovis are generally prosecuted in the Fresno County Superior Court located at 1100 Van Ness Avenue in downtown Fresno. Whether you have been charged with a DUI, domestic violence offense, drug crime, theft offense, assault, or another criminal offense, your case will most likely be handled through the Fresno County court system.
Gregory W. Fox has been practicing law in Fresno, California, for more than twenty years. During that time, he has represented thousands of individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout Fresno County. He is familiar with the local courts, the prosecutors who handle criminal cases, and the procedures unique to Fresno County.
If you have been arrested by the Clovis Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, or the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Attorney GregoryW. Fox has extensive experience defending cases investigated by each of these agencies.
Where Will My Clovis Criminal Case Be Heard?
Although your arrest may occur in Clovis, your criminal case will generally be prosecuted in the Fresno County Superior Court located at 1100 Van Ness Avenue in downtown Fresno.
Most misdemeanor cases are assigned to departments that primarily handle misdemeanor criminal matters, while felony cases are assigned to departments that primarily handle felony prosecutions.
Domestic violence cases are commonly heard in Departments 95 and 96 at the North Jail courthouse, where Fresno County handles many of its domestic violence proceedings.
Understanding where your case will be heard and how the court system operates helps reduce uncertainty and allows your attorney to begin developing an effective defense strategy immediately.
Law Enforcement Agencies Serving Clovis
Several law enforcement agencies investigate and make arrests in and around Clovis, including the Clovis Police Department, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
Each agency has its own investigative procedures and reporting practices.Having an attorney who regularly reviews police reports, body-worn camera recordings, dash camera video, witness statements, and other evidence generated by these agencies can be an important advantage when preparing your defense.
Why Hire a Local Fresno County Criminal Defense Attorney?
When facing criminal charges, local experience matters.
For more than twenty years, GregoryW. Fox has regularly appeared before the judges of the Fresno County Superior Court and has worked with the prosecutors, probation officers, and court personnel responsible for handling criminal cases throughout Fresno County.
Just as importantly, when you hire the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox, your case is handled personally by Gregory W. Fox. Your court appearances are not assigned to an associate attorney or outside appearance counsel. Mr. Fox personally represents his clients from the beginning of the case through its resolution.
What Happens After an Arrest in Clovis?
Being arrested can be overwhelming, especially if you have never been through the criminal justice system before. While every case is different, understanding what generally happens after an arrest can help reduce uncertainty and allow you to make informed decisions.
Misdemeanor Arrests
If you are arrested for a misdemeanor offense in Clovis, such as driving under the influence or another misdemeanor crime, what happens next will depend on the circumstances of your arrest and the agency involved.
Individuals arrested by the Clovis Police Department are often initially booked at the Clovis Police Department before being transferred to the Fresno County Jail in downtown Fresno. Individuals arrested by the California Highway Patrol are generally booked into the Fresno County Jail.
Many individuals arrested for misdemeanor offenses are released within several hours, although the timing varies depending upon the charges, jail population, and whether bail must be posted. In some situations, law enforcement may issue a citation requiring you to appear in court at a later date rather than keeping you in custody.
Felony Arrests
Individuals arrested for felony offenses are generally booked into the Fresno County Jail in downtown Fresno.
Depending upon the charges, criminal history, and other circumstances, a person may be released after posting bail, released through pretrial release services, released on their own recognizance, or remain in custody until the first court appearance.
Felony cases generally require the defendant’s personal appearance in court.AttorneyGregory W. Fox will explain the process, advise you where to meet, and personally appear with you throughout every stage of your case.
Domestic Violence Arrests
Domestic violence arrests often involve issues beyond the criminal charges themselves.
Following a domestic violence arrest, law enforcement may obtain an Emergency Protective Order prohibiting contact with the protected individual. If you have been served with an Emergency Protective Order, it is extremely important that you comply with every term of that order.
Do not call, text, email, communicate through social media, send messages through family members or friends, or go to the protected person’s residence or workplace. Violating a protective order may result in an entirely new criminal offense, including a violation of Penal Code section 273.6.
If you have questions about what conduct is prohibited by a protective order, you should speak with an attorney before taking any action.
Your First Court Appearance
The first court appearance in a criminal case is known as the arraignment.
In many misdemeanor cases, California law allows an attorney to appear on behalf of the client without requiring the client to be present in court. If you retain the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox, Mr. Fox can often appear on your behalf, enter a plea of not guilty when appropriate, and begin protecting your rights immediately. This frequently allows clients to continue working and avoid unnecessary trips to court.
Felony cases generally require the defendant’s personal appearance. Mr. Fox will explain the process in advance, answer your questions, and appear with you throughout the proceedings.
What Happens After the Arraignment?
Following the arraignment, the case enters the discovery and investigation stage.
During this phase, our office obtains and reviews police reports, body-worn camera recordings, patrol vehicle video, witness statements, laboratory reports, dispatch recordings, and other evidence gathered by law enforcement.
When appropriate, we conduct our own investigation, issue subpoenas for additional records, interview witnesses, retain private investigators, and consult with highly qualified experts, including DUI forensic experts and accident reconstruction specialists.
Our objective is to identify every available defense and pursue every opportunity to obtain the best possible outcome.
Every Case Requires an Individual Strategy
Many clients understandably want their case resolved as quickly as possible. While every case is different, resolving a case quickly is not always in the client’s best interest.
A thorough defense often requires time to obtain additional evidence, review discovery, investigate the facts, consult with experts, and negotiate from a position of strength. Rushing a case before all of the available evidence has been obtained and reviewed can eliminate opportunities that may ultimately lead to reduced charges, alternative resolutions, or even a dismissal.
In DUI cases, timing can also affect your driving privileges. The relationship between the criminal court proceedings and the separate DMV Administrative Per Se hearing may significantly impact how long your driver’s license is suspended, whether you qualify to continue driving with an ignition interlock device, and what credit you receive toward any period of suspension. These issues should be evaluated as part of an overall defense strategy.
Every client also has different priorities. Some need to protect a professional license. Others are concerned about immigration consequences, maintaining employment, preserving a commercial driver’s license, remaining eligible for school, or minimizing the long-term impact a criminal conviction could have on future opportunities.
For that reason, our office develops a strategy based not only on the facts of the case but also on your individual circumstances and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to criminal defense.
Criminal Cases We Handle
The Law Office of Gregory W. Fox represents clients charged with a wide variety of criminal offenses, including DUI defense, felony DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft crimes, assault and battery, weapons offenses, probation violations, expungements, and juvenile offenses.
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony charge, our office is committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been arrested in Clovis or are under investigation for a criminal offense, do not wait to obtain legal advice.
Contact the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox today at (559) 222-5800 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Our Philosophy
The goal is not simply to resolve your case quickly. The goal is to resolve it correctly.
Every case is different. Every client has different concerns. Our responsibility is to understand the facts, protect your rights, consider the long-term consequences of every decision, and develop a strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your unique situation.