Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Fresno County, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you, protect your rights, and determine the best strategy for your case.

Gregory W. Fox has practiced criminal defense in Fresno County for more than 20 years and has represented thousands of individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges. When you hire the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox, your case is personally handled by Gregory—from reviewing the evidence and developing your defense strategy to negotiations and court appearances.

Our Fresno criminal defense practice represents clients facing domestic violence, assault and battery, drug offenses, theft, fraud, gun charges, violent crimes, DUI, and other California criminal charges.

Call (559) 222-5800 to request a consultation.

Criminal Charges We Defend

The Law Office of Gregory W. Fox represents individuals facing a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges in Fresno and throughout Central California. Criminal cases we handle include:

Every criminal case is different. The appropriate defense strategy depends on the allegations, the available evidence, the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and the prosecution’s ability to prove each element of the charge.

Experienced Defense for Misdemeanor and Felony Charges

A criminal conviction can affect far more than the immediate penalties imposed by the court. Depending on the charge, a conviction may result in jail or prison time, fines, probation, loss of firearm rights, driver’s license consequences, employment problems, professional licensing issues, immigration consequences, and a permanent criminal record.

Gregory W. Fox represents clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges and works to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, challenge unlawfully obtained evidence when appropriate, negotiate for reduced charges or penalties when that serves the client’s interests, and prepare cases for trial when necessary.

The goal is not simply to resolve your case quickly. The goal is to resolve it correctly.

What Happens After You Are Charged With a Crime in Fresno?

After an arrest or criminal charge, the case generally proceeds through several stages. The exact process depends on the charge, whether the case is filed as a misdemeanor or felony, and the specific circumstances involved.

Arraignment

At arraignment, the court formally advises the defendant of the charges and constitutional rights. A plea is entered, and the court may also address bail, release conditions, protective orders, probation status, or other immediate issues.

Pretrial Proceedings

During the pretrial stage, the defense reviews police reports, witness statements, body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, photographs, forensic evidence, laboratory records, and other discovery provided by the prosecution.

Depending on the circumstances, the defense may also investigate the allegations independently, interview witnesses, preserve additional evidence, retain experts, or file motions challenging evidence or other aspects of the prosecution’s case.

Negotiations and Motions

Many criminal cases involve negotiations with the prosecution. Depending on the facts and applicable law, possible outcomes may include dismissal, reduction of charges, diversion, alternative sentencing, or another negotiated resolution.

In other cases, important legal issues may need to be resolved through motions before trial.

Trial

If the case cannot be resolved on acceptable terms, the defense can prepare the matter for trial. At trial, the prosecution has the burden of proving the criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Misdemeanor Court Diversion in California

California law allows courts in certain misdemeanor cases to offer diversion to eligible defendants. Under California Penal Code sections 1001.95 through 1001.97, a judge may postpone prosecution while the defendant completes court-ordered conditions.

If diversion is successfully completed, the court may dismiss the criminal charges. Eligibility and available conditions depend on the specific offense, the defendant’s circumstances, and the court’s determination.

Not every misdemeanor qualifies for diversion. Certain offenses are excluded by statute, and the availability of diversion can also depend on the facts of the case and the court handling the matter.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Fresno County, Gregory W. Fox can review your case and advise you whether diversion or another alternative resolution may be available.

White-Collar Criminal Defense

Gregory W. Fox also represents individuals who are under investigation or charged with white-collar crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, and other financial offenses.

White-collar cases can involve extensive records, electronic evidence, financial documents, and lengthy investigations. Gregory W. Fox represents clients facing serious white-collar allegations prosecuted under California law.

Learn more about our white-collar criminal defense services.

What Should You Do After an Arrest in Fresno?

If you have been arrested or believe you are under investigation, what you do next can affect your case.

• Exercise your right to remain silent. You generally are not required to answer questions about the alleged offense simply because law enforcement asks.
• Avoid discussing the case publicly. Statements made to friends, coworkers, witnesses, or on social media may later become relevant to the prosecution.
• Preserve potentially important information. Text messages, emails, photographs, videos, receipts, location information, and other records may become useful evidence.
• Follow all court orders and release conditions. If a protective order or another restriction has been imposed, violating it can create additional legal problems.
• Speak with a criminal defense attorney. An attorney can review the allegations, explain the court process, identify important evidence, and begin evaluating possible defenses.

Why Choose Gregory W. Fox as Your Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney?

For more than 20 years, Gregory W. Fox has defended individuals facing criminal charges in Fresno County. He has represented thousands of clients in misdemeanor and felony cases in California state court.

When you retain the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox, Gregory personally handles your case. He reviews the evidence, discusses the case and your goals with you, develops the defense strategy, communicates with prosecutors, and appears in court on your behalf.

That continuity matters. The attorney standing beside you in court understands the evidence, the history of negotiations, your concerns, and the strategy developed for your defense.

Criminal charges can place your freedom, career, reputation, and future at risk. Having an experienced Fresno criminal defense attorney who understands the local courts and personally handles your case can make an important difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Fresno

What should I do if I am arrested in Fresno?

You should avoid discussing the allegations with law enforcement beyond providing information you are legally required to provide. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. A criminal defense lawyer can review the allegations, explain what happens next, and help protect your rights during the court process.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in California?

Misdemeanors generally carry less severe penalties than felonies, but they can still result in jail time, probation, fines, and a criminal record. Felony charges can carry substantially more serious consequences, including lengthy incarceration and loss of certain civil rights.

Some California offenses may be charged or punished as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the offense, allegations, and circumstances.

Can criminal charges be reduced or dismissed?

In some cases, yes. Charges may be dismissed or reduced because of insufficient evidence, evidentiary problems, constitutional violations, successful defense motions, diversion, negotiations with the prosecution, or other issues specific to the case.

No particular outcome can be guaranteed, and the available options depend on the evidence and circumstances of each case.

Do I have to appear in court for every hearing?

Whether a defendant must personally appear depends on the type of case, the charge, the court, and the specific hearing.

In some misdemeanor matters, an attorney may be able to appear without the client for certain proceedings, while felony cases generally involve stricter appearance requirements. Your attorney can explain when your presence is required.

Who will handle my case if I hire the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox?

Gregory W. Fox personally handles the criminal cases accepted by the office. He reviews the evidence, develops the defense strategy, communicates with the prosecution, and appears in court on behalf of his clients.

How soon should I contact a criminal defense attorney?

It is generally helpful to speak with an attorney as early as possible. Early involvement may allow the defense to preserve evidence, investigate allegations, advise you before speaking with investigators, and begin preparing for upcoming court proceedings.

Serving Criminal Defense Clients Across Central California

Gregory W. Fox represents clients facing criminal charges throughout Central California, including:

From our Fresno office, Gregory W. Fox represents clients in criminal matters throughout Fresno County, Madera County, and surrounding Central California communities.

Speak With a Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested, charged with a crime, or are under investigation in Fresno County, contact the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox to discuss your situation.

Call (559) 222-5800 to request a consultation with Fresno criminal defense attorney Gregory W. Fox.