Best Santa Rosa Criminal Lawyers
Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in how your case turns out. If you’ve been charged with a crime in Santa Rosa, California, having an experienced local attorney on your side is crucial. I did some research on the top-rated criminal lawyers in the Santa Rosa area and found several excellent options. Here’s an overview of some of the best criminal defense attorneys and law firms in Santa Rosa to consider if you need legal representation.
Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C.
The Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C. is a criminal defense firm dedicated to defending clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies. Evan Zelig has over 20 years of experience representing clients in Santa Rosa and surrounding Sonoma County. He handles a wide range of criminal charges including DUIs, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft, and more. Zelig is known for his aggressive defense strategies and thorough case preparation. He digs deep into the details of each case, looking for any potential violations of a client’s rights or other ways to get charges reduced or dismissed. Former clients say Zelig is an incredibly hard worker who treats each case like it’s the most important one. His office offers free consultations so you can discuss your charges before deciding to hire him.
Why Choose Evan E. Zelig?
- Deep knowledge of local courts and prosecutors – After 20+ years practicing criminal law in Santa Rosa, Zelig knows the system and key players inside and out. This allows him to craft targeted defense strategies.
- Tenacious litigator – Zelig is relentless in fighting for his clients’ rights in court. He’s known for leaving no stone unturned in investigating cases and finding ways to challenge charges.
- Client-focused – Many reviews mention that Zelig makes clients feel heard and cared for during an incredibly stressful time. He works closely with each client to build the strongest defense.
Wilber Law Offices
Wilber Law Offices is a Santa Rosa firm providing criminal defense services in Sonoma County for over 15 years. Founding attorney Art Wilber is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist with extensive trial experience. He’s assisted thousands of clients facing DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, and other felony and misdemeanor charges.Wilber Law Offices takes an aggressive yet strategic approach to criminal defense. Attorney Wilber looks for any viable defenses and works relentlessly to protect clients’ rights in and out of court. At the same time, he strives to resolve cases efficiently and avoid unnecessary trials. This balanced approach has earned him a strong reputation in Santa Rosa.
Why Choose Wilber Law Offices?
- Certified Criminal Law Specialist – Atty. Wilber has deep expertise specifically in criminal defense law, allowing him to handle even the most complex cases.
- Proven trial lawyer – With many jury trials under his belt, Wilber excels at building persuasive defenses before judges and juries.
- Efficient resolution of cases – Wilber works to resolve cases quickly through dismissals, charge reductions, or settlements when appropriate. He avoids wasting time and money on trials unless absolutely needed.
Dave Jake Schwartz, Attorney at Law
Criminal defense attorney Dave Jake Schwartz is known as a tough litigator who aggressively defends clients in Santa Rosa and throughout Northern California. Schwartz handles all types of criminal charges ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious violent felonies. He is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist who has worked on over 150 jury trials. Schwartz excels at identifying key weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and developing defense strategies to exploit them. He’s not afraid to take cases to trial when warranted to fight for a truly just outcome.
Why Choose Dave Jake Schwartz?
- Certified Criminal Law Specialist – Like Atty. Wilber, Schwartz has extensive specialized expertise in criminal defense law.
- Proven trial experience – With over 150 jury trials completed, Schwartz has the skills and confidence to take cases to trial and win. This gives him leverage in negotiating with prosecutors.
- Tenacious litigator – Schwartz is known for aggressive and relentless defense strategies to protect clients’ rights. He’s a tireless fighter in court.
Law Office of Amy Chapman
Amy Chapman is a respected Santa Rosa criminal defense lawyer with over 20 years of experience. She handles a wide variety of misdemeanor and felony cases. Chapman is known for her meticulous trial preparation and passionate advocacy for her clients.Chapman excels at navigating California’s complex criminal justice system to identify smart defense strategies. She digs into the details of each case and exploits every opportunity to get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. Chapman also has substantial trial experience when needed.
Why Choose Amy Chapman?
- Meticulous pre-trial preparation – Chapman invests significant time upfront investigating cases to identify weaknesses and build strong defenses to avoid trial.
- Knowledgeable and passionate advocacy – Chapman’s mastery of criminal law and sincere commitment to clients make her a powerful advocate during negotiations and in court.
- Proven results – Chapman has a track record of achieving not guilty verdicts at trial and getting charges dropped or reduced through motions and negotiations.
Applegate Law Office
The Applegate Law Office is a father-son criminal defense firm serving Sonoma County for over 60 years across two generations. Led by attorney Jim Applegate, the firm handles felony and misdemeanor cases with an emphasis on personalized attention and strategic defense. Applegate crafts defense strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation and objectives. For cases going to trial, he has substantial experience building persuasive arguments before judges and juries. The Applegate Law Office is also known for negotiating reasonable settlements with prosecutors when appropriate to avoid trial.
Why Choose Applegate Law Office?
- Multi-generational expertise – With over 60 years representing clients in Sonoma County, the Applegates know how to navigate the local courts and build effective defenses.
- Personalized counsel – Attorney Applegate develops custom defense strategies based on in-depth consultations with each client.
- Balanced approach – Applegate excels at trial litigation but also negotiates favorable settlements when possible to efficiently resolve cases.
Finding the Right Santa Rosa Criminal Lawyer for You
If you’re facing criminal charges in Santa Rosa, I hope this overview gives you a starting point for finding the right lawyer. Make sure to meet with a few attorneys for consultations before deciding who to hire. Key things to consider are their experience with your specific charges, track record getting charges dismissed or reduced, and overall comfort level. Don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions to find the perfect defense attorney for your situation. The stakes are high, but the right lawyer can make all the difference.