1. Earl Carter & Associates
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 35+ years local experience and daily courthouse presence
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, theft, shoplifting, drug crimes, assault, battery, sex crimes, robbery, serious felonies, Three Strikes cases, juvenile crimes, welfare fraud, white collar crimes
Background: The criminal lawyers at Earl Carter & Associates have been defending criminal cases in Fontana, CA for over 35 years. They have compiled a remarkable team of attorneys unmatched by any other firm. The attorneys are intelligent, aggressive, and experienced, and know what it takes to win cases in Fontana. Their experience and knowledge encompasses all criminal defense practice areas. There is no substitute for local experience in criminal defense. The Fontana Criminal Defense Attorneys are in these courts daily, understanding how the Fontana system works at every level. Years ago, Earl Carter realized that exceptional criminal defense was too often a luxury only for the most wealthy. Since then, Earl Carter has been committed to providing the criminal defense representation at a price the average hard working Californian can actually afford. They handle cases of every severity level including infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies.
Location: Fontana, California
Contact: (800) 500-5342 | https://earlcarterlaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
2. Kolacia Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 18+ years experience and former prosecutor background
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, sex crimes, gun crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: If you’re facing criminal charges in Fontana, California, you need a criminal defense attorney who will aggressively protect your rights and fight for the outcome. At Kolacia Law Firm, they bring over 18 years of experience in criminal law to every case they handle. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, the firm is dedicated to providing legal representation and personalized defense strategies. As a former prosecutor, Daniel Kolacia has unique insight into how the prosecution builds their case, giving him an edge when defending his clients. The firm specializes in criminal defense and offers comprehensive legal services to individuals charged with various criminal offenses, from drug crimes to violent crimes. They understand that criminal charges can have serious consequences, including long-lasting impacts on your personal and professional life. The extensive experience representing clients in California criminal courts gives them a leg up when it comes to fighting for your rights.
Location: Serves Fontana and San Bernardino County, California
Contact: Available through firm website | https://kolacialaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Inland Empire Criminal Defense
Focus Area: Criminal defense serving San Bernardino and Riverside Counties with local court familiarity
Practice Areas: DUI, gun crimes, sex crimes, PC 288 defense, misdemeanors, felonies, drug crimes
Background: In California, criminal offenses are defined by specific code sections. The Penal Code covers well-known crimes like murder, rape, and child molestation, while the Vehicle Code pertains to violations involving cars and driving, including DUI offenses. The Health & Safety Code addresses crimes related to substances like marijuana and cocaine. The Business and Professions Code deals with offenses committed by professionals like doctors prescribing illegal narcotics. As a well-established legal practice in Fontana, they have a strong local presence and a reputation for excellence. Their familiarity with the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court and other local institutions ensures that they can effectively advocate on your behalf. The team has a proven track record of success, having successfully defended clients against various charges, including PC 288 offenses and sex crimes. You’ll receive client-focused service from a dedicated attorney who is genuinely invested in your case.
Location: Fontana, California (serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties)
Contact: (909) 939-7126 | https://iecriminaldefense.com/
Consultation: Free confidential consultation available
4. Eric D. Davis, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with focus on diversion programs and expungement
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, expungement
Background: The Fontana, CA criminal defense lawyer can represent you at every stage of your trial. They will work with you to protect your rights and provide you with defense for your case. There are many different diversion programs in California. Each program will have its own set of criteria for eligibility. Call the Fontana criminal defense lawyer to discuss diversion programs and see which ones you might be eligible for. Not every arrest has to end with a trial. Every criminal defendant has a right to a trial, but this right can be waived if the defendant chooses. In many cases, prosecutors will offer a plea bargain or plea agreement to the defendant. A plea bargain involves the prosecutor reducing the charges or agreeing to recommend a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea from the defendant. The terms and conditions of a plea bargain may vary from case to case.
Location: Fontana, California
Contact: (909) 861-8075 | https://ericdaviscriminallaw.com/
Consultation: Free and confidential legal consultation available
5. Kareem Law APC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decade of experience and compassionate representation
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, theft crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: When you are facing criminal charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney you can trust. Kareem has been practicing criminal law for more than a decade and is one of the most trusted and highly rated attorneys. Whether you need help with a domestic violence case, felony and misdemeanor cases, theft crimes, or any other criminal charges, call Kareem Law APC for excellent legal representation. Kareem is a compassionate criminal lawyer who will protect your rights, guide you through every step of the process, provide you with the legal counsel you deserve, and fight hard for you. Since 2013, they’ve assisted countless clients with complex litigation. They can help defend you if you did not intend to commit a crime, were the victim of an unjust accusation, or were involved in an illegal law enforcement sting operation. When you are arrested or charged with a felony in Fontana, there are many factors to consider when looking for an attorney to protect your rights.
Location: Serves Fontana, California
Contact: Available through firm website | https://kareemlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California uses a determinate sentencing system for most felonies with three possible terms (low, middle, high):
Serious Felonies: Include murder, voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, rape, and robbery. These trigger Three Strikes enhancements.
Violent Felonies: Defined under Penal Code 667.5(c), including murder, voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, rape, and certain other offenses.
Standard Felonies: Carry sentences ranging from 16 months to life depending on the specific offense. Most felonies have low, middle, and high terms.
Wobblers: Offenses that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at prosecutor discretion based on circumstances and defendant’s history. Common wobblers include assault with a deadly weapon, burglary (commercial), and grand theft.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum 6 months county jail and $1,000 fine.
Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum 364 days county jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include DUI (first offense), domestic battery, and petty theft with prior.
Infraction: Non-criminal offense with fine only, no jail. Examples include most traffic violations.
Three Strikes Law
California’s Three Strikes Law (Penal Code 667) provides enhanced sentences for repeat offenders. A second strike doubles the sentence. A third strike carries 25 years to life. Proposition 36 (2012) limited third-strike life sentences to cases where the current offense is serious or violent.
Expungement (Penal Code 1203.4)
California allows expungement of most convictions after successful completion of probation. The conviction is set aside and the case is dismissed. Expungement does not restore firearm rights and must be disclosed in certain circumstances.
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 3-5 years informal probation, up to 6 months jail (48-hour minimum), $390-$1,000 fine plus penalty assessments, 6-month license suspension, and DUI school. Second offense within 10 years carries 96 hours to 1 year jail, $390-$1,000 fine, 2-year license suspension, and 18-30 month DUI school. Third offense within 10 years carries 120 days to 1 year jail, $390-$1,000 fine, 3-year license revocation, and 30-month DUI school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Fontana?
Criminal cases in Fontana are handled by the San Bernardino County Superior Court system. The Fontana District Courthouse is located at 17780 Arrow Boulevard in Fontana and handles traffic and some misdemeanor matters. More serious criminal cases are heard at the Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse. The courthouse phone number is (909) 350-9322. Free public parking is available in the large parking lot adjacent to the courthouse. Having a Fontana criminal defense attorney familiar with local courts provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is California’s Three Strikes Law?
California’s Three Strikes Law (Penal Code 667) provides enhanced sentences for repeat offenders convicted of serious or violent felonies. A second strike doubles the sentence for the current offense. A third strike originally carried a mandatory 25 years to life sentence. Proposition 36 (2012) modified the law so that third-strike life sentences are limited to cases where the current offense is serious or violent. Defendants with non-violent third strikes may petition for resentencing. A Fontana criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether Three Strikes applies to your case and explore options for reduced sentencing.
What are the penalties for drug possession in California?
California reformed drug laws significantly under Proposition 47 (2014). Simple possession of controlled substances for personal use (Health & Safety Code 11350) is now a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year county jail. Possession of marijuana (1 oz or less) is legal for adults 21+. Possession for sale and trafficking remain felonies with enhanced penalties. Drug diversion programs (Proposition 36, PC 1000) may be available for eligible offenders. A Fontana criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for diversion programs and alternative sentencing.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in San Bernardino County?
A DUI charge in San Bernardino County carries serious consequences. First offense carries 3-5 years informal probation, up to 6 months jail (48-hour minimum), $390-$1,000 fine plus penalty assessments (total often exceeds $2,000), 6-month license suspension (restricted license may be available after 30 days with IID), and 3-9 month DUI school. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher, refusal, accident, or child in vehicle. You have only 10 days from arrest to request a DMV hearing to protect your driving privileges. A Fontana criminal defense attorney can handle both the DMV hearing and criminal court case.
Can I get my California criminal record expunged?
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 for most convictions after successful completion of probation. To qualify, you must have completed probation (or obtained early termination), not be currently charged with or serving a sentence for another offense, and have fulfilled all conditions of probation. The effect of expungement is that the conviction is set aside and the case is dismissed. However, expungement does not restore firearm rights, does not seal the record from view, and must be disclosed in certain circumstances. Certain offenses (sex offenses requiring registration, some violent felonies) are not eligible. A Fontana criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the petition.