1. Law Offices of Robert J. Beles
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Certified Criminal Law Specialists and 30+ years experience
Practice Areas: Sex offenses, murder, attempted murder, juvenile offenses, drug crimes, DUI, federal crimes, appeals, expungements, white collar crimes
Background: The experienced, professional team of Oakland criminal attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert J. Beles welcomes contact from anyone who is facing state or federal criminal charges anywhere in Alameda or Contra Costa County. They have offices in Oakland, Pleasanton, Hayward, Concord and Fremont. They also appeal state and federal criminal cases throughout the state of California. Their team of experienced criminal law attorneys defend those arrested, accused, or indicted for sexual offenses, spousal abuse, murder, manslaughter, assault, federal crimes (or deportation), drug crimes, drunk driving, juvenile offenses, theft, embezzlement, fraud, white collar crimes and internet crimes. They also handle expungements, probation and parole violations, and appeals. Fremont criminal defense attorneys Robert and Anne Beles are both Certified Criminal Law Specialists in California with the experience required to fully understand how the legal system works. Founder Robert Beles began his own criminal defense law firm in 1979 after a decade of experience as an Alameda County Public Defender.
Location: 39560 Stevenson Place, Suite 217, Fremont, CA 94536
Contact: (510) 836-0100 or (510) 745-7755 | https://beleslaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. The Arant Law Group, APC
Focus Area: Criminal defense and DUI with personalized attention and individualized strategies
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, theft crimes, sex offenses, assault, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Have you been arrested for a criminal offense? If so, you need to retain the immediate representation of a competent criminal defense lawyer. Your dedicated attorney will handle your case, investigate your charges, look for flaws in the prosecutor’s case against you, and fight tirelessly in order to defend your rights. When you choose The Arant Law Group, APC, you can be confident that you will gain this high level of advocacy and more. You can rely on Fremont criminal defense attorney Adam Arant to deliver the fierce, personalized defense strategies that you require in order to combat your criminal charges. They will walk with you every step of the way and provide top-notch legal representation and compassionate support. Unlike mega law firms that provide a one-size-fits-all approach, The Arant Law Group, APC recognizes the unique nature of your case and all the nuances involved. With a keen knowledge of the law and diligent attention to detail, Attorney Arant is able to spot weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case against you and use them to your advantage. His personal attention to your case, from start to finish, enables him to create the individualized strategies your case needs.
Location: Fremont, California (serves Union City, Newark)
Contact: (888) 561-2002 | https://www.arantlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Leon Mezzetti, Criminal Defense Attorney
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years experience and former prosecutor background
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, white collar crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Criminal defense attorney Leon J. Mezzetti, Jr., has dedicated more than 30 years to defending clients charged with criminal offenses, including DUI, throughout Northern California. Before starting his California criminal defense law firm in 1979, Mr. Mezzetti worked as an Alameda County deputy district attorney where he learned what the state looks for in criminal cases. He now uses that experience to develop a strong defense for his clients. Working together with an in-house private investigator and other experienced attorneys and staff members, Leon Mezzetti offers expert, aggressive and reliable representation that gets results. In the practice of law, experience matters. Criminal defense and DUI lawyer Leon J. Mezzetti, Jr.’s experience allows him to identify and evaluate weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and the strengths of your case. Conveniently located near the courthouse, Criminal Defense Attorney & DUI Lawyer, Leon Mezzetti, defends clients throughout Northern California, the Bay Area, Central Valley, and the East Bay, including San Jose, Oakland, Hayward, Fremont, Livermore, and more. Spanish also spoken.
Location: 39300 Civic Center Drive, Suite 260, Fremont, CA 94538 (additional offices in San Jose, Pleasanton, Stockton, Modesto, Merced)
Contact: (510) 791-1836 or (877) 791-1836 | https://www.mezzetti.com/
Consultation: Free confidential consultation available 24/7
4. Silver Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 24+ years experience in Alameda County criminal justice system
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, weapons charges, homicide, assault, battery, theft crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: If you’re under investigation for or have been charged with a criminal offense in Fremont, California, then you need an experienced Fremont criminal defense lawyer from Silver Law Firm. Attorney Elliot Silver has more than 24 years of criminal defense experience that he will use to navigate the Alameda County criminal justice system on your behalf. When you’re charged with a crime, your freedom is on the line. When you’re charged with a sex crime, your reputation is on the line. If you’re convicted of a sex crime, life as you know it may be over. A sex crime conviction can require you to add your name to the sex offender registry. That’s something you need to avoid at all costs. In California, possession of controlled substances is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, a conviction can still result in up to a year in county jail. Drug distribution crimes are felonies, and can lead to up to nine years of imprisonment, or even more if the criminal activity got minors involved. Fremont weapons crimes attorney Elliot Silver will leverage his skill so that you can avoid a conviction that can result in up to three years of jail time and up to $10,000 in fines.
Location: Serves Fremont, California (Alameda County)
Contact: (510) 995-0000 | https://www.esilverlaw.com/
Consultation: Free case consultation available
5. The Walia Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with federal and state court experience throughout Bay Area
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, DUI, assault, theft, white collar crimes, federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Founder of The Walia Law Firm, Harjot “Ginny” Walia has handled numerous cases throughout the criminal courts of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. San Francisco criminal defense attorney, Harjot “Ginny” Walia, has achieved a very high level of success in a relatively short period of time. The firm has reached great heights due to Ms. Walia’s extensive jury trial record, brilliant mind, competitive attitude and a willingness to fight for her clients. She has handled hundreds of criminal cases as a San Francisco Public Defender and in private practice. Federal criminal defense attorney, Ginny Walia has commented as an expert in criminal law matters. If you or your loved one have been charged with a crime, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney right away. They defend clients against Federal and State charges, both felonies and misdemeanors, including, but not limited to: Murder, Drug Crimes, Drunk Driving, Theft Crimes, Assault & Battery, Sex Crimes, Juvenile Crimes, Three Strikes, Expungement of Records and White Collar Crimes.
Location: Serves Fremont and San Francisco Bay Area
Contact: Available through firm website | https://www.walialawfirm.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California uses determinate sentencing with low, middle, and high terms for most felonies:
Serious Felonies: Include murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping, assault with intent to commit mayhem. These trigger Three Strikes enhancements.
Violent Felonies: Similar to serious felonies with specific code sections. Require registration and enhance future sentencing.
Wobbler Offenses: Can be charged as felony or misdemeanor at prosecutor’s discretion. Examples include assault with deadly weapon, grand theft, and some drug offenses.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum 6 months county jail and $1,000 fine.
Gross/Aggravated Misdemeanor: Maximum 364 days county jail.
Common misdemeanors include DUI (first offense), petty theft, simple assault, drug possession for personal use.
Proposition 47
Proposition 47 (2014) reduced many non-violent felonies to misdemeanors, including drug possession for personal use and theft under $950. Allows those with prior convictions to petition for resentencing or reclassification.
Expungement
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 after completing probation. The conviction is set aside and dismissed, but still visible to law enforcement. Most misdemeanors and many felonies are eligible. Not available for certain sex offenses and crimes against children.
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 3-5 years probation, up to 6 months jail (48-hour minimum), $390-$1,000 fine, 6-month license suspension, and DUI school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Fremont?
Criminal cases in Fremont are handled by Alameda County Superior Court. The Fremont Hall of Justice is located at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538. This courthouse handles criminal arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials for cases arising in Fremont, Newark, and Union City. More serious felony matters may be transferred to the main Alameda County Courthouse in Oakland. Having a Fremont criminal defense attorney familiar with local courts, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor in California?
In California, felonies are serious crimes punishable by state prison sentences (16 months or more), while misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by county jail time (up to one year). California also has infractions (fines only, no jail). Many offenses are “wobblers” that can be charged as either felony or misdemeanor at the prosecutor’s discretion. Proposition 47 (2014) reduced many non-violent felonies to misdemeanors. A felony conviction results in the loss of voting rights while incarcerated, the right to possess firearms, and can affect professional licensing and employment opportunities.
What are the penalties for drug possession in California?
California reformed drug laws with Proposition 47 (2014) and Proposition 36 (2000). Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is now a misdemeanor under Health & Safety Code 11350, with maximum penalty of 1 year county jail and $1,000 fine. First and second-time offenders are typically eligible for drug treatment diversion programs under Proposition 36 or Penal Code 1000. Marijuana possession (up to 28.5 grams) for adults 21+ is legal. Possession with intent to sell remains a felony. A Fremont criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for diversion programs.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in Alameda County?
A DUI charge in Alameda County carries serious consequences. First offense carries 3-5 years informal probation, 48 hours to 6 months county jail, $390-$1,000 fine plus penalty assessments (totaling approximately $1,800-$2,600), 6-month license suspension, and 3-month DUI school. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher or refusal. California has an implied consent law with automatic 1-year license suspension for refusal. A Fremont DUI attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer calibration to build a strong defense.
Can I get my California criminal record expunged?
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 after completing probation successfully. You must have completed all terms of probation, paid all fines and restitution, and not be currently charged with or on probation for another offense. If eligible, the court will set aside the verdict or plea, and dismiss the case. The record still exists but shows the dismissal. You can legally answer “no” to most questions about criminal convictions on employment applications. Proposition 47 also allows reclassification of prior felonies to misdemeanors. A Fremont criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the petition.