1. Law Office of Mark A. Thiel
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience and nomination as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California
Practice Areas: Homicide, theft, robbery, burglary, white collar crimes, juvenile offenses, appeals, probation, parole
Background: Mark Thiel has been a defense attorney with inside knowledge and trial skills to forcefully challenge criminal charges for more than two decades. He is reputed as one of the most aggressive criminal defense lawyers in the central California area. Government lawyers that face him know he is always fully prepared and ready to mount a strong defense, which gives his clients an advantage during plea negotiations. Peer recognition includes a nomination as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California and a term as president of the San Joaquin County Trial Lawyers Association. The firm provides post-conviction assistance, including help with appeals, probation and parole.
Location: Stockton, California (serves San Joaquin County, Tracy, and Central Valley)
Contact: (209) 951-9600 | https://www.stocktondefense.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7 including nights, weekends, and holidays
2. The Bogan Law Firm, A Professional Corporation
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 1,000+ successful defenses in San Joaquin County Courts
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, expungements
Background: Stockton Criminal Defense Lawyer Tai C. Bogan has successfully defended over 1,000 persons accused of crimes in the San Joaquin County Courts. The San Joaquin County Courts include the main courthouse at 333 E. Weber Street, Stockton, California, but also the outlying courts in Manteca, Tracy and Lodi. The firm prides itself on bringing skilled criminal defense and aggressive representation. The attorneys use a flat billing rate for most services. Clients have praised the firm for making everything go away when things looked like there was no way out, and for finding ways to show innocence at trial even when facing multiple criminal charges.
Location: Stockton, California (serves Manteca, Tracy, Lodi, and San Joaquin County)
Contact: (209) 565-3425 | https://www.209legal.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Bird & Van Dyke, Inc.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor and public defender experience
Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence
Background: When clients come to Bird & Van Dyke, Inc., they are more than their case number; they are treated as human beings facing real problems. The Stockton firm provides personal, one-on-one attention to people throughout Northern California. Attorney Mary Ann Bird is a former prosecutor and public defender for San Joaquin County. The firm knows that criminal charges are frightening situations, whether you are facing them or you’re a relative trying to get legal representation on behalf of someone you love. The attorneys are focused on clients’ interests and will work with them to get to a brighter future. Clients have praised the firm for walking them through each step of the process, which made a scary situation stress-free.
Location: Stockton, California (serves Northern California)
Contact: (209) 507-0479 | https://www.birdandvandyke.net/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Griffin Legal Defense
Focus Area: Criminal defense with holistic approach serving four counties
Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI, DWI, juvenile crimes, dependency cases
Background: Griffin Legal Defense is located on the third floor of the historic Cort Tower building in downtown Stockton. Mr. Griffin has been in the downtown community for over 15 years. Originally a small business owner across from the courthouse, his clientele was primarily attorneys in the local area. Mr. Griffin went on to law school, during which he worked in the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office. The firm takes a holistic approach to representing clients because they understand that this isn’t “just another case”; it is your life. On July 29th, 2023, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin were honored to attend the American Inn of Court Gala hosted at the Supreme Court of the United States of America, where they represented the Stockton community.
Location: Historic Cort Tower building, downtown Stockton, California (serves San Joaquin, Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne Counties)
Contact: (209) 366-4819 | https://www.griffinlegaldefense.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Donato Legal Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with deep local insight into Stockton legal system
Practice Areas: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, assault, theft, domestic violence, drug crimes, juvenile offenses
Background: At Donato Legal Group, effective criminal defense is grounded in attentive listening, precise legal analysis, and dedicated advocacy. Attorneys Alan Donato and Tiffany Wynn are well-versed in handling cases across all severity levels, always working to achieve the most favorable result possible for clients. What sets the firm apart is in-depth familiarity with how law enforcement and prosecutors build and pursue criminal cases in Stockton. The firm understands the many ways that city ordinances and the interpretations of state laws can differ locally. This localized knowledge gives the firm an advantage when preparing cases for both negotiations and court appearances.
Location: Stockton, California (serves San Joaquin County)
Contact: (916) 318-5997 | https://www.donato.legal/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California does not use traditional felony classes. Instead, each offense specifies its own penalty:
Straight Felonies: Crimes that can only be charged as felonies, such as murder, rape, and kidnapping. Penalties vary widely based on the specific offense.
Wobblers: Offenses that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at the prosecutor’s discretion, such as assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft, and domestic violence with injury. The decision depends on circumstances and criminal history.
Determinate Sentencing: Most California felonies have a “triad” sentencing structure with low, middle, and high terms (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 years). Judges select within this range based on aggravating and mitigating factors.
Indeterminate Sentencing: Serious violent felonies may carry indeterminate sentences such as 15 years to life or 25 years to life.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include petty theft, simple assault, and trespassing.
Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 364 days in county jail and higher fines. Examples include DUI (first offense), domestic battery, and violation of protective order.
Infractions: Not criminal offenses. Punishable only by fine, no jail time. Examples include most traffic violations and minor municipal code violations.
Record Clearing Options
California offers multiple paths to clear criminal records:
Expungement (PC 1203.4): Available for most misdemeanor and felony convictions after completing probation. The conviction is dismissed but still visible on background checks (employer must ignore it for most purposes).
Proposition 47 Relief: Certain drug and theft felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors and then expunged.
Proposition 64 Relief: Marijuana-related convictions can be reduced, dismissed, or sealed depending on the offense.
Certificate of Rehabilitation: Available for certain felons who have demonstrated rehabilitation. Can lead to a gubernatorial pardon.
Automatic Record Sealing (SB 731): California automatically seals arrest and conviction records for eligible offenses after completion of sentence and waiting period (typically 4 years for felonies).
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 96 hours to 6 months jail, $390-$1,000 fine plus assessments, 6-month license suspension, 3-month DUI school, and 3-5 years probation. California has an implied consent law; refusal results in 1-year license suspension (first offense). Fourth DUI within 10 years is a felony. DUI with injury can be charged as a felony even for first offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my criminal case be heard in Stockton?
Criminal cases in San Joaquin County are primarily heard at the main courthouse located at 333 E. Weber Street in Stockton. However, depending on where the alleged offense occurred, your case may be heard at one of the outlying courts in Manteca, Tracy, or Lodi. The San Joaquin County Superior Court handles both misdemeanor and felony matters. Having a Stockton criminal defense attorney who knows the specific courthouse, judges, and prosecutors handling your case provides a significant advantage in navigating your case.
What is realignment and how does it affect Stockton criminal cases?
California’s Public Safety Realignment (AB 109) changed where certain felons serve their sentences. Under realignment, many non-violent, non-serious, non-sexual felonies result in county jail time rather than state prison. This means that even if convicted of a felony in San Joaquin County, you may serve your time in the county jail system rather than being transferred to state prison. Additionally, Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) is handled by the county probation department rather than state parole. A Stockton criminal defense attorney can explain how realignment affects the potential consequences in your specific case.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in San Joaquin County?
A felony conviction in California and San Joaquin County carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and California law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (restored upon release). You may lose certain professional licenses and face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. California does offer various record-clearing options after completing your sentence, but a Stockton criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction in the first place.
What is a “wobbler” offense and why does it matter in Stockton?
A wobbler is an offense that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor at the prosecutor’s discretion. Many common offenses in San Joaquin County are wobblers, including assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft, domestic violence with injury, and certain drug offenses. Whether the prosecutor charges a wobbler as a felony or misdemeanor depends on factors such as the circumstances of the offense, your criminal history, and the policies of the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Even if initially charged as a felony, a Stockton criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction to a misdemeanor or file a Penal Code 17(b) motion to reduce the charge.
Can I get my San Joaquin County conviction expunged?
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 for most misdemeanor and felony convictions after successfully completing probation. If you received probation, you are generally eligible for expungement once you have completed all terms of probation, including payment of fines and restitution. If you were sentenced to prison (rather than county jail or probation), you may need to pursue a Certificate of Rehabilitation instead. Proposition 47 allows reduction and expungement of certain drug and theft felonies. California’s automatic sealing law (SB 731) now seals many conviction records automatically after the waiting period. A Stockton criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file the appropriate petition.