Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney
Michael McKneely, Criminal Defense Lawyer, Criminal Defense Lawyer, has dedicated his career to defending individuals facing criminal charges in Fresno, California, and nationwide. With over 15 years of legal experience, including a decade as a prosecutor and court-appointed attorney, he brings unparalleled insight into the complexities of the criminal justice system. Our firm prioritizes compassion and personalized representation, understanding that clients often face life-altering consequences. We specialize in handling a wide range of cases, from DUI and drug offenses to federal crimes and sex crimes, ensuring each client receives aggressive, tailored defense strategies. Our approach combines deep legal expertise with a commitment to protecting clients' rights at every stage of the process.We emphasize transparency, ensuring clients understand their options and the potential outcomes of their cases. Our track record reflects our dedication to achieving favorable results, whether through negotiation, dismissal, or trial. We serve clients in Fresno and surrounding areas, offering free consultations to help them navigate these challenging situations. Our team remains accessible and responsive, providing support during critical moments. By leveraging extensive courtroom experience and a nuanced understanding of both prosecution and defense, we strive to minimize the impact of criminal charges on clients' lives.
Services
Criminal Defense
DUI Defense
Drug Charges
Sex Crimes Defense
Federal Crimes
Juvenile Defense
Probation Violations
Weapons Crimes
Theft Defense
Assault Defense
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- 15+ years of legal experience in criminal defense
- Former prosecutor with insider knowledge of the justice system
- Personalized defense strategies tailored to each case
- Free consultations to discuss your legal options
- Proven track record in complex criminal cases
What people say
Compassionate representation
Successful charge reduction
Responsive communication
Courtroom effectiveness
Professional demeanor
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice provides comprehensive legal representation for individuals facing misdemeanor or felony charges. We handle cases involving assault, drug offenses, theft, and other criminal matters. Our approach focuses on protecting clients' rights while developing strategic defenses tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. With deep knowledge of California's legal system, we work to achieve charge reductions, dismissals, or acquittals through negotiation or trial.
DUI Defense
We specialize in defending clients against DUI charges, including first-time offenses and repeat violations. Our team challenges evidence, examines procedural errors, and explores alternative sentencing options. We guide clients through license suspension hearings and court proceedings while minimizing long-term consequences. Our experience includes handling complex cases involving accidents, high BAC levels, and commercial driver implications.
Drug Charges
Our drug defense practice addresses possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and paraphernalia charges. We challenge unlawful searches, lab result accuracy, and prosecution evidence. We advocate for treatment alternatives where appropriate while fighting to prevent convictions that could affect employment, immigration status, and professional licenses. Our approach balances aggressive defense with compassionate understanding of addiction issues.
Sex Crimes Defense
We defend against serious sex crime allegations including rape, molestation, and child pornography charges. Our strategy includes challenging evidence credibility, addressing false accusations, and protecting clients' futures against lifelong registration requirements. We handle sensitive cases with discretion while aggressively contesting charges that could lead to decades in prison and permanent social stigma.
Federal Crimes
Our federal criminal defense covers fraud, drug trafficking, weapons violations, and other offenses in U.S. courts. We navigate complex federal procedures, mandatory minimum sentences, and asset forfeiture issues. Our experience includes representing clients in grand jury investigations and multi-defendant cases, leveraging knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines to achieve favorable outcomes through plea agreements or trial.
People
Michael McKneely, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney
With 15 years of legal experience, Michael McKneely, Criminal Defense Lawyer is a former prosecutor turned defense attorney. He graduated from University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law and has practiced in California and federal courts. His background includes handling complex criminal cases and advocating for clients' rights in state and federal systems.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?
Remain silent, request an attorney, and contact us immediately to protect your rights during chemical testing and license suspension proceedings.
Can first-time drug charges be dismissed?
Possession charges may be reduced or dismissed through evidence challenges, diversion programs, or demonstrating unlawful search and seizure.
How does a sex crime conviction affect my future?
Convictions require sex offender registration, impact employment opportunities, and carry social stigma that can persist for decades.
What differentiates federal criminal cases?
Federal cases involve stricter sentencing guidelines, specialized procedures, and require attorneys with U.S. District Court admission.
Can probation violations be contested?
Yes, we challenge probation violation allegations through evidentiary hearings and negotiate alternative sentencing options.
How does prior prosecution experience benefit clients?
Understanding prosecutorial strategies allows us to anticipate arguments and develop more effective defense tactics during negotiations and trials.
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