Charles Smith has been a criminal defense attorney and has over 30 years of legal experience. He is uniquely qualified to handle your case as he is the only attorney in the area who has worked as a police officer (working his way up to the rank of Inspector), a prosecutor, and a POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) instructor before becoming a defense attorney. As Charles is intimately familiar with the investigative techniques the police and prosecutors use, he is able to look at your case and see defenses that others can, and do, miss. Charles and his staff are dedicated to providing their clients a standard of legal excellence with integrity and compassion that is unparalleled.
Sonora Criminal Defense Lawyer
Treating Clients with Compassion Since 1987
For over 30 years, our Sonora attorney has put the best interests of his clients first in all criminal defense cases. Being accused of committing a crime can be one of the most stressful situations one can find themselves in, which is why The Law Office of Charles B. Smith provides empathetic and nonjudgmental service. We use our years of experience to build strong cases for clients based on hard evidence, so they don’t need to worry about whether or not they’re being properly represented. Our Sonora criminal defense attorney is here for you until the very end – you’ll never be alone in court with our compassionate team on your side.
Why You Need a Criminal Lawyer
Lacking proper defense in your criminal case can have life-altering costs. You need to hire a legal team that is well-versed in criminal law to represent you and protect your rights. Being accused of a crime can produce feelings of guilt and shame, but the reality is that you have legal rights and are innocent until proven guilty. By hiring legal defense, you’re hiring lawyers who have a deep understanding of the judicial system, have dealt with countless cases similar to yours, and who can help you understand your options. It’s a no-brainer – you need a trained eye. We can support you through this difficult time.
Putting People First
Helping Good People Out of Bad Situations
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"Charles is one of the BEST in the area."Charles is one of the best in the area. When I was in trouble and needed an attorney before court he came to the rescue. My family had sent another attorney to talk to me prior to court but the attorney cancelled on me and never gave a reason why. Luckily Charles was able to make a special appearance for me in court with very short notice. He was very sincere when I talked to him and he made me feel comfortable and gave me hope for the future, I highly recommend him!- Christy
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"best legal advice we have EVER received!"By far the best legal advice we have received EVER. Highly recommend Mr. Smith.
Last year we had an issue with our registered firearms. We didn't know if we needed to hire a lawyer or not. After one phone call with Mr. Smith he told my husband how to fill out the forms necessary for the safe return of our firearms. He also told my husband what to expect with the court process and fines we'd need to pay due to storage fees. He even advised us he did not need to be hired if we followed his steps - this proves this man is wonderful!
A couple of days ago we had another issue we needed to discuss with Mr. Smith. Once again he spoke with my husband and advised him we had nothing to worry about and talked us through the legal process. We thanked him for his help last year and for the wonderful free legal advice he gave us via phone.
Highly recommend this man, he's very knowledgeable.- Deb -
"The Best in the Business!"I am blessed to say that Charles is the best at what he does...HANDS DOWN!!!!!
He is truly a great person and very kind hearted. My wife and our 5 kids are blessed to have gained such a beautiful relationship with Charles, his wife Mary and kids.
I first met him in November of 2010. I was being charged with an assault with a deadly weapon(my hands were considered deadly) and gang enhancement charges. Upfront....I don't have a squeaky clean record and was facing this case with a strike on my adult record from a crime I committed when I was 17yrs. old in 1997 (which I served county time for). I made plenty of wrong choices growing up and Charles took the time to hear my side.
This case lasted over 3 years. From start of this case when I was initially bailed out, the DA took us back to court twice, YES TWICE to raise my bail and tried to remand me immediately. Nope, Charles wasn't having it. He filed motions and took the time to really understand the case in detail. And boy did he find loop holes. This might be a great time to say, "I AM INNOCENT!!!!!" BOTH attempts were declined. And that was just another sign confirmation that Charles was truly heaven sent.
Throughout the case, lasting 3yrs., we went to court several times from arraignment to increased bail hearings, pre-trial conferences (TWICE) in 12 months, and finally jury trial lasting months. He didn't back down from anything the DA pushed for me to take as a plea bargain. He found so many holes in the case, he carried my co-defendants and their lawyers on his shoulders as well. YES, even though my co-defendants had their own lawyers, CHARLES really fought for us all. I should also add that Charles postponed his much needed hip surgery to defend my innocence!!! He literally fought through his own physical pains to do so.
Through all the painful hardships, I'm blessed to say I WAS PROVEN INNOCENT!!!! (as well as my co-defendants)
I thank the Lord everyday for sending Charles into my life. His wife Mary is the best and she makes the best chocolate chip cookies. LOL. In all seriousness, she is the back bone for Charles and without her guidance as well, my wife and I can't thank her enough. Genuine!!!!! I recommend Charles to everyone I know.- Sione -
"Dedicated Professional!"Today was the end of a 3 year emotionally draining roller coaster ride centered on a mistake my son made. I can only praise God for creating the wonderfully caring human that is Charles Smith. His warm,caring and witty demeanor guided my son and I through the darkest period of our lives and finally into the light. He constantly assured us for almost 3 years that everything would be fine and he was true to his word. A very rare occurrence these days that only a dedicated professional like Charles could make a reality. Clarence Darrow would be very proud of you Charles. Thank you for being our true friend and should you ever need our help just ask and you shall receive it. God bless!!- Mike
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"Went above and beyond representing me."Charles is an extraordinary gentleman. He went above and beyond representing me and has transformed my life and the lives of those around me for the better. I highly recommend him.- R.H.
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"Thank you for proving my husband's innocence."I don't have much to say, but the fact of the matter is, if Charles wasn't in the courtroom for us, I wouldn't have my husband with me for another 10 or 20 years. Thank you for proving his innocence! I'm eternally grateful. Even 2 yrs after the 3 yr long court case is over. I still think of all you've done.
God Bless Charles & thank you!- Claudia -
"Charles is your guy!"No one ever WANTS to need an attorney, but if you do, Charles is your guy! As someone who values face-to-face interactions with those I work with, I had never met Charles in person. However, I did not feel like there was a disconnect in our phone calls. He was attentive, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. While I hope never to need an attorney again, Charles will remain in my emergency phone contacts!- Deanna
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"Mr. Smith takes care of business 100%!"Charles helped me and my former roommate to beat a 3 strikes case in 2009. Both of our cases were tried as 25 years to life and we both got out after a year served in the county. Mr. Smith takes care of business 100%. Thank you very much Sir and God Bless you great job well done- Orlando
Our Services
Charged with a Crime? We Can Help!
We're With You From Start to Finish
Practicing for over 30 years earns you plenty of experience in a wide range of areas associated with criminal defense. If you’re concerned about your case, rest assured knowing that we’ve handled many cases like yours before.
We can provide legal counsel if you’ve been accused of violence, including assault and battery, domestic violence, and sex offenses; DUIs, drug crimes, and firearm offenses; white-collar crimes; and juvenile crimes.
Additionally, we can help you understand the bail process, how DMV hearings are structured, how to expunge your criminal record, and what resisting arrest entails.
Many average Americans are unaware of how the criminal justice system works, which is where we step in. We can help you learn more about the details concerning your case, and how you can proceed.
We Proudly Serve Those Facing Criminal Charges in Sonora, & Jamestown. Schedule Your Consultation Today!
