Our Firm: Your Local Legal Ally in Chico

At North State Defender, we know that calling a lawyer usually happens on one of the hardest days of your life. Whether you are staring down criminal charges or trying to recover after a serious injury, you deserve an attorney who will listen, explain your options in plain language, and stand up for you in court or at the negotiating table.

Our firm focuses on two areas of law: criminal defense and personal injury. That focus allows us to give each case the time and attention it deserves. We balance strong advocacy with genuine care for the people we serve, and we work to make the legal process as clear and manageable as possible.

Honest Guidance From Day One

Your first meeting with us is always about information and clarity, not pressure. In your free consultation, we talk through what happened, answer your questions, and outline realistic paths forward. We explain potential outcomes, risks, and timelines so you can make informed decisions instead of guessing in the dark. Our job is to make sure you understand your rights and your options from the very beginning.

Why Clients Choose Our Firm

Every case – and every client – is different. We do not offer one‑size‑fits‑all solutions. Instead, we look closely at the facts of your case, your goals and concerns, and the practical impact on your life, family, work, and future.

Some matters can be resolved with a targeted motion, a carefully negotiated plea, or a fair settlement. Others require extensive investigation and hard‑fought litigation. Our role is to recommend a path that fits your situation and then work that strategy as effectively as we can.

For more than 22 years, we have represented people in Chico and throughout Northern California. Many of our new clients come to us because a friend, family member, or another professional recommended our firm. We take that trust seriously. Whether we are defending someone in a criminal case or pursuing compensation after an accident, we aim to deliver the same level of preparation, responsiveness, and respect.

Personal Attention From Attorneys Who Know Your Case

We understand how personal legal problems can be. Clients often share sensitive information about their health, family, finances, or past. We work hard to create an environment where those conversations feel safe and respectful.

Our firm is intentionally small and approachable. You are not just another file on a shelf. We return calls, keep you updated, and make sure you know what is happening in your case and why. That commitment to communication has earned us the appreciation of former clients and the respect of many other lawyers and professionals who refer people to us.

Criminal Defense in Chico: Protecting Your Rights

A criminal conviction can affect almost every part of your life – your freedom, your job, your immigration status, your professional license, and your reputation. When the stakes are high, you need a defense that is thorough, strategic, and unafraid of a fight.

We defend clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Chico, Butte County, and surrounding counties, including:

• Domestic violence
• Theft crimes and property offenses
• Juvenile crimes
• Probation violations
• White collar crimes
• Marijuana and other drug offenses
• DUI and DWI charges
• Minor in possession and alcohol‑related offenses

From the moment you contact us, we look closely at the evidence, the procedures the police used, and any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We explain your options and work toward the outcome that best protects your future.

Focused DUI Defense in Chico

DUI cases require a detailed understanding of traffic law, field sobriety testing, breath and blood testing, and DMV procedures. Our Chico DUI defense practice examines every stage of the stop and arrest – from the reason you were pulled over to how tests were administered and handled.

We handle both the criminal case and the DMV side, including:

• DMV hearings and license suspension issues
• Challenges to field sobriety tests
• Review of breath and blood alcohol testing procedures
• Negotiations for reduced charges or alternative sentencing when appropriate

When there are errors or violations of your rights, we work to have evidence suppressed or charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.

Personal Injury Representation: Standing Up for the Injured

Serious injuries can change a person’s life in an instant. Medical bills, time away from work, pain, and stress can quickly become overwhelming. Our firm helps injured clients hold negligent or reckless parties accountable and pursue fair compensation for what they have lost.

We represent clients in many types of injury and wrongful death cases, including:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Drunk driving crashes
• Nursing home abuse and neglect
• Pedestrian accidents
• Medical malpractice

We work closely with clients, doctors, and other professionals to understand the full impact of an injury – not just the immediate medical costs, but also lost income, future care needs, and how the injury affects day‑to‑day life. Our goal is to help you secure the resources you need to move forward.

Here When You Need Us

Whether you are facing criminal charges or trying to recover after a serious accident, you do not have to go through it alone. Our Chico criminal defense attorney and personal injury lawyers are ready to listen, explain your rights, and stand up for you.

To talk about your situation and learn about your legal options, call our Chico office at 530‑897‑3700 or contact us online to schedule a confidential, free consultation.