$ 350-450 per hour
Charles Frederick Magill
About Charles
Biography
Decades of Experience, Fresno Roots and Exceptional Criminal Defense in the San Joaquin Valley
Since graduating from the San Joaquin College of Law in 1989, Charles Magill, the president of the firm, has been establishing himself as one of Fresno’s leading legal minds. For the past 22 years he has defended private individuals throughout Central California. He has stood up to federal and state prosecutors and time after time he has protected his clients’ rights against the most formidable opponents and most unlikely odds. Mr. Magill is a tenacious and creative defense lawyer who is not afraid to question conventional wisdom or take cases that other attorneys will not. Federal drug crimes; high stakes juvenile crimes cases; vehicular manslaughter and DUI, murder, theft, and all misdemeanors and felonies as well as criminal appeals; Mr. Magill has handled them all.
To speak with the right Fresno attorney for your criminal defense, call.
Father, Artist, Philanthropist and One of Fresno’s Most Sought-After Attorneys
Mr. Magill’s confidence is born of experience. He has conducted over 150 jury and court trials in state and federal courts. As a fierce, creative, and knowledgeable trial attorney, Mr. Magill is highly sought-after by people throughout the valley and also by local and national media outlets. Amongst his peers in the San Joaquin Valley he is known as an exemplary professional who is also down-to-earth and capable of explaining the law in clear and concise ways. This is why NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS, NPR, the Wall Street Journal, the Fresno Bee and other media outlets often turn to him for legal insight. His relationship with local media has served his clients well when they find themselves in the middle of a high-profile firestorm.
As a father of five, as an artist, as an active member of his Fresno community, and as a philanthropist, Mr. Magill has deep experience in the law and the varied life experience that makes him the creative and intelligent defense lawyer you need on your side. He was selected as a Pro Tem Judge in the Fresno County Superior Court which is a rare honor, and he was also named “Best Trial Attorney” by the legal organization The Private Defenders.
Furthermore, he takes his pride in Fresno seriously and has long been an active member in the community as a High School Mock Trial Coach at Bullard High and Central High; as a member of the San Joaquin College of Law Barrister Balls Planning Committee; as a Sunday School Teacher; as a High School Debate/Forensics Judge; as a High School Mock Trial Scoring Attorney; and as a Young Life Leader.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
80%
37 years | 450 cases
DUI and DWI
15%
37 years | 85 cases
Education
5%
25 years | 20 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 36 years
State: California
Acquired: 1989
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
Location
Law Offices of Charles Frederick Magill
1060 Fulton Mall Ste 806, Fresno, CA, 93721
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Charles Frederick Magill's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | August 8, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
14 years later, he’s still the first lawyer I recommend
In 2011, I screwed up and drove under the influence. 2 months later, I discovered I was pregnant. Just picture going through the criminal justice system as someone that was drunk, WITH A BABY BUMP. Horrifying. I was so ashamed and terrified that I’d be waddling my way around jail, or unable to drive ...
Posted by Jennie | April 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
It's a 50/50 chance he will adequately perform.
Magill was hired to represent my son from an offense he was accused of while in prison in Soledad Ca. The first time he showed up was okay, but the second time he appeared in Salinas court he showed up late and looked disheveled. From there on in, it was a crap shoot to know if he would adequately re...
Posted by John | February 8, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
This is the lawyer you want on your side in court!
Magill Guzman-Magill Law deserves 5 Stars. Whether a serious traffic case, a drug matter or anything in between, I have the utmost confidence that he will do his best to ensure the best possible outcome. I reached out to Charles Magill to handle a potentially serious case and was expertly guided thro...
Posted by anonymous | January 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A total waste of money
I hired Mr. Magill to help me with my DUI. He was TERRIBLE at letting me know what was happening, and acted as though the charge was "nothing". It wasn't to me. It was devastating. I was very disappointed in how he treated me and my case.
Charles Magill
Replied last February 1, 2017I am sorry that someone would say that about my representation. In my 26 years of practice, I cannot say I had this sort of complaint before. I am inclined to believe this did not come from an actual client, but trolling by a competitor.
Posted by Hunter | July 13, 2014
Mr. Magill was great.
Mr. Magill represented me with a DUI case in Merced, CA. He was very good about explaining what I should expect and advocating for me. I spoke with a couple of other defense attorneys that were cheaper but I am glad I went with Mr. Magill. He was definitely worth the extra money.
Charles Frederick Magill's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this individual as a highly respected and knowledgable lawyer in their practice."
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the top attorneys in the region."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Charles is sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit."
"One of Fresno's best, I endorse this lawyer."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Charles. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. You will always get the best out of this lawyer. Cannot recommend him more."
"Charles is hands-down one of the best attorneys that practice in Northern CA. He challenges district attorneys and officers on a daily basis and I highly recommend his services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've seen Chuck's work for over 15 years. He is extraordinary in his ability to assess, plan and attack a case. His results speak for themselves. He has a unique insight that I have not seen before in other attorneys. He is in a class by himself."
"Mr. Magill knows how to stand up for the little guy, the down trodden and anyone who needs a lawyer in their corner. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Chuck throughout his entire practice and have seen him grow from a new attorney learning the ropes to a seasoned veteran who is sought out for help by other lawyers. He is a tireless fighter for his clients. You would be in very capable hands hiring Chuck for your criminal case. I highly endorse this lawyer's work."
Sarmen Tahmasian
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer
Giacomo Behar
Immigration lawyer
Daniel Martin
Criminal defense lawyer
Francis Ciardi
Criminal defense lawyer
Okorie Okorocha
Sexual harassment lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.
Interim suspension after conviction issued in CA, 2025
updated on 11/11/2025This means the attorney temporarily lost his or her license to practice law while the State investigates whether the attorney should be disciplined. The suspension typically expires when the investigation is resolved.
Honors
2016
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top Contributor - Education, Avvo
2015
Top Contributor - DUI, Avvo
2015
Top Contributor - Criminal Defense, Avvo
2014
Client's Choice - Education, Avvo
2014
Client's Choice - DUI, Avvo
2014
Client's Choice - Criminal Defense, Avvo
2007
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 2007, Fresno County Superior Court
2006
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 2006, Fresno County Superior Court
2005
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 2005, Fresno County Superior Court
2004
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 2004, Fresno County Superior Court
2003
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 2003, Fresno County Superior Court
2002
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 2002, Fresno County Superior Court
2001
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 2001, Fresno County Superior Court
2000
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 2000, Fresno County Superior Court
1999
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 1999, Fresno County Superior Court
1998
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 1998, Fresno County Superior Court
1997
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 1997, Fresno County Superior Court
1996
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 1996, Fresno County Superior Court
1995
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 1995, Fresno County Superior Court
1994
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 1994, Fresno County Superior Court
1993
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 1993, Fresno County Superior Court
1992
Recognition for Sitting as Judge Pro Tempore 1992, Fresno County Superior Court
N/A
Best Trial Attorney, Private Defenders of California
Work Experience
1991 - Present
Attorney/Owner, Law Offices of Charles F. Magill
1989 - 1991
Attorney, Smurr, Gelegan and Henry
1988 - 1989
Law Clerk, Nuttall Berman Magill
Associations
2008 - Present
The Private DefendersMember
2004 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys NACDLMember
1989 - Present
Fresno County Bar AssociationMember
1989 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
DUI Dismissed
Dismissed
P v. Jason Shirley
30 days Work Program
Education
1989
San Joaquin College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
California St Univ Hayward
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2017
Gun Law in California
Gun Law in California
2016
Legal Analyst Commentary- News Story
Fatal bus accident -Tour Bus Driver's Traffic Violations
2016
Legal Analyst Commentary
Proposition 47
2015
Legal Analyst- News story
Police Filming- Helpful or Hurtful
2015
Legal Analyst
Class Action Lawsuit- Legal commentary
2014
2014 Conference
Tips for Closing Arguments
Publications
2014
The Private Defenders Seminar
Unique Closing Arguments
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Should I/how do I fight my speeding ticket VC 22350? Officer marked me 61 on a downhill 45 mph zone?
05 Mar 2015
Q&A
I am the defendant, the plaintiff lied under oath and I have rock solid proof. . What can I do?
24 Aug 2014
Q&A
Can a storage facility lock you out of your unit if you are if you havehad an accident on the property. incident date June 20th
22 Aug 2014