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About Michael
I'm a native of the Central Valley and have lived here my entire life, apart from attending college in San Diego. Both of my parents practiced law. My father was a judge, and my mother was a Chief District Attorney. So it seemed a natural thing to do, having grown up around courtrooms and legal discussions. I started my career with Barker & Associates, a private firm that served as the alternate public defenders office in Fresno, California. Subsequently, I went to work to the Law Offices of Nicholas F. Reyes where we handled Federal and State matters as well as personal injury cases.
Since 2007 I have maintained my own private practice in the area of Criminal, DUI and Personal Injury. I have regularly taken cases to trial and have performed over 20 + jury trials and many court trials. I have repesented many clients on charges of murder as well as serious offenses, such as robbery, sex charges and drug trafficking. My goal is to provide the best representation for all of my clients and work as team to make sure every possible defense and avenue for success is pursued.
Practice areas
- Criminal defense: 50%
State and Federal Criminal Defense, handling cases such as life sentence felonies, including crimes of violence, drug offenses and homicide.
16 years, 500 cases
- DUI and DWI: 50%
Michael E. Mitchell and his law offices handle DUI and DMV related matters on a regular basis. He is one of the foremost authories on DUI defense in Fresno, California and the Central Valley.
16 years, 500 cases
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Photos and videos
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Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Active | 2005 | 06/15/2022 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2015 |
| Client's Choice Criminal Defense | Avvo | 2012 |
| Graduate- Field Sobriety Instructor Course | Impaired Driving Specialists | 2011 |
| Field Sobriety Practitioner Course 1st Place | La Pier & Assoc. | 2011 |
| Witkin Award - Constitutional Law | San Joaquin College of Law | 2004 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Attorney | Mitchell Law Group, Inc. | 2009 - 2018 |
| Managing Attorney | Law Offices of Michael E. Mitchell, APC | 2007 - 2009 |
| Associate Attorney | Law Offices of Nicholas F. Reyes | 2006 - 2007 |
| Associate Attorney | Barker & Associates | 2005 - 2006 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| California Association of Consumer Attorneys | Member | 2013 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2011 - Present |
| California DUI Lawyers Association | Member | 2008 - Present |
| Fresno County Bar Association | Member | 2006 - Present |
| United States District Court for the Central District of California | Admitted to Practice | 2006 - Present |
| United States District Court for the Eastern District of California | Admitted to Practice | 2006 - Present |
| State Bar of California | Member | 2005 - Present |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| High Times | Mentioned: Here's where marijuana legalization doesn't apply in cailifornia | 2017 |
| Sacramento Bee | Interviewed: Pot’s legal in California. So why are people still getting busted in Yosemite? | 2017 |
| AVVO Legal Guides | Tips for Preparing for the Probation Interview | 2015 |
| Eastern District of California Blog | Interviewed & Mentioned: Fresno Not Guilty Verdict in Alleged Yemeni Terrorist Plot | 2011 |
| San Diego Tribune | Featured: Trial underway in boyfriend car death | 2011 |
| Inmate Violence Deaths | Mentioned: Murder by Car Trial Opens | 2011 |
| The Bakersfield Californian | Interviewed & Mentioned: Man Cleared in Plot to Send Weapons to Yemen | 2011 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| San Joaquin College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2005 |
| Univ of California San Diego | undergraduate | 1999 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| ABC 30 News | Interview: 18-year-old pleads not guilty to shooting death | 2017 |
| ABC 30 News | Interview: ABC 30 News, Madd Dash to Breathalyzers for all Drunk Drivers | 2016 |
| NBC Bay Area | Interview: NBC Bay Area, Drug Busts Going Up in Yosemite | 2013 |
| Local Homeowners Association | Self-Defense Inside and Outside Your Home | 2012 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| People v. Ortiz | Case Dismissed |
| People v. Avakian | Hung Jury at Trial |
| People v. Flores | Dismissed at Trial Date |
| People v. Munoz | Case Dismissed after Successful Suppression Motion |
| People v. Rooney | Case Dismissed after Successful Suppression Motion |
Amazing Law Firm! Exceeded my expectations
5.0 stars
Posted by Milana
February 6, 2018
Best Attorney in Fresno
5.0 stars
Posted by John
March 24, 2016
Great Lawyer
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
February 22, 2016
Best Results Possible
5.0 stars
Posted by Todd
July 8, 2015
Thank you Mr. mitchell.
5.0 stars
Posted by Julio C. Hernandez
April 19, 2015
DUI
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
March 11, 2015
Great Fresno Attorney!
5.0 stars
Posted by Gary
June 9, 2014
Great Experience!
5.0 stars
Posted by Jenn, Clovis
November 5, 2013
Fantastic Attorney!
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
November 5, 2013
Mike Mitchell helped me win in DMV court and in the criminal court!!!
5.0 stars
Posted by Jordan
August 20, 2013
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Attorney endorsements
(26)
Christopher Martens, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 19, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Great Lawyers, I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Michae. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Christopher Martens, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 19, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Great Lawyers, I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Michae. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Monrae English, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer!
William Campbell, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael Mitchell is a very competent lawyer who always does whats best for his client.
Samer Salhab, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Scott Levy, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike Mitchell is dedicated to fighting for justice....keep it up sir!
Vijay Dinakar, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Top notch attorney.
Edgar Reynoso, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I met Mr. Mitchell several years ago at a CDLA seminar in San Francisco. He impressed me then as someone who takes his job very seriously and strives for the best outcome for his clients. His AVVO posts demonstrate his deep understanding of complex DUI issues. His answers are always thoughtful, accurate, and they evidence his genuine interest in helping people. You could do no wrong if he was your attorney.
Dede Agrava, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mitchell is a dedicated attorney. He is a hard working attorney who really cares about his clients.
Mary Moshrefi, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mitchell is committed to his clients and a tough adversary.
Jonathan Rooker, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've seen Micheal work in several courts around the central valley including Kingsburg (when it was open), Madera, and Fresno. Michael works hard for his clients. He appears to get along with and work well with court staff and other attorneys. It is apparent in his interactions with other attorneys that he is well respected within the community. I can easily recomend Michael to prospective clients.
Tina Barberi, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am honored to endorse Mike Mitchell. He is very hardworking and a extremely devoted attorney. He is dedicated to providing zealous and thorough representation to his clients. I have witnessed him in court and he has obtained great results for his clients. He is very knowledgeable in the courts and he is held in high esteem by his fellow attorneys. He is always looking for the competitive edge in defending his clients, whether it is a DUI case or a criminal matter.
Yan Shrayberman, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Michael is an outstanding attorney with an excellent reputation. He is a knowledgeable and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend him.
Daniel Prado, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 3, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Mitchell for the past year, and have witnessed firsthand his tireless advocacy on behalf of his clients. Mr. Mitchell is an experienced, result oriented Attorney. He stays up to date with the latest developments in Criminal Defense, and is a member of the National College for DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the California DUI Lawyers Association. Mr. Mitchell is very professional and an exceptional Attorney. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Mitchell.
Jack Revvill, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 3, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike Mitchell is one of my favorite attorneys. He is one of the "young lions" who came up in the last ten years and decided that he would practice law his way - aggressively, but with genuine compassion for his clients and a willingness to take risks. He is a respected advocate who does not flinch from taking on a difficult case in harsh circumstances, as the government found in a federal jury trial when the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict for his client. Mike understands also that in a world of increasing specialization, there is still a place for a determined litigator who is willing to help his clients in areas of the law other than criminal. The bottom line is that Mike is there to help the people who seek is assistance. I am happy to endorse him.
Gregory Fox, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mitchell is one of Fresno Counties most knowledgeable criminal attorneys. Over the past 7 years I have had a chance to work on matters with Mr. Mitchell. He is always well prepared and handles himself in a professional manner both inside and outside the courtroom. Mr. Mitchell is also highly respected by his peers and members of the court. I would strongly recommend Mr. Mitchell if you are in need of a criminal attorney.
Lenden Webb, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 9, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael is an aggressive advocate. He is hardworking, detail-oriented lawyer who is known well in many surrounding counties by attorneys and judges alike. He cuts to the important issues in each case he deals with and I happily endorse Michael without reservation to any potential client.
Daniel Martin, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 7, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Mitchell is a passionate, hard working defense lawyer. He is knowledgeable about the law and will work hard for you.
Jerry Lowe, Criminal defense Attorney on May 10, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is an exceptional attorney. He really cares about his clients and shows it by out preparing his opponent every time. I couldn't recommend him more.
Jerry Mitchell, Criminal defense Attorney on May 5, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am making this statement not merely as Mike Mitchell's father, which I am obviously proud to be, but as a retired court commissioner and administrative law judge with 45 years experience in the justice system. I have had the great pleasure of watching Mike Mitchell in action during several criminal jury trials, in each of which he demonstrated not only enormous competence, but a remarkable ability to connect with jurors so that they see his clients not as strangers charged with crimes, but as human beings worthy of consideration. The attributes that Mike Mitchell brings with him whenever he steps into a courtroom are the attributes that any person unfortunate enough to be charged with a crime should demand when choosing a criminal defense attorney to represent them.