$ 350-450 per hour
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.
3
Practice Areas
38 years | 450 cases
38 years | 85 cases
26 years | 20 cases
$ 350-450 per hour
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1989
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
1060 Fulton Mall Ste 806, Fresno, CA, 93721
26 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by John | February 08, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
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 Gail | May 03, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Dedicated, honest, fighter
When I met Chuck and Laura I was without hope and felt desperate, our family had been fighting corrupt law enforcement, a trial that was filled with perjury, ignored subpoenas, and witnesses intimidated by the sheriff’s department. Chuck and Laura listened to our concerns and immediately started res...
Posted by Frank | April 30, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Highly Skilled Professional Attorney and a WINNER
Charles and Laura Magill already did succesfully represent me in the past, so when false criminal charges in a Domestic Violence case were filed against me I did not hesitate for a second to have them represent me again. Charles and Laura are highly skilled professional attorneys who are very exp...
Posted by Vanessa | November 27, 2012 | Criminal Defense
Charles Magill savvy on human rights abuses and health care laws.
Chuck Magill has the unique distinction of knowing the system from the DA to public defender's office (which he and his wife have worked at) I worked for one of the of the top lawyers in Fresno and have ties to the legal community in Fresno, California and worldwide. People can set you up for fake...
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. Charles is sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit."
"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. 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'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."
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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.
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
1991 - Present
Attorney/Owner, Law Offices of Charles F. Magill
1989 - 1991
Attorney, Smurr, Gelegan and Henry
1988 - 1989
Law Clerk, Nuttall Berman Magill
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
Dismissed
30 days Work Program
1989
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
undergraduate
2017
2016
2016
2015
2015
2014
Tips for Closing Arguments
2014
Spanish
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Should I/how do I fight my speeding ticket VC 22350? Officer marked me 61 on a downhill 45 mph zone?
05 Mar 2015
I am the defendant, the plaintiff lied under oath and I have rock solid proof. . What can I do?
24 Aug 2014
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