Charles Frederick Magill

Charles Frederick Magill

4.7
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 36 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Fresno, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Education

1060 Fulton Mall Ste 806, Fresno, CA

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025
See Details

About Charles

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 80%

We defend many clients against charges of robbery, sexual assault, murder, gang-related incidents, charges against juveniles and other serious crimes. Our team is passionate about protecting your rights and freedoms, with the ultimate goal of allowing you to move on with your life.

38 years | 450 cases

80%
DUI and DWI 15%

DUI suspects usually get arrested because of poor performance during a field sobriety test administered by the arresting officer. However, the main piece of evidence against you is your blood alcohol level. None of these tests are perfect, and the team at Magill & Guzman Magill knows how to effectively challenge the results.

38 years | 85 cases

15%
Education 5%

If your child has been suspended or expelled, then call our office. Your child has a right to due process in the disciplinary process and has a right to an attorney.

26 years | 20 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 350-450 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 36 years

State: California

Acquired: 1989

Not Eligible to Practice Law (Not Entitled)

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025

Location

Law Offices of Charles Frederick Magill

1060 Fulton Mall Ste 806, Fresno, CA, 93721

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Charles Frederick Magill's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

26 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Hunter | July 14, 2014 | DUI & DWI

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.

Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2014 | Drug Crime

Saved my A**

After my arrest my parents hired Mr. Magill to defend me against felony drug charges. Mr. Magill made sure that I was going to my meetings and took the initiative to call the DA's office to put a different spin on the case before they made the decision to file. My charges ended up not even being file...d!

Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Cannot go wrong here!

Chuck and Laura are amazing! I went to them in early April with my criminal defense matter where I was facing 2 misdemenors and 1 felony. They faught for me and saved my budding career. The case was resolved before making it to trial which saved me a ton of stress and money. Chuck tried to negotiate ...withthe DA since the charges were far fethched and exaggerated but the DA wouldn't budge. Chuck then worked his magic with the judge and resolved my case with nothing more than a misdemenor (which could be exponged) and some community service, the ensuing fine was even waived. I wish i couldve met them under better circumstances but Chuck and Laura literally saved me and I am forever greatful. I highly recommend them! Worth every penny!

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...erienced, have a broad an in-depth knowledge of the law, know the Court System in and out and are great negotiators. But even more important they are WINNERS, who will never give up no matter how hopeless a case might look and will keep seeking for every possible solution to win their case. In Domestic Violence cases, like the one that I had to deal with, winning a case is in most situations a hard thing to achieve. Especially while, like also in my case, it is one word (my ex spouse) against another (mine) and proofing the facts is a difficult thing to achieve. Moreover when a 12 member jury has to be convinced of your innocence. But also here Charles and Laura kept looking to every possible angle of my case, striving in every possible way to get a not guilty verdict from the jury. And that is what happened in the end, having my case being aquitted. I have no idea what the end-result of my case would have been without Charles and Laura representing me. But I know for a fact that without their persistence, their professional attitude and the time and energy they put in defending me, things could have ended much worse for me. If ever you might end up in a similar situation like I did and need a criminal defense attorney, I would definitely recommend Charles and Laura Magill as the attorneys that highly likely will win a case for you.

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... citizen's arrest and Chuck knows about false arrests and the issues that our police department has. Many of the law enforcement respect him and his brutally honest demeanor. If someone is trying to sue you or cannot win a case, are in the wrong they may try to harm you with a fake citizen's arrest. Charles (Chuck) Magill can fix it and is a shrewed negiotator that has won many false arrest claims and brought attention to this matter. Chuck is also respected by many attorneys in Fresno, who regularly seek his advice. For those of you who file a fake citizen's arrest and cannot back it up, you stand the chance of being sued or prosecuted by the DA's office who is sick and tired of being used for Kangaroo Court BS cases like a particular attorney that has scammed clients out of thousands. I highly recommend Chuck (Charles) for anyone should they be caught in a misunderstanding with the police. Most police that I know do not agree with arresting anyone at a nursing home in front of elderly partents (as what happened to me) But in the end it is working out well because now more attention will be brought to the facility who had issues with elder abuse and poor health care. They are now trying to straighten up their act after a worker cried "victim" because she could not be accountable for her actions. Then attacked me with a camera on the floor of a healthcare facility (not allowed because of privacy ACT)

See All Client Reviews

Charles Frederick Magill's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Charles
Ali Ebrahimzadeh headshot
Ali Ebrahimzadeh

Unknown lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jonathan Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

Unknown lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."

Jarrett David Blakeley headshot
Jarrett Blakeley

Unknown lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Colin Grant McCallin headshot
Colin McCallin

Unknown lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Simon Kabzan headshot
Simon Kabzan

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this individual as a highly respected and knowledgable lawyer in their practice."

Portland J. Downing Campanaro headshot
Portland Campanaro

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. One of the top attorneys in the region."

Russell J Hebets headshot
Russell Hebets

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Tymczyszyn headshot
John Tymczyszyn

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Charles is sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit."

Christopher Robert Martens headshot
Christopher Martens

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One of Fresno's best, I endorse this lawyer."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Francis M Ciardi headshot
Francis Ciardi

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Charles. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Nicholas Anthony Capozzi headshot
Nicholas Capozzi

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. You will always get the best out of this lawyer. Cannot recommend him more."

Kiarash Feyzjou headshot
Kiarash Feyzjou

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Benjamin Prescott Tryk headshot
Benjamin Tryk

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jeffrey David Bohn headshot
Jeffrey Bohn

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Daniel Kieth Martin headshot
Daniel Martin

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Terry Alan Wapner headshot
Terry Wapner

Criminal defense lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Sarmen Tahmasian headshot
Sarmen Tahmasian

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer

Giacomo Jacques Behar headshot
Giacomo Behar

Immigration lawyer

Daniel Kieth Martin headshot
Daniel Martin

Criminal defense lawyer

Francis M Ciardi headshot
Francis Ciardi

Criminal defense lawyer

Okorie Okorocha headshot
Okorie Okorocha

Sexual harassment lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.

Interim suspension after conviction issued in CA, 2025

updated on 11/11/2025

This 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 Defenders

Member

2004 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys NACDL

Member

1989 - Present

Fresno County Bar Association

Member

1989 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

DUI Dismissed

Dismissed

P v. Jason Shirley

30 days Work Program

See More Legal Cases

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

2014

2014 Conference

Tips for Closing Arguments

Publications

2014

The Private Defenders Seminar Unique Closing Arguments

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution