Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
44 Client Reviews
$ 500-550 per hour
PRO
Jeffrey Tyson Hammerschmidt
also known as Jeff Hammerschmidt
Virtual Consultation Available
About Jeffrey
Biography
I am a Fresno based government investigations attorney and criminal defense attorney, dedicated to providing the highest level of legal service.
I represent people who are accused of crimes in California courts and in Federal courts throughout the United States. I handle all types of criminal cases, including white collar crimes, drug crimes, crimes of violence, and other criminal matters. I also represent people who are being investigated for crimes but have not yet been charged with a crime.
For those persons who are charged with or convicted of a crime and who hold a professional license, such as physicians, attorneys, nurses, contractors and others, I also handle administrative matters regarding licensing penalties.
I have been featured on five national television shows related to my work in criminal law. These include In Ice Cold Blood, American Justice, Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege and Justice, Forensic Files, and on Solved.
I am certified by the California State Bar as a Criminal Law Specialist. I am AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating given to any attorney for legal ability and ethics. I have also been listed in Northern California Super Lawyers from 2009-2019, and in Northern California Super Lawyers Top 100 in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
I am admitted to practice in California, and in federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.
My goal is to provide representation to clients in the manner I'd want to receive if I was the client. To me, this means returning telephone calls, keeping the client advised, and providing legal service that results in the best possible outcome to the client. It means not rushing clients through meetings and making sure the client gets his or her questions answered completely.
Should you find yourself in the position of being investigated for or charged with a crime, I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about your matter.
I’m a founding member of The President’s Club, which was founded in 2017. To date, TPC has netted more than $3,000,000 to benefit Community Cancer Institute.
Recent federal case results:
United States v. Carmen C. (2018 case that was sentenced in 2019) – Client charged with drug conspiracy charges with 10 year mandatory minimum. Case settled for probation on a phone count with no jail time.
United States v. M. Williams (December 2017 arrest and case was sentenced in 2019) – Client charged with fraud of more than $500,000. Client sentenced to probation with no jail time.
United States v. Basil H. (2017 Indictment that was resolved in 2019) – Physician charged with medical billing fraud. Case resolved with a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with no admission of liability on the client’s part and no action on his medical license.
United States v. A. Pedraza (2018 Indictment that was sentenced in 2019) – Client charged with distribution of methamphetamine and marijuana. Client sentenced to probation with no jail time.
United States v. C. Farooq (2016 Indictment with sentencing in 2019) – Client charged with distribution of illegal drugs on Alpha Bay, a cryptocurrency site on the dark web. Client received a sentence of 23 months prison. A similarly situated co-defendant was sentenced to 78 months prison.
California state court cases and investigations:
People v. Gregory O. (Case filed in 2016 in Merced County with sentencing in 2019) – Client charged with four counts of bribing a public official and one count of a Government Code violation. Case settled with all bribery counts dismissed and client sentenced to felony probation on the Government Code violation with electronic monitor and no actual jail time.
People v. M. Borunda (Case filed in 2018 in Fresno County with sentencing in 2019) – Client charged with felony DUI (4th DUI in 10 years). Client sentenced to felony probation and 138 days of custody, which were served on house arrest wearing a SCRAMx ankle monitor. (SCRAMx is an ankle monitor that detects alcohol usage and also tracks location. Judge allowed house arrest in place of actual jail time.)
People v. Michael K. (Case filed in Fresno County in 2018 and was sentenced in 2019) – Client is a physician who was charged with a misdemeanor DUI. Case settled for probation on a wet reckless (lower level DUI) with no jail time and no community service. As is required by the Medical Board, the case was reported to the board within 30 days. The board advised that no action would be taken (No Accusation and no public or private reproval.)
Prefiling investigation in Fresno County in 2019 – James A – Client is a physician who was alleged to have inappropriately touched a patient during an examination. Client interviewed with law enforcement with attorney present. Client and attorney informed by law enforcement at the conclusion of the interview that no crime occurred and that the matter would not be referred to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. Client retained his position as a physician at a hospital and he was not required to report the investigation to the Medical Board.
Fresno Based Criminal Defense Attorney, Dedicated to Providing the Highest Level of Legal Service.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
39 years
Federal Crime
50%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2011
Licenses
Licensed in California for 38 years
State: California
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Location
Hammerschmidt Law Corporation
(559) 233-4333
Fax
2445 Capitol St #215, Fresno, CA, 93721
hammerlawcorp.comOnline Presence
Other places you can find Jeffrey online.
Jeffrey Tyson Hammerschmidt's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by AMIR | January 29, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Jeffrey Hammerschmidt and his team are the best in the business. They don't just react to the law; they stay ahead of it
I cannot recommend the Law Office of Jeffrey Hammerschmidt highly enough. From the moment I walked in, it was clear that this is not your average law firm. The "Hammerschmidt Advantage": Proactive Action What sets Jeffrey apart from every other attorney I consulted is his unique initiative. While o...
Posted by Grace | May 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
The Best of the Best!
This is a review I should have written six years ago. However, my gratitude for Mr. Hammerschmidt has only increased over the years. When I was 23, I made the worst mistake of my life, which was both publicized and humiliating. When I first walked into Jeff’s office, I was in one of the most emotiona...
Posted by Jacob | June 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Best criminal defense in town!
Jeff and his team worked very hard for the better part of 5 years since my conviction to help me through the DUI process as well as getting it expunged. I can not thank Jeff and the rest of Hammerschmidt law enough for all there help.
Posted by anonymous | February 07, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Extremely Knowledgeable and Professional
Jeff was referred to me by a friend when I was charged with a misdemeanor crime. Jeff went above and beyond to explain the process to me and what options we had. He worked for the best possible outcome which ultimately lead to the charges being dropped. The case was dismissed. It is scary to be unjus...
Posted by anonymous | January 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best person for the job!
I hired Jeff Hammerschmidt initially to review my case and give me his opinion on whether I should accept the plea deal being offered to me or go to trial. After meeting with Jeff Hammerschmidt I immediately regret not having found and retained him as my attorney at the start of my indictment becau...
Jeffrey Tyson Hammerschmidt's Lawyer Endorsements
"Having worked with Jeff Hammerschmidt in civil practice and in the DA's office previously, I have watched him develop as a skilled trial lawyer over the 20+ years he appeared before me as a judge of the Superior Court. Whether you are facing a governmental investigation or licensing issue, or serious criminal charges, he is currently the premier defense attorney in the San Joaquin Valley."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer's work. He is dedicated, smart, and committed to the defense of his clients."
"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."
"27 years practicing of law. As a former DA and police advisor he has a huge advantage over other attorneys. " They know that he knows what they know ". A law professor and a practitioner is always current on changes in the law. This is just a part of his legal legacy. READ HIS REVIEWS! If you are in or near Fresno do yourself a favor and schedule an interview. Experience counts. KUDOS"
"I endorse Jeffrey. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Hammerschmidt is by far, one of the premier criminal defense attorneys in the Central San Joaquin Valley. I worked for Mr. Hammerschmidt for almost 2 years, aiding him in his criminal defense practice. Mr. Hammerschmidt, being a former prosecutor (who was one of the prosecutors on the Dana Ewell case), knows the criminal justice system inside and out. He is creative, meticulous, thorough, and hard working, handling all species of case, from misdemeanors to murder trials. I can't say enough about his attention to detail, which is so important, because he realizes that these details are key in making or breaking a case. He has obtained many favorable results for his clients over the many years Mr. Hammerschmidt has practiced, and I highly recommend Mr Hammerschmidt if you are facing criminal charges of any sort. You will be in good hands with Hammerschmidt on your case."
"I endorse this lawyer. Always on top of his game you can expect the best from Jeff. Highly respected."
"Jeff is an outstanding litigator and an asset to his clients in the courtroom. His knowledge base is vast and understands the intricate parts of criminal law."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is very smart and works very hard for his clients. God forbid I ever need him, but if I did, I would call only him to help me out!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've seen Jeff's legal acumen in action up close for over six years. He is literally the Best of the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in California. Having worked as a DA (District Prosecuting Attorney) for many years gives Jeff a perfect understanding of the situation, the ability to resolve your case is the best possible way. I'm continually impressed about Jeff's being at the "point of the spear" in all things related to DUI and Criminal Defense in California. He ain't cheap, but he is the best."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Hammerschmidt for a very long time, having both worked with him in the District Attorney's Office and also having opposed him while he has been in private practice . He is not only a law school professor of the first order, but he is someone people instinctively trust because of his professionalism and straight-forward personality. Without doubt he is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the Central Valley."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"There is no question in my mind that Jeff Hammerschmidt is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in all of California! He has developed a specialty of working with professionals with licenses (like doctors, nurses, etc) who find themselves in a difficult situation. What many of them do not know before hiring Jeff is that when charged with a crime or dui they have their entire career and license on the line. I strongly recommend when it matters to have the very best criminal defense attorney on your side that you immediately hire Jeff. You would be foolish to go anywhere else!"
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I highly recommend Jeffrey Hammerschmidt. His knowledge of the California criminal justice system is unparalleled, especially if you risk losing your professional license (and livelihood). Jeffrey works tirelessly on his client’s behalf and is dedicated to their defense. If you are in need of an excellent criminal defense attorney, I recommend that you speak with Jeffrey and his team about your representation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have referred clients, business acquaintances and friends to Jeff with full confidence that Jeff would provide them with the best available defense."
"Jeffrey Hammerschmidt may be the only California attorney certified as a Criminal Law Specialist that specializes in professional licensing issues. He is certainly the only attorney to trust to make sure you keep your professional license after being charged with a crime. Jeff is in high demand and doesn’t come cheap but he is well worth it if keeping your license is a necessity."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2022
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
2021
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
2021
Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
2020
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2019
Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2018
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2017
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2016
Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2016
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2015
Blue Ribbon Panel, Northern California Super Lawyers
2015
Northern California SuperLawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2015
Lifetime Charter Member, Best Attorneys of America
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Blue Ribbon Panel, Northern California Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2014
Top 10 Attorney Award - Northern California, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top Rated Lawyer in White Collar Criminal Defense, The American Lawyer Magazine
2013
Top Rated Lawyers in White Collar Criminal Defense, Corporate Counsel Magazine
2013
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2013
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Blue Ribbon Panel, Super Lawyers Magazine
2011
Blue Ribbon Panel, SuperLawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Who's Who in American Law, Sutton Who's Who
2011
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Member, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
2010
Northern California Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Magazine
2010
Who's Who Among Law Professionals, Montclair Publishing
2009
Member, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
2009
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
Outstanding Volunteer, Volunteers in Parole
1998
Certified Criminal Law Specialist, State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Chair, California Board of Legal Specialization
2005 - Present
Shareholder, Hammerschmidt Law Corporation
2022 - 2023
Vice-Chair, California Board of Legal Specialization
2011 - 2012
Adjunct Professor, San Joaquin College Of Law
2005 - 2005
Senior Legal Advisor to Fresno Police Department, City Attorney's Office, Fresno
2000 - 2005
Deputy District Attorney, Fresno County District Attorney
1998 - 2000
Partner, Jory Peterson Watkins & Smith
1992 - 2005
Legal Instructor, San Joaquin College of Law
1991 - 1998
Deputy District Attorney, Fresno County District Attorney
1987 - 1991
Associate, McCormick Barstow
Associations
2017 - Present
The President's ClubFounding Member
2014 - Present
Criminal Trial Lawyers Association of AmericaMember
2013 - Present
CJA Panel Selection CommitteeBoard Member
2011 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarAdmitted to Practice
2009 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - Present
State Bar of California, Criminal Law SectionMember
1998 - Present
California State Bar Board of Legal SpecializationCertified Criminal Law Specialist
1992 - Present
High School Mock Trial CompetitionVolunteer Attorney
1987 - Present
Fresno County Bar AssociationMember
1987 - Present
Supreme Court of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
1987 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
2018 - 2020
California Academy of Attorneys for Healthcare ProfessionalsMember
2015 - 2016
State Bar of California, Criminal Law Advisory CommissionChair
2014 - 2015
State Bar of California, Criminal Law Advisory CommissionVice Chair
2013 - 2015
Kings County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2014
State Bar of California, Criminal Law Advisory CommissionMember
2012 - 2016
State Bar of California, Criminal Law Advisory CommissionBoard Member
2010 - 2017
St. Agnes Hospital Men's ClubBoard Member
2001 - 2001
Volunteers in ParoleChairman
1997 - 2009
Volunteers In ParoleBoard Member
1991 - 1991
High School Mock Trial CompetitionAttorney Coach for Clovis West H.S.
1989 - 1989
National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyChairman, Central California Chapter
1988 - 1988
National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyVice-Chair
1987 - 1987
National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
United States v. J. Robinson
Mr. Robinson was sentenced to five years of probation with no additional time in custody beyond the 5 ½ months served.
People v. Clayton G.
We won the DMV hearing and obtained a dismissal of the DUI in court.
People v. Kimberly R.
Case settled for a dismissal of the DUI charges in exchange for a plea to an infraction and a $100 fine.
People v. L. Nye
Misdemeanor DUI with injury with sentence of 3 years informal probation, no additional time in custody with two days jail credits, and other standard terms of misdemeanor probation.
In Re G. Greene
DMV ruled in the driver's favor (set aside of the suspension/revocation).
People v. J. Todd
DUI dismissed in exchange for plea to two infractions, neither of which count as points on the client's DMV record, and pay total fine of $255.
United States v. Christopher S.
Case dismissed
People v. Sanchez
Case dismissed
People v. Liza C.
All 27 felony counts were dismissed for insufficient evidence and the client pled to one misdemeanor count with no jail time and 80 hours community service.
People v. R. Steagall
Case dismissed on motion for delay in prosecution and client received no suspension or revocation of his driver's license.
People v. Sorensen
Case completely dismissed with no conviction of any charge
People v. Bennett
Case was dismissed prior to the Preliminary Hearing for lack of evidence (because she is innocent).
People v. Robert Gonzalez
Case dismissed after Preliminary Hearing and before trial.
People v. Bernard
Case dismissed
People v. Logan M.
Misdemeanor probation with 27 actual days jail credit and 32 additional days to serve on the Adult Offender Work Program.
U.S. v. Cole
Client was sentenced to five months federal prison.
People v. Courtney
Case dismissed by prosecutor during trial.
People v. Warren
Case dismissed at the Preliminary Hearing.
Fresno RV, Inc. dba RV Outlet; et. al v. Paul Evert's RV Country, et. al
Judge Jeffrey Y. Hamilton awarded $500,000 in compensatory damages and $4,058,000 in punitive damages in favor of my clients.
People v. McFarland
Our motion to dismiss on Federal and State Constitutional ground was granted. Case was dismissed in its entirety.
People v. Talia
Client pled to a misdemeanor theft and received creidt for time served. Client received one day of probation, after which the case was expunged from the record.
People v. Megan Martzen
Jury trial ended in a hung jury, with the jury voting 10-2 and 8-4 not guilty on Counts 1 & 2, case settled for probation and community service.
People v. Dean
The court granted Mr. Hammerschmidt motion to reduce all felonies to misdemeanors and the client was permitted to serve his jail time as community service.
People v. Dana Ewell and Joel Radovcich
Life in prison without the possibility of parole for both defendants.
People v. Lawson
Dismissed!
United States v. Toulu Thao
The entire federal case was dismissed.
People v. Pinheiro
Dismissed!
People v. Lipe
Felony drug cultivation reduced to misdemeanor
People v. Lipe
Felony drug cultivation reduced to misdemeanor
People v. Volak
Case not filed
Education
2021
Fresno County Bar Association
What Civil Attorneys Need To Know About Criminal Law
2021
Tulare County Bar Association
What Civil Attorneys Need To Know About Criminal Law
1987
Univ of Missouri SOL
Juris Doctorate - Law
1983
Truman State University
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2022
Got MCLE? 2022
Tips and Tricks in Civil, Criminal, and Family Law
2018
Leadership Fresno Class 34 Law Day
Defending Federal and State Criminal Actions
2018
ABC
Legal Analyst
2017
ABC
Legal Analyst
2016
ABC
Legal Analyst
2015
MCLE Luncheon
Use of Media in the Justice System
2015
MCLE Luncheon
California Legal Specialization
2015
ABC
Legal Analyst
2014
ABC
Legal Analyst
2010
National Business Institute
Effective Case Presentation at Trial
2010
Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports Marketing
Criminal law
2010
Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions on Professional Licenses
Criminal Law
2009
California State University Fresno
Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports Marketing
2006
Fresno County Public Defender's Office
Obtaining Peace Officer Personnel Records
2004
San Joaquin College of Law
Evidence
Publications
2011
Utilizing Forensic Science in Criminal Cases (Aspatore)
Forensic Evidence In Child Abuse Cases
1997
California Criminal Law - Procedure and Practice
Contributing Author to chapter on using prior convictions to impeach a witness
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What happens when you receive a detention certificate from a peace officer?
16 Jul 2020
Q&A
If I have 3 different cases and I am termanating representation do I file substition of attorney?
15 Jul 2020
Q&A
If u plead guilty to a felony and are waiting for sentencing can u change ur mind before ur court date?
13 Apr 2018
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Victim Restitution
17 Feb 2023
Legal Guide
SAFETY VALVE UPDATE
20 Nov 2020
Legal Guide
"Drugs Minus Two": The Retroactive Effect
27 Aug 2014