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Mark A. Broughton
About Mark
Biography
I began my legal career in San Diego where I practiced criminal law, civil litigation, and personal injury. After a very successful practice there for 17 years, my family and I moved to Fresno, California, in 1995. Since that time, I have practiced exclusively criminal law. I was the Chief Defense Attorney for a 17 attorney criminal defense law firm that handled 3-4,000 felony cases a year. I left that firm to associate and partner with a very successful criminal law practitioner where I am continuing my commitment help protect the Constitutional rights of my clients.
I estimate that I have conducted over 200 jury trials - everything from DUIs, drug cases, sex cases, domestic violence, assaults, "three-strikes," dozens of cases involving criminal street gangs, gun/deadly weapons, drive-by shootings, robberies, attempted murders, and murders, including special circumstance murder cases. I have received many outright Not Guilty verdicts for my clients in all of these types of cases, including several murder cases - at one time between 2005-2007, the jury found my clients Not Guilty in four separate cases in a row. I have handled all kinds of criminal and related criminal proceedings, from violation of probation and parole hearings, DMV hearings, writs & appeals, and many other types of proceedings in the criminal process.
I have practiced all over California, in both state and Federal Court. I am qualified as a death penalty lawyer and am on the special circumstances/death penalty panel of attorneys in Fresno, California, where I am regularly appointed to special circumstances/death penalty murder cases by the Fresno County Superior Court.
One of my greatest pleasures over my long career has been to teach and train young lawyers and law students. Most of them have gone on to be successful lawyers in their own right, and have triumphantly represented their own clients in an honest and professional way. I have been involved in many community organizations, taught classes at the local law school, been a Mock Trial Attorney Judge and team coach, served as Judge Pro-Tempore for the Fresno County Superior Court, given many seminars to other attorneys, and started an organization for criminal defense lawyers to share useful information among themselves.
Above all, I enjoy helping reunite my clients and their families during and after dealing with perhaps the most difficult time in their lives, going through the challenging criminal process with them. This is particularly true where alcohol or substance abuse issues have ripped formerly close and loving families apart. I have saved the many letters of appreciation from clients and their families to whom I have been fortunate enough to have been of service. It is most gratifying for me to see them get back together, overcome their difficulties and live happy and fulfilled lives. Helping people is, after all, what being a good lawyer is all about.
I like going to football and baseball games, fishing, surfing, and going to Hawai where I can get caught up on my reading list and swim in the warm waters of the Pacific. I love sharing the lives of my two children, two grandchildren and spending time with Andrea, my wife of over 30 years.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Sex Crime
25%
48 years | 1,000 cases
Federal Crime
20%
48 years | 3,000 cases
Violent Crime
20%
48 years | 3,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 47 years
State: California
Acquired: 1978
No misconduct found
Location
Mark A. Broughton, PC
2300 Tulare Street, Suite 215, Fresno, CA, 93721-2242
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Mark A. Broughton's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 36 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | November 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Freedom after being wrongfully accused
Mark and Norma were always available and willing to take my calls for the long 3 years we awaited trial. They always explained everything and were quick to respond when necessary. Mark is so knowledgeable and runs circles around the local DA’s when it comes to experience and time in the court room. ...
Posted by Alexander | February 9, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Kind and Caring
I consulted with Mark regarding my situation. Mark was able to listen to my situation and actually explain the codes to me all during the consultation to educate me on what was happening. He never rushed anything and was able to answer my questions during what felt like a scary time. I highly appreci...
Posted by anonymous | October 17, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing lawyer!!!
Mark basically saved my life. He supports his clients from the beginning till the end, but is never unrealistic about the potential outcomes. His entire office is 5 star. Good communication and explanation of the process throughout.
Posted by Jesus | August 17, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional, BETTER CALL MARK!!!
First off I would like to thank Mr.Mark along with Norma. Best lawyer, I had an arrest with a felony. Mr. Mark took care of it. He assisted me with any letters requested from my immigration lawyer. Norma made it easy for me, she assured all my questions were answers. Mr. Mark and Norma are very hones...
Posted by AnnaMae | March 23, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Law Office of Excellence and Compassion
I called for a consultation and Norma answered my call and was very informative and very helpful! Mark returned my call and let me know he was far away from where my son's case would be, so it would be costly. He did take the time to talk to me at great lengths and gave me his advice. He was unabl...
Mark A. Broughton's Lawyer Endorsements
"I had the pleasure of working for Mark Broughton as his law clerk at Hammerschmidt Broughton Law Corporation. Not only does he care about the person accused of a crime, but also that persons family and friends. He is very much aware that the criminal process has an impact on the entire family and works hard to communicate with all parties. Mark is a very compassionate, knowledgeable attorney, who is not afraid to push the envelope."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mark is the best! He works diligently for his clients! He gives the best closing argument ever! If I were being prosecuted I would have Mark represent me."
"I endorse this lawyer.Mark is an excellent attorney who exhibits all the attributes of a fine advocate and is truly dedicated to his clients and the profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Broughton is very knowledgeable and a strong advocate for his clients. He has always been a good ally when dealing with criminal charges that place individuals in deportation proceedings."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"If you have been accused of a crime, you will definitely want to speak with Mark Broughton. He is a highly respected and capable attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"As a previous Fresno area criminal defense attorney I can tell you that Attorney Broughton has a representation as a zealous, effective advocate for his clients. I highly recommend hiring him."
"36 years as a criminal defense attorney, judge pro tem and mentor to other attorneys with outstanding trial results is a legacy all attorneys aspire to. EXPERIENCE COUNTS! One need only read some of the many reviews to know that not only are you getting a superb attorney but one that empathizes with his clients. If I were in Fresno and needed a criminal defense attorney I would seek a consultation here first."
"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 Mark. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Broughton is one of the premier criminal defense attorneys in the Central San Joaquin Valley. He is a tireless worker, a great legal mind, extremely creative, and always very professional in the way he handles his clients’ cases. He was a mentor to me during the time I worked for him, and he taught me a great deal of how to be a competent, ethical, and successful attorney. I would highly recommend Mr. Broughton as an attorney for anyone facing criminal charges, because I know he goes the extra mile to obtain great results for his clients, has many years of experience doing it, and has been successful in obtaining those great results time after time."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is highly respected in the courtroom and within the legal community."
"Mr. Broughton is a seasoned trial attorney who fights hard for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I see few colleagues that compare with Mark. His knowledge, diligence and most of all, his credibility, are hard to match."
"Mark 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."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Broughton is an extremely hard-working, dedicated professional with many successful verdicts to his name. He is near the top of the short list of lawyers I'd hire if I were accused of a crime."
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Experience
Honors
2019
Certified Specialist - Criminal Law, State Bar of California
2019
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
Top 100, Super Lawyers Northern California
2018
Certified Specialist Criminal Law, State Bar of California
2018
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Top 100, Super Lawyers Northern California
2017
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2017
Certified Specialist Criminal Law, State Bar of California
2017
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top 100, Northern California Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Northern California
2015
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2013
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2012
AV Rated, Martndale-Hubbell
2012
Criminal Law, State Bar of California - Certified Specialist
2012
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2011
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Attorney/Shareholder, Mark A. Broughton, PC
2010 - 2018
Attorney/Partner, A Criminal Defense Firm
2003 - 2003
Judge Pro Tem, Fresno County Superior Court
2000 - 2000
Judge Pro Tem, Fresno County Superior Court
1995 - 2010
Chief Defense Attorney, Ciummo & Associates
Associations
2016 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaBoard of Trustees
2014 - Present
Fresno County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionChairman
2012 - 2014
Fresno County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionCo-chair
2011 - 2012
Leadership FresnoChamber of Commerce
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. JW
NOT GUILTY JURY VERDICT ON ALL 15 FELONY COUNTS!!
People v. JR
NOT GUILTY!!
People v. Stevie B
Misdemeanor, community service, probation terminated early
People v. Joe O
Case reversed on appeal and dismissed!
People v. Andrew M
Felon in Possession of Firearm Dismissed!
United States v. Marvin M
CASE DISMISSED!
People v. Armando Ortiz
Double murder conviction reversed, case dismissed
People v. Debra B
Not Guilty - Double Murder
People v. Michael T
Not Guilty - Murder
People v. Daniel V
Not Guilty - Murder
People v. Dawn W
Not guilty 32 counts Sexual Assault!
People v. Y Y
Murder case dismissed!
People v. S M
Suppression Motion Granted, case dismissed
People v. Victor R-M
Murder case dismissed!
Education
1977
Western State University, San Diego
Juris Doctor
1973
University of California - San Diego
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
Trial Practice
Closing Arguments
2011
Trial Practice
Cross Examination and Closing Arguments
2010
Voir Dire, Opening Statements, Closing Arguments
Trial Practice
2010
MCLE Spring Seminar
Felony Sentencing
2010
Got MCLE?
Trial Preparation
Publications
2015
Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books)
Utilizing Forensic Science in Criminal Cases
2014
Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books)
Homicide Defense Strategies: Leading Lawyers on Understanding Homicide Cases and Developing Effective Defense Techniques
2012
Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books)
Defending DUI Vehicular Homicide Cases
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Got violation pc 261.5(b), what should I do and consider going forward? I am 19 and they are 17
03 Mar 2025
Q&A
I have 3 business days until my court date for my arrest & DA still has not filed formal charges my case is in a pending status
04 May 2022
Q&A
Can he go to jail for this?
20 Jul 2020
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