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As a former district attorney, I prosecuted hundreds of crimes. As a licensed defense attorney, I have seen hundreds of civil and criminal cases to the end. I have the experience to evaluate your case and I know how prosecutors think. My insider knowledge of the system allows me to see, and take advantage of, weaknesses in the other side's case that can help you.
My ability to disagree without being disagreeable has allowed me to develop a reputation as a good, strong attorney who is easy to work with. I know how to work every single angle of a case until I find the one that's best for you.
I've been a wage-earner for 26 years. I've worked in offices, gas stations, warehouses, restaurants, and law firms. I know what it means to work with my back and my hands, and I understand and respect the financial limits and abilities of my clients.
5
Practice Areas
19 years | 500 cases
19 years | 500 cases
23 years | 100 cases
23 years | 200 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
3436 C Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403
22 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | DUI & DWI
Posted by Jeremiah | June 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
DUI Case
Charles is not only an outstanding lawyer but a great person. I received my DUI early January and I was very stressed out. Charles helped me remain calm and got me through the court system with ease and was very articulate about the situation. I am very grateful that my dad and I hired him to represe...
Thanks, Jeremiah - I appreciate your kind words, and I appreciate all the hard work that YOU put in to help me get your case taken care of. You're a fine young man, and I'm delighted to see you doing so well.
Posted by anonymous | February 08, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
absolute worst.
Charles led me to believe such false information regarding my DUI. He continued to push my court date/ sentencing out, leaving me in an even bigger mess. Everything he said he will do for you, he does not do. He is a crook and a terrible person to represent you. Save your money, do it yourself.
I'm sorry that you feel so let down, M_. X. Both of your DUI cases - the third-offense DUI where you were found blocking traffic in a damaged car with a BAC over .15%, and the fourth-offense DUI hit-and-run where you were observed running over a street sign and then followed to the house where you were arrested with a BAC over .15% - were difficult cases to defend. In all fairness, you only hired me to defend the first case. I did, too, even though you stood me up once and came to court drunk. I did just what you asked me to do, including making several court appearances and performing a full site inspection of the first arrest scene. When I asked you to pay me, you fired me and hired someone else. I hope that you are better now than you were when you posted this less-than-honest review. You are a smart, talented person who seems to suffer from a terrible illness. I wish you the best of luck.
Posted by Mark | October 16, 2013 | DUI & DWI
INTEGRITY & COMMON SENSE
Mr. Applegate has helped me in a few situations. His price has always been fair and legal advice sound and well explained. I have even referred him to a friend who raved about how Charlie handled his DUI case. I will recommend Mr. Applegate to anyone and everyone who needs legal help.
"Charles is a great attorney who is very good at listening to his clients to ensure he gets the best outcome for them. I endorse this lawyer."
"I went to law school with Mr. Applegate and I work with him on the occasional criminal case. He is an excellent attorney with superb analytical skills and a powerful courtroom presence."
"I know Charles Applegate and have worked with him. He is a hard working, dedicated, knowledgeable and efficient attorney. More importantly, he is a good person who will treat you the way you want to be treated. I strongly endorse him."
"Charles is a hard-working, earnest, and conscientious advocate for his clients. His clients trust him and other attorneys respect him because he is an outstanding person and excellent attorney. I highly recommend him."
"Mr. Applegate takes a real interest in the defendant's case and looks after all the legal aspects. He diligently pursues all legal avenues and works directly with the other side, if possible, (often a Deputy District Attorney) to resolve, thorny issues, in the very best interests of the client. He is an attorney I enjoy working with as he has integrity and he is very smart."
"I endorse this lawyer. Charles is brilliant, fast on his feet, and gets results that leave others slack-jawed."
"Charles Applegate is an outstanding advocate for his clients and is committed to ensuring that the judicial process is upheld on their behalf."
"Mr. Applegate is a lawyer of the highest caliber. His keen intellect, compassion, and work ethic will continue to produce great results for his clients."
"Charles is a highly skilled and effective advocate for his clients. Charles is known in the legal community as a competent and hard working attorney. He has earned the respect of his peers and the court. I have referred many people to Charles for help with various criminal law issues, as I feel confident that they will be well served. If you're looking for an intelligent, passionate, dedicated lawyer, look no further."
Litigation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Family lawyer
2007 - 2008
Deputy District Attorney, Tulare County District Attorney
2007 - 2008
Deputy District Attorney, Mendocino County District Attorney
2010 - Present
Friends OutsideMember, Board of Directors
2004 - 2013
American Bar AssociationMember
2004 - 2013
Sonoma County Bar AssociationMember
2003 - 2013
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Felony child endangerment dismissed; DUI reduced to a misdemeanor.
Case Dismissed
2003
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
BA - Bachelor of Arts
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