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Susan Marie Hearne
also known as Nor Cal Criminal Law, Chico DUI Attorney
About Susan
Biography
Senior Attorney Susan Hearne was a Peace Officer for the State of California for over 25 years, a Probation Officer in Riverside County, and a Deputy District Attorney in Butte County. She now uses that experience to advocate for you. She trained police officers and taught at the local college for 16 years. If you need a Butte County, Glenn, Plumas , or Colusa County attorney, call us. We also handle Fish and Game cases throughout northen California. Our firm takes pride in making special arrangements to assist our Military Veterans or current service members. Please contact us to see if we can be of help. Thank You for Your Service !
Our Criminal Defense Firm has offices in Chico, and has access to conference rooms in Oroville or Glenn County. Our clerks and investigators include retired law enforcement officers, law school graduates, and staff with years of professional experience. We're a great team providing you with the skills and experience needed from a top notch Dui Firm. Our Litigation Attorney, Brenden Blake, will take on your Felony DUI case with precision and expertice. He is fearless at Trial and has an excellent win rate!
We are able to offer affordable representation on your DUI, including driving while suspended, DUI causing property damage, and underage drinking issues. We protect each client's rights, freedom, and financial future, providing experienced advice and detailed information to individuals experiencing difficult times.
With a strong criminal defense team, we offer reliable advice, effective legal pleadings, strong advocacy, positive results AND reasonable fees. We conduct your criminal case with respect for the client, and an aggressive defense for you. We have a firm knowledgeable of DUI law. Consultation is free.
Client reviews : June 2021 "Susan was an excellent Lawyer and literally helped me through every part of the legal court process. She was also there for me with support when I did not know what was happening in and out of the courtroom. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing an attorney. Thanks again for everything!!!" -JR
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
60%
23 years | 510 cases
Criminal Defense
35%
23 years | 250 cases
Expungement
5%
23 years | 95 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 25 years
State: California
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Nor Cal Criminal Law
2068 Talbert Dr. Suite 300, Chico, CA, 95928
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Susan Marie Hearne's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 21 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Melanie | April 2, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Experienced and professional
Experienced, professional and gets results. Sue makes the court process a little less scary.
Posted by Pete | April 26, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Susan is great!
Susan had my best interest in mind and got me the best possible outcome. Friendly, personable. 100% recommend!
Posted by Jennifer | March 6, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Friendly Support
Susan is an extremely knowledgeable criminal attorney. She will work efficiently on your behalf to protect you or your loved one. She is very familiar with our court system and will see to it that you understand the process before you.
Posted by Ashley | October 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The best representation I’ve ever experienced
This was a while back, maybe a year ago. I know I thanked you over the phone, but I still think about how safe and comfortable I felt with you as my attorney. You’re a warrior and true lgbtq hero. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. I hope I’ll never get arrested or harassed again, but if I do...
Posted by Rachele | July 18, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Need compassion during a difficult time?
Sue is easy to talk to and I believe she can bring light to any situation she is presented with. We recently became acquainted though a common professional group we attend. Sue is very knowledgeable and I'm confident she is great at what she does.
Susan Marie Hearne's Lawyer Endorsements
"Susan Hearne with Nor Cal Criminal Law is an outstanding attorney who truly cares about her clients. She brings a calm, confident presence to her work. Susan specializes in criminal law—things like DUIs and clearing up backgrounds—and she’s exactly the kind of person you’d want in your corner: knowledgeable, compassionate, and committed to helping people move forward. I highly recommend her!"
"I recommend Susan Hearne for anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney in Butte County. Susan provides a personal and caring approach to clients that are in a very stressful situation. Additionally - Susan has a great attorney and gets great results for her clients!"
"I endorse this lawyer. The is incredibly caring and tenacious at the same time. She represents her clients exceedingly well."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a true asset to the avvo community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer for always putting the clients needs first."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Susan is a sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Hearne is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. She is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of her clients."
"A truly excellent attorney well respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"Great attorney that has district attorney experience"
"I endorse Susan Hearne. Ms. Hearne is a well respected DUI/DWI attorney."
"While employed as a deputy DA, I worked against Ms. Hearne on a number of matters. She was a skilled negotiator, who was able to fineness great deals for her clients. I always appreciated her friendly, upbeat manner and admired her ability to always think in terms of her client's best needs."
"As a former officer, she certainly knows the rules of the game and is adroit in Plea Negotitation"
"Truly excellent lawyer. Well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend this attorney. Very intelligent and very thorough when analyzing legal issues! Compassionate with clients and aggressive with legal issues! 5 STARS!!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Her approach to representing clients and her extensive history make her a great asset to her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Top 100 Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2010
Honorably Retired Peace Officer, State of California
2007
State of California Merit Award, Merit Award
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Attorney at Law, Nor Cal Criminal Law
2016 - 2019
Professor, Criminal Evidence, Administration Of Justice, Butte College
2007 - 2010
Attorney, Law Office of Dane Cameron
2001 - 2016
Associate Professor, Natural Resources Law, Butte College
2000 - 2001
Deputy District Attorney, Butte County District Attorney's Office
1983 - 2010
State Park Peace Officer, State Of California
1982 - 1985
Probation Officer, Riverside County Juvenile Probation
Associations
2015 - Present
National Alliance on Mental IllnessMember
2014 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2014 - Present
Butte County Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Bidwell Mansion Community ProjectBoard of Directors
2011 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2011 - Present
Federal Bar Association, Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources SectionMember
2009 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2001 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaAdmitted
Association of Professional Women
Sample of Legal Cases
People v R.R
Dismissed in full. No DUI
People v. Manuel _____________
Case expunged after 1 year.
People V JT
reduced to a "wet reckless", no probation
People v J.A.
Reduced to reckless driving, fine only. No lic. suspension, no classes, no jail time.
People v S. T.
Dismissed
People V DH
Case dismissed
People V E. G.
Dismissed
Education
1999
CAL Northern School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1992
California State University, Chico
BS - Bachelor of Science
1989
Butte College
AS
1983
California State Parks
Police Officer Certificate (POST)
Speaking Engagements
2017
Moot Court Honor Society
Moot Court Judge
2016
CSUC Legal Studies Program
The Bill of Rights
2014
Guest Lecturer
Nexus of Criminal and Civil Liability in Natural Resource Management
2013
CSUC Chico Moot Court Final Project
Moot Court Judge
2013
CSU Chico guest lecture
Basics of California Law
2013
Butte County Bar Association MCLE
Unexpected Consequences of Criminal Law
2013
Butte College Fall 2013
Natural Resources Law
2012
CSUC Chico
Recreation Law - Criminal and Civil liability
2011
Butte College Course
Natural Resources Law
2011
Butte College
Environmental Law Issues that Effect Local, State and Federal Law
2010
CSUC Chico Moot Court Final Project
Moot Court Judge
2010
Butte College
Natural Resources Law Update
Publications
2010
Issue Paper, California State Parks
Civil and Criminal Issues In Archeological Law
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What should I do about the sb38 program being 100 mi away from my house I cannot drive or get restricted license
24 Feb 2025
Q&A
How does a finding of factual innocence motion work in California? Does anyone have any experience or success with this?
16 Feb 2025
Q&A
I need a job application in California. Do I have to disclose my past arrest record even though my records been expunged ?
19 Jun 2024
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Minor in Possession Information for Chico State and Butte College Students
25 Jun 2016
Legal Guide
Colorado's New MJ DUI Laws, a test for the Country
25 Jun 2014
Legal Guide
DUI - What Our DUI Attorney can do for You
22 Dec 2013