David R. Mugridge
Law Office of David Mugridge
2100 Tulare St.
Suite 505
Fresno, CA 93721
Map
Phone: (559) 264-2688 | Fax: (559) 264-2683
http://www.davidmugridge.com/
Honest Attorney, Experienced/Aggressive Defender
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
My emphasis is on special circumstance homicide cases (State and Federal).
Sub-Topics
Criminal Records
- Expungement or Expunction
Sex Crimes
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1986
Bar Number: 123389
Specialty Certifications
Legal Specialist - Criminal Law (State Bar of California)
Other Court Admissions
All California State Courts, U.S. 9th District Court of Appeals, Federal District Court Eastern District, U.S. Supreme Court
Association Memberships
Fresno County Bar Association, California State Bar
Continuing Education
Over 140 hours in criminal law seminars in the past 4 years, including annual capital case seminar given by state public defenders and California attorney's for criminal justice.
Papers and Publications
Co-author/editor of Practical Real Estate Law, 2nd and 4th Edition
Example Cases
People v. Josefina Saldana (Superior Court-Murder Trial)
People v. Timothy Lobretto (Appellate Court-Gang Case)
Education
San Joaquin College of Law
J.D.
Clovis
CA
1985
Leon Peters Scholar
Internship with U.S. Attorney's Office
Santa Clara University
M.A.
Santa Clara
CA
1973
Education/Spanish. I was appointed assistant to the housing director.
University of Americas
B.A.
Puebla, Mexico
1970
Learned to speak fluent Spanish.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The firm focus is criminal defense at the trial and appellate levels. The firm began in 1988 as a sole practice.
Previous Employment Summary
1985-87: Staff Attorney for Presiding Justice at 5th District Appeals Court
1987-88: Associate attorney for firm of Nuttal, Berman & Magill
Activities and Awards
1995-Present: I teach law related course at Fresno Pacific University and San Joaquin College of Law
Supervisor of Law Clerks/Paralegals from Fresno Pacific University, Fresno State University and San Joaquin College of Law.
1985-1995: Adjunct Professor of Paralegal Program at Fresno City College
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think that the more the client knows about the law, the more he or she can help assist in his or her own defense.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always willing to look at documents and/or ideas clients want to provide.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am more than willing to work with clients who want to represent themselves if they are made aware of the dangers of self-representation.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I believed that it offered a greater challenge to me professionally and an opportunity to help people and give me greater independence at the same time.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My Spanish language ability helps not only with clients but also with potential witnesses. My experience at appellate court has helped in my ability to handle writ and appeals. My experience as a death penalty defense attorney has helped me sharpen my skills in non-death cases and provide top quality representation to all my clients. My appellate experience also helps me stay on top of the changing laws and use it to my client's advantage at the trial court level.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose criminal defense as a specialty, because I see the greater need for quality attorneys in this field. The power of the state is enormous, and it is critical for justice in America that we have aggressive and honest defense counsel protecting those accused of crimes.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best about the practice of law is that it allows me to use all my talents to achieve a goal of helping those in need. I get to work with top-notch professionals.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have a practice of using law clerks and paralegals in my office to help keep down the price to clients. I look for people who are multi-lingual and show empathy for those in trouble.
What are your strengths and style?
The ability to get the most out of a situation and those I work with. My language skills consistently help in and out of trial. My specific expertise is in dealing with homicide cases and putting together a top quality team defense.
I prefer old school charm with new age techniques. I like juries to see the personal side of me because that helps humanize my client. My preference is to be simple and direct both with my clients as well as my legal opponents.
Personal Interests:
Outside of my practice, I am dedicated to my family. We love to fish and travel.
Office Manager/Assistant
Brian Waldron
Fax
(559) 264-2683
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
The price varies on county of service and nature of case (i.e. Felony vs. Misdemeanor).
Hourly Rates
It depends on the complexity of the case.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free initial office/phone consultation.
Typical Retainer
It depends on the case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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