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Ramon Magaña

Ramon Magaña

The Law Office of Ramon Magaña
1012 11th Street
Suite 103
Modesto, CA 95354

Phone: (209) 524-5616  |  Fax: (209) 524-5312

Contact Ramon Magaña

Aggressive Criminal Defense, Extensive Trial Experience

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

I will assist any client who is in trouble and needs the assistance of a lawyer.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • Appeals
  • Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
  • Environmental Violations
  • Felonies
  • Grand Jury Proceedings
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • False Identification
  • Misdemeanors
  • Probation
  • Perjury
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
  • Victims' Rights
Abuse
  • Animal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
  • Parking Tickets & Towing
  • Traffic - Moving Violations
  • Open Container
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • Driving without a License
  • DWI
Criminal Records
  • Expungement or Expunction
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
  • Medical Marijuana
Firearms & Weapons
  • Constitutional Rights Defense
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
  • Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Bank Fraud
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Insider Trading
  • Insurance Claims
  • Money Laundering
  • Public Offerings
  • Racketeering & RICO
  • Securities Fraud
  • Smuggling
  • Tax Evasion & Fraud
  • Trade Secrets
  • Wire Transfer
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Abduction
  • Child Abuse
  • Child Pornography
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
  • Trafficking in Women
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Bar Admissions

CA, Jun 1975
Bar Number: 64353

Other Court Admissions

California; Federal District Courts California; and the Ninth Circuit.

Association Memberships

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ); California Public Defender's Association (CPDA); National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDL).

Continuing Education

I attend seminars provided by CPDA, CACJ, and NACDL. I attend the annual CPDA/CACJ death penalty seminar.

Example Cases

I once handled a homicide with the special circumstance of murder in the course of a robbery. The prosecution sought the death penalty, but the case was resolved with an eight-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter. Additionally, I took on a homicide charge with the special circumstances of gang enhancements. The prosecution was seeking life without possibility of parole, but the case was dismissed after the defense investigation was presented. In another case, a client was allegedly involved in the homicide of four people with special circumstances. The prosecution sought the death penalty, but the client was convicted of second-degree murder. The co-defendants were convicted and received death sentences.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

UCLA school of Law; Martha Boalt Hall, University of California, Berkeley

City:

Los Angeles

State:

CA

Year:

1974

 

Degree:

B.A.

School:

University of California at Berkeley

City:

Berkeley

State:

CA

Year:

1968

Number of Attorneys

2

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

I've been a solo practitioner since 1987. Previously I was an assistant public defender in the Alameda County Public Defender's office. Martha was an Alameda County public defender, a Stanislaus County public defender and she joined me last year.

We focus on serious felony cases, including homicide, death penalty cases, and three strikes. I've been a criminal defense attorney since 1975. Martha has been working in criminal defense since 1975.

Previous Employment Summary

I was in the USNR from 1966 to 1972. Additionally, I was an Assistant Alameda County public defender and I've been in solo practice since 1987.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

An educated client contributes greatly to their defense. Criminal defense requires a motivated client willing to actively participate in their defense.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I encourage my clients to understand the law and to participate in their defense by producing any document that they believe will assist in their defense. I believe in evaluating all perspectives when defending a client.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I do not coach clients.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

The reasons are too complex to state in this format. Simply stated: I cannot stand injustice and mistreatment of those charged with violations of the law.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

When I was four years old, I witnessed government agents arrest a working-class neighbor. As he was arrested, he handed me his dog. He asked me to watch his dog until he returned. He never returned and I always believed that he was unjustly arrested. Ever since then, I have taken a keen interest in law enforcement and justice. I have noted that the working-class seldom gets justice, and that knowledge drives me to be a better lawyer for my clients.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

As a law student, I was exposed to high-handed use of law enforcement to control organized labor's efforts in unionizing workers. Criminal defense was a way of protecting the community from this type of abuse by the criminal justice system. I did not want any part of corporate or privileged oppression of the community.

What do you like best about your career?

I enjoy seeing clients overcome their adversities and circumstances. I especially enjoy seeing them several years later telling me that they have become successful in their lives, and that I had a small part in helping them get there.

Tell us about your law firm:

Tina & Katie work in my office. They are attentive and responsible. They work very hard to assist my clients. They ensure that all my client's needs are properly handled. Martha is an extremely qualified defense attorney and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law and criminal procedure. She is excellent on all defense motions.

What are your strengths and style?

I cannot tolerate unfairness and injustice. I like working, and my style is low key.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy kayaking, music, camping and outings with friends.

Office Manager/Assistant

Tina

Fax

(209) 524-5312

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

Yes, Ramon speaks Spanish.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

No.

Hourly Rates

$350.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes.

Typical Retainer

I do not have a typical retainer.

Understanding Fees

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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.