Modesto Criminal Defense Attorney

Trusted, Trial-Tested Representation When It Matters Most

When you’re facing criminal charges in California, your future is on the line. A conviction can mean jail or prison, fines, probation, a permanent criminal record, and damage to your job, reputation, and family. That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled, experienced, and board-certified criminal defense attorney in your corner.

At The Bogan Law Firm, A Professional Corporation, we bring 20 years of courtroom experience and over 500 contested proceedings to your defense. Whether you’re under investigation or already charged, we prepare every case like it’s going to trial — because that’s how we win.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to an attorney, a speedy and public trial by judge or jury, a preliminary hearing, the right to remain silent or testify if you chose, the right to confront and cross examine witnesses, the subpoena power of the court to compel evidence or witnesses to court to testify, and the right against unlawful searches and seizures.

⚖️ Why Clients Choose Us for Criminal Defense

✅ Certified Criminal Law Specialist

Fewer than 1% of California attorneys are certified in criminal law by the State Bar. Tai C. Bogan holds this elite credential, backed by a second bar exam, peer evaluations from judges and prosecutors, and ongoing oversight.

✅ AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® (2020–2025)

This is the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards, based entirely on confidential peer reviews by judges and attorneys. Mr. Bogan has maintained this rating continuously, reflecting the respect he commands in the courtroom and legal community.

✅ Selected to Super Lawyers® (2019–2025)

Super Lawyers® is a distinction earned by no more than 5% of attorneys in Northern California. Mr. Bogan’s repeated selection over seven consecutive years reflects his record of success, peer recognition, and client trust.

✅ Over 500 Contested Hearings and Trials

From misdemeanors to murder charges, we’ve been lead counsel in hundreds of serious cases. Prosecutors know we’re ready for trial — and that pressure often leads to better results for our clients.

✅ Local Experience in Central Valley Courts

We defend cases in Modesto, Stockton, Merced, Turlock, Manteca, Tracy, Livermore, and throughout Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Merced, Tuolumne, and Alameda Counties.

✅ Results-Driven Representation

Our reputation is built on dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea deals. We don’t just “handle” cases — we fight to win them.

⚖️ Legal Motions: Attacking the Case Early

In many cases, we fight to undermine the prosecution’s evidence before trial ever begins. Strategic legal motions — like those to suppress evidence or dismiss charges — can weaken or even eliminate the case against you.

We routinely file:

• Motions to Suppress (PC § 1538.5)
• Motions to Dismiss (PC § 995)
• Pitchess Motions for police misconduct
• Motion to Compel Discovery

These tools are powerful — and can lead to dismissals, reduced charges, or key evidence being thrown out.

👉 For a full list of common criminal defense motions – click here.

⚖️ Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Phases

Misdemeanor Cases

1. Law Enforcement Investigation and/or Arrest
2. District Attorney Reviews Investigation
3. Criminal Charges Filed or Declined
4. Arraignment on Complaint If Charges Filed
5. Pre-Trial Conference
6. Readiness Conference
7. Jury Trial

Felony Cases With Preliminary Hearing

1. Law Enforcement Investigation and/or Arrest
2. District Attorney Reviews Investigation
3. Criminal Charges Filed or Declined
4. Arraignment on Complaint If Charges Filed
5. Preliminary Hearing
6. Arraignment on Information
7. Pre-Trial Conference
8. Readiness Conference
9. Jury Trial

Felony Cases With Indictment

1. Law Enforcement Investigation and/or Arrest
2. District Attorney Reviews Investigation
3. Criminal Charges Filed or Declined
4. Arraignment If Charges Filed
5. Indictment (Takes Place of Felony Preliminary Hearing)
6. Arraignment of Indictment
7. Pre-Trial Conference
8. Readiness Conference
9. Jury Trial

⚖️ What We Defend

At The Bogan Law Firm, we handle the full spectrum of criminal cases, including:

➤ Felonies and Misdemeanors

• Aiding & Abetting
• Arson
• Assault & Battery
• Attempted Murder
• Auto Crimes
• Conspiracy
• Criminal Threats/ Terrorist Threats
• Dissuading A Witness
• Gang Crimes
• Homicide – Murder – Manslaughter
• Juvenile Crimes
• Weapons Charges
• Vandalism
• Three Strikes

➤ Domestic Violence

• Common California Domestic Violence Charges
• Common Defenses To Domestic Violence Charges
• Domestic Violence Conviction Consequences
• Misdemeanor Domestic Battery (PC 243(e)(1))
• Corporal Injury on a Spouse (PC 273.5)
• False Allegations & Cross-Complaints
• Protective Order Violations

➤ Theft, Fraud, and White Collar Crimes

• Burglary
• Embezzlement
• Identity Theft
• Petty Theft
• Grand Theft
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Robbery
• Welfare Fraud

➤ Drug Charges

• Meth, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Marijuana
• Diversion & Drug Court Representation
• Possession of Drugs
• Transportation & Sales
• Possession With Intent to Sell
• Marijuana Cultivation
• Medical Marijuana
• Proposition 47

➤ Sex Crimes

• Lewd Acts, Statutory Rape, CSAM (PC 311.11)
• Internet Sting Operations (PC 288.2, 288.3)
• Sex Offender Registration Defense

➤ DUI & Driving Offenses

• DUI without Injury (VC 23152)
• DUI with Injury (VC 23153)
• Felony or Repeat DUI
• Hit and Run
• California DUI Penalties at a Glance
• California DUI Laws
• Sobriety Checkpoints
• Under 21 DUI
• Wet & Reckless
• Driving On A Suspended License
• California Driver’s-License Suspensions After A DUI

➤ Post-Conviction & Clean Slate

• Expungements (PC 1203.4)
• Early Termination of Probation
• Certificates of Rehabilitation

🏛️ What to Expect at the Courthouse

Facing criminal charges is stressful enough — we make sure you never walk into court unprepared.

Whether your case is in Modesto, Stockton, Merced, or beyond, The Bogan Law Firm guides you through every step of the process.

✔️ Security & Check-In

• Parking is almost always difficult to find at most courthouses. Arrive 45 minutes early in order to find parking.
• Arrive 30 minutes early to the courthouse— security lines can be long.
• Remove belts and metal items for x-ray screening.
• After security, check the monitors for your assigned courtroom, then check in with the bailiff or clerk.

🕴️Do You Need to Appear in Person?

In many misdemeanor cases — such as DUI — we may appear for you under Penal Code § 977(a). In Stanislaus County, judges rarely require your presence unless:

• You’re entering a plea or being sentenced
• Your presence could improve your outcome
• The judge specifically orders you to appear

✅ If you’re unsure — call us. It’s always safer to confirm than risk a bench warrant.

🧥 Dress and Behavior Tips

• Dress like you’re going to a job interview — no shorts, hats, or graphic t-shirts.
• Silence your phone before entering.
• Leave pocketknives, pepper spray, or other restricted items in your car or at home

🔍 Your Defense Starts With Strategy

Every case is different — and every defense starts with a deep dive into the facts. We analyze:

• The arrest and investigation
• Police conduct and bodycam footage
• Witness credibility and motive
• Search warrants, forensics, and digital evidence
• Whether your rights were violated

We then develop a plan based on your goals: dismissal, reduced charges, diversion, or trial.

🏛️ Courtroom-Ready. Always.

Prosecutors don’t offer good deals to lawyers who never fight. That’s why we maintain a trial-ready stance in every case. Even when we resolve cases through negotiation, it’s our preparation and courtroom experience that gives us leverage.

📌 Serving Clients Throughout the Central Valley and Northern California

From Modesto to Stockton, Merced to Livermore, we have built a reputation in county courts across the region. Local knowledge matters — especially in criminal law, where the players, judges, and policies vary from courthouse to courthouse.

👤 Work Directly With a Criminal Law Specialist

When you hire The Bogan Law Firm, you work with Tai C. Bogan — not a junior associate or “of counsel” lawyer you’ve never met. If another attorney appears on your behalf, it’s someone we trust and supervise closely. No surprises. No substitutes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you hire a Certified Criminal Law Specialist?

Criminal cases can move fast and carry life-changing consequences. When everything is on the line, you want more than just a licensed attorney — you want a recognized expert.
A Certified Criminal Law Specialist is an attorney who has:

• Passed a second bar exam focused entirely on criminal law
• Been reviewed and vetted by judges, prosecutors, and opposing counsel
• Demonstrated extensive trial experience
• Undergone a background check by the State Bar of California

Only about 1% of attorneys statewide hold this distinction. Hiring a specialist means your defense is backed by advanced legal knowledge, proven courtroom skill, and professional recognition at the highest level.

Is a Super Lawyers® or AV Preeminent® rating just a marketing gimmick?

It’s a fair concern — even some attorneys question these honors. The confusion often comes from the fact that both Super Lawyers® (by Thomson Reuters) and Martindale-Hubbell® offer paid advertising or profile upgrades once you’re selected. That part is true.

But here’s the important distinction:

✅ You cannot pay to be selected for either award.

• AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell® is based entirely on confidential ratings by other lawyers and judges, measuring both legal ability and ethical standards. It is the highest rating available and has existed for over 150 years as a respected legal benchmark.
• Super Lawyers® uses a rigorous, multi-step selection process that includes peer nominations, third-party research, and evaluation across 12 indicators of professional achievement, including trial outcomes, bar activity, honors, and reputation. Only the top 5% of attorneys in a geographic region make the cut.

So while it’s true that these companies offer optional paid services after selection, the selection process itself is independent, exclusive, and based solely on merit.

Attorney Tai C. Bogan has earned both recognitions — not by paying to be included, but because of his trial record, reputation among peers, and standing in the legal community.

Do I really need a criminal defense attorney if I’m innocent?

Yes. Innocence doesn’t guarantee that charges will be dropped or that a jury will see things your way. The justice system is adversarial, and prosecutors pursue convictions. At The Bogan Law Firm, we build strategic, evidence-based defenses and protect your rights at every stage — because even innocent people can end up behind bars without the right representation.

Can charges be dropped before I ever go to trial?

Absolutely — and that’s one of our goals. We frequently secure dismissals or charge reductions through pre-trial advocacy, including presenting exculpatory evidence, filing suppression motions, or exposing weak cases early. Prosecutors know we’re prepared for trial, which gives us leverage to negotiate favorable outcomes long before court.

Will Tai Bogan personally handle my case?

Yes. When you hire The Bogan Law Firm, you’re hiring Tai C. Bogan, a Certified Criminal Law Specialist with more than 500 contested proceedings under his belt. He personally handles all the cases at the firm. On dates he cannot appear in court, your case will be handled by an experienced trusted attorney. We do not outsource cases to junior associates or unknown “appearance attorneys.” If another lawyer appears, it’s someone Mr. Bogan personally trusts and works with directly — and only when absolutely necessary.

How many cases has The Bogan Law Firm handled?

We’ve handled hundreds of criminal cases — including felonies, misdemeanors, restraining orders, DMV hearings, and serious trials. Mr. Bogan has served as lead counsel in over 500 contested proceedings, including high-stakes jury trials involving violent crimes, gang charges, and complex allegations.

What if I already talked to police — is it too late to get help?

No. You should contact us immediately. Anything you’ve said can be used against you, but we may still be able to challenge the admissibility of those statements, build alternative narratives, or shift focus to procedural errors. The sooner we step in, the more we can do to protect you.

How do you keep me informed about my case?

We pride ourselves on communication. Clients receive regular updates, direct contact with Mr. Bogan, and clear explanations of next steps. Unlike firms that leave you guessing, we walk you through each court date, hearing, and decision so you’re never in the dark.

What counties and cities do you serve?

We represent clients in:

• Stanislaus County (Modesto, Turlock, Ceres)
• San Joaquin County (Stockton, Manteca, Tracy, Lodi)
• Merced County (Merced, Los Banos, Atwater)
• Alameda County (Livermore, Dublin)
• Tuolumne County (Sonora area)

Our practice is based in Modesto, but we fight cases throughout California’s Central Valley.

📢 Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Time is critical in a criminal case. Evidence can be lost, witnesses influenced, and opportunities missed. Don’t wait. Let a certified criminal law expert fight for your rights.

Call us today at (209) 565-3425 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.