Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Lafayette | 3 available

3 Criminal Defense lawyers are available in Lafayette, california, including Joseph O'Sullivan, Laureen Bethards, and Wally Hesseltine. These lawyers are rated between 3.8/5 to 4.2/5 and 64% provide free consultation.

Wally Hesselti

Laureen Bethar

Joseph O'Sulli

Criminal Defense Lawyers Nearby Lafayette (by distance)

Within 5 miles near you

Pleasant Hill, California ZIP 94523 4.3 mi away 2 lawyers

Within 10 miles near you

Martinez, California ZIP 94553 5.7 mi away 5 lawyers Oakland, California ZIP 94610 9.0 mi away 5 lawyers El Cerrito, California ZIP 94530 10.0 mi away 2 lawyers

Within 25 miles near you

Oakland, California ZIP 94607 11.8 mi away 19 lawyers Alameda, California ZIP 94501 12.2 mi away 2 lawyers Oakland, California ZIP 94621 12.3 mi away 3 lawyers

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Wally Hesseltine

Firm: Pedder, Stover, Hesseltine, Walker and Toth, LLP

3445 Golden Gate Way , Lafayette , California 94549

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense , Family , DUI & DWI

Avvo Review

“My divorce case was quite complicated, but Wally navigated it with ease and professionalism.”

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Yelp Review

“One of the worst professional service experiences I have ever had. Completely unresponsive, didn't set expectations, and burned through all my money without...”

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Laureen Bethards

Firm: Law Offices of Laureen A. Bethards

3650 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Ste 225 , Lafayette , California 94549

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Lawyers.com Review

“Ms. Bethards is a very smart lawyer, who really knows the law and the evidence code. She will fight hard for your rights, and you won't go wrong with Laureen.”

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Joseph O'Sullivan

Firm: Law Offices of Joseph D. Osullivan

3641 Mt Diablo Blvd # 1785 , Lafayette , California 94549

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Avvo Review

“ed my concerns to joe as far as my family, and wanting to "have some time "before i actually had to”

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Recent Q&As in California (Criminal Defense)

Misdemeanor charges dismissed, changed to administrative citation. Does it still show up as an arrest during background checks? | Aug 2, 2026 | Sourced from Reddit
Location: California Hi! I was recently arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for unlawful assembly. I recently got a notice from the City Police dept. saying it was dismissed and replaced with an Administrative Citation, which is apparently a lower-level offense like an infraction -- civil, not criminal. Only thing to do is pay a fine. My question is, is this something I still need to get expunged? Like will an arrest still show up on a background check for private company employers? Not sure how downgraded charges work. I was basically detained, never fingerprinted/mugshot etc. but the original ticket was for a misdemeanor. I'd appreciate any help, thanks!
This may be a long shot but do any petty theft lawyers use Reddit? ‍♀️ | Jul 22, 2026 | Sourced from Reddit
I fucked up I made a mistake was caught concealing merchandise and was given a ticket for trespassing and concealing items totaling $70. However i tried to tell the officer and worker that i was not trespassing, that i had gotten the trespass notice from a different Target store and was told i was banned for a year but from that specific location. Now im being told it was a ban for the entire county indefinitely and that’s why i was trespassed…. i had never been informed this or had heard this before or else I never would have gone there to begin with. I have a court date now it’s currently a misdemeanor but im worried they will pull up past footage of me. Truthfully i have taken items here and there in the past but had never been cited or trespassed until now. This incident happened 2 months ago im in a different place now and working to get my dermatology license but am terrified i could potentially be facing a felony when my court date happens next month. Any suggestions advice? Hope for the worst? Throw in the towel? Pls Help location: Southern California

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California Statutes — Criminal Defense

Penal Code: defines crimes and sets criminal procedure in California.

Browse the full California Penal Code →

Official government statute text, reproduced for reference — not legal advice. For your situation, consult a licensed attorney.

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