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Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney
Protecting Your Future

Over 25 Years of Winning Results in Central California Courts

Attorney Mario DiSalvo - Successfully defending thousands of clients as their Fresno Criminal Defense attorney since 1998

Nationally Recognized, Locally Respected.

"..you could tell that prosecuters, judges and other lawyers respect him."
Jimmy on Google
"One of the best attorneys in the Valley!"
Liyana K. on Google
"..Mario saved my cousin, a 3rd striker,
from a life sentence."
Mark S on AVVO
"He performs miracles when there’s no hope...."
Chris U. on Google
"don’t think twice about getting him, you’re gonna regret not getting him sooner."
Joya on Google
"One of Fresno's best......knows the law and basically worked miracles for me."
Karla on AVVO
"Mario is by far the best attorney
in the Central Valley."
One Main Janitorial, Inc. on Google
"Exceptional...... professionalism, dedication, and a client-first approach..."
Jalen O. on Google
"This guy's amazing! Top of his game..FIERCE.
Legal Extraordinaire."
Aimee on Yelp

SEE FULL REVIEWS

ABOUT DISALVO LAW

Relentless Criminal Defense Since 1998

         

        Founded in 1998, DiSalvo Law was built on the determination and resilience of its founder, Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney Mario DiSalvo.  No stranger to adversity, Mario turned every obstacle he faced into the strength he now uses to defend his clients when everything’s at stake.

      Over nearly three decades in the courtroom, Mario has defended thousands of clients in Fresno and throughout the California’s Central Valley in cases ranging from first-time misdemeanors to serious felonies and homicide charges.  His aggressive, unyielding defense style and meticulous preparation have earned DiSalvo Law a reputation as one of Fresno’s premier criminal defense firms.

         Clients turn to DiSalvo Law when their freedom, record, and future are at risk. They regularly handle cases involving DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, gun and weapon offenses, theft and burglary, white collar crimes, probation violations, and violent crimes. Whatever the accusation, the focus is the same: challenge the evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best possible result with the expertise of a Fresno criminal defense attorney.

      Mario’s many awards, recognitions, and countless five-star client reviews confirm what his clients already know: when everything is on the line, you need a relentless, battle-tested trial lawyer who refuses to back down. Only the best will do. As a dedicated Fresno criminal defense attorney, Mario DiSalvo fights relentlessly to protect his clients’ freedom, reputation, and future.

       At DiSalvo Law, you are never just a case number. They take the time to listen, explain your options, and build a personalized defense strategy around your goals. DiSalvo Law is known for straight talk, honest assessments, and fierce advocacy inside and outside the courtroom. 

       If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been arrested, contact DiSalvo Law today. The sooner you involve an experienced Fresno criminal defense attorney, the more options you may have to protect your rights, your record, and your future.

Criminal Cases Handled
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Criminal Defense Services

DUI Defense

Defense for drunk and drugged driving charges, DMV hearings, and license protection.

Drug Crimes

Possession, sales, trafficking, and search-and-seizure issues in state drug prosecutions.

Domestic Violence

Defending against DV charges, emergency protective orders, and long-term restraining orders.

Assault & Battery

Simple and aggravated assault, battery, self-defense claims, and mutual combat allegations.

Theft & Burglary

Shoplifting, grand theft, burglary, and other property crime charges in Central Valley courts.

Violent Crimes

Serious felony allegations involving force, injury, or weapons, including strike offenses.

Weapons & Gun Crimes

Unlawful possession, prohibited person, and firearms enhancements in felony and misdemeanor cases.

Sex Crimes

Discreet, aggressive defense in highly sensitive cases with potential registration consequences.

Federal Crimes

Defense in federal investigations, indictments, and post-indictment negotiations in U.S. District Court.

Juvenile Defense

Protecting minors in delinquency proceedings and working to keep matters in juvenile court.

Misdemeanors

First-time and repeat misdemeanor charges, diversion options, and record-conscious resolutions.

White Collar Crimes

Fraud, embezzlement, and financial crime defense with a focus on restitution and damage control.

Plea Negotiations

Early case evaluation, charge reductions, and negotiation strategies tailored to your goals.

Probation Violations

Alleged violations, revocation hearings, and efforts to reinstate or modify probation terms.

Criminal Appeals

Reviewing trial records, identifying legal errors, and pursuing relief in appellate courts.

Expungements

Post-conviction relief to clear, reduce, or update your record where California law allows.

California Sentencing — What’s at Stake

SENTENCING DEPENDS ON THE CHARGE, PRIORS, AND ENHANCEMENTS

California Felony Sentencing

High-level overview
Non-violent / non-serious
Often probation-eligible; county custody exposure varies by charge, priors, and enhancements.
Wobblers
Certain offenses can be filed or reduced to a misdemeanor depending on facts, mitigation, and advocacy.
Serious felony
Higher exposure; “strike” implications may affect future cases and sentencing.
Violent felony
Often limited alternatives; custody exposure increases and restrictions may apply.
Enhancements
Allegations (weapons, injury, priors, etc.) can add years and drive negotiations.
Probation violations
Even “minor” violations can trigger custody risk—address fast and strategically.
Educational overview only. Actual exposure depends on the Penal Code section, priors, enhancements, and local court practices.

California Misdemeanor Sentencing

High-level overview
Standard misdemeanor
Probation, fines, classes, and community service are common; jail can be possible depending on facts.
Enhanced misdemeanor
Some statutes carry higher maximum custody exposure and stricter probation conditions.
DUI-related offenses
Court penalties + DMV consequences (license issues, IID, programs, fines/fees).
DV / protective orders
Protective orders may issue quickly and can affect custody, housing, and firearms rights.
Drug & theft cases
Diversion may be available in some situations; early screening matters.
Warrants / FTA
Failure to appear can create immediate custody risk—handle promptly.
Educational overview only. Outcomes vary by statute, priors, and the court.
California Felony Sentencing
Non-violent / non-serious: Often probation-eligible; exposure varies by charge, priors, and enhancements.
Wobblers: Some offenses can be filed or reduced to a misdemeanor depending on facts and mitigation.
Serious felony: Higher exposure; “strike” implications may apply.
Violent felony: Limited alternatives; custody exposure increases.
Enhancements: Weapons/injury/prior allegations can add years and drive negotiations.
Probation violations: Can trigger custody risk—address fast.
Educational overview only. Actual exposure depends on the Penal Code section, priors, enhancements, and local court practices.
California Misdemeanor Sentencing
Standard misdemeanor: Probation/fines/classes are common; jail can be possible depending on facts.
Enhanced misdemeanor: Some statutes carry higher maximum custody exposure.
DUI-related offenses: Court penalties + DMV consequences (license issues, IID, programs).
DV / protective orders: Protective orders can affect custody, housing, and firearms rights.
Drug & theft cases: Diversion may be available in some situations.
Warrants / FTA: Failure to appear can create immediate custody risk—handle promptly.
Educational overview only. Outcomes vary by statute, priors, and the court.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines — What’s at Stake

OFFENSE LEVEL • CRIMINAL HISTORY • MANDATORY MINIMUMS • ENHANCEMENTS

Federal sentencing is typically driven by a Guidelines range based on the Offense Level and Criminal History Category—then shaped by factors like mandatory minimums, enhancements, and whether the court grants departures or variances. This section is a plain-English framework (not legal advice) to help clients understand why details matter.

LOW RISKLower offense level; minimal history; more room for advocacy.
MODERATERange may still allow advocacy for reduced outcomes with strong mitigation.
ELEVATEDEnhancements and history begin driving custody exposure and leverage.
HIGHMandatory minimums, serious enhancements, or higher history categories.
CRITICALStacking exposure, high offense level, multiple enhancements, limited discretion.

Key guideline drivers

  • Offense Level (base level + specific offense characteristics)
  • Criminal History Category (prior convictions, timing, points)
  • Mandatory minimums (can set a floor regardless of the range)
  • Enhancements (role, obstruction, firearm, loss amount, etc.)
  • Acceptance of responsibility (may reduce the offense level when applicable)

Ways outcomes can improve

  • Early case strategy: challenge facts that trigger enhancements
  • Negotiate to avoid higher guideline drivers (loss/quantity/role findings)
  • Present mitigation: work history, family, treatment, restitution
  • Explore eligibility tools (e.g., safety valve where applicable)
  • Argue for a variance under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors
Educational overview only. Federal sentencing depends on the statute(s), the Guidelines calculations, and the court’s findings. If you’re facing federal charges, ask for a confidential consultation as early as possible.
Risk Spectrum (Plain-English)
Low Risk: Lower offense level, minimal history; more room for advocacy.
Moderate: Range may still allow reduced outcomes with strong strategy/mitigation.
Elevated: Enhancements/history start driving custody exposure.
High: Mandatory minimums or serious enhancements narrow options.
Critical: High offense level + multiple enhancements; limited discretion.
Key Guideline Drivers
Offense Level: Base level + specific offense characteristics.
Criminal History: Prior convictions and points can increase the range.
Mandatory Minimums: Can create a sentencing floor.
Enhancements: Role, obstruction, firearm, loss/quantity, etc.
Acceptance: May reduce offense level when applicable.
How Outcomes Can Improve
Challenge enhancements: Attack the facts that increase offense level.
Negotiate smartly: Avoid higher guideline drivers where possible.
Mitigation: Present treatment, restitution, family/work stability.
Eligibility tools: Explore options like safety valve when available.
Variance: Argue 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors for a lower sentence.
Educational overview only. Sentencing depends on statutes, Guidelines calculations, and court findings.

California vs. Federal — Key Differences

Clients often ask why a case feels “different” in federal court. Here’s a high-level comparison to help you understand what drives exposure.

Federal (U.S. District Court)
  • Guidelines framework: Offense Level + Criminal History Category produces an advisory range.
  • Enhancements matter: Loss/quantity, role, obstruction, firearm, etc. can quickly raise exposure.
  • Mandatory minimums: Some statutes impose hard floors that limit judicial discretion.
  • Sentencing factors: Court considers 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) for a variance above/below the range.
  • Collateral consequences: Federal convictions can carry significant long-term impacts.
California (State Court)
  • Statutory scheme: Exposure often turns on charge level, enhancements, and prior-strike/prior-prison factors.
  • Penal Code ranges: Many felonies have lower/middle/upper terms (with specific rules depending on statute).
  • Local practice: Charging decisions, diversion eligibility, and sentencing alternatives vary by county and facts.
  • Probation alternatives: In many cases, probation options and treatment programs can be pivotal.
  • Realignment & custody credit: Custody placement and credits can affect time served.
Federal (U.S. District Court)
Guidelines: Offense Level + Criminal History Category → advisory range.
Enhancements: Loss/quantity, role, obstruction, firearm, etc. can raise exposure fast.
Mandatory minimums: Some statutes impose a sentencing floor.
Variances: Court applies 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors for above/below range.
Collateral impact: Often significant long-term consequences.
California (State Court)
Statutory scheme: Charge level + enhancements + priors drive exposure.
Term structure: Many felonies have lower/middle/upper terms depending on statute.
Local practice: Diversion/alternatives vary by county and facts.
Probation options: Treatment programs can be pivotal where eligible.
Custody/credits: Placement and credits affect time served.
Educational overview only. Sentencing is fact-specific; consult counsel for a case-specific analysis.

Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

A criminal case can affect far more than fines or jail time. An arrest, charge, or conviction can trigger long‑term consequences that impact your career, immigration status, custody rights, financial aid, professional licensing, and more. We help clients understand what’s at stake and build a strategy to protect their future.

Immigration Status

Certain charges can create immigration consequences, including inadmissibility, removal risk, or difficulty obtaining lawful status.

Professional Licenses

Many boards consider criminal history when granting, renewing, or disciplining licenses in healthcare, education, contracting, and more.

Voting Rights

A conviction can affect civil rights depending on the offense and sentence. We help you understand what applies to your situation.

Parenting & Custody

Courts may consider criminal allegations in custody disputes and protective orders. The right defense can help protect your family.

Financial Aid & Housing

A record can affect scholarships, financial aid eligibility, rentals, and employment background checks—often for years.

Security Clearances

Government and sensitive‑industry jobs can treat even minor cases as disqualifying. Early strategy matters.

Central Valley Service Areas

Criminal Law Is Complex — Your Future Deserves a Real Defense

Any charge—minor infractions to high-level felonies—can trigger serious consequences: jail exposure, license issues, immigration problems, employment barriers, professional discipline, and lasting damage to your record. When everything is on the line, you need an experienced trial lawyer who knows the courts, prosecutors, and local procedures across the Central Valley.

  • Strategic defense, not guesswork: early motions, investigation, and negotiation to protect your freedom and your record.
  • Venue-specific strategy: practices can vary by county and courthouse—your approach should match where the case is filed.
  • Built for high stakes: felonies, violent crimes, gun allegations, DUI, drug charges, and more.
  • Clear communication: understand your options, risks, and next steps—without the runaround.
Educational information only. Results depend on the specific facts and law of each case.
Not listed? Our service-area list is not exhaustive. We regularly appear throughout the Central Valley and surrounding counties—contact us and we’ll discuss representation based on your specific circumstances.