Richard A. Ciummo & Associates - Fresno, CA

Over Three Decades of Criminal Defense Leadership in Fresno

The constitutional guarantee of the right to counsel is the cornerstone of the American legal system. When individuals face criminal prosecution and their liberty is at risk, having an experienced, dedicated legal team is vital to ensuring a fair trial. Established in 1988 and headquartered at 2014 Tulare Street in downtown Fresno, Richard A. Ciummo & Associates-operating as Fitzgerald, Alvarez & Ciummo-is one of California's largest and most experienced criminal defense organizations. Serving as Fresno County's primary conflict indigent defense provider, the firm protects the constitutional rights of thousands of individuals across Central California each year.

Founded by Richard A. Ciummo and now led by President and CEO Antonio R. Alvarez alongside Michael Fitzgerald, the firm employs more than 75 licensed trial attorneys supported by dedicated investigators and administrative professionals. Operating across five California counties with ten regional offices, the firm handles the complete spectrum of criminal proceedings in state and appellate courts. With extensive trial backgrounds ranging from former prosecutors to career defense practitioners, the firm's attorneys bring formidable courtroom skill and deep familiarity with Fresno County Superior Court dynamics to every assigned case.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Practice Areas

A rigorous defense requires tireless investigation and an aggressive trial posture. If you need to hire an attorney who understands how local prosecutors build their arguments, the firm provides skilled representation across vital practice areas:

• Serious and Violent Felonies: Defending individuals accused of armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, carjacking, and felony offenses carrying substantial state prison sentences.
• Homicide and Capital Murder Defense: Providing master-level defense in first-degree murder, manslaughter, and complex special circumstance death penalty prosecutions.
• Drug Crimes and Narcotics Offenses: Defending against narcotics possession, sales, manufacturing, and distribution charges while pursuing diversion alternatives under California law.
• DUI and Vehicular Crimes: Representing defendants in felony and misdemeanor driving under the influence cases, including DUI causing bodily injury and vehicular manslaughter.
• Theft, Burglary, and Property Crimes: Protecting clients accused of grand theft, commercial burglary, residential burglary, auto theft, and receiving stolen property.
• Domestic Violence and Protective Orders: Strategic defense against domestic battery charges, corporal injury to a cohabitant, and criminal protective order violations.
• Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency: Defending minors in juvenile court delinquency proceedings and representing parents and children in dependency hearings before the Fresno County Superior Court.

In-House Investigations and Trial Readiness

What sets Richard A. Ciummo & Associates apart is its comprehensive delivery methodology. Unlike solo defense practitioners with limited bandwidth, the firm maintains full-time in-house investigative and support staff. Attorneys work closely with investigators to re-interview witnesses, analyze crime scenes, evaluate forensic evidence, and challenge police misconduct. Through strategic pre-trial motions to suppress unlawfully seized evidence, the firm consistently protects clients from overzealous prosecution.

Contact the Downtown Fresno Office

Located on the third floor of the historic T.W. Patterson Building at 2014 Tulare Street, the office is conveniently situated just blocks from the Fresno County Courthouse. If you need to find a lawyer who will passionately safeguard your constitutional rights, contact the office today at (559) 441-0114. Fluent bilingual services in English and Spanish are available to assist clients and their families.