Heather Wise Attorney at Law - Santa Rosa, CA

Compassionate and Holistic Criminal Defense in Santa Rosa

Facing criminal charges is an intimidating experience that affects your family, employment, and future freedom. Located at 2544 Cleveland Avenue in Santa Rosa, Heather Wise Attorney at Law provides skilled, trauma-informed defense representation across Sonoma County. A lifelong local resident, attorney Heather Wise graduated as Valedictorian from Empire College School of Law, earning multiple Witkin Awards for Academic Excellence and recognition as an Outstanding Volunteer by the Sonoma County Bar Association. Having honed her courtroom abilities in the Public Defender's Office and private practice, she approaches criminal defense holistically, addressing the root issues that lead to law enforcement contact while aggressively challenging government evidence. When individuals need to find a lawyer who treats them with dignity, compassion, and legal precision, Heather Wise delivers steadfast advocacy.

Strategic DUI Defense and Driver License Protection

A DUI arrest creates immediate hurdles, including pending court dates and threatened license suspension by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Working as dedicated dui/dwi defense lawyers, Heather Wise investigates the reasonable suspicion behind the traffic stop, officer procedures, and chemical testing accuracy. When motorists need to hire an attorney to protect their driving privileges, the practice delivers thorough defense across:

• First-time misdemeanor drunk driving and repeat DUI charges.
• Driving under the influence of cannabis, prescription drugs, or controlled substances.
• Felony DUI allegations involving collisions, property damage, or injuries.
• Aggressive representation at California DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearings to stop license suspension.
• Support from traffic ticket lawyers resolving moving violations and license point accumulation.

Dedicated Domestic Violence and Protective Order Defense

Domestic violence accusations often arise from emotional misunderstandings or relationship disputes. Allegations of domestic battery under Penal Code 243(e)(1) or corporal injury under Penal Code 273.5 carry harsh consequences, including mandatory counseling, loss of firearm rights, and protective orders that sever contact with loved ones. Functioning as supportive domestic violence lawyers, Heather Wise reviews police reports, 911 dispatch calls, and body camera footage, advocating for dismissals, civil compromises, or alternative counseling solutions.

Defense for Drug Charges, Assault, and Property Offenses

The firm defends community members against a wide range of misdemeanor and felony allegations. As committed criminal defense lawyers, the practice handles assault and battery cases alongside violent crime defense lawyers, represents clients in property offenses with theft and burglary defense lawyers, and defends controlled substance allegations with drug crime defense lawyers. Heather Wise actively pursues pretrial diversion programs, such as mental health diversion under Penal Code 1001.36 and drug treatment diversion, allowing clients to complete programs and have their charges dismissed without a permanent record.

Post-Conviction Relief and Immigration-Safe Criminal Defense

For immigrant community members, a criminal conviction can lead to detention, denial of naturalization, or deportation. Heather Wise works closely with regional immigrant advocacy groups to craft immigration-safe plea bargains that protect non-citizen clients. Additionally, the practice handles post-conviction relief, including motions to vacate invalid convictions under Penal Code Section 1473.7, felony reductions under Proposition 47, and record expungements under Penal Code Section 1203.4.

Bilingual Advocacy and Free Initial Consultations

Committed to making legal defense accessible to all residents, Heather Wise Attorney at Law provides bilingual representation in English and Spanish. Offering free initial consultations and flexible payment options, the firm ensures that every client receives personalized attention and fierce legal protection from day one.