Dedicated Attention
Public defenders carry enormous caseloads. When you hire Mario DiSalvo, you get an attorney who knows your case inside and out.
Fresno · California
Criminal defense in Fresno — aggressive advocacy from an attorney who answers the phone.
Meet Your Attorney
I founded DiSalvo Law Office with a single mission: to give the people of Fresno the aggressive, personalized criminal defense they deserve. For more than 20 years, I have represented people in California's courts.
I understand that a criminal charge is not just a legal matter — it's a threat to your freedom, your family, your career, and your future. That's why I approach every case with the same intensity and dedication.
From DUI defense to violent crimes, I have the courtroom experience and legal knowledge to build the strongest possible defense. I personally handle every client's matter. When you call DiSalvo Law Office, you reach me directly. I'm available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your first consultation is always free.
Law Specialties
Select a specialty to see how Mario DiSalvo defends it.
Record clearing handled as part of our full criminal defense practice.
Contact for more information 07Advocacy for minors facing charges, handled within our full criminal defense practice.
Contact for more information 08Defense against property-crime charges, handled within our full criminal defense practice.
Contact for more information 09Representation at violation hearings, handled within our full criminal defense practice.
Contact for more information 10Aggressive defense for serious charges, handled within our full criminal defense practice.
Contact for more informationWhy Private Counsel
Public defenders carry enormous caseloads. When you hire Mario DiSalvo, you get an attorney who knows your case inside and out.
A private attorney can begin investigating your case immediately. Early intervention can mean the difference between a dismissed case and a conviction.
You will always be able to reach Attorney DiSalvo directly. He is available 24/7 because your case matters.
Reviews
“Mario DiSalvo fought tirelessly for my case. He was always available to answer my questions and kept me informed every step of the way. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney.”
“I was charged with DUI and thought my life was over. Mario fought hard, knew the system inside and out, and got my charges reduced. I am forever grateful.”
“Facing a felony charge was the scariest moment of my life. Mario DiSalvo was calm, strategic, and relentless. He got the result I needed. Highly recommend.”
FAQ
Stay calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions without an attorney present. Call DiSalvo Law Office at (559) 442-1552 immediately — we are available 24/7.
Absolutely. Innocent people are convicted every day. The criminal justice system is complex, and without experienced legal representation, even an innocent person can face serious consequences. An attorney protects your rights from the very beginning.
As soon as possible — ideally before speaking to police. The earlier you retain counsel, the better your attorney can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and build a strong defense strategy.
Your first court appearance is typically an arraignment, where you are formally charged and asked to enter a plea. Having an attorney present is critical at this stage to advise you on your plea and begin building your defense.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail. Felonies are more serious crimes that can result in state prison sentences of one year or more, loss of voting rights, and other long-term consequences.
Yes. Cases can be dismissed for many reasons including lack of evidence, constitutional violations, improper police procedures, or prosecutorial errors. Attorney DiSalvo thoroughly reviews every case for dismissal opportunities.
You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to refuse consent to searches. You must be informed of these Miranda rights before custodial interrogation. Do not waive these rights without speaking to an attorney first.
Fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. DiSalvo Law Office offers free consultations and flexible payment plans. Contact us at (559) 442-1552 to discuss your situation and get a clear understanding of costs.
Get in touch
Your first consultation is always free.
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All information is kept strictly confidential. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Practice Area
When you are facing criminal charges in Fresno, every decision you make in the hours and days following your arrest can have a profound impact on the outcome of your case. Attorney Mario DiSalvo has spent over 20 years defending the rights of people accused of crimes throughout Fresno County and the Central Valley. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, DiSalvo Law Office provides the aggressive, personalized defense you need. From the moment you call, you will work directly with Attorney DiSalvo — not a paralegal or junior associate. He is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because criminal emergencies don't happen on a schedule.
Remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not answer any questions from police without your attorney present. Call DiSalvo Law Office at (559) 442-1552 as soon as possible.
In many cases, yes. Attorney DiSalvo reviews every case for constitutional violations, lack of evidence, improper police procedures, and other grounds for dismissal. While no outcome can be guaranteed, a thorough defense strategy maximizes your chances.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail. Felonies are more serious and can result in state prison sentences, loss of civil rights, and other long-term consequences. Both require experienced legal representation.
The timeline varies significantly depending on the charges, complexity of the case, and court schedules. Misdemeanors may resolve in weeks; felony cases can take months or longer. Attorney DiSalvo works to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while achieving the best outcome.
Most criminal cases are resolved through negotiation, plea agreements, or dismissal before trial. However, if a fair resolution cannot be reached, Attorney DiSalvo is fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
California allows expungement of many criminal convictions under Penal Code 1203.4. If you have completed probation and meet other eligibility requirements, you may be able to have your record cleared. Contact us to discuss your eligibility.
Practice Area
A DUI charge in Fresno can have life-altering consequences — from license suspension and heavy fines to jail time and a permanent criminal record. Attorney Mario DiSalvo has extensive experience defending DUI cases throughout Fresno County and the Central Valley. He challenges every aspect of the prosecution's case, from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of breathalyzer and blood test results, to give you the best possible chance of a favorable outcome.
After a DUI arrest, you have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to contest your license suspension. You will also face criminal charges in court. Attorney DiSalvo handles both the DMV hearing and the criminal case to protect your driving privileges and your freedom.
Yes. Many DUI cases can be reduced to a lesser charge or dismissed entirely. Attorney DiSalvo challenges breathalyzer calibration, field sobriety test procedures, the legality of the traffic stop, and other factors that can undermine the prosecution's case.
Not necessarily. You have the right to contest your license suspension at a DMV hearing. If you win the hearing, your license may be preserved. Even if suspended, you may be eligible for a restricted license. Act quickly — you have only 10 days after arrest to request a hearing.
A first DUI in California can result in fines up to $1,000 plus assessments, license suspension, DUI school, probation, and potentially jail time. The consequences increase significantly for repeat offenses or if there was an accident or injury involved.
California's implied consent law means that refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest results in an automatic license suspension and can be used against you in court. However, you are not required to submit to pre-arrest field sobriety tests or a preliminary alcohol screening device.
A DUI conviction stays on your California driving record for 10 years and can affect your criminal record permanently unless expunged. Attorney DiSalvo can advise you on expungement eligibility after your case is resolved.
Practice Area
Felony charges in California carry life-altering consequences — state prison time, loss of civil rights, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for life. When the stakes are this high, you need an attorney who will fight with everything they have. Attorney Mario DiSalvo has defended hundreds of felony cases in Fresno County and throughout the Central Valley, from assault and robbery to serious drug offenses and violent crimes. He understands what is at stake and will build the strongest possible defense for your case.
A felony is a serious crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. Felonies include crimes like murder, robbery, rape, burglary, and serious drug offenses. A felony conviction can result in loss of voting rights, firearm rights, and professional licenses.
A wobbler is an offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and the prosecutor's discretion. Attorney DiSalvo works to have wobbler offenses charged or reduced to misdemeanors whenever possible.
Yes, in many cases. Through skilled negotiation, Attorney DiSalvo may be able to have felony charges reduced to misdemeanors, which carry significantly less severe penalties and consequences.
California's Three Strikes law mandates a minimum 25-years-to-life sentence for defendants convicted of a third serious or violent felony. If you have prior strike convictions, it is absolutely critical to have experienced legal representation.
Bail for felony charges is typically higher than for misdemeanors and may be denied for the most serious offenses. Attorney DiSalvo can argue for reasonable bail at your arraignment and work to secure your release while your case is pending.
A felony conviction can result in state prison time, heavy fines, probation, loss of voting rights while incarcerated, loss of the right to own firearms, difficulty finding employment, and immigration consequences for non-citizens. Fighting the charges aggressively from the start is essential.
Practice Area
Domestic violence charges in Fresno can destroy families, careers, and futures — even when the allegations are false or exaggerated. California takes domestic violence extremely seriously, and prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. Attorney Mario DiSalvo provides a thorough, compassionate, and aggressive defense for people accused of domestic violence throughout Fresno County and the Central Valley. He understands the complexity of these cases and fights to protect your rights, your family, and your future.
After a domestic violence arrest, you will typically be held for at least 72 hours before bail is set. A protective order will likely be issued preventing contact with the alleged victim. The prosecutor — not the victim — decides whether to pursue charges, so the case can proceed even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges.
The decision to prosecute rests with the district attorney, not the alleged victim. Even if the victim recants or refuses to cooperate, the prosecution may proceed using other evidence. However, a victim's lack of cooperation can significantly affect the strength of the case.
A protective order (restraining order) prohibits you from contacting or coming near the alleged victim. Violating a protective order is a separate criminal offense. Attorney DiSalvo can work to modify or lift protective orders when appropriate.
Yes. A domestic violence conviction can have serious consequences for child custody and visitation rights. Courts take domestic violence allegations very seriously in family law proceedings. This is another reason why aggressive defense from the start is so important.
Domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the alleged offense and prior history. Penalties can include jail or prison time, fines, mandatory counseling, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
Absolutely. False or exaggerated domestic violence allegations are not uncommon, particularly in contentious divorce or custody situations. Attorney DiSalvo thoroughly investigates the circumstances, gathers evidence, and challenges the credibility of false accusations.
Practice Area
Drug charges in Fresno range from simple possession to serious trafficking offenses, and the consequences can be severe. Attorney Mario DiSalvo has extensive experience defending all types of drug cases in Fresno County and throughout the Central Valley. He challenges illegal searches and seizures, fights for diversion programs, and pursues every available defense to protect your freedom and your future. If you have been charged with a drug offense, do not wait — contact DiSalvo Law Office immediately.
The most common drug charges in Fresno include possession of a controlled substance, possession for sale, drug transportation, manufacturing, and being under the influence. Charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the drug type, quantity, and circumstances.
Yes. Drug possession charges can be dismissed for many reasons, including illegal searches and seizures, lack of evidence, chain of custody issues, or successful completion of a drug diversion program. Attorney DiSalvo explores every avenue for dismissal.
California's drug diversion programs (Penal Code 1000 and Proposition 36) allow eligible defendants to complete drug treatment instead of serving jail time. Successful completion can result in the charges being dismissed. Attorney DiSalvo can advise you on your eligibility.
Simple possession means having drugs for personal use. Possession for sale is a more serious charge based on factors like the quantity of drugs, presence of scales or packaging materials, and large amounts of cash. Possession for sale carries significantly harsher penalties.
Yes. If law enforcement searched your person, vehicle, or home without a valid warrant or legal justification, the evidence obtained may be suppressed — meaning it cannot be used against you. This can result in dismissal of the charges. Attorney DiSalvo scrutinizes every search and seizure.
Drug trafficking (transportation for sale) is a felony in California with penalties including 3-9 years in state prison depending on the drug type and quantity, plus significant fines. Federal drug trafficking charges carry even harsher penalties.