Sexual Assault Attorney In Fresno

Serious Allegations Require a Trial-Tested Defense

If you are being investigated for sexual assault in Fresno or have already been arrested, you are facing some of the most serious charges in the California criminal system. Prison time, lifetime registration, and permanent damage to your reputation are all real possibilities.

In this situation, you need more than general information. You need a legal team that knows how these cases are built, how prosecutors think, and how to protect you in Fresno County courts. At Schweitzer & Davidian, our attorneys focus on defending people accused of serious crimes and work every day to reduce the impact of those charges.

Founders Eric Schweitzer and Annie Davidian bring nearly three decades of combined trial experience to the table. They have gone up against powerful state and federal prosecutors in high-stakes cases, and our firm uses that courtroom experience to guide decisions from the first phone call.

To talk confidentially about your situation, you can call (559) 206-2322.

Why Our Firm For Sex Crime Charges

Choosing a lawyer after a sex crime accusation is not just about finding any criminal defense firm. The decisions made in the first weeks of a sexual assault case can shape your future for years, and you need attorneys who are prepared for that level of responsibility. Our firm is built around handling serious charges where trial is a real possibility, including sexual assault and related offenses.

Attorneys Schweitzer and Davidian have nearly thirty years of combined trial work in California and federal courts. That experience matters in sexual assault cases because prosecutors often rely on witness credibility, complex evidence, and emotional arguments. We understand how these cases play out in front of juries, and we prepare from the beginning with that in mind, even when negotiations are also underway.

We also do something many firms do not. We only accept cases when we believe there is a fair chance of success. That selective approach means we do not stack files just to sign more clients. Instead, we commit to a smaller group of people and work to give each case the attention it deserves. For you, that means more time spent reviewing discovery, preparing you for hearings, and thinking critically about strategy.

Clients often tell us that clear, direct communication is one of the reasons they feel comfortable trusting our team. We keep you informed at every stage, explain options in plain language, and involve you in major decisions such as whether to pursue certain negotiations or move toward trial. Other law firms and lawyers in Fresno County frequently refer serious cases to us, which reflects the respect our work has earned in the legal community.

What To Do After A Sexual Assault Arrest

If you were recently arrested or contacted by detectives about a sexual assault allegation, it can feel like your life turned upside down overnight. You might already have a court date set at Fresno County Superior Court, or you may be waiting to hear whether charges will be filed. In this moment, the steps you take can either protect your rights or make things harder for your defense.

One of the most important choices you can make is to stop talking about the facts of the case without legal advice. That includes conversations with police, alleged victims, and even friends or family who might later be called as witnesses. Officers are trained to gather statements that can be used against you, and casual comments or texts can take on a different meaning when pulled into a criminal file.

It is also wise to avoid posting about the situation on social media or through messages that could be screenshotted. Digital communications are commonly included in discovery in California sexual assault cases. Preserving any information that may help you, such as messages, photos, or records that shed light on the relationship or events, is important, but those should be shared privately with your attorney, not with the public.

When you contact our office, we work to help you understand what to expect in the near term. That may include explaining how bail decisions are typically made, what usually happens at arraignment in Fresno County, and what conditions a judge might impose, such as protective orders or no-contact rules. We also discuss immediate goals, for example, protecting your job, helping you comply with court orders, and preparing for upcoming hearings.

Helpful first steps after an arrest or investigation:

• Limit discussions about the facts, and do not answer detailed questions from law enforcement until you have spoken with a lawyer.
• Collect and safely store any texts, emails, or other materials that may be relevant and share them only with your defense team.
• Follow any release conditions or protective orders carefully so you do not face additional allegations of violating court orders.
• Write down a timeline of what you remember as soon as possible, while details are still fresh, and bring it to your consultation.
• Call our firm promptly so we can review your situation and begin planning how to respond to the accusation.

Acting quickly gives your attorneys more opportunities to address how charges are filed, how evidence is viewed, and how early hearings are handled. You do not have to navigate those decisions alone.

How We Defend Sexual Assault Allegations

Sexual assault cases are often built on complex and emotionally charged facts. Many involve prior relationships, misunderstandings about consent, alcohol or drug use, or events that occurred in private. Prosecutors may rely heavily on one person’s account and the assumptions that come with these types of allegations. Our role is to test those assumptions carefully and insist that the state meets its burden of proof.

When we take on a case, we begin with a detailed review of the charging documents, police reports, and any available physical or digital evidence. That can include medical records, photographs, phone records, location data, and social media messages. We look for inconsistencies, gaps, and unexplained changes in statements. We also consider what is not in the reports, such as witnesses who were never interviewed or messages that were never collected.

Legal issues can be just as important as factual disputes. We examine whether any searches or seizures were lawful, whether identifications were conducted suggestively, and whether any statements attributed to you were obtained in violation of your rights. If there are grounds to challenge evidence through motions, we explain those options and the potential impact on your case.

Because our attorneys have nearly three decades of combined trial experience, we are comfortable preparing cases with the possibility of trial in mind. That preparation may involve consulting appropriate experts, working through cross-examination strategies, and helping you understand what testimony and evidence a jury might see. Even when a case ultimately resolves before trial, taking preparation seriously can improve our ability to negotiate and to push back against unfair assumptions.

Throughout this process, we rely on your input. You are the one who knows the history of the relationship, the events leading up to the allegation, and the practical consequences you are worried about. We listen carefully, explain how the law applies to your situation, and work with you to choose goals that fit your priorities, whether that is avoiding registration, limiting custody time, or contesting the accusation in court.

Consequences Of A Conviction & Our Role

Understanding what is at stake helps you see why early, informed decisions matter so much. In California, sexual assault and related offenses can be charged as serious or violent felonies. Depending on the specific statute and facts, possible penalties may include years in state prison, formal probation with strict conditions, and significant fines.

In many cases, a conviction can also trigger mandatory or potential sex offender registration. Registration requirements can affect where you live, where you work, and how you move through daily life. For someone with a professional license or a career that involves background checks, a sex crime conviction may lead to disciplinary action or the loss of that profession. Immigration consequences for non-citizens can also be severe.

The impact extends beyond the courtroom. Allegations of sexual assault often affect family relationships, child custody disputes, and social standing in your community. Even when a case ends without a conviction, the process itself can be disruptive and emotionally draining. Our goal is to work to minimize that impact, whether by seeking dismissal, arguing for reduced or alternative charges, or pursuing outcomes that avoid or limit registration when the law allows.

Because we are based in Fresno County and regularly appear in the local criminal courthouse, we understand how cases typically move through that system. That local knowledge helps us give you guidance about timelines, what judges in this area commonly consider at sentencing, and how prosecutors often approach plea discussions in sexual assault cases. While we cannot promise any specific result, we can share what we see in practice and how we have navigated similar situations before.

From the first meeting, we talk openly about potential consequences and what different paths might mean for your life. That transparency allows you to make informed decisions about negotiations, contested hearings, and trials. We are here to guide you through each stage with a clear focus on protecting your future as much as the law and facts allow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the police want to question me?

You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer before answering questions. We generally recommend that you politely provide basic identifying information only, then state that you wish to speak with an attorney. Once you contact us, we can advise you about any future interviews.

Will I have to register as a sex offender?

Whether registration applies depends on the specific charge, the code section, and the outcome of your case. Some California sex offenses require registration, while others may not. We review how the law applies to your situation and work to pursue resolutions that limit registration when possible.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after an arrest?

It is wise to contact a lawyer as soon as you know about an arrest, an upcoming court date, or a detective’s interest in your case. Early involvement lets us protect your rights, prepare you for appearances in Fresno County Superior Court, and start shaping how your case is presented.

Can your attorneys take my case to trial if needed?

Yes. Our attorneys have nearly three decades of combined trial experience and are prepared to take sexual assault cases to trial when that is the right choice. We discuss the risks and potential benefits with you and make any decision about the trial together after careful review.

How involved will I be in decisions about my case?

You remain at the center of every major decision. We explain the law, the evidence, and realistic options in clear language, then discuss your priorities and concerns. You decide whether to accept or reject offers, testify, or go to trial, and we support you throughout that process.

Talk To Our Sexual Assault Defense Team

If you or someone you care about is facing a sexual assault allegation, you do not have to try to navigate this alone. Speaking with a sexual assault lawyer Fresno clients trust can help you understand what is happening, what the realistic risks are, and what steps can be taken to protect your future.

At Schweitzer & Davidian, we listen without judgment and keep your conversations confidential. Our attorneys bring nearly three decades of combined trial experience to serious criminal cases, and we only take on matters when we believe there is a fair chance of success. With offices in Fresno County, including locations in Clovis and Visalia, we can meet in person when appropriate and guide you through appearances in local courts.

During an initial consultation, we review the accusations, discuss any upcoming court dates, and outline possible paths forward so you can decide how to move ahead. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and to learn how we approach cases like yours.

To talk with our team about your situation, call (559) 206-2322.