Carter LawCriminal Defense · Lake County
(707) 245-4727
Criminal Defense · Lake County, CA

Tip the scales in your favor.

Carter Law is a criminal defense firm in Lakeport, serving Lake County and the North Bay. If you have been arrested or charged, call us. The first conversation is free, and we answer at any hour.

Call any time.
We answer live.(707) 245-4727Free consultation · No hidden fees · Hablamos español
Attorneys Angela Carter in a navy blazer and Julianne Carter in a red blazer, standing back to back.

Arrested? Loved one in jail? We answer right now.

Available 24/7 Free consultation No hidden fees Hablamos Español
Attorneys

The attorneys.

Carter Law is a mother-and-daughter firm in Lakeport. We keep our caseload small, so you work directly with us from the first call through the end of your case.

FILE 01 · A. CARTER

Angela Carter

Criminal Defense Attorney

Angela has practiced criminal defense in Northern California for more than 30 years. She previously ran Lake County's public (indigent) defense program, so she knows the local courts, the prosecutors, and how these cases tend to unfold. She is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

  • CCL-00012Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar (2000).
  • CCL-00031More than 30 years of criminal trial experience.
  • CCL-00048Former director of Lake County public defense.
  • CCL-00059Founding member of the county's Veterans Court.
Full profile
FILE 02 · J. CARTER

Julianne Carter

Criminal Defense Attorney

Julianne is a partner at Carter Law and Angela's daughter. She handles criminal cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies, from the start through jury trial, with thorough preparation and close attention to her clients.

  • CCL-00077Partner, focused on criminal defense.
  • CCL-00083Juris Doctor, Pepperdine University.
  • CCL-00091Terry M. Giles Honor Scholar; West Coast trial team champion.
  • CCL-00098Third-generation Lake County native.
Full profile
Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar.A small Lake County firm with credentials that hold up anywhere.
Experience

Three decades of criminal defense.

A look at the firm's background, and what it means for your case.

No. 001
Credential

Admitted to the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court

In 2000, Angela was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Few defense attorneys in the region hold that admission.

No. 002
Public service

Ran the county's public defense program

For years, Angela directed Lake County's public (indigent) defense system. That experience shapes how she approaches a case today.

No. 003
Breadth

Thousands of cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies

The firm has handled cases across Lake, Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties.

No. 004
Community

Friend of the Veteran Award, 2023

Angela helped found Lake County's Veterans Court and works with veterans facing addiction and PTSD.

No. 005
How we work

A deliberately small caseload

The firm takes on a limited number of cases so each client gets real attention and direct access to their attorney.

What to expect

What happens when you call.

No call screeners. Here is what happens after you reach us.

STEP 01

You call, and a lawyer answers

You reach an actual attorney, at any hour. Tell us what happened and we will tell you where you stand.

STEP 02

We help you protect yourself

We explain what to say and what not to say, contact the prosecutor when it helps, and open your file right away.

STEP 03

We build your defense

We review the evidence, look into the facts, bring in investigators when a case calls for it, and work toward the best result we can get.

Just arrested? Do this right now.

01

Stay quiet

You have the right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions until your lawyer is with you.

02

Do not agree to a search

You can say no to a search of your home, car, or phone. Stay calm and say it clearly.

03

Call before you say anything

One call to us, at any hour, before you give a statement can make a real difference.

Read the full guide
Leaves no stone unturned

How we prepare your case

We do the hands-on work ourselves, and we leave no stone unturned.

01

We review the surveillance video ourselves

We personally watch any surveillance or video footage tied to the case. We want to see exactly what the cameras recorded, not a summary of it.

02

We check the phone and computer records

We go through the relevant phone and computer records for evidence that helps your defense. Details in this data are easy to miss, and they can change how a case looks.

03

We visit and photograph the scene

When it helps, we go to the location of the alleged crime in person and take our own photographs, so the facts on the ground are documented accurately.

04

We put experienced investigators to work

We use seasoned private investigators to find and interview witnesses who can help your defense, and to run background checks on the witnesses lined up against you.

05

We keep the caseload small on purpose

We take a limited number of cases so each client gets real time and attention. Your case is prepared carefully, not rushed through.

06

We answer at any hour

We answer calls, texts, and emails day or night, including nights and weekends. You will not be left waiting when something urgent comes up.

07

We keep you informed throughout

We walk you through every step and keep you updated as the case moves, so you always know where things stand and what comes next.

Results

Outcomes clients have shared.

These are the kinds of results clients describe in their reviews.

DroppedCharges dismissed before trial.DISMISSAL
ReducedFelony charges reduced to a misdemeanor.FELONY → MISD.
SeparatedA DUI charge separated from the accident.DUI
ClearedA past conviction, expunged and cleared from the record.EXPUNGEMENT
ResolvedA restraining order matter resolved and dismissed.RESTRAINING ORDER

These describe categories of outcomes clients have reported. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Practice areas

What we handle.

If it is a criminal charge in Lake County or the North Bay, we can help. A few of the areas we work in:

PC-DUIDUI Defense

Charges for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Avoid discussing the details with police and call an attorney promptly, since both the criminal case and your license may be at stake.

Talk to us about this
PC-CRIMCriminal Defense

Representation for anyone accused of a crime. Stay calm, decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and ask to speak with a lawyer before giving any statement.

Talk to us about this
PC-DRUGDrug Offenses

Charges involving possession, sale, manufacturing, or transportation of controlled substances. An attorney can review how the evidence was obtained and what options may apply.

Talk to us about this
PC-CYBRComputer Crimes

Accusations involving unauthorized access, online fraud, identity theft, or other offenses committed using computers or the internet. These cases often turn on technical evidence that should be reviewed carefully.

Talk to us about this
PC-SASexual Assault Defense

Serious charges involving alleged non-consensual contact. Because the consequences are significant, do not speak with investigators before consulting an attorney.

Talk to us about this
PC-THFTTheft & Property Crimes

Offenses such as shoplifting, burglary, and vandalism. The specific facts and the value involved can affect how the case is handled.

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PC-JUVJuvenile Defense

Cases where a minor is accused of an offense. These are handled differently from adult cases, and a parent or guardian should seek counsel to understand the process.

Talk to us about this
PC-DVDomestic Violence

Charges involving alleged harm or threats within a family or household. These cases move quickly and may involve protective orders, so early guidance matters.

Talk to us about this
PC-CORPCorporate Litigation

Legal disputes involving businesses, including contracts and liability. An attorney can help you understand your position and the steps ahead.

Talk to us about this
PC-EXPExpungement

Asking a court to clear or seal a past conviction from your record. An attorney can tell you whether you may be eligible and how to file.

Talk to us about this
PC-RORestraining Orders

Court orders that limit contact for safety reasons. Whether you are seeking one or responding to one, it helps to understand your rights and the deadlines.

Talk to us about this
PC-FELFelonies

The most serious category of charges, which can carry significant prison time and lasting consequences. Anyone facing a felony should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Talk to us about this
Reviews · verified on Google

What clients say.

Reviews from people the firm has represented. Filter by what matters to you.

“She got my DUI separated from the accident and the charges came down to almost nothing. The worst case I was afraid of never happened.”
Marcus D.
DUI · Google review
“I was facing two felonies. Angela got them reduced to a single misdemeanor. I still have my job and my life because of this firm.”
Teresa L.
Felony · Google review
“She answered every call and text, no matter the time of day. I never felt like I was on my own.”
Robert P.
Reachable · Google review
“She was kind to me, but in the courtroom she does not back down. The other side clearly did not expect that.”
Danielle H.
Domestic matter · Google review
“I am a lawyer myself, and Angela is who I refer people to. That tells you what you need to know.”
James W.
Referred by a lawyer · Google review
“She treated me like a person, not a case number, and gave me hope when I had none. She walked me through every step.”
Sofia R.
Drug offense · Google review
“Years later, she helped me clear my record for good. Doors I thought were closed are open again.”
Greg M.
Expungement · Google review
“I am a veteran dealing with PTSD and I was scared. She stood up for me in Veterans Court and treated my service with respect.”
A veteran client
Veterans Court · Google review
Read all reviews on Google Verified five-star reviews on Google
Plain answers

Common questions.

Straight answers to the questions we hear most.

Do I need a defense lawyer?
Yes, and the sooner the better. A defense lawyer deals with the police and prosecutors for you, reviews the evidence before the case hardens, and builds a defense around your situation. The earlier we are involved, the more options you have.
How do I choose the right attorney?
Look for experience with your kind of charge, a real track record, and someone who will give your case the time it needs. Ask who will actually handle your file. We keep our caseload small, so you work directly with us.
What will my defense cost?
The first conversation is always free. After that, we explain your fees clearly and up front, before you commit to anything, so there are no surprises and no hidden charges. We will be honest with you about what your case is likely to involve.
What is bail, and how do bail bonds work?
Bail is money the court holds to make sure you return for your hearings. If you cannot pay the full amount, a bail bondsman can post it for a fee that is usually about 10% and is not refundable. We can help you decide the best approach.
Can I be released without bail?
Sometimes. It is called release on your own recognizance, or O.R. A judge looks at your ties to the community, your record, and the charge, and may set conditions. We ask for your release as early as possible.
Should I take a plea bargain?
Maybe, but only the right one. Prosecutors offer plea deals to close cases quickly, so the first offer is rarely the best one. An experienced lawyer is often the difference between a routine deal and a good one. We make sure you understand every option before you decide.
Getting started

Reaching us is simple.

We try to make getting help as straightforward as possible.

Available 24/7, by appointment

Reach a real attorney at any hour, including nights and weekends. These things rarely happen during business hours.

Free first consultation

The first call costs nothing and puts you under no obligation. You just get answers.

English and Spanish

We work with clients in both languages, and translators are available when needed.

Private meetings

A discreet, comfortable office for sensitive cases. Your privacy is respected.

Next to the courthouse

435 N. Main Street in Lakeport, right by the Lake County Courthouse.

Investigators when needed

For cases that call for it, we bring in experienced private investigators.

Office
435 N. Main Street
Lakeport, CA 95457
Next to the Lake County Courthouse

Let's talk about your case.

Your job, your family, and your freedom may be on the line. The first call is free and confidential, and we answer day or night.

(707) 245-4727
FREE CONSULTATION · AVAILABLE 24/7 · LAKE COUNTY & THE NORTH BAY · HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL

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