The Law Offices of Clay & Bowen LLP

"Serious & Violent" Felonies:
During their many years of practice, the attorneys of Clay & Bowen LLP have represented thousands of clients charged with all types of felonies, including the most serious cases designated as "strikes" under the "Three Strikes" law. These cases, which include robbery, sexually-related assaults, residential burglary, arson and murders, all require meticulous preparation and resourcefulness to avoid the often devastating effect of conviction. Our attorneys have substantial experience and success in handling such cases.

Murder/Manslaughter/Death Penalty:
These cases may carry with them the potential of the most severe punishments handed down by the criminal justice system (life in prison or even death). When the stakes are this high, only the most capable and prepared legal counsel can provide the skillful representation demanded by this category of case. The attorneys of Clay & Bowen LLP have handled numerous murder cases and have secured impressive results.

Sexual Assaults:
The area of law surrounding these cases is particularly challenging and increasingly punitive. A conviction of a sexual assault in most cases carries with it a lifetime obligation to register as a sexual offender. Further, a variety of sexual assault scenarios may be subject to being charged as a "One Strike" case (punishable by life in prison even if the accused has no prior criminal convictions of any kind). The attorneys of Clay & Bowen LLP have successfully handled such cases and understand the issues and potential pitfalls inherent in defending these charges.

Drug Related Cases:
Drug-related charges (ranging from simple use and possession, to sales, manufacturing and transportation) account for a substantial volume of cases within a typical urban criminal court calendar. Drug-related cases, perhaps more so than any other classification of crime, often present significant issues regarding the legal propriety of enforcement stops, detention, searches and seizures. The attorneys of Clay & Bowen LLP have successfully handled a substantial number of these cases, including many matters in which they have successfully challenged the propriety of an officer's actions during the initial conduct and subsequent arrest of a client.

Domestic Violence Cases:
These cases cover a wide variety of scenarios focusing primarily upon the relationship of the parties (spouse, child or relative). Domestic violence cases may be charged either as felonies or misdemeanors and may result in the imposition of substantial obligations beyond the threat of custody uponthose convicted of such crimes. The attorneys of Clay & Bowen LLP have successfully handled literally thousands of these cases and are sensitive to the special preparation and presentation that such cases need in order to successfully defend against these charges.

Important Family Court Cross-Over:
It should be noted that criminally charged domestic violence matters may adversely effect pending family court proceedings (and vice versa.) Without skilled and experienced representation, a person subject to such proceedings may jeopardize their chances of reaching favorable outcomes in their respective matters. Further, our attorneys have significant experience in handling civil contempt matters that arise out of family court (failure to pay child support, failure to comply with visitation orders, or failure to comply with child custody orders).

Federal Crimes:
Clay & Bowen LLP handle every type of criminal case, including the white collar and general crimes that are charged in federal court. Our attorneys handles the representation of individuals charged with the gamut of federal drug, gun and bank robbery cases as well as individuals and corporations charged with various financial and high-tech crimes.

Misdemeanors:
Misdemeanors are those classes of crime that can carry a maximum punishment of up to one year in the county jail (along with attendant fees and fines).

Misdemeanor charges range from simple petty thefts and driving under the influence cases, all the way to domestic assault and some sex-related charges. The attorneys of Clay & Bowen LLP have successfully handled every type of misdemeanor and are aware of what it takes to effectively resolve these cases as soon as possible.

Juvenile Cases:
Juvenile matters can range from minor contacts with law enforcement agencies or school administrators (such as school expulsion hearings), all the way to petitions to have a juvenile tried as an adult (707(b) cases). Similarly, the range of possible consequences of a juvenile conviction may range from informal supervision to being sent to the California Youth Authority for a substantial number of years. In California, juvenile courts promote the interests of rehabilitation to a greater extent than the adult system. Consequently, it is important that a minor's case is carefully prepared and argued to present not only relevant legal defenses and principles, but also to include other social, cultural and educational factors that will provide the trier of fact with a more complete impression of the minor. The attorneys of Clay & Bowen LLP have successfully handled every type of juvenile case, from minor behavioral issues to fitness hearings (the process by which minors may be prosecuted as adults). Clay & Bowen LLP is both knowledgeable and skilled at preparing and presenting such cases.

Miscellaneous Areas:
The above Areas of Practice include only some of the many charges against which we are able to provide skilled and qualified representation. Additionally, we are also committed to the vigorous representation of clients facing various other consequences arising out of a past or present criminal prosecution such as: