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49 Years
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Trusted Criminal Defense Attorneys in Chico, CA
Latimer & Kenkel Law Offices has served Northern California for over 40 years, specializing in criminal defense with a legacy of excellence. Our team of attorneys brings more than 75 years of combined experience, focusing exclusively on defending clients against DUI, DWI, DUID, and all felony and misdemeanor charges. Established in 1977, we have built a reputation as relentless advocates, handling thousands of cases ranging from homicide to drug offenses. Our attorneys, including third-generation legal professionals, combine courtroom expertise with a commitment to protecting clients' rights. We offer free initial consultations and provide personalized representation, emphasizing transparency and client-centered advocacy.

With deep roots in Butte County and surrounding areas, we serve communities including Chico, Paradise, and Oroville. Our practice is grounded in a dedication to justice, evidenced by favorable outcomes such as reduced sentences, acquittals, and dismissed cases. We prioritize immediate client access, offering walk-in consultations and 24/7 emergency support. Our team includes former public defenders and members of prestigious legal organizations, ensuring a high standard of representation. Latimer and Kenkel remains synonymous with trusted legal defense in Northern California.
Services
Criminal Defense DUI/DWIDUID Defense Felony Representation Misdemeanor Defense Drug Offense Defense Sex Offense Defense Homicide Defense Record Expungement
Details
  • Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 75 years of combined experience in criminal defense.
  • Our team specializes exclusively in criminal law and DUI defense.
  • We provide free initial consultations with no appointment necessary.
  • Our attorneys have secured thousands of favorable case outcomes.
  • We maintain 24/7 availability for emergency legal situations.
What people say
Relentless advocates Free consultations Decades of experience Successful outcomes 24/7 availability
Services
Criminal Defense
Latimer and Kenkel provides comprehensive criminal defense for felony and misdemeanor charges. Our attorneys handle cases involving homicide, drug crimes, domestic violence, and sex offenses. With decades of courtroom experience, we focus on protecting clients' rights through trial advocacy and strategic negotiations.
DUI/DWIDUID Defense
Specializing in DUI/DWIDUID cases, the firm offers aggressive representation for license protection and charge reduction. Our team navigates DMV procedures and court defenses, leveraging over 40 years of experience to secure dismissals, reduced sentences, and acquittals for clients in Northern California.
Record Expungement
We assist clients in clearing criminal records under California Proposition 47 and 64. Our process includes petitioning courts for eligible offenses, ensuring legal documentation reflects clients' current status to improve employment and housing opportunities.
Drug Offense Defense
Defending against drug-related charges including possession, sales, and cultivation. Our strategies challenge evidence admissibility and negotiate reduced charges, utilizing knowledge of evolving California drug laws to minimize client penalties.
Sex Offense Defense
Handling sensitive sex offense cases with legal expertise and discretion. We defend against charges including molestation and pornography allegations, focusing on evidence challenges and constitutional rights violations to achieve case dismissals.
People
Dennis Latimer
Attorney
Founder with 40+ years of criminal defense experience, graduated from McGeorge Law School in 1970, and established Latimer and Kenkel in 1977.
Elizabeth Latimer
Attorney
Joined in 2015 after 9 years at Brooklyn Defender Services, specializing in criminal justice reform and direct client representation.
Kevin Sears
Attorney
Partner since 2000, Cal Northern Law School graduate (1996), known for high courtroom success rates in criminal defense cases.
Denver Latimer
Attorney
Joined in 2010, Yale School of Drama graduate (2000), CUNY Law School J.D. (2010), with Innocence Project experience.
Melissa Jimenez
Office Manager
Administrative leader managing daily operations, ensuring efficient client service and case management coordination.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Chico, Oroville, Paradise, Gridley, and all of Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Yuba, Sutter, and Plumas Counties.
What criminal charges do you handle?
We defend all felony and misdemeanor charges including DUI, drug crimes, homicide, sex offenses, domestic violence, and fraud.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations with no appointment necessary at our Chico office.
What makes your firm different?
Our 40+ years of experience, 75+ combined years of attorney expertise, and 100% focus on criminal defense set us apart.
Can you help with record expungement?
Yes, we assist with expungement under California Propositions 47 and 64 to clear eligible criminal records.