FIGHTING INJUSTICE WITH COMPASSION
Criminal Defense Lawyer Lew Wentsz provides intelligent, aggressive and creative criminal defense on behalf of individuals accused of committing a crime. Every client can expect a compassionate, nonjudgmental and understanding environment.
FIGHTING INJUSTICE WITH COMPASSION
Criminal Defense Lawyer Lew Wentsz provides intelligent, aggressive and creative criminal defense on behalf of individuals accused of committing a crime. Every client can expect a compassionate, nonjudgmental and understanding environment.
FIGHTING INJUSTICE WITH COMPASSION
Criminal Defense Lawyer Lew Wentsz provides intelligent, aggressive and creative criminal defense on behalf of individuals accused of committing a crime. Every client can expect a compassionate, nonjudgmental and understanding environment.

40 Years in Practice
With an long Record of Success

Respected reputation
Former Public Defender & Traffic Judge

There When You Need Us
Free Initial Consultation
Areas of Practice
We provide a vigorous defense against allegations of criminal misconduct.
We believe every client deserves compassion and a nonjudgmental understanding environment. If you have been charged with a criminal offense our experience, knowledge, and creative approach can provide you with a vigorous passionate defense of your rights.
Drug Charges
Drug charges, whether for the sale, possession, or use, are serious crimes that can lead to heavy fines, mandatory rehabilitation programs, or even jail or prison time.
Gun Charges
Firearm offenses can lead to heavy penalties and are rarely charged as misdemeanor offenses. It is critcal to have an experienced attorney with expertise fighting gun charges who can also defend you in trial if neccessary.
Gang Crimes
Any crime, even vandalism, can be subject to enhanced sentencing if the defendant has ever been associated with a criminal street gang. An experienced attorney it critical and can save you years or even decades behind bars.
Assualt
There are numerous opportunities for defense against assault charges, and our office has successfully defended numerous such cases. If you’ve been charged with an assualt call our office to find out how we can help.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a serious crime requiring expert advice and legal defense, the wrong choice could lead to serious jail time and adversely effect present and future employment.
Murder
If you’ve been arrested for murder even evidence and sound arguments won’t be enough without an experienced murder defense attorney on your side. You still have rights and deserve a skilled and vigorous defense.
Burglary
There are options for fighting a burglary charge but it requires a skilled attorney to develop a strategy for obtaining the best possible outcome.
DUI Defense
A DUI is a serious offense requiring immediate representation. If not handled properly rights can be lost, even without a hearing, including the loss of your driver’s license.
Traffic Violations
Contesting your traffic ticket is an inconvenient and difficult process to navigate. We can guide you through the process and help you get resolution fast.
About Lew Wentz
Lew is a Central Valley native with 40 years of experience practicing law in both Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. Having previously served as both a Public Defender and a Judge Pro Tem, he is uniquely qualified with experience both in front of and behind the bench. His extensive experience and the passionate commintment to defending each and every client he takes on has helped Lew compile an impressive record of successfel judgements for those he defends.
Call us at (209) 614-3735
OPEN Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Call for a free consultation.
FAQ
Answers to Frequently asked questions.
The following are answers to a number of frequently asked questions by new clients or concerned parties searching for a criminal defense lawyer. When you’re ready to talk to an attorney call us for more information.
Answers to Frequently asked questions.
The following are answers to a number of frequently asked questions by new clients or concerned parties searching for a criminal defense lawyer. When you’re ready to talk to an attorney call us for more information.
Do the police have to "read me my rights" before they make an arrest?
The simple answer is no they don’t. Although this is usually how it happens the police only have to read you your Miranda rights prior to questioning you which can happen at any point.
Do I need an lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Although it may not be immediately obvious, even if you are planning to plead guilty you will still need to go through sentencing, which is neither simple nor consistant and having an experienced attorney on your side can save you years or even decades.
How to invoke your right to remain silent if you are being questioned by the police.
If you are being questioned the best option is to speak as little as possible and clearly invoke your right to speak and your desire to speak with an attorney with a simple statement like “I refuse to speak with you and want to talk to an attorney”. Once you invoke this right any further questioning would be a violation of your Miranda rights.
Should you give a statement to the police without counsel if you are detained?
The short answer is no. Even if you have a spotless record and just want to clear things up there is little benefit to doing so and the risks can be extremely high. You should immediately excercise your right to speak to an attorney.
Can a person be forced to give bodily samples
You may be surprised but the answer is yes you can. The U. S. Supreme Court has ruled that while the 5th ammendment protects communications it does not apply to bodily samples such as blood, hair, saliva, or nail clippings. These are considered physical evidences not covered by your right against self incrimination.
Can I be released without bail?
California’s Supreme Court has recently ruled that a individual’s ability to pay must be considered when setting bail and that if they cannot afford to pay bail they must be released. The one exception is if they are deemed too dangerous to be released. As result even if you cannot afford bail you may be kept in custody if you are deemed dangerous. Contanct our office and we’ll help you maintain your rights.
Stockton Office
343 E. Main Street #319
Stockton, CA 95202
Need Help Right Away?
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EMAIL US AT:
lew@lewwentzlaw.com
Call (209) 614-3735
OPEN Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.