Bakersfield · Kern County
Bakersfield Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing felony charges in Kern County? Build the defense before the prosecution builds the story.
A felony accusation can threaten your freedom, your career, your family, and the rest of your life. Christopher Martens is a trial-tested Bakersfield criminal defense attorney who has represented clients in misdemeanor and felony cases since 2005 and has handled thousands of criminal matters across Kern County courts.
If detectives want to speak with you, if a loved one is in custody, or if court is coming up, call before taking the next step.
Memberships & Affiliations
A Felony Case Requires A Real Defense Plan
Felony charges are not paperwork problems. They can involve prison exposure, strike consequences, search conditions, firearm restrictions, immigration issues, licensing problems, and permanent damage to your reputation. The defense should begin as early as possible, sometimes before charges are even filed.
Felony Cases Covered
- Felony DUI
- Felony domestic violence
- Drug sales and transportation
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Robbery
- Weapons charges
- Gang allegations
- Homicide and manslaughter
- Three Strikes cases
- Probation violations
- Resisting with force
- Serious theft or fraud
Early Defense Work Can Change The Direction Of The Case
Protect the client from statements
Review bail and custody issues
Identify missing evidence
Investigate witnesses
Analyze police reports and video
Challenge searches and statements
Prepare for preliminary hearing
Negotiate from a position of preparation
Misdemeanor vs Felony — What's At Stake
| Issue | Martens Law Defense Priority |
|---|---|
| Jail / prison exposure | Reduce charges where possible |
| Court process | Use prelim to challenge case |
| Long-term record impact | Push for reduction |
| Employment consequences | Mitigate or dismiss |
| Firearm consequences | Fight enhancements |
| Immigration concerns | Coordinate with immigration counsel |
| Strike exposure | Defend strike allegations early |
Reported Case Results
Domestic Violence Dismissed
Reported result: domestic violence case dismissed with prejudice on the day of trial.
Not Guilty Resisting Arrest
Reported result: not guilty verdict in a resisting arrest case.
DUI Driving Issue
Reported result: prosecution failed to prove driving where the client was parked and the vehicle was not moving.
Serious Case Trial Experience
The firm's case results reflect experience with assault, robbery, burglary with gang allegations, elder abuse, and contested criminal trials.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
What Clients Say About Martens Law Firm
Verified reviews from Avvo. Read more on our testimonials page.
The Attorney You Need
"I hired Mr. Martens to represent me in Kings County. The criminal charges against me had me looking at being sentenced to life. He took my case to trial and we walked away with 3 not guilty verdicts. During my case, I had acquired 4 different lawyers and not a single one of them wanted to take my case."
Thankful For Martens
"Thanks to the law office of Christopher Martens, they spoke on my and my family's behalf, and showed the judge the person I am now and not to judge me by my past. I picked up an assault charge that would have given me my third strike, but with their help we got a much better outcome."
Very Informative And Professional
"I hired Mr. Martens for a case I thought was going to completely derail my life, but Mr. Martens and his staff helped me every step of the way. They handled everything with the utmost professionalism and were readily available to answer my questions."
Martens Is An Excellent Attorney
"I hired Christopher Martens to handle my son's case! Best choice was going with him and his amazing team to help us through the tough times. We got the results we wanted and needed. I really recommend him if you or a loved one is in need of a criminal attorney — he knows what he's doing and fights for you."
Best Decision
"Hiring Martens Law Firm was the best decision. I had searched for a lawyer I was truly happy with, and his staff was very supportive and helpful. The end results were beyond exceeded. Thank you for giving me this second chance."
An Outstanding Lawyer
"Mr. Christopher R. Martens did a fantastic job in my case with an awesome outcome in the end. What was best — he took care of everything. I did not even have to be in front of the judge once. I totally appreciated his knowledge and professionalism."
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee the outcome of any future case.
Felony Defense Roadmap
- Step 1
Investigation or arrest
- Step 2
Booking / bail / release
- Step 3
Arraignment
- Step 4
Discovery
- Step 5
Preliminary hearing
- Step 6
Motions
- Step 7
Negotiation
- Step 8
Trial or resolution
Local Felony Defense In Kern County
Felony cases in Kern County may involve Bakersfield court locations, branch courts, county detention facilities, and local prosecutors. Martens Law Firm brings local criminal defense experience to cases filed in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County.
- Metropolitan Division — Bakersfield
- Justice Building
- Delano
- Lamont
- Mojave
- Ridgecrest
- Shafter
- Lerdo facilities
Bakersfield Office: 1712 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
A Trial Lawyer For Serious Criminal Charges
Christopher Martens has built his practice around criminal defense. Clients work directly with an experienced trial attorney who understands that the goal is not simply to move the case along. The goal is to investigate, challenge, negotiate, and prepare in a way that protects the client's future.
- ✓ 20+ years of criminal defense experience
- ✓ 100+ jury trials
- ✓ Thousands of cases handled since 2005
- ✓ Misdemeanor and felony defense
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do not speak with detectives without legal advice. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Do Not Face A Felony Case Alone
If you or someone you love is facing felony charges in Bakersfield or Kern County, call Martens Law Firm now for a free confidential consultation.