Business Details
Your Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Santa Rosa
Heather Wise Law is a dedicated legal practice founded on extensive experience in criminal defense and community advocacy. With a career spanning roles at the Sonoma County Public Defender's Office and private practice, Ms. Wise has developed a reputation for compassionate, client-centered representation. Her background in leadership and activism informs her approach to defending clients facing criminal charges, emphasizing holistic support beyond mere legal technicalities. As a lifelong Sonoma County resident, she prioritizes understanding local legal systems and community needs to provide effective counsel. Ms. Wise personally handles every case, ensuring clients receive individualized attention from arraignment through trial or appeal.Her expertise extends to mitigating immigration consequences of criminal charges, a critical service for non-citizens facing deportation risks. Recognized for academic excellence through Witkin Awards and valedictorian honors, she combines intellectual rigor with practical advocacy skills. The firm's commitment to justice is demonstrated through pro bono work, including Sonoma County's Outstanding Volunteer award for criminal defense service. Clients benefit from transparent communication about case options and outcomes, empowering informed decision-making. This combination of experience, local knowledge, and personalized care establishes Heather Wise Law as a trusted advocate for individuals navigating complex legal challenges.
Services
Criminal Defense
DUI Defense
Domestic Violence
Drug Charges
Weapons Charges
Theft/Fraud
Immigration Issues
Post-Conviction Relief
Expungements
Juvenile Defense
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of combined public defender and private practice experience
- Our holistic defense approach addresses underlying personal circumstances
- Specialized expertise in immigration consequences of criminal charges
- Attorney personally handles every case from start to finish
- Deep understanding of Sonoma County legal systems and community needs
Services
Criminal Defense
Heather Wise Law provides comprehensive criminal defense for felony and misdemeanor charges. Handling cases from arraignment through trial, the firm offers personalized strategies for DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, and more. Clients receive direct attorney representation with focus on both legal outcomes and personal circumstances.
Immigration Issues
Specialized legal counsel addresses immigration consequences of criminal charges. The firm helps non-citizens navigate risks like deportation, inadmissibility, and mandatory detention. Services include pre-trial strategy and post-conviction immigration relief for DACA, LPR, and undocumented individuals.
Post-Conviction Relief
Legal services focus on expungements, felony reductions, and conviction vacatur. The firm assists clients with probation termination, writs, and appeals while documenting rehabilitation for court submissions. Strategies address both criminal record cleanup and immigration-related relief.
DUI Defense
Specialized defense for DUI charges including DMV proceedings. The firm challenges evidence, negotiates plea options, and minimizes penalties like license suspension. Representation includes court appearances to prevent employment disruption during case resolution.
Juvenile Defense
Legal representation for minors facing criminal charges. The firm focuses on rehabilitation while protecting future opportunities. Services include court advocacy, diversion program negotiation, and family support throughout the legal process.
People
Heather Wise
Attorney at Law
Criminal defense attorney with public defender experience and private practice expertise. Recognized for Witkin Awards and valedictorian honors. Provides holistic legal representation focused on Sonoma County community needs.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in criminal defense, immigration consequences of criminal charges, and post-conviction relief including expungements and record clearance.
Do you handle DUI cases?
Yes, we provide comprehensive DUI defense including DMV proceedings, evidence challenges, and court representation to minimize penalties and employment impact.
How do criminal charges affect immigration status?
Certain convictions can lead to deportation, inadmissibility, or mandatory detention. We specialize in strategies to prevent or mitigate these immigration consequences for non-citizens.
Can you help with past criminal convictions?
Yes, we offer post-conviction services including expungements, felony reductions, probation termination, and legal vacatur to help clients move forward.
How does the consultation process work?
Contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your case details, legal options, and personalized defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
Reviews (6)
Rob M.
Nov 17, 2021
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Miss Wise took my money left me with no attorney has refused to return my funds and was offered only a plea agreement that would have left me with a felony on my record. Upon retaining a new attorney the prosecutor dismiss the charges after reviewing the evidence.
Kirsten F.
Jun 10, 2021
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So far, not so good; although we heard good things, our experience (which is not over) has been poor.
Update: I'm trying to be polite, but it appears that candor is necessary. As a legal secretary with 15 years of experience, as well as the holder of a power of attorney on behalf of a 35-year-old victim of police brutality (he has brain damage), I find myself dealing with the type of arrogant lawyer who has proven untrustworthy - and exemplary of why good attorneys struggle under the poor light under which so many other types place the profession. After 10 years without treatment, largely
Update: I'm trying to be polite, but it appears that candor is necessary. As a legal secretary with 15 years of experience, as well as the holder of a power of attorney on behalf of a 35-year-old victim of police brutality (he has brain damage), I find myself dealing with the type of arrogant lawyer who has proven untrustworthy - and exemplary of why good attorneys struggle under the poor light under which so many other types place the profession. After 10 years without treatment, largely
Austin M.
Aug 01, 2019
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Let me tell you a thing about good old fashioned character - the kind you don't really expect these days from much of anyone, let alone a lawyer. I needed help in a sticky situation and didn't know who to call. I had never been arrested before. I called around to a few other attorneys and met with two. They both talked a good talk, but I was struck by the fact both of them seemed to poo-poo the seriousness of my case. Perhaps it was not the most serious case they had ever heard of, but it was the most serious case that I had ever had (I've only had one case, but still - this was
Doug Fletcher
Jul 20, 2019
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So, I'm not a huge fan of the law, nor parasitic lawyers. That said, Heather Wise changed my opinion quite a bit. So far in my experience, I've seen her walk in the courtroom and respectfully take command of the whole room and the attention of the judge. The District Attorneys are familiar with her so her presence is respected, she got what we wanted, and we were out the door quickly. Her price was more than fair and I was happy to pay it. For lack of better words, she pulled off a miracle in my case. I'm very happy to be writing this review and to refer her to ANYBODY going through the court circus
Irene Flack
Aug 30, 2017
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I have referred clients to Heather, and she not only handled their legal issue with skill and professionalism, she treated them with respect and courtesy at a time when it was most needed.
D. Douglas
Jul 30, 2017
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Ms. Wise is a kind-hearted, intelligent and thorough attorney who will take the time to fully understand your issue, and then help you get the best possible outcome. I can't recommend her more highly.
