Image of scenic highway 1

Creative problem-solving, strategic thinking and tenacious client-oriented advocacy.

Meet Attorney Charles Applegate, The Legal Ally You Want By Your Side

photo of attorney Charles Applegate

I became a lawyer because I like helping people, I like sticking up for people, and I hate bullies. When you’re accused of a crime, all of the power and resources of the entire society are brought to bear against you. It’s you (and your lawyer) against the police, the district attorney’s office, the court system, your accusers – basically, it’s you against the world. Unless you have a good attorney, those aren’t good odds.

Please follow the link below to learn more about my legal background and my qualifications:

My Promise To You

When you retain my services, you can depend on me to mount an aggressive strategy to protect your rights and your interests. For over 10 years, my clients have benefited from my tireless representation and these attributes:

Skill: I have practiced law in both criminal and civil courts throughout California. That experience shaped how I approach cases today. Representing people as defendants in civil lawsuits taught me how to poke holes in the other side’s case – how to keep them from proving that my client did what they say he did. Prosecuting criminal cases as a DA taught me how to build a case to win it – how to prove that my side is right and that the other side is either dishonest or just plain wrong. Whether I’m defending someone accused of a crime or helping someone get restitution for an injury or insult, what I’m doing comes down to those key skills: building up my client’s case and tearing the other side’s case down. That’s what I do when I fight for my clients; that’s how I work to win cases.

Trust: As your attorney, I won’t lie to you and I won’t lie for you. If an attorney will lie on your behalf when it’s convenient or rewarding, I suspect that attorney will lie TO you when it’s convenient or rewarding. You MUST be able to trust your attorney. If you don’t trust your attorney, well … unless your case settles instantly, for everything you want, and for free, you’re always going to wonder if you got a good deal. I take the time to listen to you and address your concerns so you’ll know you’re in the right hands, and you won’t have to second-guess later.

Time: Every client who makes an appointment to talk about their case with me gets as much time as needed to figure out if I can help them, and if I’m the one to give them the help. It’s no pressure; it’s no risk. I understand that the client is putting their time, money, freedom, reputation and rights in my hands. I know it’s a big decision, and I want all of my clients to feel safe and taken care of, and to know that they got everything they could hope for – or even better.

You Don’t Need To Face Your Problems Alone. Contact Me.

I am here and ready to help you put your legal matter behind you. I invite you to learn more about me and the difference that I can make in your case during a free consultation.

You can easily reach my Santa Rosa office online or by calling 707-775-9459.

Professional Affiliations:

  • Board member: Friends Outside – 2010 to present
  • Member: American Bar Association
  • Member: Sonoma County Bar Association
  • Member: The State Bar of California

Work History:

  • Civil – 2003 to 2007
  • Friedemann and Goldberg
  • Geary, Shea, O’Donnell, Grattan, & Mitchell
  • Criminal prosecution – 2007 to 2009
  • Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office
  • Tulare County District Attorney’s Office
  • Solo practice – 2009 to present
  • Applegate Law Office

Education:

  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law – Juris Doctor, 2003, with criminal law internships and a concentration in civil litigation
  • University of Massachusetts at Amherst – Bachelor of Arts, English, 1994