Criminal DefensePartner
Mary Ann F. Bird
Former San Joaquin County deputy district attorney and deputy public defender. Admitted in California, two federal districts and the Ninth Circuit.
Read Mary Ann’s storyCalifornia state & federal defense
When everything is on the line, your defense should feel personal.
Two local attorneys. Direct, one-on-one guidance. Serious preparation for criminal and bankruptcy matters from a Stockton team that treats you like a person—not a case number.
Former prosecutorFormer public defenderSpanish-speaking staff
Bird & Van DykeStockton, California
25+
years of criminal practiceMary Ann F. Bird · admitted 2000
Serving the Central Valley, Bay Area & Northern California
If police want to question you
Pause. Protect your next move.
- 01
Stay calm. Provide identifying information, but do not try to explain your way out.
- 02
Clearly ask for a lawyer. Then remain silent until counsel is present.
- 03
Call as soon as you can. Early legal guidance can help preserve options and evidence.
General information only—not legal advice for your specific matter.
How we can help
Focused where the stakes are highest.
A small firm by design: direct attorney access, a clear plan and the preparation serious matters demand.
01Misdemeanors · Felonies
State criminal defense
From the first investigation through trial or resolution, we defend adults and juveniles facing serious California charges.
Explore this practice 02Eastern & Northern DistrictsFederal criminal defense
Focused preparation for complex federal investigations, indictments, motions, negotiations and sentencing advocacy.
Explore this practice 03Evidence mattersDUI & drug charges
Defense for alcohol- and drug-related driving allegations, possession, sales, manufacturing and trafficking charges.
Explore this practice 04Fast-moving casesDomestic violence
Careful counsel where criminal accusations, protective orders and family consequences can collide quickly.
Explore this practice 05Detail-driven defenseSerious & complex charges
Organized defense for white-collar, gang-related, homicide, sex-offense, weapons and high-volume discovery matters.
Explore this practice 06Debt reliefConsumer bankruptcy
Plainspoken Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 guidance for people seeking control, breathing room and a lawful fresh start.
Explore this practiceA different kind of strength
Serious law. Human counsel.
The most frightening legal problems rarely arrive one at a time. They affect work, family, finances and sleep. You deserve a team that sees the whole person.
Listen
We start with what happened and what matters most to you.
Prepare
We organize the evidence, pressure-test the case and build a plan.
Explain
You get plain answers about choices, tradeoffs and what comes next.
Stand with you
Your attorney stays close from the first meeting through resolution.
He walked us through each step of the process, which made a scary situation stress-free.
Testimonials describe individual experiences. Results vary by matter.
The attorneys behind the work
Experience from both sides of the system.
Criminal Defense
Bankruptcy & Civil MattersPartner
David S. Van Dyke
A California attorney since 1991 with a longstanding focus on consumer bankruptcy, debt relief, probate and civil matters.
Read David’s storyPublic credentials
Credibility you can check.
No vague superlatives. No promised outcomes. Just public records, clear roles and experience clients can verify for themselves.
Active California license · admitted June 5, 2000
Verify with the State Bar ↗#154402David S. Van DykeActive California license · admitted December 16, 1991
Verify with the State Bar ↗FederalCourt admissions
Eastern & Northern Districts of California · Ninth Circuit
Mary Ann F. BirdStart with clarity
Questions people ask in the first 24 hours.
Every matter is different. These answers are a starting point for a conversation—not a substitute for advice about your facts.
Should I speak to police if I know I am innocent?
You can politely state that you wish to remain silent and want a lawyer. Even well-intended explanations can be misunderstood or used out of context. Get case-specific advice first.
When should a lawyer get involved?
As early as possible—sometimes before an arrest or charge. Early counsel may help preserve evidence, manage communication and protect options as the matter develops.
What makes a federal case different?
Federal investigations can be document-heavy, move through a different court system and involve federal statutes and sentencing rules. Familiarity with federal procedure matters.
Does a consultation guarantee representation?
No. A consultation is an opportunity to identify conflicts, discuss the matter and decide whether the firm and client will enter a written engagement agreement.
A steady first step
You do not have to solve this alone.
Tell us what happened. We will listen, explain what comes next, and help you understand your options.
Call 209-507-0479Free initial consultation