When you are facing criminal charges in Kern County, your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. You need a Kern County criminal defense attorney who understands local courts, charging practices, and the strategies that can position your case for dismissal, reduction, diversion, or trial.

At Poseidon Defense A.P.C., we defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Kern County, including Bakersfield, Delano, Ridgecrest, Lamont, Shafter, Taft, Wasco, Arvin, Tehachapi, McFarland, and surrounding communities. Kern County criminal matters are handled through the Superior Court of California, County of Kern, with criminal proceedings centered in Bakersfield and other branch locations throughout the county.

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Criminal cases are strongest when they are prepared from the beginning as if they may need to be litigated in court. A serious, trial-ready posture can improve negotiations, strengthen motions, and create leverage at every stage of the case.

Geronimo Gutierrez IV previously served as a Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender, representing clients charged with serious misdemeanor and felony offenses. That background brings high-volume courtroom experience, practical defense judgment, and a client-centered approach to every case.

Kern County criminal cases can move differently depending on the court location, the charge, and the filing posture. The Kern County Superior Court handles criminal matters through its criminal division, with Bakersfield’s Metropolitan Division identified as a central criminal location.kern.courts.ca+1

In some cases, the best defense begins before charges are formally filed. Prompt intervention can help preserve evidence, frame the facts correctly, and improve the likelihood of a favorable result.

Arrests, warrants, and police contact do not happen on a schedule. Fast action can matter in bail issues, charging decisions, and protection of your rights.

Poseidon Defense A.P.C. proudly serves Spanish-speaking clients and families throughout Kern County and Southern California.

Poseidon Defense A.P.C. handles a wide range of criminal matters, including:

• DUI under Vehicle Code 23152
• DUI causing injury under Vehicle Code 23153
• Felony DUI
• DMV administrative hearings
• Suspended license charges
• Checkpoint and unlawful stop challenges

• Domestic battery under Penal Code 243(e)(1)
• Corporal injury under Penal Code 273.5
• Criminal threats under Penal Code 422
• Child endangerment
• Protective order issues

• Possession under Health and Safety Code 11350
• Possession for sale under Health and Safety Code 11351
• Transportation and sales allegations
• Methamphetamine-related charges
• Fentanyl-related cases
• Manufacturing allegations
• Diversion where eligible

• Petty theft and shoplifting
• Grand theft
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Auto theft
• Receiving stolen property
• Organized retail theft

• Forgery
• Embezzlement
• Identity theft
• Insurance fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Money laundering
• Fraud investigations

• Assault
• Battery
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Attempted murder
• Murder and manslaughter
• Gang-related allegations

• Carrying a concealed firearm
• Carrying a loaded firearm
• Felon in possession
• Firearm enhancement allegations
• Search and seizure challenges

Kern County also operates a Juvenile Justice Center in Bakersfield at 2100 College Avenue, which is relevant for juvenile matters.

• Expungements
• Early termination of probation
• Record sealing
• Resentencing
• Appeals and post-conviction motions

Kern County Superior Court identifies these relevant locations:

• Metropolitan Division – 1415 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
• Metropolitan Division Justice Building – 1215 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
• Delano – 1122 Jefferson St, Delano, CA 93215
• Juvenile Justice Center – 2100 College Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93305

The Kern County court’s criminal division states that criminal cases range from relatively minor offenses to serious charges such as robbery and murder, and explains that felony and misdemeanor matters are handled through its criminal process.

The Kern County criminal division notes that felony and misdemeanor matters are processed through the criminal court system, and that if a defendant pleads not guilty to a felony, a preliminary hearing is held. The court also notes that some counties offer diversion programs for certain misdemeanor and felony matters, depending on the circumstances.

That makes early case review especially important. A defense strategy may involve pre-filing advocacy, factual investigation, motion practice, negotiations for reduction or diversion, or full litigation through preliminary hearing and trial.

The first step is identifying what evidence exists, whether there are search and seizure issues, and whether the prosecution can actually prove the charge.

Police reports rarely tell the full story. Reviewing witness accounts, body camera footage, digital evidence, forensic issues, and timelines often reveals weaknesses in the case.

Motions can challenge illegal searches, unlawful detentions, involuntary statements, unreliable identifications, and weak charging theories.

Cases prepared as though they will be tried are often in the best position for a favorable resolution.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its own facts, evidence, and circumstances.

• Petty Theft Diversion Granted
  Dismissed and sealed
• Avoided Mandatory Penal Code 290 Registration
  Prosecution changed charge
• Avoided Prison in Penal Code 245 Case
  Credit time served

“Excellent communication and availability. Walked me through each step and took care of everything.”

“Geronimo was absolutely the best and made a hard time in my life as smooth as possible.”

“Best lawyer in town, Geronimo is professional, friendly and effective. Got me out of doing jail time 10/10 recommend.”

“An exceptional attorney—sweet, compassionate, and truly dedicated. Jerry made us feel supported every step of the way and handled our case with care and professionalism. His friendly, approachable manner is a plus. We’re grateful for his help and will absolutely seek his services again. Highly recommend Jerry’s services.”

“Mr. Gutierrez did an outstanding job for us. He was very knowledgeable, thorough, and patient with our questions. He explained all steps and procedures. We would definitely use him again if needed.”

“I recently had one of the most positive experiences with Mr. Gutierrez, as he helped me out with a school research project regarding attorneys. He gave excellent insight and feedback. He is an awesome and responsive attorney. It is clear that he holds such pride and…”

Geronimo Gutierrez IV is the founder of Poseidon Defense A.P.C. and a criminal defense attorney representing clients throughout Kern County and Southern California.

Geronimo previously served as a Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender, where he represented clients facing serious misdemeanor and felony allegations in a demanding, high-volume criminal defense environment.

• 2025 – Harvard Kennedy School of Government
  Certificate in Constitutional Foundations, HarvardX
• 2020 – Thomas Jefferson School of Law
  JD – Juris Doctor
• 2017 – California State University, Fullerton
  BA – Bachelor of Arts – Political Science
• 2013 – Fullerton College
  Associate of Arts – Political Science

Every client deserves direct communication, honest case assessment, and a defense strategy built around the actual facts of the case.

Remain silent, do not consent to searches, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Yes, depending on the facts. Charges may be challenged through investigation, motions, negotiation, diversion, or preliminary hearing litigation.

It depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, whether the case resolves early, and whether it proceeds toward preliminary hearing or trial. Kern County’s criminal division notes that felony cases include a preliminary hearing if a not guilty plea is entered.

Yes. Kern County lists a Juvenile Justice Center in Bakersfield.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Kern County, contact Poseidon Defense A.P.C. immediately for a confidential consultation. Early action can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

Call or Text: (657) 255-6455
Office: 1440 N Harbor Blvd #260, Fullerton, CA 92835
Website: PoseidonDefenseLaw.com
Email: PoseidonDefenseLaw@gmail.com
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique. For legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, contact a qualified California criminal defense attorney.