Joseph Anthony “Tony” Carlos is a criminal defense attorney based in Yuba City, California, and a former Sutter County Deputy District Attorney. He represents people accused of crimes throughout Sutter County and Yuba County — handling DUI, domestic violence, felony and misdemeanor charges, probation violations, warrants, restraining orders, and post-conviction matters.
He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2009, and was admitted to the California State Bar the same year (Bar #267547).
From Prosecutor to Defender
Tony began his legal career as a Deputy District Attorney at the Sutter County District Attorney's Office, where he prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the State of California. He now uses that experience on the other side of the courtroom — defending people accused of crimes.
Having worked as a prosecutor, Tony approaches each case the way the government does. That perspective helps him evaluate how charging decisions are made, read police reports critically, weigh plea offers, identify witness and evidence problems, and plan trial strategy. It is one part of building a defense — every case still turns on its own facts and the law that applies to it.
Education & Credentials
- Full name — Joseph Anthony Carlos
- Law school — Juris Doctor (J.D.), University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 2009
- Bar admission — Admitted to the California State Bar in 2009
- License — California State Bar #267547 (verify ↗)
- Prior experience — Former Deputy District Attorney, Sutter County
- Languages — Bilingual office — English and Spanish (Se habla español)
Courts & Communities Served
Tony's office is at 506 Second Street in Yuba City, and he regularly appears in the Sutter County Superior Court and the Yuba County Superior Court. He represents clients in Yuba City, Marysville, Live Oak, Olivehurst, Wheatland, and surrounding communities. For local court logistics, see his Sutter County Courthouse Guide and Yuba County Courthouse Guide.
Working Directly With Tony
When you hire Tony Carlos, you work directly with Tony — not a paralegal or a junior associate. He believes the person facing the charges deserves direct access to the attorney handling the case, so clients can reach him to talk through their situation as it develops.
Written and reviewed by Tony Carlos, California criminal defense attorney and former Sutter County prosecutor. Juris Doctor, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 2009. Last reviewed: June 2026.