8 Common Practice Areas Of A Top Criminal Defense Attorney In Orange County

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Orange County, it is imperative to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Having the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. A top criminal defense attorney will provide you with effective and aggressive representation that can help protect your rights and freedom. An experienced attorney understands how to navigate through the complexities of the legal system and will fight for your best interests every step of the way.

DUI/DWI

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is one of the most common criminal charges a person can face in Orange County. This offense is taken very seriously and can result in severe penalties such as jail time, fines, probation, license suspension or revocation, and even community service. In California, it is illegal for a person to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. If a DUI arrest is made, the officer will usually administer chemical tests such as breathalyzer tests or blood tests in order to determine BAC.

In some cases, other evidence such as eyewitness testimony may also be used against the accused if they appear to have difficulty standing, slurred speech, and/or difficulty focusing their eyes. One of the many benefits of having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is that they will be able to explain all your legal rights as well as possible defenses that may be available to you.

Drug Crimes

Drug-related charges may include possession, sale, trafficking, or manufacturing of illegal narcotics. An experienced drug crime attorney understands how to challenge law enforcement agencies on their gathering methods or improper procedures to keep evidence out of court and reduce the severity of potential punishments. In some cases, an attorney may also be able to help negotiate drug treatment in place of jail time.

Drug crime attorneys can provide skilled legal guidance and representation no matter what type of charge you are facing. They will work with prosecutors to negotiate a favorable plea deal or argue your case in court if necessary. Whether it's possession, sale, trafficking, or manufacturing of illegal narcotics, a criminal defense lawyer experienced in drug crimes can ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved for their clients.

White Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes encompass theft, fraud, and embezzlement activities which involve deception or breach of trust between two parties resulting in significant losses for one side involved financially or otherwise in the transaction usually within a business setting involving high-stakes sums of money or valuable items being exchanged for financial gain illegally by one side here usually represented by corporate entities.

A skilled criminal defense lawyer who specializes in white-collar crimes is highly recommended when facing such serious allegations, as they will be able to spot any errors in the investigation procedure. These crimes carry heavier penalties than regular criminal activities and require a detailed understanding of the law to properly defend against them. The most common white-collar crimes include money laundering, insider trading, public corruption, cybercrime, tax evasion, bribery, and embezzlement.

Juvenile Crimes

This is a serious matter and can have long-term implications for the minor in question. A top criminal defense attorney will be experienced in handling juvenile crimes and will be able to guide their client through the process while ensuring they are protected and given their due rights. When dealing with juvenile crimes, an attorney must be aware of the different laws that may apply because a minor is at stake.

Depending on the jurisdiction, minors may or may not be tried as adults if they are charged with a crime. The age range for being charged as an adult varies by state, so it’s important to discuss this with your lawyer. An experienced defense attorney should also be familiar with mitigating factors that can help reduce potential sentences, such as family background or involvement in programs like rehabilitation or community service.

Gang Crimes

Gang-related crimes are a serious issue in Orange County, with many of the state’s most violent gangs operating within the county. Gang-related criminal offenses can range from homicide, assault and battery, robbery, gang activity such as graffiti or tagging, weapons violations, drug trafficking, and burglary to name a few. In California, the penalties for gang-related crimes are severe. Depending on the circumstances of the case and an individual’s prior history, they could face fines, jail time, or even prison sentences.

A top criminal defense attorney in Orange County will have experience representing individuals accused of these types of charges and be knowledgeable about both local and state laws pertaining to gang activity. They can also work to get any sentence reduced or possibly avoid conviction altogether by presenting mitigating evidence or working out a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Probation Violations

A probation violation occurs when an individual has violated the conditions of their probation, such as failure to pay fines, complete community service hours, or break the law in any other way. In Orange County, if an individual is charged with a probation violation, they face potential jail time and other penalties. The severity of the penalty will depend on the type of probation violation and the judge's discretion.

When defending against a probation violation charge, it is important to seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney can examine all of the facts surrounding your case and develop effective strategies for your defense. They may also be able to challenge evidence used against you by uncovering potential mistakes made during law enforcement investigations or seizing upon constitutional violations committed by police officers.

Pardons And Expungements

Two of the most important services that a top criminal defense attorney in Orange County can offer. A pardon is an official act of forgiveness from the government which cancels or removes any remaining punishments for a particular crime that has been committed. This type of legal remedy is typically reserved for those who have exhibited extraordinary rehabilitation, and it may be granted by either the Executive branch or the Legislative branch.

On the other hand, an expungement is a court order issued to erase a conviction from one's criminal record. This process also serves to restore certain rights, such as the right to vote and the right to possess firearms, which may have been previously lost due to a conviction. When seeking legal representation, it is essential to find a criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable about these two remedies and familiar with their respective procedures.

Felonies

The most serious types of crimes are usually punishable by one or more years in prison, a hefty fine, or both. Offenses that constitute felonies can range from murder to burglary, drug possession or distribution, and fraud. In some cases, someone with a felony conviction may be stripped of their rights such as the right to vote and bear arms. If you have been charged with a felony offense in Orange County, it is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who has extensive knowledge about all aspects of this area of law.

A good lawyer will be able to explain your legal options and provide effective representation in court if necessary. They can also work closely with prosecutors for negotiation purposes in order to reduce or dismiss charges when applicable. Having an experienced attorney by your side at every step of your case is highly recommended since they are best equipped to navigate through all complexities involved with such charges.

Contact A Top Criminal Defense Attorney In Orange County

When it comes to fighting a criminal charge, having the right attorney on your side is essential. So, if you are looking for "top criminal defense lawyers near me" in Orange County, you have come to the right place. The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman is a well-respected law firm that specializes in criminal defense.

They understand the stress and anxiety associated with facing criminal charges. That is why they put their client’s interests first, no matter what you are accused of. Their legal team will provide you with an honest assessment of your case, explain the law to you in detail, and fight aggressively for your rights. Contact them now for a free consultation and to learn more about how they can help you.