Santa Ana Criminal Defense Attorneys
When you or a family member is under criminal investigation or charged with a crime, the relief and reassurance of having an experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney is immeasurable.
The criminal justice system in Orange County, CA, is complex, and navigating it without legal guidance can be daunting. Our team is here to guide you through the case process, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome and providing you with a sense of security and confidence.
Our law firm, with a wealth of experience handling hundreds of cases, including DUIs, misdemeanors, felonies, and federal criminal charges, is well-equipped to defend you in every type of police investigation and criminal case. This extensive experience should give you confidence in our ability to handle your case effectively, regardless of its complexity.
Criminal Defense Law Firm
At our law firm, we don't just represent you during the initial phases of criminal prosecution. We're committed to being with you every step of the way, from the first police investigation to the arrest and throughout the court process. Our goal is to provide you with unwavering support and guidance.
Our comprehensive services are designed to ensure you feel secure and guided throughout the entire legal process. From resolving bench warrants to handling failure to appear in court and even assisting with conviction expungement, we are here to meet all your legal needs, providing you with the support and care you deserve during this challenging time.
Clients often retain us to handle pre-filing defense, with the goal of preventing or reducing criminal charges before they are filed. Our criminal defense law firm handles cases throughout the city, including in Artesia Pilar, Eastside, Madison Park, Memorial Park, New Horizons, Pico-Lowell, Riverview West, Santa Anita, and South Coast Metro.
Noncitizen Immigrants
If you are a noncitizen immigrant and are convicted of certain crimes, the potential immigration consequences can be devastating. Even an arrest and fingerprinting can lead to an automatic visa revocation.
This underscores the importance of seeking legal representation as soon as possible. This empowers you to take proactive steps to protect your rights and immigration status. Some of the potential consequences include deportation, difficulties in entering the United States, and adverse effects on citizenship and green card applications.
Central Justice Center and Jails
The Central Justice Center, also known as the Santa Ana Courthouse, is located at 700 W. Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92701. For more information, call (657) 622-8459.
Most Santa Ana criminal cases are prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney's Office. However, infractions and misdemeanors are prosecuted by the Santa Ana City Attorney's office. If you are arrested in Santa Ana, you will be booked and processed in one of the following jails:
- Santa Ana Police Jail is located at 62 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701, and its phone number is (714) 245-8100.
- Central Men's Jail is located at 550 N Flower St, Santa Ana, CA 92703, and its phone number is (714) 647-4666.
- The Central Women's Jail is located at 550 N Flower St, Santa Ana, CA 92703, and its phone number is (714) 647-4666.
- The Theo Lacy Facility is located at 501 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868, and its phone number is (714) 935-6940.
A conviction will lead to the standard sentencing laws in California. However, many factors will determine the penalties; infractions are punished with a fine. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to a sentence of up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Felonies are more serious, and you could face imprisonment for over one year and a fine of up to $10,000; however, the sentence will vary based on the crime and the judge's discretion. If you're facing a third serious or violent felony, your case might fall under California's Three Strikes sentencing law, which mandates a sentence of 25 years to life.
Misdemeanor Charges
If you violate the law in California, you may be charged with one of three offenses: infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies.
Within these categories, there are also “wobblers,” which are crimes that can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, and a few “wobblettes, which are crimes that can be charged as either infractions or misdemeanors.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial in determining the potential severity of your charges and the importance of seeking legal representation. There are hundreds of crimes that qualify as wobblers, such as sex crimes, theft crimes, fraud crimes, and domestic violence.
A “misdemeanor” is a crime punishable by a maximum sentence of one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Misdemeanors are more serious than infractions but less serious than felonies. Common examples of misdemeanors include, but are not limited to:
- Simple assault,
- First-time DUI,
- Shoplifting,
- Petty theft,
- Solicitation of prostitution,
- Domestic battery,
- Reckless driving,
- Indecent exposure,
- Public intoxication.
Felony Charges
In California, any crime for which you can be sentenced for more than one year is considered a felony, which is the primary difference between misdemeanors. A felony offense is the most severe and carries the possibility of serving time in state prison, incurring hefty fines, undergoing probation, facing parole, and experiencing harsh collateral consequences.
Some crimes are "straight" felonies, meaning they can only be charged and sentenced as felonies and can't be reduced to a misdemeanor. These offenses are the most serious and will be considered a “strike” on your record. Felonies represent the most serious category of crime and include the following:
The standard sentencing for a felony conviction in California typically includes a term in a state or county jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Still, the judge can impose formal felony probation rather than imprisonment. For more information, contact our California criminal defense lawyers, Eisner Gorin LLP, based in Los Angeles, CA.
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