Representing California CERTIFIED SPECIALIST
IN CRIMINAL LAW

STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

ORANGE COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

When you have been arrested, it is vital that you take immediate action to defend your rights and avoid a conviction by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney. A conviction could not only lead to harsh penalties — such as jail, prison, fines, and probation — but would also force you to live with a criminal record, potentially affecting your future career and educational opportunities.

You owe it to yourself to do everything you can to resolve your criminal defense case efficiently and with minimum damage to your reputation and freedoms. Choose The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman and work with a Certified Criminal Law Specialist: Attorney Jacqueline Goodman. With her track record of success built across decades of legal experience, she stands ready to protect you and your rights, no matter what charges have been filed. Call (714) 266-3945 now.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION

State Bar Certified Specialist
CA Criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year
Past President of CA Attorneys for Criminal Justice
National Co-Chair Sex Crimes Defense
National Chair of Decarceration

SOMETIMES BAD THINGS HAPPENTO GOOD PEOPLE You Need Jacqueline On Your Side

I am committed to providing my clients with the trusted counsel and aggressive defense they deserve. I believe in redemption and helping people get second chances. I devote a significant portion of my practice to criminal justice reform and I have provided pro bono representation in impact litigation to change the laws to benefit every Californian.

No one is perfect, and everyone has flaws. A mistake should not define you, and our Orange County criminal defense attorney is ready to fight to protect your future, no matter the charges. Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is here to get you out of this difficult situation and put you back in the position you were in before your trouble started!

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Renowned Success Rate
When your life depends on it, you need a lawyer known for winning the toughest trials.
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Certified Criminal Law Specialist

Less than 1% of California Attorneys meet the rigorous standards to be certified as a specialist by the State Bar.
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Rated 10.0 superb on AVVO
Our practice is world-class, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Our clients love us, and we have the ratings to prove it.
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Named on the wall of recognition at the national constitution center
Named on the wall of recognition at the National Constitution Center in Washington, D.C., alongside some of the greatest lawyers in the nation.
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Admitted to argue cases before the united states supreme court

"For litigators, there is no greater or more elusive honor than to argue before this Court." - The American Bar Association
.007% of lawyers gain admission in the USSC.

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YOU NEED A STATE BAR CERTIFIED SPECIALIST

Proven Qualified Experience & Ethics In Criminal Defense.

Meet Attorney Goodman

JACQUELINE GOODMAN

rEAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.

Protecting yourself in the face of criminal accusations or charges is serious and, when it comes to your defense, experience counts. Attorney Goodman has tried countless cases and achieved numerous successful outcomes for her clients. She was at the forefront of several high-profile cases, including the murder of an MLB pitcher and the widely known free speech case known as the “Irvine 11.” Browse some of Attorney Goodman’s recent case results to learn more about her exceptional track record.

CASE DISMISSED

CASE DISMISSED
CHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY
Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.

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CASE DISMISSED

CASE DISMISSED
CHILD MOLESTATION
Child molestation: Felony.

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CASE DISMISSED

CASE DISMISSED
PROBATION VIOLATION
PC 1203.2 Committing a new crime or violating any term or condition of probation.

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CASE DISMISSED

CASE DISMISSED
ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER
Los Angeles Arrest Pre-filing representation on Attempted murder of police officer, assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.

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CASE DISMISSED

CASE DISMISSED
CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER
Contempt of court order by a gang member.

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CASE DISMISSED

CASE DISMISSED
CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.

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AN AUTHORITY IN THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE COMMUNITY

Attorney Goodman is committed to enhancing criminal law and justice education, as well as remaining active in the legal community. Currently, she serves on the Board for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is one of three Co-Chairs in charge of sex crimes defense education, a position she has held for the past ten years. Additionally, she served as the past president of the California Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and currently continues to create legislation in support of criminal justice reform.

When it comes to your defense, you need an attorney who will do more than just react—you need an attorney who will interact with the law. Attorney Goodman has been featured as a legal authority on television and radio shows nationwide and remains active in shaping our legal system through her leadership in criminal justice reform, criminal defense education, and prestigious legal organizations. Her work has put her face-to-face with state legislators, the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the California Attorney General; she is prepared to help you with your case.

The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman offers free, confidential case evaluations. Call (714) 266-3945 or submit an online contact form to request yours today.

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"She took the time to understand our concerns an worries."
- Joe G.
"She's an amazing attorney that you can count on."
- Aliya J.
"If you are looking for someone that is going to put in all of their effort and fight for the outcome you want, choose her."
- Former Client
"Thank you Ms Goodman and team!!"
- Nick K.
"Choose her to represent you in the orange county area"
- Elizabeth E.
"She really listened and asked questions and delivered advice that was very useful."
- Mary P.
"I can't say enough good things!"
- Travis H.
"Honest, hard working, and compassion, would describe, Jacquie."
- Dorian C.

Do You Know What to Do After an Arrest?

You've just been arrested. You're now facing the serious penalties that could result if a conviction is made. Thoughts of fines, jail time, and other penalties are circling through your head. Now what?

After an arrest, every detail of your case will need to be thoroughly reviewed by a legal professional whose experience can be put to work toward helping you avoid an ultimate conviction. During this time, every minute of every hour counts immensely. The sooner you act on the charges that have been made in your name, the sooner you can feel relief from the stress of worrying about what an ultimate conviction might bring. The actions that you and your attorney take after an arrest can be game-changers when dire consequences are on the line.

As such, this should be a time at which the following steps are irrefutably taken:

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: As declared in the Miranda Warning, criminal suspects have the right to remain silent in the presence of law enforcement officers or anyone else; criminal suspects have the right to an attorney, and criminal suspects have the right to stop answering the questions asked of them by a law enforcement officer and instead request the presence of an attorney. Invoking the Miranda Rights ensures that a suspect's Fifth- and Sixth Amendment rights are not overlooked or violated in any way. Furthermore, it serves as personal insurance that the suspect does accidentally incriminate himself or herself.
Avoid Talking About Your Case In Jail: Don't assume that because you are being held in custody, your sentence has already been decided. There is still plenty of time to negotiate a plea bargain, settle the case out of court, or litigate the case in trial. Therefore, it is critical that the details of your case not be discussed while you are in jail. Trusting the circumstances involved in your case with another cellmate could prove to be problematic, as could discussing these matters over the phone. Even if you are speaking with a close friend or family member on the phone, many jails record conversations held on these phones. Simply put, all discussions should be had in the presence of a qualified and professional legal attorney.
Contact An Experienced Attorney: Above and beyond everything else, however, the most important step of all is to hire a lawyer to represent your case. Whether you were pulled over and arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, or you are facing criminal allegations for homicide, the attorney you choose to represent your case could make all the difference. In the uncertainty that follows an arrest in Southern California, or anywhere else for that matter, there is no better course of action to take than to align yourself with Orange County criminal defense attorney Jacqueline Goodman. Doing so will put you in a position that could enhance your chances of having the criminal charges reduced or dropped altogether.

When it comes to facing criminal charges in the state of California, time is of the essence, and even the slightest hesitation could cost you more than you can afford. Therefore, it is imperative that legal action is taken immediately. The sooner you align yourself with a defense attorney who can assist in your efforts to avoid conviction, the better chances you stand in court.

The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman operates under the impression that bad things can happen to good people, and as such, its legal team fights aggressively in defense of individuals in need of effective criminal defense. Contact us today at (714) 266-3945

What is California's Arrest Process?

Arraignment

Arraignment is after you have been arrested, and it’s your first time in court for the claims brought against you. During this time, you are:

Getting familiar with your judge and the prosecution for the first time.
Read your rights. This encompasses your right to an attorney, even if you cannot afford an attorney.
Getting familiar with what you are being charged with.
Determining whether to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Finding out if bail is possible.

It’s important to have a trusted attorney by your side during this process.

Bail

If bail is an option for you, it will be set during your arraignment. Bail is an amount of money that can be paid for your release. This is to ensure you are committed to your future court dates and are less likely to try and run away.

Pre-Trial Conference

The pre-trial conference, also referred to as a “status conference,” is a meeting between you, your attorney, the prosecutor, and the judge. You might be offered a plea bargain or an agreement between you and the prosecutor that might lower your charges if you plead guilty. You want to have an attorney during this time so they can help determine if the plea bargain is fair. The case can also be dropped during this phase of the process as well.

Trial

There are two choices if your case goes to trial — a jury trial or a court trial. A court trial is listened to and decided on by a judge, while a jury trial includes a jury of peers to make the decision. They must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to prosecute the defendant.

Sentencing

Once a verdict is reached, the judge will announce the sentence. If you are found guilty, you might have to serve jail time, probation, pay fines, or do community service. If you are found not guilty, then you go free and receive no punishment.

Appeals

If you are not happy with the decision or sentence, you can file an appeal. This is a request to have a higher court review your case. Not all cases are accepted to be reviewed by an appeals court. You must have new evidence or show that there was some legal error for your case to be appealable.

Types of Criminal Charges in California

When being charged with a criminal offense, there are three categories your case can fall into. They are:

Misdemeanors

Some crimes that are most likely to be charged as misdemeanors include public intoxication, theft, and trespassing. A misdemeanor can result in a sentence of up to a year in prison. Misdemeanors also often come with a fine between $1,000 to $2,000.

Felonies

Felonies are used for the most significant criminal charges. A felony can result in life in prison or probation. Crimes under this category can include domestic violence, some cases of DUI or DWI, murder or manslaughter, and assault.

Infractions

Infractions do not result in prison time. These are often traffic violations or other minor issues. Infractions may result in a fine, and there is usually not a full trial conducted for an infraction. This means there’s no jury or public defender assigned to these cases. Infractions are the least severe of the types of criminal offenses in California.

Wobbler Offenses

Some crimes can fall into multiple categories or a gray area between misdemeanor and felony. In these cases, the defendant can be charged for either a misdemeanor or felony and they are called “wobbler offenses.” Prior convictions or the use of a weapon can have a significant influence on whether the case is determined a felony or misdemeanor.

The following are some examples of wobbler offenses:

DUI
Child Abuse
Assault with a deadly weapon
Spousal abuse
Domestic violence
Possession of a controlled substance

This is not an exhaustive list, but these are some of the crimes that may fall into multiple categories.

Understanding which category your offense falls into is important in determining what kind of sentence you may be facing if you are convicted. If you have been charged with a crime, it is crucial to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Orange County to discuss your case and your options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

About California Criminal Law

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

Criminal defense attorneys often charge an hourly rate instead of a flat fee for their services. Sometimes, if a case is complex, attorneys will charge an hourly rate as well, and these rates vary between different criminal defense attorneys. Since rates can depend on the skill level of the lawyer, they can vary from anywhere between $250 to $750 an hour.
How Can You Find a Criminal Defense Attorney?

You can ask family or friends for recommendations, look up attorneys in your area online, or contact your local bar association. Look for reviews and testimonials of each lawyer as well to help you make the best decision.
What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for Their Clients?

A criminal defense lawyer’s job is to protect their client’s constitutional rights and make sure they are treated fairly by the criminal justice system. The attorney investigates the case against their client, negotiates with prosecutors, and represents their clients in court. Criminal defense lawyers can help reduce the number of consequences for your criminal case.
What Should You Ask When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Choosing a criminal defense attorney can be a difficult task. The following are some good questions to ask a potential criminal defense lawyer for your case:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- What is your experience with cases like mine?
- What are your fees and how do you charge?
- What are the potential consequences of my case?
- What are my chances of winning at trial?
- What could happen if I am found guilty?
- Can I get the charges against me dropped?
- Can you help me understand the evidence against me?
- Do you have any experience with witnesses in my case?
- If I am found guilty, what kind of sentence am I looking at?
- What are the chances I will have to go to trial?
- If I do go to trial, what can I expect?
- What are my rights during the criminal justice process?
Is law enforcement allowed to search my house or car?

Property and privacy rights are some of the most important for American citizens. Police are only allowed to search your vehicle or home if they have a warrant if they have probable cause, or if you give explicit consent for them to do so. You are never required to consent a police search of your property, and you should never feel pressured to do so. If you believe that you were the victim of unlawful search and seizure, contact The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman immediately to safeguard your rights.
Are the police required to read my rights when I'm arrested?

No. Law enforcement officers are not legally required to "read your rights" at the time of your arrest. The Miranda warning is only required if law enforcement plans on using your statements against you in court. Additionally, the warning is only required if you are in police custody. If the police want to ask you questions that might elicit incriminating answers, they will probably read the Miranda warning just to be safe. Consult a defense attorney before speaking with law enforcement so you can be safe.
What happens if the police ask for a statement and I refuse? Will I be arrested for refusing to cooperate?

You cannot be arrested or charged with a crime for exercising your right to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment allows you to remain silent and avoid giving testimony against yourself. If a police officer tries to intimidate you into waiving your rights, do not believe them and insist on speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible. Judges cannot set a high bail for not cooperating with law enforcement, but some officers try to make you think that you are required to give a statement. In reality, officers may try to scare you into making a statement so that it will be easier to obtain a conviction later.
What is a grand jury and how will it affect my case?

A grand jury is a collection of individuals used to determine whether or not there is enough evidence to take a case to trial. For example: If you were arrested for a drug crime, a grand jury might be used to figure out whether or not the prosecution has a legitimate case against you. The grand jury will base its determination on witness testimony, documents, and other available evidence. At the end of the proceedings, the jury will decide whether or not the case will actually go to trial. If there is not enough evidence to conduct a trial, your case will not move forward. Grand juries are typically reserved for high-level felonies and federal crimes.
How does the prosecution determine the charges I will face?

Typically, the prosecution pursues charges with enough evidence to back them up. In other words, the prosecution will look for a legally sound case. If a case contains some kind of inherent flaw, it probably isn't worth pursuing. Then, prosecuting attorneys decide whether or not there is enough evidence to pursue a conviction. If there isn't, the case will probably be dropped, or another charge will be considered. "Enough" evidence is determined by the quantity of the evidence held against you and the quality. For example, if the prosecuting attorney has a large quantity of questionable evidence, they probably still won't pursue that particular case because of its potential holes. You can only be prosecuted once per alleged offense, so prosecutors have to be careful when deciding when to act.
Do I really need a lawyer if I'm going to plead guilty?

Yes. A skilled defense attorney is imperative even if you plan on taking a plea bargain. A lawyer can help you decide if the plea bargain is really your best option. Additionally, your lawyer can help you determine whether or not the prosecution has enough evidence to offer you a plea bargain for a specific offense. Without a lawyer, the prosecution might assume that you are going to plead guilty and offer you an unreasonable bargain. An attorney can help you negotiate for an agreement.
I'm innocent. Do I still need a criminal defense lawyer in Orange County, CA?

Yes. It doesn't matter if you actually committed a crime; you are subject to the same fines and penalties as everyone else in the event of a conviction. A defense attorney can fight aggressively to make sure that your rights are protected, though.
If you are facing criminal charges in California, it is important to hire a qualified criminal defense attorney to represent you. The outcome of your case could have serious consequences, and an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system and give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

CONTACT US TODAY

If You're Facing Criminal Charges In Orange County, Los Angeles or Throughout California
Call (714) 266-3945; for after-hours, you will be redirected to her cellphone

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ORANGE COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

CHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY

CHILD MOLESTATION

PROBATION VIOLATION

ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER

CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER

CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

AN AUTHORITY IN THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE COMMUNITY

Do You Know What to Do After an Arrest?