After a violent crime arrest in Costa Mesa, especially in the Westside, you should stay silent and request legal counsel immediately. Police will try to lock in your statements early. A Costa Mesa violent crime lawyer can act quickly to challenge evidence, investigate the scene, and protect your rights. Taking immediate action can lay the groundwork for a strong defense that delivers a favorable outcome.
Costa Mesa Violent Crime Lawyer
Violent Crime Attorney In Costa Mesa, CA
Violent crimes are aggressively prosecuted in Costa Mesa, and even first offenders can face lengthy jail or prison sentences. Whether your offense occurred near Canyon Park, MoonGoat Coffee, or elsewhere, you can rely on a Costa Mesa violent crime lawyer to use their knowledge of the law and familiarity with the criminal justice system to develop a strategy that works to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome in your case.
Decades of Experience; Relentless in Court
While other law firms in Costa Mesa practice a wide range of law, Jacqueline Goodman brings decades of experience focused exclusively on criminal defense. She is a board-certified specialist in criminal law, a distinction only given to a small percentage of criminal defense attorneys.
Defendants facing serious violent crime accusations in Costa Mesa know they can trust The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman’s Criminal Litigation to provide strategic and effective legal representation. We understand the pressure and stress that you are under while facing criminal charges. Choosing the right Costa Mesa criminal defense attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your case in your favor.
Contact us today at 714-879-5770 to schedule an initial consultation.
SOMETIMES BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO 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!
UNDERSTANDING VIOLENT CRIME TRENDS IN COSTA MESA
Costa Mesa continues to face ongoing challenges related to violent and drug-related crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the city reports approximately 6.08 incidents per 1,000 residents each year, which is higher than both state and national averages.
Drug-related offenses also remain common, with a rate of 2.122 per 1,000 residents annually. These issues place a financial burden on the community. In 2025, the total projected cost of crime in Costa Mesa is expected to reach $45.8 million, equating to $402 per resident and $1,086 per household.
One recent example of violent crime occurred on September 8, 2024, when police discovered a 29-year-old woman had been fatally stabbed in a home on the 500 block of Victoria Street. Her live-in partner was arrested nearby after briefly fleeing the scene. Incidents like these underscore the need for both public safety efforts and strong legal representation when charges arise.
It is with tremendous thanks and a grateful heart that we let you know how much we appreciated your expertise, advice and phone calls on [client's name] behalf. You are a person of service and dedication.
- Former client’s parents
I don't know where to start. Honestly, I don't think I could possibly write anything that would come close to describing Mrs. Goodman's Skill as a Lawyer , she truly is remarkable at what she does. Do yourself a favor, if your in a bind, and are looking for a well respected lawyer that can produce results.... Call Jacqueline! I…
- Sharif A.
Ms Goodman and her staff were beyond helpful. I was in an extremely difficult situation that I hadn’t been in before and needed help. I was referred to Jackie and her office who were extremely helpful. Jackie and her team were extremely empathetic and knowledgeable. They were quick to respond, took action, and kept me informed. Thank you Ms Goodman…
- Nick K.
Ms.Goodman has been an amazing and thorough lawyer representing my family. She has shown up to each court date, being prepared and ready to speak to the judge. She has been a great communicator with my family and kept us informed along the way. She is authentic, and will go the long mile on your case. Choose her to represent…
- Elizabeth E.
I needed an appointment with Ms. Jacqueline Goodman and it was urgent. The best part was that she called me back immediately and I did not have to drive an hour to see her. The first meeting is free and she spoke with me for a lengthy time and she made me feel like for the first time in seeking…
- Mary P.
Ms Goodman was excellent an very professional. She took the time to understand our concerns an worries. I had 2 really bad cases facing 10+ years for trafficking, sales, an distribution between the both ... she was able to get me the best deal an walked away with probation an a new look at life. I will always recommend her…
- Joe G.
Ms. Goodman and her team is by far the best in Southern California. I literally had zero hope of getting anything but prison time on my current case and Ms. Goodman somehow got me an interview for probation. I can say it hasn’t been easy and she’s been doing a lot out of love more than any other attorney would…
- Former Client
The court was offering 9 years for 459pc. After retaining her I got the deal I wanted and even better I was free after serving just 2 years. She's an amazing attorney that you can count on.
- Aliya J.
I can't even begin to express how amazing Jacqueline was when I worked with her for a close friend's case. She was always a quick text away, and when we worried she was the vote of confidence we needed to keep going. Her office staff was also SO easy to work with. Her closing statement moved me, the family, and…
- Caleigha C.
Best lawyer! Jacqueline Goodman is an amazing lawyer, she knows her law well. She helped my brother out of a messy situation and she was always easy to contact and gave me all the information that came her way.
- Rosie C.
Jacqueline, was very professional, and knowledgeable. She listened closely, as we discussed my case. I could tell She truly cared about me. I was very pleased the outcome, and would strongly recommend Her. Honest, hard working, and compassion, would describe, Jacquie.
- Dorian C.
Ms. Jacqueline Goodman was a beacon of hope to my daughter at a time when options and hope seemed limited. Her hard work and dedication was an outcome of Excellence. Ms. Goodman’s attention to detail and knowledge of laws are truly unsurpassed. Thank you.
- Ralph S.
Jacqueline is the best! If any of my friends or family found themselves in a situation where they needed a Criminal Defense attorney I would highly recommend her. She and her staff are extremely professional and they know their stuff. I can't say enough good things!
- Travis H.
She was carring and attentive, always up front with information. She truly cares about her clients and works diligently to achieve the best possible outcome. My family and I truly admire and respect this amazing and talented lawyer. She is definitely someone you can count on for the best advice and outcome.
- Chip E.
Great attorney to work with. She's a boss and has some serious attorney swagger. When I walked into the court room with her, everybody stopped and starred. I felt like I was getting represented by a superstar attorney. She'll run circles around any DA.
- Marcus W.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLENT OFFENSES UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW
Violent crimes carry some of the most serious penalties under the penal code. Charges such as assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, attempted murder, and rape are often charged as felonies. Many of these crimes also count toward the state’s three-strikes law.
A conviction may result in prison time, large fines, restrictive parole conditions after release from confinement, and the loss of voting and firearm ownership rights. In Costa Mesa, incidents occurring near Victoria Street, Harbor Boulevard, or public spaces like Lions Park are often charged aggressively by prosecutors.
Even first-time offenders can face enhanced penalties if weapons are involved or if the alleged victim suffered serious injury. California law also allows for sentencing enhancements in cases tied to alleged gang activity, use of a firearm, or crimes near schools or parks.
Having a felony on your record can greatly limit your future employability and ability to find housing. Employers and landlords often screen applicants for past criminal convictions, and a felony is a serious red flag during these searches.
UNDERSTANDING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION STRATEGIES IN WESTSIDE COSTA MESA
Westside Costa Mesa remains a focal point for aggressive policing strategies, including targeted gang enforcement, saturation patrols, and heightened police presence near Harbor Boulevard, Placentia Avenue, and Lions Park. These operations frequently result in arrests based more on proximity or association than concrete evidence of wrongdoing.
In many cases, prosecutors pursue charges that include gang enhancements, even when the underlying facts do not clearly support gang membership or criminal intent. Law enforcement may rely on surveillance video, field interviews, and curated social media content to support their theory of the case.
They may even move forward with charges when they have weak evidence linking the accused to the alleged offense. Incidents like physical altercations or weapons possession can quickly escalate into felony charges under these conditions.
STRATEGIC DEFENSE AGAINST ASSAULT, ROBBERY, AND WEAPONS CHARGES
Defending against assault, robbery, or weapons charges in Costa Mesa requires a sharp focus on how the incident unfolded and whether law enforcement violated their own policies or your constitutional rights during their investigation and arrest.
Arrests originate from encounters like street altercations and disputes near Harbor Boulevard, where police can make assumptions about the situation without knowing all the facts. Prosecutors may then file overly punitive charges, especially if a weapon was allegedly present or injuries were visible, but those claims are not always backed by reliable evidence.
A strong defense challenges the assumptions made by police reports and prosecution narratives. Surveillance footage, field interviews, and eyewitness accounts may conflict or leave out critical context, such as provocation by the victim or the reasonable use of self-defense measures.
Self-defense, unlawful search and seizure, or lack of intent may all serve as viable defenses depending on how the confrontation began and escalated. Each element of the charge must be examined with precision to push back against the prosecution’s narrative of events.
WHY EXPERIENCED LEGAL REPRESENTATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Violent crime charges in Costa Mesa carry serious consequences, and the attorney you choose can make a critical difference in how your case is resolved. An experienced defense lawyer understands how Orange County prosecutors pursue convictions and how to counter those tactics with a focused legal strategy.
An attorney can investigate independently, question the credibility of witnesses, and analyze the prosecution’s narrative for weak points. Whether you stand accused of assault, robbery, or another felony offense, any steps that raise doubts about the prosecution’s narrative of events can bring you one step closer to a favorable outcome in your case.
The right lawyer can work to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and negotiate with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss charges when appropriate. They offer more than legal services. An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide you with guidance, the know-how, and resources to fight for the outcome you deserve.
VIOLENT CRIME LAWS FAQ'S
Costa Mesa, CA
When Your Future Is on the Line, Trust Goodman Criminal Litigation
Violent crimes are a special class of offenses that are aggressively prosecuted in Costa Mesa. Police are often quick to arrest suspects, even when they do not have all the facts. The aftermath of an arrest can leave defendants facing an incredibly stressful ordeal and an uncertain future. Fortunately, a strong defense strategy can get your side of the story across and weaken the state’s case.
Jacqueline Goodman has more than 20 years of experience representing clients in high-stakes criminal cases. As a certified criminal law specialist, she is known for building focused defense strategies and delivering favorable results for her clients, even in the most serious cases. When your freedom is on the line, you need representation that gets results.
Contact Goodman Criminal Litigation today Contact Goodman Criminal Litigation today.