Representing California CERTIFIED SPECIALIST
IN CRIMINAL LAW

Chosen by Lawyers as Best Lawyers 2026 Lawyer of the Year-Orange County

Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney

Name: The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman
Address: 712 N. Harbor Blvd,, Fullerton, CA, 92832
Telephone: (714) 266-3945

State-Bar Board Certified

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. 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.

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.

Request your initial consultation by calling us at (714) 266-3945 now.

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 carry a fine of $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 no full trial for an infraction. This means there’s no jury or public defender assigned to these cases. Infractions are the least severe type of criminal offense 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 with either a misdemeanor or a 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 to be a felony or misdemeanor.

The following are some examples of wobbler offenses:

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.

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 the amount of money you pay to be released. 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 an attorney during this time so they can help determine whether the plea bargain is fair. The case can also be dropped during this phase of the process.

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, go on probation, pay fines, or perform 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 for review by an appeals court. You must have new evidence or show that there was some legal error for your case to be appealable.

Real Acquittals, Time and Time Again

30 Years of Proven Results

Ended Sex Registration 290 Sex Offender Registration
Relief for yet another client who no longer has to register as a sex offender.
Case Rejected Assault With A Deadly Weapon
Strike felonies including assault with a deadly weapon – car with great bodily injury.
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.
Case Dismissed Battery and Corporal Injury
243(e)(1) Battery/273.5 Corporal Injury of Spouse in Long Beach.
Case Dismissed Child Endangerment/ Cruelty
Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.
Case Dismissed Child Sex Abuse
Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.

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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!

Your Experience Matters

Five-Star Client Reviews

She's the One
“Amazing lawyer. Excellent staff. If you are in some trouble and need someone that will fight for you and actually put in 110% effort into your case, Jacqueline Goodman is the one.”

- Kody E.
I'm Extremely Happy
“I reached out to Jacqueline Goodman after shopping around and getting expensive quotes for an expungement. Her office was very helpful and informative. My needs were met and I am extremely happy.”

- Mike L.
Patient & Responsive
“Extraordinary dedication, compassion, and expertise. When I had lost all hope, she fought tirelessly to achieve the best outcome, proving her commitment not only as a skilled attorney but as someone who truly cares about her clients.”

- Erlinda B.
Got the Best Deal
“She took the time to understand our concerns and worries. She got me the best deal, and I walked away with probation and a new look at life. She never gave up and always told me jail was not an option for her, as I had a family to support.”

- Joe G.
Awesome Attorney
“Couldn’t have asked for a better attorney than Jacqueline Goodman. She was there since day one to answer all my questions when I needed her guidance. I 100% recommend her professionalism/honesty. Do not hesitate to call her!”

- Debbie W.
Persistent & Compassionate
“I cannot say enough positive things about Jacqueline Goodman. She is an excellent attorney who is persistent, committed, and extremely knowledgeable. She listens, is compassionate, and has shown a genuine interest in my well-being.”

- Former Client
She is the Best
“Jacqueline Goodman is THE BEST! I highly recommend her. She is timely, structured, intellectually gifted, with an extremely strong knowledge of law. I am grateful and feel blessed to have chosen this law firm.”

- Dave C.
Tenacity and Care
“She took care of my cases with tenacity, professionalism, experience, and care. She handled all my cases (that I've had hanging over my head for twenty years) in a few months. I asked for a reduction, and she got them expunged!”

- Rick B.
Trustworthy & Empathetic
“She gave me hope and peace of mind with how clearly she explained the situation, especially because it was my first time seeking a lawyer. If you are looking for a lawyer who is trustworthy, empathetic, and professional, she is the one!”

- Estela H.

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Experience & Ethics in Criminal Defense You Need A State Bar Certified Specialist

Proven Qualified Experience & Ethics in Criminal Defense

Meet Attorney Jacqueline Goodman

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Do Not Wait Until an Arrest to Seek Legal Counsel

In some cases, such as a DUI arrest or a situation where you are taken into custody with no forewarning, you may have no choice but to involve an attorney after you are already taken in. There are other scenarios where you may discover that you are a prime suspect in a criminal investigation or where law enforcement may call you in for “questioning.” When this occurs, a pre-file investigation may be the answer.

At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we offer pre-file investigation services to clients throughout Orange County. We recognize the immense benefit that can be brought about by the immediate intervention of a criminal defense lawyer, even if formal charges have not been filed.

With our experience in this field, we understand that prosecutors are unlikely to proceed unless they have extremely strong cases against defendants. We use this to our clients’ advantage, finding fault in physical evidence and witness testimony to weaken the prosecution’s case and persuade them to stop in their pursuit.

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

Training lawyers nationally for 14 years.
National Chair of Decarceration

When Should I Involve a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you have found yourself in a situation where you are accused of committing a crime, are taken into custody, or are under investigation for any type of criminal offense, you are probably wondering whether you need an attorney. The question of when to involve a criminal defense attorney is a crucial one, and your choice may end up having a direct impact on your future.

Because every case is different, the best advice we can give is this: if you think you may need an attorney, you’re probably right. And even if you do not end up needing legal counsel at this time, you have nothing to lose by discussing your situation with a professional who can provide insight and the answers you seek.

We place a strong emphasis on the early involvement of a criminal defense attorney because of the serious consequences that even an accusation of an alleged crime can have on all areas of your life. Depending on the type of offense, you may be socially ostracized. Your employment may be terminated. The custody of your children may even be threatened, and you may find that friends and family members are unwilling to lend their support. You need someone on your side who knows how to effectively challenge criminal accusations and formal charges inside and outside of the criminal courtroom.

With law enforcement and the prosecution doing everything in their power to gather enough evidence against you to secure a conviction, you need an attorney to protect your rights and interests. Even before formal charges are filed, an attorney can conduct a pre-file investigation or intervention to try to prevent this from occurring. Search warrants should be carefully reviewed and may be challenged in some cases. Any questioning, formal or informal, should be supervised by your attorney to make sure you do not say or do anything that could be used against you later on – even if you are just trying to cooperate.

If you are familiar with Miranda rights, you know that you have the right to an attorney if you are arrested on suspicion of committing a crime. You also have the right to remain silent. You do not need to wait until an arrest, however, to exercise your right to an attorney. Involve a legal professional as soon as you become aware that you are a person of interest in a criminal investigation, and you may find that you can avoid a good deal of embarrassment, inconvenience, and even formal charges that could threaten your entire future.

1
Renowned Success Rate

When your life depends on it, you need a lawyer known for winning the toughest trials.
2
Certified Criminal Law Specialist

Less than 1% of California Attorneys meet the rigorous standards to be certified as a specialist by the State Bar.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.

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 will not inadvertently incriminate themselves.

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.

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 of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is one of three Co-Chairs responsible for sex crimes defense education, a position she has held for the past 10 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 Offices of Jacqueline Goodman offers confidential case evaluations. Call (714) 266-3945 or submit an online contact form to request yours today. We provide criminal defense services to residents of Orange County, Riverside, and San Bernardino.

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Frequently Asked Questions

About California Criminal Defense

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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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You Need A State Bar Certified Specialist

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Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (714) 266-3945 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

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