Anaheim Criminal Defense Lawyer Certified Specialist in
Criminal Law State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

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Anaheim Criminal Defense Lawyer

Name: The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman
Address: 712 N. Harbor Blvd,, Fullerton, CA, 92832
Telephone: (657) 571-2266

Criminal Defense Attorney In Anaheim, CA

Criminal offenses are serious. If you have been arrested on criminal charges, it is imperative for you to act quickly and confidently to preserve your rights, your case, and your future. Although an arrest may seem extremely intimidating and serious, it does not automatically mean that you are guilty. You still have the right to a trial, and there is hope for your criminal defense argument.

The key to winning a case involving criminal matters is hiring a qualified Anaheim criminal defense attorney to represent you. Although there are many options in the Anaheim area, our team at The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman stands out as a leading criminal defense team in the area.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

A criminal defense attorney plays a crucial role in the legal system, advocating for individuals who have been accused of committing crimes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that their clients receive a fair trial and that their legal rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process.

Firstly, a criminal defense attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the case. This involves:

Reviewing police reports
Gathering evidence
Interviewing witnesses

They will analyze the prosecution’s case, identifying any weaknesses or inconsistencies that can be used to their client’s advantage.

Additionally, criminal defense attorneys provide legal advice to their clients, explaining the charges against them, the potential consequences, and the available legal options. They guide their clients through each stage of the legal process, from arraignment and pre-trial hearings to plea bargaining and trial. If a plea bargain is in the client’s best interest, the attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor to secure a more favorable outcome, such as reduced charges or a lighter sentence.

During trial, the defense attorney represents their client in court, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal arguments to persuade the judge or jury of their client’s innocence or to create reasonable doubt about their guilt. They also handle pre-trial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, which can significantly impact the case’s outcome.

Beyond the courtroom, a criminal defense attorney may also assist with post-trial matters, including filing appeals if the client is convicted, or working on sentencing alternatives and parole hearings. Their goal is to achieve the best possible result for their client, whether that means securing an acquittal, negotiating a favorable plea deal, or minimizing the impact of a conviction.

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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Contact the Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman

If you are facing criminal charges, you need an attorney who can properly represent you in court. Our team consists of industry experts who are your best chance at winning your case. We can help you through the entire process and help guide you to the best possible outcome in your situation.

For more information about our firm, our policies, or how we can help with your case, please contact The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman online today.

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Co-Chair Sex Crimes Defense Education

Training lawyers nationally for 14 years.
Criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year

Chosen by Lawyers as Best Lawyers 2026 Lawyer of the Year-Orange County
State Bar Certified Specialist

Awarded to specialists who have demonstrated proficiency in specified areas of law.

The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman: Your Anaheim Criminal Defense Attorneys

Our Anaheim criminal defense attorneys are nationally recognized and have a stellar track record of successfully defending criminal cases. We have a deep and thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and how to create arguments that work. For over 20 years, we have been representing clients accused of all different types of crimes and have had success in every category and caliber of offense.

We are not intimidated in court, though many attorneys are. We know that intimidation tactics cannot dictate your future, and we will stand up to the prosecution with confidence and strength. Every person deserves legal representation that defends their rights, and we offer that to every one of our clients, regardless of their situation.

Although we are ruthless in the courtroom, we are empathetic with our clients. We understand that criminal charges often represent a moment of poor judgment, a mistake, or a situation in which you felt that there were no other options. We will listen to your story without prejudice or judgment and offer you reliable and approachable legal counsel.

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.

Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Regardless of the type of criminal charge you are facing in Anaheim, CA, it is important to take your case seriously. If you lose, you face having a criminal record, which can prevent you from finding desirable housing or getting a good job. It can also cause tension in your personal relationships. If you have a felony charge, other rights will be taken away as well. With so much at stake, it is important that you make your best effort to avoid being charged. Hiring an Anaheim criminal attorney is the way to do this.

Most criminal cases are difficult to argue. Even if you believe that your innocence is obvious, the prosecution’s job is to make you look as guilty as possible. They can twist innocent pieces of evidence to fit their narrative and turn the situation against you. Your only hope of defending against their claims is to infuse their story with doubt. If the jury has a reasonable doubt about your guilt, they cannot convict you. It is difficult to properly create this kind of defense if you do not have an attorney.

Prioritize yourself, your family, and your future by hiring a criminal defense attorney from The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman.

Felony VS. Misdemeanor Charges

A criminal charge can be either a felony or a misdemeanor in nature. The judge will determine the nature of the charge during arraignment, and your attorney will also give you details about your charges as you work with them.

Some charges are “wobblers,” which means they can be either a misdemeanor or felony charge depending on the circumstances. For example, a DUI can be a misdemeanor if it is a first offense and no one was hurt. However, it can be a felony if the driver has multiple DUIs or if they seriously harm or kill someone.

Arrested? Make the Right Call

While charges such as DUI and drug possession are common across the country, it’s difficult to find a criminal defense attorney who has thorough experience with serious crimes such as manslaughter or human trafficking. When the stakes are so high, you need the experienced, expert criminal defense services of Attorney Jacqueline Goodman.

She combats your charges head-on by utilizing a variety of strategies and working tirelessly to come to a favorable result. If it can be proved that a search was made illegally or you were arrested improperly, your case could be dismissed, for example. Each case is unique, so she uses a unique approach to evaluate and perfect each one. With her help, you could avoid the heavy fines and prison time of a criminal conviction.

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The Criminal Court Process

When you undergo the criminal court process, it is important to know what is going to happen. This can help you mentally prepare and go through the court system with as much confidence as possible.

Arraignment

During an arraignment, the court will officially declare the claims and charges that are being brought against you. During this process, you will meet the judge as well as the prosecution team. You will be made aware of your rights and be able to determine how you will plead. In most situations, your attorney will prepare you for this process, and you will rely on them to help you enter your plea.

The court will set a bail amount for you during arraignment if one is applicable in your case.

Status Conference

The status conference or pre-trial conference is where you meet with key members of the court to discuss whether a plea bargain will be appropriate. In some cases, the court may reduce your charges if you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge. Unfortunately, not all plea bargains are fair. It is essential that you have legal representation to help you determine whether you should take the plea bargain or go ahead with your trial.

Trial

If you do not accept your plea bargain, you begin your trial. It is a constitutional right to have a trial by your peers, and criminal cases involve juries for this reason. In a criminal trial, the jury must be unanimous in their decision. This is in contrast with a civil case, in which a majority is sufficient.

Sentencing

The jury will deliberate after both the prosecution and the defense have made their cases. When they have come to a decision, the judge will read the sentence. If you are guilty, the judge will give you your punishment. If you are not guilty, you are free to leave and are finished.

Appeals

If you believe that the decision was inaccurate or are unhappy with the trial, you can file an appeal. During the appeals process, a higher court will review your case to determine whether the decision was valid. You can only file an appeal if you have new evidence or if you can demonstrate that there was a key legal mistake in your first trial.

Criminal Defense Laws FAQ'S

Anaheim, CA

How Much Is a Criminal Defense Attorney in Anaheim, California?

Criminal Defense attorneys all charge differently for their services. Most charge by the hour and range between $200 and $500 per hour. This ultimately depends upon their firm’s policies, their experience, and their track record. Be sure to discuss finances with potential attorneys before you hire their services to ensure uninterrupted representation.

How Do You Qualify for a Public Defender in California?

If you cannot afford an attorney of your own, the court will assign a public defender to you. This individual is usually very overworked and has a lot of cases on their plate, meaning that you are unlikely to get a good defense from a public defender. If you need a public defender, you can tell the judge during your arraignment meeting. They will assign one to you for your case.

Are Public Defenders Free in California?

In California, the court may ask you to pay a $25 fee if you are using a public defender. However, you will not be denied representation if you cannot afford the fee. Essentially, a public defender is free. However, they usually have a lot of cases and cannot spend very much time on each of them, giving you poor representation.

Can a Lawyer Defend a Client They Know Is Guilty?

Yes. In fact, they are required by law to defend their client to the best of their ability, whether they know the client to be guilty or innocent. This ensures that everyone has fair representation with their best interests at heart. It also ensures that you have confidentiality when speaking with your attorney, and you can tell them exactly what happened regardless of the implications.

Put Your Trust in a Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jacqueline Goodman has more than 20 years of experience in criminal defense. As the President of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and the standalone vice chair of the Sex Offenses division of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, she has been at the forefront of criminal law in California and across the nation.

Schedule an initial consultation with The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman in Orange County by calling (657) 571-2266 now.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.

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Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (657) 571-2266 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

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