SERIOUS DEFENSE FOR SERIOUS CRIMINAL CHARGES IN HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Huntington Beach, you are likely going through a lot of stress. Whether you need a violent crime defense, drug crime defense, sex crime defense or are facing a DUI in Huntington Beach, you need a strong and experienced criminal defense attorney to defend yourself to the best of your ability. No matter the size of the case, any conviction carries negative consequences. Without a proper defense, you are significantly more vulnerable to conviction, which leads to punishments such as incarceration, fines, and a criminal record that you must live with. Without a strong criminal defense case, your entire future could be altered.
You need a qualified and compassionate Huntington Beach criminal attorney to help you through this hard process and work toward the best end outcome — with the least amount of damages done to you, your freedoms, and your reputation.
By choosing the Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman, you are choosing an attorney whose goal is to protect you and your best interests as thoroughly as possible. We have over 20 years of criminal defense experience, with a record of success as a certified criminal law specialist. Let our office stand with you and protect you against conviction.
Preparing Your defense
If you’ve been charged or expect to be charged with a crime in Huntington Beach, CA, you must find a professional and intensely qualified defense lawyer. Protect yourself and your future by contacting the Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman today for a compassionate and strong defense that gives you your best chance of a positive outcome.
Attorney Goodman handles a wide variety of criminal cases and accused crimes. Don’t see your charges below? Contact us for a consultation.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA ARREST PROCEDURE
In Huntington Beach, California, the process from you being arrested to getting to court is a lengthy one. It’s helpful to know what it looks like to better feel in control of the procedure and what to expect.
- Arrest - After being arrested, the defendant is either released if they post bail or if the prosecutor does not file charges. If these do not happen, the defendant remains in jail until arraignment.
- Arraignment - This is the first time the defendant appears in court. They get familiar with the judge and prosecution. They are also told the charges, their constitutional rights, and their right to a public defender if they are unable to pay an attorney. This is where the defendant enters a plea: no contest, not guilty, or guilty. Not guilty means the defendant claims they did not commit the crime. This could be a strategy to force a trial and ensure the prosecution has proven the crime beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. Guilty is an admission of the crime. From there, the judge enters the conviction. No contest says that the defendant doesn’t disagree with the charge. This is almost the same as a guilty plea, but the plea can’t usually be used against the defendant. This process is made better with a defense attorney who understands the ramifications of the options presented to you and can help you make the best decision possible.
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"My family and I truly admire and respect this amazing and talented lawyer."- Chip E.
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"She really listened and asked questions and delivered advice that was very useful."- Mary P.
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"I don't know where to start. Honestly, I don't think I could possibly write anything that would come close..."- Sharif A.
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"She took the time to understand our concerns an worries."- Joe G.
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"Ms. Goodman’s attention to detail and knowledge of laws are truly unsurpassed."- Ralph S.
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"I felt like I was getting represented by a superstar attorney. She'll run circles around any DA."- Marcus W.
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"I have so much respect and admiration for her - and the women in her office"- Caleigha C.
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""Tremendous thanks and a grateful heart""- Former client's parents
cRIMINAL LAWS FAQ'S
Huntington Beach, CA
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How Do You Choose A Good Criminal Defense Attorney in Huntington Beach, CA?
It’s important to find a Huntington Beach criminal defense attorney you feel you can trust. You also want your attorney to be compassionate and ready to fight for you and your best interests. Talking to friends and family can help you get a good attorney, and you can also search online or through the local bar association. Find a defense lawyer with relevant experience to your specific situation, and check previous client testimonials to see the impact an attorney has had.
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How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Huntington Beach, CA?
In California, criminal defense attorneys often charge anywhere from $200 to $750 an hour. These rates are affected by the skill level of the lawyer, their experience, and the complexity of the case.
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Is a Criminal Lawyer the Same as a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
These phrases usually refer to the same job — an attorney who builds a criminal defense case to defend a person or entity.
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What Questions Should I Ask Before I Hire a Huntington Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer?
You must be confident in the skill and understanding of your Huntington Beach criminal lawyer. A lot hinges on the outcome of criminal charges, and you want to be sure your attorney has the necessary expertise to handle it. Some examples of questions that are helpful include:
- How experienced are you with similar cases to mine?
- What is your experience in trials?
- How many years have you practiced law?
- What do you anticipate my case’s outcome will be?
- Can you explain the evidence?
- How likely am I to win a trial if it comes to that?
- Could the charges be dropped?
- What type of sentence would I be looking at?
- How likely is it that my case goes to trial?
- What should I expect from a trial?
- What rights do I have in this procedure?
CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAW
California law categorizes a wide array of illegal activities as punishable by incarceration or fines, such as theft, DUI, or assault. When facing criminal charges, your case will be categorized as one of the following:
- Misdemeanors - Misdemeanors can carry a punishment of anywhere up to one year in prison and a fine of $1,000 or more. They include trespassing, shoplifting, public intoxication, drug possession, and DUI with no injury.
- Felonies - A felony is generally more significant or more violent than a misdemeanor. Felonies can carry punishments of a year in prison and fines up to $10,000. They include certain DUI cases, domestic violence, assault, and homicide cases of manslaughter or murder. A felony can also include aggravating factors such as fraud, criminal history, or the presence of a weapon.
- Infractions - Infractions are petty crimes and don’t include prison time. Often these are traffic violations and result in fines of around $250. They rarely result in a trial. These are the least serious criminal offenses per California law.
- Wobblers - Wobblers refer to crimes that could be in multiple categories. Often, they are misdemeanors that can be elevated to the status of a felony if circumstances were serious enough. Inclusion of weapons, past criminal history, or sex-related crimes can make a misdemeanor become a felony. Wobblers include assaulting someone with a deadly weapon, DUI, domestic violence, domestic abuse, child endangerment, vandalism, grand theft, embezzlement, sex crimes, forgery, or burglary.
It’s important to know where your offense could fall, as it can help you understand the potential sentencing you could face. In any situation, but especially life-altering ones, you want to contact a Huntington Beach criminal lawyer. A skilled defense attorney can vastly improve your chances of fighting conviction, and they can help you work through your options relating to your case.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSEDOC FELONY CASE
Case dismissed in its entirety at preliminary hearing. Felony evading, Felony possession of body armor by strike felon, and various other charges.
12/4/2024
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY
Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD MOLESTATION
Child molestation: Felony.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
PROBATION VIOLATION
PC 1203.2 Committing a new crime or violating any term or condition of probation.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
OC FELONY CASE
Suspect caught on video confesses. Alleged victim, eager to prosecute prior to prelim, AND the record of arrest ordered destroyed.
12/19/2024
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE 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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