After a violent crime arrest, you’ll be booked, arraigned, and may face bail. In some cases, you may be ordered to remain in custody. The court will schedule a preliminary hearing to determine if there’s enough evidence to move forward. This is not a trial but a critical stage to test the prosecution’s case. As your case moves forward, your attorney can look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case as a means of preparing your defense.
Santa Ana Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney In Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana sees a wide range of criminal activity, and anyone charged with a serious crime can face the potential of jail or prison time, along with other heavy penalties. Defending against criminal charges requires a strategic approach and sound legal guidance from a Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer who understands the state’s criminal laws and how to help clients avoid serious punishments under the criminal justice system.
Decades of Experience; Relentless in Court
Facing criminal charges can be a stressful ordeal. In these situations, you need a defense lawyer who knows the courts, understands the local prosecutors, and has the experience to help you avoid serious penalties.
At Goodman Criminal Litigation, our team brings years of focused experience defending clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in Orange County, including cases stemming from arrests in Central City and other high-policing zones.
We don’t rely on cookie-cutter strategies. We customize every defense strategy based on the circumstances of the case. From the moment you secure representation from our respected firm, we work to protect your rights and fight for the most favorable outcome possible.
FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES?
Attorney Goodman handles a wide variety of criminal cases and accused crimes. Don’t see your charges below? Contact us for a consultation.
UNDERSTANDING CRIME RATES IN SANTA ANA AND CENTRAL CITY
Like other large cities in California, Santa Ana sees its fair share of crime. The city ranks near the bottom nationally, with a safety score of 14 out of 100. This means that it is considered safer than just 14% of US cities.
While areas like Park Santiago, Lemon Heights, and Rocking Horse Ridge report lower crime rates, neighborhoods in the western part of the city, including Central City, tend to see higher levels of police activity and reported incidents.
In 2023, the total number of reported criminal offenses in Santa Ana was 15,618 across a population of 335,052. That same year, the city saw just six homicides, a sharp 77% decline from the 26 reported in 2022. Sexual violence also saw a slight decrease. That year, there were 311 reported rape and sexual assault cases, which marked a 5% drop from the previous year’s total.
POTENTIAL PENALTIES FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES IN SANTA ANA
Criminal charges in Santa Ana can lead to life-altering penalties, especially when prosecutors pursue enhancements for alleged gang involvement, use of a weapon, or prior convictions. These enhancements can turn a lower-level charge into a crime that can lead to a multi-year prison sentence.
Cases out of neighborhoods like Central City or near the Santa Ana Civic Center often come with added scrutiny, and the District Attorney’s Office doesn’t hesitate to pursue the most serious charges allowable under the law. Prosecutors may use the location of the arrest, tattoos, or past associations to justify harsher charges.
Whether the accusation involves assault, robbery, or drug-related activity, the consequences can include prison time, probation terms, mandatory programs, and a permanent criminal record. In many cases, enhancements are filed based on unsubstantiated allegations that may not match the facts. Challenging those claims early can mean the difference between a manageable outcome and years behind bars.
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DEFENSE STRATEGIES THAT WORK IN SANTA ANA COURTROOMS
Securing a win in court begins with knowing how cases are handled inside the Central Justice Center at 700 Civic Center Drive West. Prosecutors in Santa Ana aggressively pursue convictions, and defense arguments must be supported by clear facts and solid legal grounds.
Effective defense strategies may focus on exposing flaws in the investigation, such as illegal searches, unreliable witnesses, and inconsistent witness statements. In areas like Central City or along 4th Street, arrests that result from lazy police work may not hold up in court. If the charge involves assault or domestic violence, self-defense may be a viable argument. Other defense strategies may work to prove that the defendant did not know their actions violated the law.
Common strategies include filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, requesting discovery to uncover investigative errors, and cross-examining key witnesses to reveal contradictions in their statements. Success in these courtrooms requires understanding the law, anticipating the prosecution’s next move, and presenting a case that forces the state to prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
HOW PROSECUTORS BUILD THEIR CASES
Prosecutors in Santa Ana build their cases by collecting police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and digital records such as texts, location data, or surveillance footage. In violent crime and drug cases, they may also rely on gang databases, field interview cards, and prior arrests to justify enhancements. They commonly communicate with the victims to learn more about the specifics of a case.
Cases originating from Central City and elsewhere are often filled quickly, sometimes before all the evidence has been properly reviewed or verified. Prosecutors frequently depend on testimony from officers or informants with questionable credibility, betting that most defendants will plead out before their case’s weaknesses are exposed.
HOW PLEA BARGAINING MAY AFFECT YOUR CASE’S OUTCOME
The criminal courts in Santa Ana do not have the time and resources to give every defendant a trial. To resolve backlogs of cases, prosecutors rely on plea bargains that must be approved by the court’s judge. These offers may include reduced charges, fewer enhancements, or alternatives to jail, but they also require giving up your right to fight the charges in court.
In Central City, plea deals are often used to push cases through quickly, especially in high-volume dockets involving drug or violent crime allegations. A plea might sound reasonable at first, but if the case is overcharged or based on weak evidence, accepting it too soon can lead to serious consequences. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the offer is fair, negotiate better terms, and advise you on whether going to trial would serve your interests.
WHY YOU NEED LEGAL REPRESENTATION
If you’re facing criminal charges in Santa Ana, the choices you make early in the process matter. Prosecutors work fast and often rely on pressure tactics to get quick pleas. Without someone to provide you with honest and strategic advice, you could agree to terms that carry long-term consequences without even realizing it.
A strong defense lawyer helps level the playing field. They know how to challenge questionable evidence, file motions that protect your rights, and guide you through a system that isn’t designed to give you the benefit of the doubt.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWS FAQ'S
Santa Ana, CA
START YOUR DEFENSE TODAY BY CONTACTING GOODMAN CRIMINAL LITIGATION
California’s penal code allows for many types of criminal charges. Whether you are facing drug, assault, or another type of accusation, your reputation and freedom may be on the line. Prosecutors often rely on intimidation to pressure defendants into accepting unfavorable plea bargains or admitting guilt early on. Admitting guilt could be a mistake if you have not gone over your legal options with an experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney.
Nationally recognized defense attorney Jacqueline Goodman isn’t intimidated by the tactics used by prosecutors to secure convictions. As a certified criminal law specialist and respected defense lawyer, she is known for taking on tough cases and winning favorable outcomes for her clients. Don’t risk your freedom to an unproven defense attorney.
Contact Goodman Criminal Litigation today to schedule your initial consultation with our legal team.