1. Law Offices of Glew & Kim
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years combined experience and personalized attorney-client connection
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, theft, violent crimes, sex crimes
Background: Clients enjoy a personalized, direct attorney-client connection that is rare at large criminal defense firms. Whether facing DUI, drug charges, white-collar, theft allegations, or other criminal defense matters, the attorneys provide the focused attention each case deserves. All criminal matters receive personal attention from attorneys Christopher Glew and Jina Kim. With more than 30 years of combined legal knowledge as criminal defense attorneys in Santa Ana, they are dedicated to providing clients with the best representation and aiming for the best outcomes achievable. Chris Glew has been called “the hottest criminal defense attorney in Orange County,” has been recognized as one of the Top Lawyers in California by American Lawyer Media, and was named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Location: Santa Ana, California
Contact: (714) 648-0004 | https://glewkimlaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
2. Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian PC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Deputy District Attorney experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence, traffic offenses
Background: At the Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian, Attorney Arsenian is a former Deputy District Attorney who knows how the state of California pursues convictions of the accused. He has argued cases of all sizes, from traffic tickets to murder trials, and knows what it takes to challenge the state’s allegations against clients. As both a former prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Arsenian has handled a wide array of different criminal cases from both sides of the courtroom. He continues to bring that valuable experience to clients’ cases and ensures that, no matter what their case entails, they have an aggressive advocate on their side.
Location: Santa Ana, California
Contact: (714) 400-2000 | https://www.arsenian.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Law Offices of Christian Kim
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience as former prosecutor and defense attorney
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, violent crimes, juvenile crimes
Background: Attorney Christian Kim is committed to using his extensive experience as a former prosecutor and as a Santa Ana criminal defense attorney to aggressively and competently defend the rights of those accused of wrongdoing. After more than 7 years serving the Orange County area as a prosecutor and now over 14 years as a criminal defense attorney, Christian Kim has experience on both sides. This commitment to client satisfaction has earned Mr. Kim a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and a ranking among the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers. Mr. Kim believes that anything less than complete honesty is a disservice to his clients and provides complete and frank communication.
Location: Orange County, California (serves Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim)
Contact: (714) 576-2935 | https://www.californiacriminaldefenselaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. William Weinberg, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with nearly 30 years experience in Central Justice Center
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, violent crimes, murder
Background: For almost 30 years, criminal defense attorney William Weinberg has appeared in the Central Justice Center almost every month, if not every week, so he knows it well. The Central Justice Center, and the justice system itself, is often confusing to someone who is unfamiliar with the process. For Attorney Weinberg, navigating this process is what he does every day. He walks his clients through the process and takes care to put them at ease. As a defense attorney, he approaches every case on a personal level and wants to know who his client is and how they found themselves in his office. This allows him to develop a narrative to present to the court and the prosecution that puts a face on the defendant.
Location: Irvine, California (serves Santa Ana and Orange County)
Contact: (949) 474-8008 | https://www.williamweinberg.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Dod Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with comprehensive knowledge of Orange County courts
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, assault, violent crimes, sex crimes
Background: Dod Law is a well-respected criminal defense law firm. Dod knows the law, knows the judges, and knows the prosecutors. Dod Law knows what it takes to build a strong criminal defense for each case. California’s criminal penalties can be harsh, often resulting in life-altering consequences. A felony conviction could mean the loss of certain rights, including voting, firearm ownership, or military service eligibility. Most people lack the legal expertise to represent themselves effectively in a criminal case, which is why hiring a skilled Santa Ana criminal defense attorney is essential. The firm provides aggressive representation throughout Orange County.
Location: 1043 W Civic Center Dr, Suite 101, Santa Ana, CA 92703
Contact: (949) 681-7020 | https://www.dodlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California does not use traditional felony classes. Instead, each offense specifies its own penalty:
Straight Felonies: Crimes that can only be charged as felonies, such as murder, rape, and kidnapping. Penalties vary widely based on the specific offense.
Wobblers: Offenses that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at the prosecutor’s discretion, such as assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft, and domestic violence with injury. The decision depends on circumstances and criminal history.
Determinate Sentencing: Most California felonies have a “triad” sentencing structure with low, middle, and high terms (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 years). Judges select within this range based on aggravating and mitigating factors.
Indeterminate Sentencing: Serious violent felonies may carry indeterminate sentences such as 15 years to life or 25 years to life.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include petty theft, simple assault, and trespassing.
Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 364 days in county jail and higher fines. Examples include DUI (first offense), domestic battery, and violation of protective order.
Infractions: Not criminal offenses. Punishable only by fine, no jail time. Examples include most traffic violations and minor municipal code violations.
Record Clearing Options
California offers multiple paths to clear criminal records:
Expungement (PC 1203.4): Available for most misdemeanor and felony convictions after completing probation. The conviction is dismissed but still visible on background checks (employer must ignore it for most purposes).
Proposition 47 Relief: Certain drug and theft felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors and then expunged.
Proposition 64 Relief: Marijuana-related convictions can be reduced, dismissed, or sealed depending on the offense.
Certificate of Rehabilitation: Available for certain felons who have demonstrated rehabilitation. Can lead to a gubernatorial pardon.
Automatic Record Sealing (SB 731): California automatically seals arrest and conviction records for eligible offenses after completion of sentence and waiting period (typically 4 years for felonies).
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 96 hours to 6 months jail, $390-$1,000 fine plus assessments, 6-month license suspension, 3-month DUI school, and 3-5 years probation. California has an implied consent law; refusal results in 1-year license suspension (first offense). Fourth DUI within 10 years is a felony. DUI with injury can be charged as a felony even for first offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Central Justice Center and how does it handle Santa Ana cases?
The Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana, is the hub of Orange County’s criminal court system. All high-profile and major crime trials take place in this courthouse. The Central Justice Center routinely handles criminal cases from Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park. The Orange County Law Library and the main offices of the Orange County District Attorney and the Orange County Public Defender are also located at the civic center plaza. This courthouse has the largest caseload in the county and is sometimes a starting point for criminal cases that are later sent to branch courts. Having a Santa Ana criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in the Central Justice Center knows the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures well.
What is the difference between the District Attorney and City Attorney in Santa Ana?
Criminal prosecutions in Santa Ana are handled by different offices depending on the type of offense. Most Santa Ana criminal cases are prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, which handles all felonies and most misdemeanors. However, infractions and certain misdemeanors that violate city ordinances are prosecuted by the Santa Ana City Attorney’s office. The District Attorney handles more serious offenses and has greater resources for investigation and prosecution. Understanding which office is handling your case matters because it affects negotiation strategies and potential outcomes. A Santa Ana criminal defense attorney familiar with both offices can navigate these differences effectively.
Where will I be held if I am arrested in Santa Ana?
If you are arrested in Santa Ana, you will be booked and processed at one of several facilities. The Santa Ana Police Jail is located at 62 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (phone: 714-245-8100). For longer-term detention, you may be transferred to the Central Men’s Jail or Central Women’s Jail at 550 N Flower St, Santa Ana, CA 92703 (phone: 714-647-4666), or the Theo Lacy Facility at 501 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868 (phone: 714-935-6940). It is important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after arrest to discuss bail options and begin preparing your defense.
What are the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction in Orange County?
If you are a noncitizen and are convicted of certain crimes in California, the immigration consequences can be devastating. Even an arrest and fingerprinting can lead to automatic visa revocation. Some potential consequences include deportation (removal), inadmissibility (being barred from entering the United States), and adverse effects on citizenship and green card applications. Crimes involving moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, drug offenses, domestic violence, and firearms offenses can trigger these consequences. It is essential to have a criminal defense attorney who understands immigration consequences and can negotiate dispositions that minimize or avoid immigration consequences. Pre-filing defense can sometimes prevent charges from being filed in the first place.
What is pre-filing intervention and can it help my case?
Pre-filing intervention is a process where a criminal defense attorney contacts the prosecutor before charges are formally filed, attempting to prevent or reduce criminal charges. After an arrest, there is often a gap before charges are filed while the prosecutor reviews the case. During this window, an experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney can present evidence favorable to you, challenge the strength of the evidence against you, and argue that charges should not be filed. If successful, you avoid the stress, expense, and public record of being formally charged. Even if charges are still filed, pre-filing intervention can sometimes result in reduced charges. This strategy works best when you retain an attorney immediately after arrest, before charges are filed.