1. Wallin & Klarich
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of experience throughout Southern California
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, violent crimes, juvenile crimes
Background: The criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich ensure clients receive the highest quality legal representation when facing criminal charges. The firm has been serving clients throughout Southern California for decades. In most misdemeanor cases, the criminal defense attorney can appear for clients in court, with exceptions being domestic violence matters and cases issuing a Child Protective Order. The firm has built a reputation for providing aggressive representation and achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious criminal charges. Clients have praised the firm for knowledge, professionalism, and quick response times.
Location: 1161 N. Raymond Avenue, Suite 140B, Anaheim, CA 92801 (additional offices throughout Southern California)
Contact: (714) 867-1891 | https://www.wklaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
2. Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Focus Area: Criminal defense and DUI with extensive experience in Orange County courts
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, assault, felonies, misdemeanors, expungement
Background: The Anaheim criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley have experience in all areas of California criminal law. Whichever criminal court handles a case, the lawyers are familiar with the prosecutors, court, and its judges. The firm has achieved notable results, including complete dismissal of all charges in cases involving robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. Clients have praised the attorneys for being professional in communicating case status, explaining situations as a whole, and taking care of business. The firm goes above and beyond, including obtaining expungements without clients even requesting them.
Location: 160 North Riverview Drive, Suite 200, Anaheim, CA 92808
Contact: (714) 576-2861 | https://www.chesleylawyers.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. All Trial Lawyers
Focus Area: Criminal defense with aggressive courtroom advocacy across Southern California
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, assault, sex crimes, juvenile crimes, CPS defense
Background: At All Trial Lawyers law firm, there is a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys who are dedicated to fighting for clients’ rights and providing solid legal advice. With a goal to fight for and deliver the best results possible, whether by way of an acquittal or favorable judgment at trial, a favorable settlement deal, or an outright dismissal, the firm promises to take care of clients and their best interests. The firm puts clients first, and its reputation as aggressive advocates in the courtroom allows them to deliver the best possible outcome. The attorneys are known and trusted among judges throughout courthouses in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, Anaheim, and San Bernardino.
Location: Anaheim, California (serves Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Riverside County)
Contact: (866) 811-4255 | https://alltriallawyers.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. California Criminal Lawyer Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 24/7 availability and long-standing reputation
Practice Areas: Federal crimes, state crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft
Background: California Criminal Lawyer Group is a criminal law firm whose specialty is providing criminal defense to clients facing criminal charges in Anaheim, CA, and other neighboring towns and counties. The firm boasts a long-standing reputation in Anaheim and beyond for providing aggressive criminal defense and thriving where other firms fail or merely refuse to take on a case. The firm handles even the most intricate cases. Contact is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. The firm has vast resources and several years of combined experience, with many full acquittals in jury and bench trials and many won pretrial motions. Judges, prosecutors, and other attorneys know the firm will not back down until obtaining the most favorable outcome.
Location: Anaheim, California (serves Orange County and surrounding areas)
Contact: Available 24/7 | https://www.occrimedefense.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Johnson Criminal Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 15+ years experience and community justice advocacy
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, assault, sex crimes, juvenile crimes, CPS defense, expungement
Background: Johnson Criminal Law Group serves clients across Orange County and Southern California. The firm has over 15 years experience fighting in court and winning. The firm has represented thousands of clients because of confidence in abilities, and clients have faith in the quality of work. Attorney Lauren Johnson-Norris was awarded the Archie A. Gorfinkle Award For The Most Promising Graduate Entering The Field Of Criminal Law from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She has been recognized by Handel on the Law as a top criminal defense attorney, by HG.org for CPS and juvenile advocacy, and received the 2018 Community Justice Award from Chicanos Unidos for criminal justice reform and Latinx community advocacy.
Location: Orange County, California (appears at Harbor Justice Center, West Justice Center, North Justice Center, Central Justice Center, and Lamoreaux Justice Center)
Contact: (949) 622-5522 | https://www.californiacriminaldefender.com/
Consultation: Confidential consultation available
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
Where will my criminal case be heard if I am arrested in Anaheim?
Most cases arising from arrests in Anaheim are brought at the Fullerton Courthouse (North Justice Center at 1275 N. Berkeley Ave, Fullerton). However, some serious cases may be brought at the Central Justice Center at 700 Civic Center Drive West in downtown Santa Ana. The Central Justice Center handles very serious cases needing specialized prosecutors. Traffic violations are typically handled at the North Justice Center. Having an Anaheim criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in these courts and knows the local judges and prosecutors provides a significant advantage.
What is the arraignment process in Orange County?
The arraignment is your first court appearance after being charged with a crime. At arraignment, you will be formally advised of the charges against you and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). In most misdemeanor cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf, meaning you do not have to personally attend. For felony cases and certain misdemeanors (domestic violence, cases with protective orders), you must appear in person. At arraignment, the judge will also address bail and any conditions of release. It is important to have an attorney before arraignment to advise you on the best plea and to argue for favorable bail conditions.
What is the difference between the District Attorney and City Attorney in Anaheim?
Criminal prosecutions in Anaheim are handled by different offices depending on the type of offense. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes all felonies and most misdemeanors that occur in Anaheim. However, infractions and some misdemeanors that violate city ordinances may be prosecuted by the Anaheim City Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney handles more serious offenses and has greater resources for investigation and prosecution. Understanding which office is prosecuting your case matters because it affects negotiation strategies and potential outcomes. An Anaheim criminal defense attorney familiar with both offices can navigate these differences effectively.
What happens if I am not a U.S. citizen and am convicted of a crime in California?
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 (often called “Padilla” issues after the Supreme Court case) and can negotiate dispositions that minimize or avoid immigration consequences.
Can I get my California conviction reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor?
If you were convicted of a “wobbler” offense (one that can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor), you may be able to petition the court to reduce your felony to a misdemeanor under Penal Code 17(b). This is sometimes called a “17b motion.” You may be eligible if you received probation (rather than prison time) and have completed probation or obtained early termination. The court considers factors including the nature of the offense, your criminal history, and your performance on probation. Proposition 47 also allows reduction of certain drug and theft felonies to misdemeanors. A successful reduction removes many consequences of a felony conviction, including firearm restrictions. An Anaheim criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file the appropriate petition.