1. Paladin Legal Defenders
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 60+ years combined experience and daily court presence
Practice Areas: DUI, white collar crimes, firearm offenses, assault, drug crimes, sexual crimes, homicide, petty theft
Background: The dedicated and experienced Huntington Beach criminal defense attorneys at Paladin Legal Defenders are here to represent you, protect your constitutional rights, and defend you aggressively against the charges you are facing. The firm will relentlessly pursue your case with an aim to have your charges dropped or reduced. The attorneys at the criminal defense law firm have unmatched legal knowledge and over 60 years of combined experience in defending individuals against a wide range of charges. Paladin Legal Defenders was founded in 2004 by Attorney Charles Stoddard. Attorney Charles Stoddard and Attorney Pante-a Nilchian are experienced criminal defense attorneys with the goal of providing an outstanding and highly competent criminal defense in all areas of criminal law. The firm has successfully handled hundreds of cases ranging from petty theft to murder. The attorneys practice primarily in Orange County but also handle cases throughout Southern California.
Location: Huntington Beach, California (serves Orange County and Southern California)
Contact: (714) 536-9988 | https://pldcriminaldefense.com/
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation available
2. Johnson Criminal Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with extensive local court familiarity and comprehensive representation
Practice Areas: Assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI, grand theft, juvenile delinquency, murder, robbery, theft
Background: The Johnson Criminal Law Group aggressively represents the accused against charges in criminal defense cases. Huntington Beach is an exciting town with lots of recreational activities, events, and other fun things to do. But there is a considerable amount of crime in the area as well. The office frequently receives calls from people charged with crimes looking for a criminal defense attorney near Huntington Beach. Unless other circumstances exist, all criminal cases charged in Huntington Beach are heard at the West Justice Center in Westminster, CA. The Huntington Beach criminal defense lawyers are very familiar with this courthouse and appear there on a regular basis to defend clients in all types of criminal cases. The lawyers at the Johnson Criminal Law Group have handled hundreds of assault cases throughout Southern California. Huntington Beach is known for the occasional bar fight or altercation near or around Main Street.
Location: Orange County, California (serves Huntington Beach, cases heard at West Justice Center in Westminster)
Contact: (949) 622-5522 | https://www.californiacriminaldefender.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with proven track record and comprehensive court coverage
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, assault, theft, robbery, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: The Huntington Beach criminal defense attorneys have represented clients all throughout Southern California, garnering in-depth experience and familiarity with each court. Rest assured that no matter what court your case will be tried in, the firm will be with you every step of the way. When looking for a Huntington Beach criminal defense attorney to help you protect your rights and defend against your charges, it’s critical that you pick someone who not only has a proven track record of success but who also has success defending against charges for specific crime or crimes of which you have been accused. California criminal law is nuanced and complicated. There are numerous defense strategies that could work well against assault charges. On the same token, you don’t want to make the mistake of choosing legal counsel with too narrow of a focus. The firm is located at 17011 Beach Boulevard, Suite 900, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.
Location: 17011 Beach Boulevard, Suite 900, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Contact: (714) 698-5416 | https://www.chesleylawyers.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Kolacia Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 15+ years experience and former prosecutor insight
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, white collar crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: If you have been accused of a crime in Huntington Beach, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be severe, and a skilled attorney can help protect your rights and interests. Kolacia Law Firm is a criminal defense firm serving Huntington Beach, CA, with over 15 years of experience in defending clients charged with criminal offenses. The firm has successfully defended clients facing various charges, including DUI, drug crimes, assault, and more. Facing criminal charges in Huntington Beach can be stressful and intimidating. At Kolacia Law Firm, the firm provides aggressive, personalized legal representation aimed at protecting your rights, freedom, and future. The founder, Daniel Kolacia, is a former prosecutor with firsthand knowledge of prosecution tactics. This valuable perspective helps the firm anticipate strategies and effectively counter the state’s case.
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, California (serves Huntington Beach and Orange County)
Contact: Available through website | https://kolacialaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Law Office of Michael L. Guisti
Focus Area: Criminal defense with National Trial Lawyers Top 100 recognition and 10.0 Avvo score
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, theft, drug crimes, sex crimes, vandalism, assault and battery, federal crimes
Background: Michael Guisti is one of Orange County’s criminal defense lawyers, a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, recognized with a 10.0 score on Avvo, and years of experience fighting for clients. Most attorneys will gladly hear your story and take your money, and wait until the DA makes their move, but from the moment the firm receives your case the Huntington Beach criminal attorney specialists are very aggressive working with the Orange County District Attorney and prosecutors at the West Justice Center, which has allowed clients’ cases to be dismissed or have charges greatly reduced. The criminal specialists handle every type of criminal case that comes across the office in a timely and professional matter. Huntington Beach is a very popular place for parties, bars and clubs, and Huntington Beach responds with massive saturated DUI patrols and DUI checkpoints.
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Contact: (888) 478-8999 | https://www.topcalifornialawyer.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California felonies are categorized by potential prison sentences:
Life Felonies: Includes first-degree murder, kidnapping for ransom, and certain sex offenses. Penalty is 25 years to life, life without parole, or death penalty.
Felonies with Specified Terms: Most felonies have a low, middle, and high term. For example, robbery carries 2, 3, or 5 years. Courts typically impose the middle term unless aggravating or mitigating factors exist.
“Wobblers”: Many offenses can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors depending on circumstances. Examples include assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft, and certain drug offenses.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine.
Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum 364 days in county jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include DUI, domestic battery, and petty theft with prior.
Infractions: Non-criminal offenses punishable by fine only. Examples include minor traffic violations.
Expungement (Dismissal)
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4:
Eligibility: Available after completing probation (or early termination) for most misdemeanors and felonies. Not available for certain sex offenses, offenses involving minors, and offenses where prison time was served.
Effect: Conviction is dismissed and set aside. You can legally state you were not convicted of the offense on most job applications. Does not restore gun rights or eliminate sex offender registration.
Felony Reduction: Some “wobbler” felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors under Penal Code 17(b) before expungement.
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 3-5 years informal probation, $390-$1,000 in fines plus penalty assessments (total often $1,800+), DUI school, and 6-month license suspension. Second offense within 10 years carries 96 hours to 1 year jail, 18-30 month DUI school, and 2-year license suspension. Third offense within 10 years carries 120 days to 1 year jail and 3-year license suspension. Fourth offense within 10 years can be charged as a felony with 16 months to 3 years state prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Huntington Beach?
Criminal cases in Huntington Beach are primarily handled by the West Justice Center, located at 8141 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683. This is the Orange County Superior Court location that handles cases from Huntington Beach and surrounding communities. More serious felony cases may be transferred to the Central Justice Center at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Having a Huntington Beach criminal defense attorney familiar with the West Justice Center provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What are the consequences of a DUI conviction in Orange County?
A DUI conviction in Orange County carries serious consequences. First offense includes 3-5 years informal probation, $390-$1,000 fine plus penalty assessments (total often $1,800+), DUI school (3-9 months), 6-month license suspension, and possible jail time. Enhanced penalties apply for high BAC (.15%+), causing injury, or having a minor in the vehicle. Second offense within 10 years carries mandatory jail time, 18-30 month DUI school, and 2-year license suspension. Third offense carries 120 days to 1 year jail. Fourth offense can be charged as a felony. A Huntington Beach criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results.
What is Proposition 47 and how does it affect criminal charges in Huntington Beach?
Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reduced many non-violent property and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Under Prop 47, shoplifting (theft from a store while open for business) under $950 is a misdemeanor. Theft under $950 is petty theft (misdemeanor). Forgery and bad checks under $950 are misdemeanors. Personal use possession of most controlled substances is a misdemeanor. Those previously convicted of these offenses as felonies may petition for resentencing or to have their records redesignated as misdemeanors. A Huntington Beach criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether Prop 47 applies to your charges or previous convictions.
What diversion programs are available in Orange County?
Orange County offers several diversion programs for qualifying defendants. Penal Code 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is available for certain first-time drug offenders. Mental Health Diversion under Penal Code 1001.36 is available for defendants with qualifying mental health conditions. Military Diversion under Penal Code 1001.80 is available for current or former military members with service-related conditions. Orange County Drug Court provides treatment-based alternatives for qualifying drug offenders. Successful completion of these programs results in dismissal of charges. A Huntington Beach criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for diversion.
Can I get my California criminal record expunged after a conviction in Huntington Beach?
California allows expungement (dismissal) under Penal Code 1203.4 for most misdemeanors and felonies after completing probation. The conviction is dismissed and set aside, allowing you to legally state you were not convicted on most job applications. Some felonies can first be reduced to misdemeanors under Penal Code 17(b). California also now has automatic record clearing under AB 1076 for eligible arrests and convictions. Recent legislation has expanded eligibility and created automatic expungement for certain marijuana offenses. A Huntington Beach criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility, petition for early termination of probation, and file the appropriate expungement petition.