1. Wallin & Klarich
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years experience and thousands of clients represented
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, battery, domestic violence, murder, sex offenses, juvenile crimes, theft, lewd acts, expungement, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: They are a powerful team of criminal defense attorneys who will fight to protect your freedom and criminal record. Their law firm has been successfully defending clients facing state and federal criminal charges for more than 40 years. They have successfully helped thousands of people in California in their time of legal need. Their skilled and knowledgeable attorneys are available to help you now. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. They approach your case with the same level of commitment as they would if you were a member of their own family. They know the anxiety and stress you are going through when faced with a criminal charge. They take the time once retained to calmly explain the entire process to you and your family so that there are no surprises. For over 40 years, the criminal defense lawyers at Wallin & Klarich have handled all types of criminal matters, helping people like you receive the results in their case. The success of their criminal defense firm has helped them achieve multiple merits and awards including a 5 out of 5 AV rating on Lawyers.com, a 10 out of 10 rating on AVVO.com, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Location: 18022 Cowan, Suite 285, Irvine, CA 92614
Contact: (949) 776-3424 or (877) 466-5245 | https://www.wklaw.com/
Consultation: Free phone consultation available
2. Law Offices of Staycie R. Sena
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 25+ years experience and California State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, battery, sex crimes, theft, domestic violence, traffic offenses, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Attorney Staycie R. Sena is an Orange County criminal defense lawyer who is dedicated to protecting her clients. With 25+ Years of Experience, she has been Voted Top 100 Lawyers, Voted “Top Criminal Lawyer” by OC Metro, Voted “Top Criminal Lawyer” by Coast Magazine, is a Graduate of Stanford Law School, and is a California State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Arrests happen all the time to ordinary people. Often, the police claim that they want to talk and that the consequences will be better if you cooperate and answer honestly. Even if you believe that you have done nothing wrong, or that you can explain what happened to the police, you should not talk to the police or investigators before talking to an experienced criminal attorney. Staycie R. Sena has nearly three decades of criminal defense experience, representing people throughout Orange County from her office in Irvine. Located at The Atrium Building on Von Karman Avenue in Irvine.
Location: The Atrium Building, Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, California
Contact: (949) 477-8088 | https://www.irvinecriminallawyer.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Ron Cordova, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former deputy district attorney and California legislator experience
Practice Areas: Federal crimes, white collar crimes, DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, fraud, embezzlement
Background: As a former deputy district attorney and member of the California legislature, Ron’s thorough understanding of the criminal justice system allows him quickly to develop sophisticated and effective defenses for his clients. He has tried over 150 jury trials in state and federal courts throughout the United States, earning a reputation for success, integrity, hard work and determination from both his clients and his peers. Whatever criminal charges you may be facing, Ron’s knowledge and skill can help you achieve the outcome to your case. A strong defense requires thorough preparation. If you’ve been charged with a crime, obtaining strong legal representation should be your immediate priority. An arrest in Irvine will usually be prosecuted at the Harbor Justice Center. Attorney Cordova’s office proximity to the Harbor Justice Center leads many Irvine residents to his office.
Location: Irvine, California
Contact: (949) 769-2175 | https://www.roncordovalaw.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. Law Offices of Christian Kim
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience and 10.0 Avvo Rating
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, white collar crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Mr. Kim knows how powerful the government can be when bringing criminal charges against someone. He is committed to using his extensive experience as a former prosecutor and as an Orange County criminal defense attorney to aggressively and competently defend the rights of those accused of wrongdoing. If you are facing criminal charges in Orange County, California, you should seek fierce legal representation from a criminal lawyer. Criminal charges in California can cause a wide range of issues for you in the years following your arrest. Their Irvine criminal defense lawyer understands these consequences and wants to protect your future from past mistakes. They analyze all the details of your case to build the strongest defense possible, while keeping your interests at the top of their priority list. At the Law Offices of Christian Kim, you can benefit from the advocacy of an Irvine criminal defense lawyer with a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and inclusion in the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers. Mr. Kim has tried more than 50 cases in front of a jury.
Location: Irvine, California (serves Orange County)
Contact: (714) 576-2935 | https://www.californiacriminaldefenselaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Law Office of Michael L. Guisti
Focus Area: Criminal defense with National Trial Lawyers Top 100 recognition and cultural sensitivity
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, gang crimes, sex crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Michael Guisti is one of Orange County’s leading 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. When you’ve been charged with a crime you don’t just want an attorney, you want an attorney you can trust. Michael L. Guisti and his team of highly qualified criminal defense lawyers here at Law Office of Michael L. Guisti have been practicing law in Orange County since 1999 and they’ve successfully handled hundreds of criminal defense and DUI defense for both misdemeanor and felony cases. They are proud of their track record of defending clients from Irvine and other Orange County communities in state and federal court. Their Irvine Office is conveniently located on Main Street, a short drive from the Newport Beach Harbor Orange County Court. Their proximity to the court and their years of experience trying cases in state and federal courts have allowed them to build up strong professional relationships with judges and prosecutors. One of the things that make Irvine such a unique and vibrant city is its large Asian American and immigrant community. They understand that cultural misunderstandings can lead to criminal charges being filed and offer services in Chinese, Korean, and other foreign languages.
Location: Main Street, Irvine, California (near Newport Beach Harbor Court)
Contact: (949) 390-9898 | https://www.topcalifornialawyer.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California uses determinate sentencing with low, middle, and high terms for most felonies:
Serious Felonies: Include murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping, assault with intent to commit mayhem. These trigger Three Strikes enhancements.
Violent Felonies: Similar to serious felonies with specific code sections. Require registration and enhance future sentencing.
Wobbler Offenses: Can be charged as felony or misdemeanor at prosecutor’s discretion. Examples include assault with deadly weapon, grand theft, and some drug offenses.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum 6 months county jail and $1,000 fine.
Gross/Aggravated Misdemeanor: Maximum 364 days county jail.
Common misdemeanors include DUI (first offense), petty theft, simple assault, drug possession for personal use.
Proposition 47
Proposition 47 (2014) reduced many non-violent felonies to misdemeanors, including drug possession for personal use and theft under $950. Allows those with prior convictions to petition for resentencing or reclassification.
Expungement
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 after completing probation. The conviction is set aside and dismissed, but still visible to law enforcement. Most misdemeanors and many felonies are eligible. Not available for certain sex offenses and crimes against children.
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 3-5 years probation, up to 6 months jail (48-hour minimum), $390-$1,000 fine, 6-month license suspension, and DUI school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Irvine?
Criminal cases in Irvine are typically handled at the Harbor Justice Center, located at 4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660. This courthouse serves the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and other south Orange County communities. The Harbor Justice Center has a Criminal Department that handles arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials. Having an Irvine criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the local court and has relationships with judges and prosecutors at the Harbor Justice Center provides a strategic advantage.
What is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor in California?
In California, felonies are serious crimes punishable by state prison sentences (16 months or more), while misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by county jail time (up to one year). California also has infractions (fines only, no jail). Many offenses are “wobblers” that can be charged as either felony or misdemeanor at the prosecutor’s discretion. For a first-time DUI offense in California, including Orange County, you could face penalties such as up to six months in jail, fines ranging from $390 to $1,000, a 6-month driver’s license suspension, and mandatory DUI school.
What are the penalties for drug possession in California?
California reformed drug laws with Proposition 47 (2014). Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is now a misdemeanor under Health & Safety Code 11350, with maximum penalty of 1 year county jail and $1,000 fine. First and second-time offenders are typically eligible for drug treatment diversion programs. Marijuana possession (up to 28.5 grams) for adults 21+ is legal. Drug distribution crimes are felonies and can lead to up to nine years of imprisonment, or even more if the criminal activity involved minors. An Irvine criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for diversion programs.
What happens if I am charged with a sex crime in Orange County?
Sex crimes in California carry severe penalties and can require lifetime sex offender registration. When you’re charged with a sex crime, your reputation is on the line. If you’re convicted of a sex crime, life as you know it may be over. A sex crime conviction can require you to add your name to the sex offender registry. That’s something you need to avoid at all costs. Having to register as a sex offender makes some neighborhoods off-limits. Sex crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. They include rape, child pornography, oral copulation by force, statutory rape, sexual battery, lewd acts with a child, prostitution, and indecent exposure.
Can I get my California criminal record expunged?
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 after completing probation successfully. You must have completed all terms of probation, paid all fines and restitution, and not be currently charged with or on probation for another offense. If eligible, the court will set aside the verdict or plea, and dismiss the case. The record still exists but shows the dismissal. You can legally answer “no” to most questions about criminal convictions on employment applications. A conviction can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. An Irvine criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the petition.