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For individuals with an arrest or criminal conviction, your past doesn’t have to define your future. At the Law Offices of David A. Stein in Orange County, we believe in second chances and using the law to help clients clear or limit the impact of a criminal record. Whether you’re seeking expungement, sealing arrest records,…

Have you suddenly received unexpected detective calls? Is law enforcement quietly reviewing your case? If you’re a target of investigation in Orange County, the time before formal charges are filed can be critical. A pre-filing intervention is an initiative-taking, strategic legal approach that uses pre-charge advocacy to influence the decision of the prosecutor during the…

Facing ghost gun or unserialized firearm charges in Orange County, CA? Understanding your exposure and defenses is critical. Penal Code (PC) § 29180 prohibits the clandestine manufacturing, possession or transport of a firearm or kit that lacks a state or federal serial number. In practical terms, possessing an unserialized firearm, a kit gun, ammo, or…

DUI arrest Orange County As with all counties throughout the State of California, the arresting officer of a suspect driving under the influence in Orange County will seize the driver’s license and serve the driver with a Notice of Suspension (legally referred to as DMV for DS367), usually after release from custody. If this has…

In California, search and seizure law applies emphatically to digital devices. A cell phone search is among the most intrusive kinds of searches law enforcement can conduct — because phones contain deeply personal data like messages, photos, location history, and more.  Understanding your rights around warrant requirement, consent, password protections, and border issues is key…

Has a bench warrant been issued against you in Orange County, California? You’re not alone. Many people face this consequence after a failure to appear (FTA), missing a court date, or even a probation violation. The good news is there are concrete steps you can take to recall and quash the warrant — sometimes via…

To be accused of a crime can feel overwhelming, but what you do in the first hours after being arrested in Orange County will shape the outcome of your case. Whether the charge is minor or serious, you have constitutional rights designed to protect you — if you know how to use them. The key…

When a friend or family in jail calls you from Orange County, the first moments count most, especially if they face an immigration hold or are on probation/parole. Since every word on recorded jail calls can be used against them in court, don’t talk about facts of the case and post no social media. Instead,…

In California, pardons are a powerful form of clemency that restores a person’s civil rights. Under a Governor’s Pardon, former convicts who have completed their sentences and demonstrated good conduct can reintegrate fully into society. If you’ve paid your debt and now live a law‑abiding lifestyle, seeking a pardon can help you restore your rights…

How Arraignments Work in California Criminal Courts When you’re arrested in California, an arraignment is usually your first court hearing in the criminal process. During the hearing, a judge formally reads the charges against you, explains your rights, and asks how you wish to plead. Whether you say “not guilty” or consider another plea, this…