Orange County Criminal Defense Blog

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…

When you or a loved one faces criminal charges, one of the first questions is how long a criminal case takes to reach a resolution. In Orange County, California, the duration varies widely depending on the range of charges, case severity and other factors: Types of cases: minor infraction vs. misdemeanor vs. felony Complexity: the…

If you have been charged with a crime and plan to plead guilty, you might think that hiring a lawyer to represent you in court is unnecessary. Or perhaps you don’t want to hire an attorney because it feels like an unnecessary expense, especially if you’ve already decided on your course of action..  However, the…

As a parent, finding out that your child was arrested can be overwhelming and stressful. Whether your son or daughter is a juvenile or an adult, knowing what to do first in these circumstances can be of the utmost importance, making sure their rights remain protected and that they have the best possible outcome. Although…

Should you accept a plea bargain offer? If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you may be offered a plea bargain as part of your case. Should you risk taking your case to trial, or should you accept the plea bargain? There are advantages and disadvantages either way, and making the optimum…