Orange County Criminal Defense Blog

In California criminal law, a wobbler offense is a crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. As the name suggests, it refers to crimes that “wobble” between the two levels of severity. In most cases, the decision rests on charging discretion, meaning prosecutors evaluate circumstances such as prior criminal history,…

A popular belief among many is that police must always read Miranda rights during an arrest. It’s not difficult to understand how this misconception became widespread when American TV shows like “Law & Order” have depicted the process this way repeatedly. However, that’s simply for entertainment purposes. In reality, the law is much more specific…

YES, CHARGES CAN BE FILED WITHOUT ARREST Many people assume that an arrest must occur before criminal charges can be brought, but in California that is not always true. In fact, prosecutors can initiate formal charges after a thorough investigation and review of the evidence, even when no arrest has taken place. The process begins…

Being arrested for a serious crime, or felony arrest, can be one of the most frightening experiences a person and their loved ones may ever face. The moment law enforcement places you under arrest, a chain of legal and administrative processes immediately begins. From interaction with the Orange County courts to understanding your charges, the…

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…