1. Staycie R. Sena, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense (state and federal), drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, sex crimes, theft crimes
Case Types Handled: Drug possession, drug sales, drug trafficking, domestic violence, assault and battery, sex offenses, rape, theft, burglary, robbery, DUI, white collar crimes, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, jury trials, expungement petitions, probation violation hearings
Background: Staycie R. Sena has nearly three decades of criminal defense experience representing clients throughout Orange County. She is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in the area of criminal law, a distinction that indicates demonstrated proficiency and substantial involvement in criminal defense. She has developed strong relationships with District Attorneys and judges in Orange County, which has contributed to her obtaining numerous dismissals for clients. She represents clients in both state and federal criminal matters.
Location: 18500 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 160, Irvine, CA 92612
Contact: (949) 477-8088 | https://www.irvinecriminallawyer.com/
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
2. Law Offices of Christian Kim
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence defense, drug crimes, theft crimes
Case Types Handled: DUI, drug possession, drug sales, domestic violence, assault and battery, theft, burglary, robbery, sex offenses, white collar crimes, juvenile offenses, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, probation modification, expungement petitions
Background: Christian Kim served as an Orange County Deputy District Attorney for over seven years before transitioning to criminal defense. During his time as a prosecutor, he handled thousands of criminal cases and tried more than 50 criminal cases to jury verdict. His experience as a prosecutor provides insight into how the prosecution evaluates and builds cases. He has a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and has been included in the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers. He provides representation in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, and throughout Orange County.
Location: 19800 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 420, Irvine, CA 92612
Contact: (714) 576-2935 | https://www.californiacriminaldefenselaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Ron Cordova, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense (state and federal), white collar crimes, federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes (kidnapping, internet crimes, tax evasion, mail fraud, securities fraud, RICO), state felonies, misdemeanors, drug offenses, DUI, sex crimes, theft, assault
Legal Services: Federal court representation, trial defense, grand jury representation, jury trials, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, appeals
Background: Ron Cordova has practiced criminal defense for over 40 years. He served as a former deputy district attorney and was a member of the California legislature. He has tried over 150 jury trials in state and federal courts throughout the United States. His legislative and prosecutorial background provides him with a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and how to develop effective defense strategies. He represents clients facing both state charges in Orange County and federal charges throughout the country.
Location: 2102 Business Center Drive, Suite 130, Irvine, CA 92612
Contact: (949) 769-2175 | https://www.roncordovalaw.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. Wallin & Klarich
Practice Focus: Criminal defense (state and federal), DUI defense, drug crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, juvenile defense
Case Types Handled: DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft, burglary, robbery, assault, murder, white collar crimes, juvenile offenses, probation violations, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, jury trials, expungement petitions, certificate of rehabilitation, probation violation hearings, appeals
Background: Wallin & Klarich has been defending clients facing state and federal criminal charges for more than 40 years. The firm has helped thousands of clients throughout California. The firm emphasizes thorough case preparation, obtaining evidence and documents to build defenses, and reviewing police reports and forensic evidence with clients. The firm serves clients throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and other Southern California counties.
Location: 17592 Irvine Boulevard, Tustin, CA 92780 (serves Irvine and all of Orange County)
Contact: (877) 466-5245 | https://www.wklaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. William Weinberg, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, drug crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, DUI defense
Case Types Handled: Drug possession, drug sales, drug manufacturing, sex offenses, rape, sexual battery, domestic violence, theft, burglary, robbery, assault, DUI, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, motion practice (including motions to suppress), plea negotiations, jury trials, probation violation hearings, drug diversion program representation
Background: William Weinberg has extensive experience in criminal defense in Orange County. He provides personal attention to each case rather than delegating to paralegals or associate attorneys. He and his staff provide clients with direct communication, including access to his cell phone number. His practice covers the full spectrum of criminal offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He represents clients throughout Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County.
Location: 17852 17th Street, Suite 201, Tustin, CA 92780 (serves Irvine and all of Orange County)
Contact: (949) 474-8008 | https://www.williamweinberg.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in California
Attorneys in California must be licensed by the State Bar of California to practice law. The State Bar administers the bar examination and determines eligibility for licensure. All active attorneys must maintain membership in the State Bar of California.
California’s Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements mandate that attorneys complete 25 hours of CLE every three-year compliance period, including: 4 hours of legal ethics, 1 hour of elimination of bias, and 1 hour of competence issues (substance abuse or mental health). The State Bar of California administers the MCLE program.
California offers board certification in criminal law through the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Attorneys who meet specific experience, examination, peer review, and continuing education requirements may be designated as Certified Specialists in Criminal Law. Board certification indicates demonstrated proficiency and substantial involvement in criminal defense.
The California Public Defender system provides representation to indigent defendants who cannot afford private counsel. Each county in California has a Public Defender’s Office or contracts with private attorneys to represent indigent defendants. Eligibility is determined by financial screening. Orange County has a Public Defender’s Office that serves defendants throughout the county.
California classifies felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies in California can be punishable by 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison (for lower-term, mid-term, and upper-term respectively) unless otherwise specified by statute. Some felonies carry sentences of 25 years to life or life without parole. Many offenses are “wobblers” that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at the prosecutor’s discretion. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to 6 months or 1 year in county jail.
California maintains the death penalty for first-degree murder committed under special circumstances, though the state has had a moratorium on executions since 2019. Capital defense requires specialized training and certification.
California’s criminal record relief options include: expungement (Penal Code Section 1203.4), which allows dismissal of charges after successful completion of probation; reduction of wobbler felonies to misdemeanors (Penal Code Section 17(b)); certificates of rehabilitation; and governor’s pardons. Proposition 47 (2014) reclassified certain drug and property offenses from felonies to misdemeanors and allows resentencing and record changes for prior convictions. Proposition 64 (2016) legalized recreational marijuana and provides for resentencing and record sealing for prior marijuana convictions.
California’s bail system underwent significant reform with the Money Bail Reform Act (2021), though implementation varies by county. Judges consider factors including the nature of the offense, criminal history, flight risk, and danger to the community. California law provides for pretrial release on own recognizance (O.R.) for many defendants. Cash bail, surety bonds, and electronic monitoring are available options.
The speedy trial right in California requires trial within 60 days of arraignment on felony charges and 30 days (in custody) or 45 days (out of custody) for misdemeanor charges, unless the defendant waives time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the criminal court process in Orange County?
After arrest in Orange County, defendants are typically brought before a judge within 48 hours for an initial appearance (arraignment) where they are informed of charges, advised of rights, and enter an initial plea. For misdemeanors, cases are handled in the Superior Court locations throughout Orange County. For felonies, a preliminary hearing is held within 10 court days (unless waived) to determine probable cause. If probable cause is found, the case is “held to answer” and the defendant is arraigned again in the trial department. The Central Justice Center in Santa Ana handles many Orange County criminal cases. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office handles prosecution. Pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and trial follow the arraignment. The defendant has the right to a jury trial for all criminal offenses.
How does bail work in Orange County, California?
After arrest, a bail schedule determines the presumptive bail amount based on the offense charged. At arraignment, the judge may release the defendant on own recognizance (O.R.), reduce bail, increase bail, or hold the defendant without bail for certain serious offenses. Options include: O.R. release (no payment required), cash bail (full amount paid to the court, refundable upon case completion), surety bond (payment through a bail bondsman, typically 10% of the bail amount as a non-refundable premium), and property bond. Orange County utilizes a pretrial services program that conducts risk assessments and may supervise defendants released pretrial. The Orange County Jail (Theo Lacy Facility and Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana, and James A. Musick Facility in Irvine) holds defendants pending bail or trial.
What are the penalties for a first DUI in California?
A first DUI offense in California is a misdemeanor (unless someone was injured, which can elevate it to a felony). Penalties include: 3 to 5 years of informal (summary) probation, a fine of $390 to $1,000 (plus penalty assessments that increase the total to approximately $1,500 to $2,600), DUI school (3-month or 9-month program depending on BAC), 6-month driver’s license suspension (a restricted license may be available), and possible jail time of up to 6 months (though first-time offenders rarely serve jail time). If BAC was 0.15 or higher or if the defendant refused chemical testing, enhanced penalties may apply. An ignition interlock device (IID) may be required for a restricted license. California’s “10-year lookback” period counts prior DUI convictions within 10 years for sentencing enhancement purposes.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Orange County?
California provides several options for criminal record relief. Expungement under Penal Code Section 1203.4 allows individuals who successfully completed probation (or whose probation was terminated early) to have their conviction dismissed. After expungement, the defendant may legally state they were not convicted of the offense on most private employment applications (with exceptions for government jobs and professional licenses). Wobbler felonies can first be reduced to misdemeanors under Penal Code Section 17(b) and then expunged. Proposition 47 allows resentencing and record changes for certain drug possession and theft offenses. A petition is filed in the Orange County Superior Court where the case was handled. Unlike some states, California expungement does not destroy records but changes the disposition to “dismissed.”
What diversion programs are available in Orange County?
Orange County offers several alternatives to traditional prosecution. Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) under Penal Code Section 1000 is available for certain first-time drug possession offenders, allowing dismissal after completion of an 18-month drug education program. Proposition 36 provides treatment instead of incarceration for certain nonviolent drug offenders. Mental Health Diversion under Penal Code Section 1001.36 allows eligible defendants with mental health disorders to participate in treatment programs. Veterans Diversion under Penal Code Section 1001.80 serves eligible military veterans. Pretrial Diversion for misdemeanor offenses may be available in some cases. The Orange County Collaborative Courts include Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, and Homeless Court. Eligibility depends on the specific charges, criminal history, and other factors determined by the court and District Attorney.