IN CRIMINAL LAW
STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION
ORANGE COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
When you have been arrested, it is vital that you take immediate action to defend your rights and avoid a conviction by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney. A conviction could not only lead to harsh penalties — such as jail, prison, fines, and probation — but would also force you to live with a criminal record, potentially affecting your future career and educational opportunities.
You owe it to yourself to do everything you can to resolve your criminal defense case efficiently and with minimum damage to your reputation and freedoms. Choose The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman and work with a Certified Criminal Law Specialist: Attorney Jacqueline Goodman. With her track record of success built across decades of legal experience, she stands ready to protect you and your rights, no matter what charges have been filed. Call (714) 266-3945 now.
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State Bar Certified Specialist
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CA Criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year
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Past President of CA Attorneys for Criminal Justice
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National Co-Chair Sex Crimes Defense
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National Chair of Decarceration
I am committed to providing my clients with the trusted counsel and aggressive defense they deserve. I believe in redemption and helping people get second chances. I devote a significant portion of my practice to criminal justice reform and I have provided pro bono representation in impact litigation to change the laws to benefit every Californian.
No one is perfect, and everyone has flaws. A mistake should not define you, and our Orange County criminal defense attorney is ready to fight to protect your future, no matter the charges. Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is here to get you out of this difficult situation and put you back in the position you were in before your trouble started!
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1Renowned Success RateWhen your life depends on it, you need a lawyer known for winning the toughest trials.
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2Certified Criminal Law Specialist
Less than 1% of California Attorneys meet the rigorous standards to be certified as a specialist by the State Bar.
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3Rated 10.0 superb on AVVOOur practice is world-class, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Our clients love us, and we have the ratings to prove it.
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4Named on the wall of recognition at the national constitution centerNamed on the wall of recognition at the National Constitution Center in Washington, D.C., alongside some of the greatest lawyers in the nation.
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5Admitted to argue cases before the united states supreme court
"For litigators, there is no greater or more elusive honor than to argue before this Court." - The American Bar Association
.007% of lawyers gain admission in the USSC.
Featured On/In
YOU NEED A STATE BAR CERTIFIED SPECIALIST
Proven Qualified Experience & Ethics In Criminal Defense.
rEAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
Protecting yourself in the face of criminal accusations or charges is serious and, when it comes to your defense, experience counts. Attorney Goodman has tried countless cases and achieved numerous successful outcomes for her clients. She was at the forefront of several high-profile cases, including the murder of an MLB pitcher and the widely known free speech case known as the “Irvine 11.” Browse some of Attorney Goodman’s recent case results to learn more about her exceptional track record.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY
Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD MOLESTATION
Child molestation: Felony.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
PROBATION VIOLATION
PC 1203.2 Committing a new crime or violating any term or condition of probation.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER
Los Angeles Arrest Pre-filing representation on Attempted murder of police officer, assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER
Contempt of court order by a gang member.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.
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AN AUTHORITY IN THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE COMMUNITY
Attorney Goodman is committed to enhancing criminal law and justice education, as well as remaining active in the legal community. Currently, she serves on the Board for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is one of three Co-Chairs in charge of sex crimes defense education, a position she has held for the past ten years. Additionally, she served as the past president of the California Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and currently continues to create legislation in support of criminal justice reform.
When it comes to your defense, you need an attorney who will do more than just react—you need an attorney who will interact with the law. Attorney Goodman has been featured as a legal authority on television and radio shows nationwide and remains active in shaping our legal system through her leadership in criminal justice reform, criminal defense education, and prestigious legal organizations. Her work has put her face-to-face with state legislators, the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the California Attorney General; she is prepared to help you with your case.
The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman offers free, confidential case evaluations. Call (714) 266-3945 or submit an online contact form to request yours today.
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When Should I Involve a Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you have found yourself in a situation where you are accused of committing a crime, are taken into custody or are under investigation for any type of criminal offense, you are probably wondering whether you need an attorney. The question of when to involve a criminal defense attorney is a crucial one, and your choice may end up having a direct impact on your future.
Because every case is different, the best advice we can give is this: if you think you may need an attorney, you're probably right. And even if you do not end up needing legal counsel at this time, you have nothing to lose by discussing your situation with a professional who can provide insight and the answers you seek.
We place a strong emphasis on the early involvement of a criminal defense attorney because of the serious consequences that even an accusation of an alleged crime can have on all areas of your life. Depending on the type of offense, you may be socially ostracized. Your employment may be terminated. The custody of your children may even be threatened, and you may find that friends and family members are unwilling to lend their support. You need someone on your side who knows how to effectively challenge criminal accusations and formal charges inside and outside of the criminal courtroom.
With law enforcement and the prosecution doing everything in their power to gather enough evidence against you to secure a conviction, you need an attorney to protect your rights and interests. Even before formal charges are filed, an attorney can conduct a pre-file investigation or intervention and work to ensure this does not occur. Search warrants should be carefully reviewed and may be challenged in some cases. Any questioning, formal or informal, should be supervised by your attorney to make sure you do not say or do anything that could be used against you later on - even if you are just trying to cooperate.
If you are familiar with Miranda rights, you know that you have the right to an attorney if you are arrested on suspicion of committing a crime. You also have the right to remain silent. You do not need to wait until an arrest, however, to exercise your right to an attorney. Involve a legal professional as soon as you become aware that you are a person of interest in a criminal investigation, and you may find that you can avoid a good deal of embarrassment, inconvenience and even formal charges that could threaten your entire future.
Do Not Wait Until an Arrest to Seek Legal Counsel
In some cases, such as a DUI arrest or situation where you are taken into custody with no forewarning, you may have no choice but to involve an attorney after you are already taken in. There are other scenarios where you may discover that you are a prime suspect in a criminal investigation or where law enforcement may call you in for "questioning." When this occurs, a pre-file investigation may be the answer.
At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we offer pre-file investigation services to clients throughout the Orange County area of Southern California. We recognize the immense benefit that can be brought about by the immediate intervention of a criminal defense lawyer, even if formal charges have not been filed.
With our experience in this field, we understand that prosecutors are unlikely to proceed if they do not have extremely strong cases against defendants. We use this to our clients' advantage, finding fault in physical evidence and witness testimony to weaken the prosecution's case and persuade them to stop in their pursuit.
With the right approach and a competent attorney by your side, you may find that you can avoid a conviction or even charges in the first place. Contact our firm today to discuss your unique case and how we can help you.
Do You Know What to Do After an Arrest?
You've just been arrested. You're now facing the serious penalties that could result if a conviction is made. Thoughts of fines, jail time, and other penalties are circling through your head. Now what?
After an arrest, every detail of your case will need to be thoroughly reviewed by a legal professional whose experience can be put to work toward helping you avoid an ultimate conviction. During this time, every minute of every hour counts immensely. The sooner you act on the charges that have been made in your name, the sooner you can feel relief from the stress of worrying about what an ultimate conviction might bring. The actions that you and your attorney take after an arrest can be game-changers when dire consequences are on the line.
As such, this should be a time at which the following steps are irrefutably taken:
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: As declared in the Miranda Warning, criminal suspects have the right to remain silent in the presence of law enforcement officers or anyone else; criminal suspects have the right to an attorney, and criminal suspects have the right to stop answering the questions asked of them by a law enforcement officer and instead request the presence of an attorney. Invoking the Miranda Rights ensures that a suspect's Fifth- and Sixth Amendment rights are not overlooked or violated in any way. Furthermore, it serves as personal insurance that the suspect does accidentally incriminate himself or herself.
- Avoid Talking About Your Case In Jail: Don't assume that because you are being held in custody, your sentence has already been decided. There is still plenty of time to negotiate a plea bargain, settle the case out of court, or litigate the case in trial. Therefore, it is critical that the details of your case not be discussed while you are in jail. Trusting the circumstances involved in your case with another cellmate could prove to be problematic, as could discussing these matters over the phone. Even if you are speaking with a close friend or family member on the phone, many jails record conversations held on these phones. Simply put, all discussions should be had in the presence of a qualified and professional legal attorney.
- Contact An Experienced Attorney: Above and beyond everything else, however, the most important step of all is to hire a lawyer to represent your case. Whether you were pulled over and arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, or you are facing criminal allegations for homicide, the attorney you choose to represent your case could make all the difference. In the uncertainty that follows an arrest in Southern California, or anywhere else for that matter, there is no better course of action to take than to align yourself with Orange County criminal defense attorney Jacqueline Goodman. Doing so will put you in a position that could enhance your chances of having the criminal charges reduced or dropped altogether.
When it comes to facing criminal charges in the state of California, time is of the essence, and even the slightest hesitation could cost you more than you can afford. Therefore, it is imperative that legal action is taken immediately. The sooner you align yourself with a defense attorney who can assist in your efforts to avoid conviction, the better chances you stand in court.
The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman operates under the impression that bad things can happen to good people, and as such, its legal team fights aggressively in defense of individuals in need of effective criminal defense. Contact us today at (714) 266-3945
Frequently Asked Questions
About California Criminal Law
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How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?
Criminal defense attorneys often charge an hourly rate instead of a flat fee for their services. Sometimes, if a case is complex, attorneys will charge an hourly rate as well, and these rates vary between different criminal defense attorneys. Since rates can depend on the skill level of the lawyer, they can vary from anywhere between $250 to $750 an hour.
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How Can You Find a Criminal Defense Attorney?
You can ask family or friends for recommendations, look up attorneys in your area online, or contact your local bar association. Look for reviews and testimonials of each lawyer as well to help you make the best decision.
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What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for Their Clients?
A criminal defense lawyer’s job is to protect their client’s constitutional rights and make sure they are treated fairly by the criminal justice system. The attorney investigates the case against their client, negotiates with prosecutors, and represents their clients in court. Criminal defense lawyers can help reduce the number of consequences for your criminal case.
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What Should You Ask When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Choosing a criminal defense attorney can be a difficult task. The following are some good questions to ask a potential criminal defense lawyer for your case:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- What is your experience with cases like mine?
- What are your fees and how do you charge?
- What are the potential consequences of my case?
- What are my chances of winning at trial?
- What could happen if I am found guilty?
- Can I get the charges against me dropped?
- Can you help me understand the evidence against me?
- Do you have any experience with witnesses in my case?
- If I am found guilty, what kind of sentence am I looking at?
- What are the chances I will have to go to trial?
- If I do go to trial, what can I expect?
- What are my rights during the criminal justice process?
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Is law enforcement allowed to search my house or car?
Property and privacy rights are some of the most important for American citizens. Police are only allowed to search your vehicle or home if they have a warrant if they have probable cause, or if you give explicit consent for them to do so. You are never required to consent a police search of your property, and you should never feel pressured to do so. If you believe that you were the victim of unlawful search and seizure, contact The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman immediately to safeguard your rights.
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Are the police required to read my rights when I'm arrested?
No. Law enforcement officers are not legally required to "read your rights" at the time of your arrest. The Miranda warning is only required if law enforcement plans on using your statements against you in court. Additionally, the warning is only required if you are in police custody. If the police want to ask you questions that might elicit incriminating answers, they will probably read the Miranda warning just to be safe. Consult a defense attorney before speaking with law enforcement so you can be safe.
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What happens if the police ask for a statement and I refuse? Will I be arrested for refusing to cooperate?
You cannot be arrested or charged with a crime for exercising your right to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment allows you to remain silent and avoid giving testimony against yourself. If a police officer tries to intimidate you into waiving your rights, do not believe them and insist on speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible. Judges cannot set a high bail for not cooperating with law enforcement, but some officers try to make you think that you are required to give a statement. In reality, officers may try to scare you into making a statement so that it will be easier to obtain a conviction later.
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What is a grand jury and how will it affect my case?
A grand jury is a collection of individuals used to determine whether or not there is enough evidence to take a case to trial. For example: If you were arrested for a drug crime, a grand jury might be used to figure out whether or not the prosecution has a legitimate case against you. The grand jury will base its determination on witness testimony, documents, and other available evidence. At the end of the proceedings, the jury will decide whether or not the case will actually go to trial. If there is not enough evidence to conduct a trial, your case will not move forward. Grand juries are typically reserved for high-level felonies and federal crimes.
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How does the prosecution determine the charges I will face?
Typically, the prosecution pursues charges with enough evidence to back them up. In other words, the prosecution will look for a legally sound case. If a case contains some kind of inherent flaw, it probably isn't worth pursuing. Then, prosecuting attorneys decide whether or not there is enough evidence to pursue a conviction. If there isn't, the case will probably be dropped, or another charge will be considered. "Enough" evidence is determined by the quantity of the evidence held against you and the quality. For example, if the prosecuting attorney has a large quantity of questionable evidence, they probably still won't pursue that particular case because of its potential holes. You can only be prosecuted once per alleged offense, so prosecutors have to be careful when deciding when to act.
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Do I really need a lawyer if I'm going to plead guilty?
Yes. A skilled defense attorney is imperative even if you plan on taking a plea bargain. A lawyer can help you decide if the plea bargain is really your best option. Additionally, your lawyer can help you determine whether or not the prosecution has enough evidence to offer you a plea bargain for a specific offense. Without a lawyer, the prosecution might assume that you are going to plead guilty and offer you an unreasonable bargain. An attorney can help you negotiate for an agreement.
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I'm innocent. Do I still need a criminal defense lawyer in Orange County, CA?
Yes. It doesn't matter if you actually committed a crime; you are subject to the same fines and penalties as everyone else in the event of a conviction. A defense attorney can fight aggressively to make sure that your rights are protected, though.
If you are facing criminal charges in California, it is important to hire a qualified criminal defense attorney to represent you. The outcome of your case could have serious consequences, and an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system and give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.