Why Choose Us?

If you are currently facing one or more criminal charges in Orange County, you want the best possible legal team advocating for your interests. At Chudnovsky Law, our team is made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys and former government prosecutors. We have also successfully litigated over 9,000 criminal cases and jury trials. With our decades of experience, we have fostered strong relationships with prosecutors and criminal court judges, helping our clients achieve the best possible results in their cases.

You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site and request a free consultation. 

Orange County Criminal Charges

In Orange County, California, individuals can face a wide range of criminal charges, many of which carry serious penalties. Some of the most common offenses include DUI, domestic violence, assault and battery, theft, drug crimes, and vehicular manslaughter.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most frequently charged crimes in Orange County. A person may be charged with DUI if they operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even a first-time offense can lead to jail time, heavy fines, and license suspension. Multiple DUIs carry harsher penalties, including possible felony charges.

Domestic violence is another common criminal offense. It typically involves physical harm or threats against a spouse, partner, or family member. These charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances. A conviction may result in jail, fines, restraining orders, and loss of custody or gun rights.

Assault and battery charges are also prevalent. Assault refers to the attempt or threat to harm someone, while battery involves actual physical contact or injury. Depending on the severity of the injuries and whether a weapon was used, charges can range from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Theft-related crimes, such as shoplifting, burglary, and grand theft, are also common. The value of the stolen property usually determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Convictions may include jail time, restitution to victims, and a permanent criminal record.

Drug crimes, including possession, sale, or distribution of illegal substances, are taken seriously in Orange County. While simple possession might be treated as a misdemeanor or qualify for diversion programs, more serious offenses like trafficking can lead to long prison sentences.

Vehicular manslaughter is charged when someone causes another person’s death through negligent or reckless driving. If drugs or alcohol are involved, this charge can escalate to gross vehicular manslaughter or even second-degree murder, carrying lengthy prison terms.

Each of these charges has long-term consequences, including criminal records, employment issues, and loss of rights.

Potential Penalties for an Orange County Criminal Conviction

In Orange County, California, the penalties for a criminal conviction depend on the type of offense and how serious it is. The law separates crimes into three main categories: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Each carries different penalties, and the punishment can also vary based on your prior criminal record and the facts of your case.

For a DUI conviction, penalties usually include fines, driver’s license suspension, DUI education classes, and possible jail time. A first-time DUI is usually a misdemeanor, but if someone is injured or it’s a repeat offense, the charge can become a felony with longer jail or prison time.

Domestic violence is often charged as a misdemeanor, but it can also be a felony if there are serious injuries or prior offenses. Penalties may include jail time, probation, fines, and mandatory counseling. A restraining order is also often issued in these cases.

Assault and battery charges vary widely. Simple assault or battery might result in a misdemeanor conviction with up to six months or a year in jail. However, if a weapon was used or someone was seriously hurt, the charges can rise to felony levels, with longer prison sentences.

Theft crimes, such as petty theft and shoplifting, are often misdemeanors, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines. If the value of the stolen property is high or if the defendant has prior convictions, the charge can become a felony with possible state prison time.

Drug crimes range from possession to trafficking. Simple possession may lead to probation, fines, or a short jail sentence. Drug sales or manufacturing usually result in felony charges with multi-year prison terms.

Vehicular manslaughter is a serious felony that occurs when a person’s reckless or negligent driving causes someone’s death. Penalties may include several years in state prison. If alcohol or drugs were involved, the sentence may be even harsher.

The judge decides the sentence based on the law, the circumstances of the crime, and your criminal history.

Collateral Consequences of an Orange County Conviction

A criminal conviction in Orange County, California, can lead to serious consequences beyond jail time or fines. These are called collateral consequences, and they can affect many areas of your life long after your case is over.

One major consequence is trouble finding a job. Many employers run background checks, and a conviction can make it harder to get hired. Some professional licenses, like those for nursing, teaching, or real estate, can be denied or revoked. A conviction can also impact your housing options. Landlords may refuse to rent to someone with a criminal record, especially for certain offenses.

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a conviction can lead to immigration problems, including deportation. In family court, a criminal record may affect child custody or visitation rights. You might also lose your right to own a firearm, vote (in some cases), or serve on a jury.

Even after completing your sentence, these consequences can continue to affect your life. However, in some cases, you may be able to reduce or clear your record through expungement, giving you a second chance to move forward.

Defenses to a Criminal Charge in Orange County

If you are facing a criminal charge in Orange County, California, such as DUI, domestic violence, assault and battery, theft, drug crimes, or vehicular manslaughter, it’s important to understand that there are possible legal defenses you can raise. The right defense will depend on the facts of your case, but the skilled Orange County criminal defense attorneys at Chudnovsky Law can protect your rights and fight the charges against you.

One common defense is a lack of intent. Many crimes require that the person acted knowingly or intentionally. For example, if you’re charged with theft, we may argue that you didn’t intend to steal anything—that it was a misunderstanding or mistake.

Self-defense is another powerful legal argument, especially in assault or domestic violence cases. If you were being threatened or attacked and used force to protect yourself, the court may decide that your actions were justified. To use this defense, you must show that you believed you were in danger and used only the amount of force necessary to protect yourself.

In DUI cases, you might challenge the accuracy of the breath or blood test results. These tests are not always reliable, and if the testing equipment was not working properly or the officer didn’t follow procedures, the results might be thrown out. You may also argue that you were not actually impaired while driving.

For drug charges, your defense might be based on illegal search and seizure. If police found drugs during an unlawful search—such as entering your home or car without a warrant or valid reason—our attorneys can ask the court to exclude that evidence, which may lead to the case being dismissed.

In vehicular manslaughter cases, we may argue that the incident was a tragic accident and not caused by criminal negligence. If there is no proof that you were reckless or under the influence, the charge may be reduced or dropped.

Sometimes, mistaken identity is the problem. Witnesses can be wrong, or evidence can point to the wrong person. In those cases, showing you weren’t involved at all can be the key to clearing your name.

No matter the charge, working with our qualified defense attorneys in Orange County gives you the best chance of building a strong legal defense.

How We Can Handle Your Orange County Criminal Case for You

At Chudnovsky Law, we understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to face criminal charges in Orange County. Whether you’re dealing with a DUI, domestic violence, assault, theft, drug crime, or even vehicular manslaughter, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. We know that your future is on the line, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Our Orange County legal team includes former prosecutors and top-rated defense lawyers who know how both sides of the legal system work. This gives us a unique advantage when negotiating with prosecutors or preparing for trial. We carefully examine the facts of your case, investigate the evidence, and develop a strong strategy tailored to your specific situation.

We handle all parts of the legal process for you—from court appearances to paperwork—so you can focus on your life and your family. If your rights were violated or if there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, we will aggressively challenge the charges. In some cases, we can get charges reduced or even dismissed.

At Chudnovsky Law, we believe in giving every client the personal attention they deserve. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed at every stage. We know that no two cases are the same, and we treat every client with the care and respect they deserve.

If you’re facing criminal charges, don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect you.

Steps to Take if You’re Arrested on a Criminal Charge in Orange County

If you’re facing a criminal charge in Orange County, California, the steps you take early on can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. It’s important to stay calm and avoid doing anything that could make your situation worse. One of the first things you should do is avoid talking to the police without a defense lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you in court, even if you think you’re helping yourself.

Next, gather any information or evidence related to the incident, such as photos, names of witnesses, or documents. This information may be important in building your defense later.

Most importantly, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Orange County as soon as possible. The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be. At Chudnovsky Law, we have a team of skilled attorneys who know how to handle all types of criminal cases in Orange County. We will guide you through the legal process, speak on your behalf, and work to get you the best possible result.

Criminal charges are serious, and the consequences can be life-changing. Don’t wait or try to handle it alone. Contact Chudnovsky Law immediately for help defending your freedom and your future.

Call an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orange County Today

At Chudnovsky Law, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and aggressively advocate on your behalf. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Orange County personal injury attorney, please call us at (949) 750-2500 or contact us online for more information. 

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