Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers in Santa Ana, CA
Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers in Santa Ana, CA
Free Consultation
An arrest in Santa Ana can frighten a whole family: what will happen in court? Could you lose your job or your license? Will it affect your immigration status? At The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., we serve you in English or Spanish, explain the process clearly, and defend your rights from day one.
Our Orange County office is at 1100 Town and Country Rd., Suite 500, in Orange, minutes from the Santa Ana Civic Center. Your first consultation is free and confidential.
Criminal cases we handle in Santa Ana
- DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs)
- Domestic violence and restraining orders
- Drug offenses
- Assault and battery
- Theft and robbery
- Hit and run
- Fraud
- Outstanding warrants
- Sex offenses
- Record clearing (expungement) when the law allows
Where criminal cases are heard in Orange County
Many Orange County criminal cases are heard at the Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, in Santa Ana. The county also has other courthouses that hear criminal cases, such as the North Justice Center in Fullerton. Cases are filed by the Orange County District Attorney. Your citation or bail paperwork shows the court and the date of your first hearing.
DUI in Santa Ana
The Santa Ana Police Department holds DUI checkpoints during the year, and on freeways like the 5, the 55, and the 22, arrests are usually made by the CHP. After a DUI arrest there are two cases: the criminal case in court and your license case at the DMV.
To request a DMV hearing, you generally have only 10 days from when you received the suspension notice. If you do not request it in time, the suspension can start automatically. California’s legal limits are 0.08% blood alcohol for most adults, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.01% for drivers under 21.
What happens after an arrest
- 1. Arraignment: you are told the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- 2. Bail and release conditions: the court decides whether and on what terms you can be released.
- 3. Discovery: your lawyer reviews police reports, videos, and evidence.
- 4. Negotiation and motions: motions can be filed, for example to exclude illegally obtained evidence.
- 5. Trial or resolution of the case.
Your rights if you are stopped
- You have the right to remain silent. You can say: "I want to talk to a lawyer."
- You do not have to consent to a search of your car or home without a warrant.
- You have the right to a lawyer before answering questions.
- Stay respectful and do not resist, even if you believe the arrest is unfair.
Criminal defense and immigration
If you are not a citizen, a conviction can affect your green card, citizenship, or DACA, and can even lead to removal proceedings. In California, your defense lawyer must advise you about immigration consequences before a plea (Penal Code section 1016.3). Our firm handles both criminal defense and immigration, so we review your case with both in mind.
Domestic violence and protective orders
In domestic violence cases, the court often issues a protective order that can require you to leave your home or have no contact with your partner or children, even before the case ends. Violating that order is a separate crime, even if the other person contacts you. We explain what your order says, how to comply, and whether a modification can be requested.
Outstanding warrants
If you believe you have a warrant in Orange County, for example for missing court or not paying a fine, do not ignore it. A lawyer can review your case and, in many situations, help you resolve it in the most orderly way possible, instead of waiting to be arrested at a checkpoint or a traffic stop.
Clearing your record
A record can close doors to jobs, housing, and your immigration case. In California, many people who completed probation can ask the court to dismiss their conviction under Penal Code section 1203.4. Record clearing does not always remove immigration consequences, so we review your case from both sides before recommending a path.
Bail and the first hearing
After an arrest, families often have questions about bail, about whether the person will be released soon, and about what to say. Most importantly, do not discuss the case on the phone from jail, because those calls are usually recorded. A lawyer can ask the court to review bail or release conditions at the first hearing and explain the next steps to the family.
How we work with you
- Free, confidential initial consultation, in English or Spanish
- Review of the charges, the police report, and the evidence
- Clear explanation of your options and the risks of each
- Fees and scope of services in writing before you sign
We cannot guarantee an outcome; every case depends on its facts. Our commitment is to defend your rights and keep you informed at every stage.
Call a Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer today
If you or a family member was arrested in Santa Ana or anywhere in Orange County, call us at 1-844-800-5517 or complete our free online case evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Which court will hear my criminal case in Santa Ana?
Many Orange County criminal cases are heard at the Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana. Your citation shows the exact court and date.
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing after a DUI?
Generally 10 days from when you received the suspension notice. If you do not request it in time, the suspension can start automatically.
Can a criminal case affect my immigration status?
Yes, it can. That is why your lawyer should review the immigration consequences before you accept any plea.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
It is strongly recommended. Important decisions about your plea and bail are made at that first hearing.
Can I clear my criminal record?
In many cases, yes. If you completed probation, California law may let you ask the court to dismiss the conviction (expungement). We review whether you qualify.
How much does the consultation cost?
The first consultation is free and confidential.
Free initial consultation · Se habla español · Call 1-844-800-5517 · Free case evaluation
The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., 1100 Town and Country Rd., Suite 500, Orange, CA 92868 · 1-844-800-5517
Criminal defense in Orange, CA · Criminal defense attorneys · Leer en español
Attorney Advertising. Attorney responsible for this content: Shawn F. Matian (CA #244148), The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90010. This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.
