Fullerton Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers

Fullerton, CA Criminal Defense Attorney

When you hire a Fullerton, CA criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you hire attorneys with extensive experience in all areas of criminal defense law. No matter which criminal court you will be tried at, our attorneys are familiar with the court's workings, the judges, and the prosecutors.

If you’re already in custody or your family needs help arranging bail, call before your first court appearance—the steps you take now can decide what happens next.

Case types our Fullerton, CA criminal defense lawyers include:

• DUIs
• Domestic Violence
• Violent Crimes
• Sex Crimes
• Drug Crimes
• Theft Crimes

What to Do If You’re Arrested in Fullerton, CA

Most arrests in Fullerton happen fast — and before you know it, you’re being booked. Most arrests in Fullerton start at the Fullerton Jail and, for more serious charges, move to the Orange County Central Men’s or Women’s Jail in Santa Ana, just minutes away from the Central Justice Center.

What you do next can make or break your case. Here’s how to protect yourself and your rights from the start:

• 1. Stay silent and stay calm.
  Anything you say will be recorded, written down, or repeated in court. Even casual conversations with officers or other inmates can be used against you later. Don’t argue, don’t explain — just politely state that you are invoking your right to remain silent and want to speak to an attorney.
• 2. Don’t consent to searches or testing without advice.
  Police may ask to search your phone, home, or vehicle. You have the right to refuse unless they have a warrant. In DUI cases, you’re required to take a chemical test after arrest, but not field sobriety tests before it. Ask for a lawyer before agreeing to anything else.
• 3. Contact a defense lawyer immediately.
  The earlier an attorney gets involved, the better. Our team can contact detectives or the Orange County District Attorney’s Office before charges are filed to present your side and sometimes prevent a formal case altogether. As former Fullerton, CA prosecutors and judges ourselves, we know how the system works and you to use it for your benefit.
• 4. Arrange bail the right way.
  After booking, bail is typically set based on the Orange County Bail Schedule. We can work directly with bail bondsmen or file a bail reduction motion at the North Justice Center to get you or your loved one released faster and for less money.
• 5. Preserve evidence and witness information.
  Write down everything you remember — names, times, locations, and any witnesses. Save messages, call logs, or surveillance footage. The first 24 hours after an arrest are critical for gathering information that might disappear later.
• 6. Show up prepared for your first court appearance.
  Arraignments at the North Justice Center happen quickly, often within 48 hours. Having a Fullerton, CA criminal defense attorney present signals to the prosecutor and judge that you take the case seriously — and it can impact how bail, charges, and early offers are handled.

Whether you were arrested by Fullerton Police or another Orange County agency, our attorneys can contact the jail, arrange bail, and start defending your case immediately.

Bail and Pre-Trial Release in Fullerton, Orange County

After an arrest in Fullerton, what happens between booking and your first court date can define the entire case. California law guarantees the right to reasonable bail or release except in the most serious offenses, but local practices vary depending on the courthouse and the prosecutor.

Bail amounts are based on the Orange County Bail Schedule, which lists standard figures for each charge—for example, $5,000 for a first-time DUI, $50,000 for felony domestic violence, and over $100,000 for violent felonies or weapons crimes. Judges at the North Justice Center have discretion to raise or lower these amounts, or in some cases, to release defendants on their own recognizance (O.R.).

• Posting Bail:
  Misdemeanor and lower-level felony defendants can often post bail directly at the Fullerton Jail. If transferred to the county facility in Santa Ana, bail must be handled through the Sheriff’s cashier or an approved bail bondsman. A licensed bondsman typically charges 10% of the total bail amount.
• Bail Reduction Hearings:
  Within a few days of arrest, your attorney can request a bail review hearing before a judge at the North Justice Center. Effective arguments often emphasize community ties, employment, lack of flight risk, or family obligations to justify a lower amount or conditional release.
• Own Recognizance (O.R.) Release:
  For first-time or non-violent offenses, judges may grant O.R. release—meaning no money is required if you promise to appear for all hearings. A skilled defense attorney can prepare documentation and arguments to improve the odds of being released this way.
• Pre-Trial Release Conditions:
  Even after posting bail or being released O.R., the court can impose restrictions such as no-contact orders, electronic monitoring, or drug and alcohol testing. Violating these conditions can revoke your release and return you to custody.
• Early Legal Intervention:
  The best way to reduce or avoid bail is to get a Fullerton, CA criminal defense attorney involved early. Our team regularly contacts the Orange County District Attorney’s Office before charges are filed to present mitigating evidence, challenge probable cause, and sometimes prevent a formal case altogether.

If someone you know is being held at the Fullerton or Orange County jails, our attorneys can verify custody status, contact the booking desk, and start the bail or O.R. process immediately—often within hours. The faster you act, the more control you have before your first court appearance.

What Happens After You’re Charged With a Crime in Fullerton, CA

Once formal charges are filed, your case enters the Orange County court system. Most arrests in the area go through the North Justice Center on North Berkeley Avenue, where the Orange County District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases from Fullerton, Brea, Buena Park, and nearby cities.

The process usually begins with an arraignment, where you enter a plea and the judge decides whether bail will continue, be modified, or be revoked. From there, the court sets a pretrial hearing to exchange evidence (“discovery”) and discuss possible plea negotiations. If no resolution is reached, your case proceeds to a trial readiness conference and ultimately a jury trial.

Having an attorney early means having someone who can appear on your behalf, negotiate with prosecutors, and sometimes get charges reduced—or dismissed—before trial even becomes necessary. Our Fullerton defense lawyers appear in this courthouse daily and know the judges, clerks, and procedures inside and out.

How the Orange County District Attorney Handles Criminal Cases

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is one of the largest in California, and it runs specialized prosecution units for DUIs, domestic violence, gangs, sex crimes, and major narcotics cases. This means many local cases are handled by career prosecutors who focus exclusively on a single type of crime—and who are backed by investigators, forensic teams, and victim advocates.

Understanding how each unit works is critical to building an effective defense. For example, the Domestic Violence Unit often files cases even when alleged victims refuse to cooperate, and the Gang Unit routinely adds enhancements under Penal Code §186.22 that can add years to a sentence.

Our attorneys know these prosecutors’ tactics, their filing thresholds, and the kinds of evidence they rely on. That experience helps us intervene early—often before charges are even finalized.

Common Criminal Charges We Handle in Fullerton

From misdemeanors to serious felonies, every criminal case in Fullerton moves fast once it reaches the North Justice Center. Prosecutors from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office handle thousands of cases a year — and they rarely back down without a fight. Our attorneys defend clients in every type of case heard in this courthouse, including the following:

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

DUI arrests are some of the most common in Orange County. Whether your case involves alcohol, drugs, or a combination, a conviction can lead to license suspension, heavy fines, and jail time. We challenge breath and blood testing procedures, officer credibility, and traffic stops to fight for dismissal or reduced charges.

Drug Possession and Sales

Drug charges in Fullerton range from simple possession to possession with intent to sell. Even small amounts can become felonies if prosecutors claim you intended to distribute. We work to suppress illegal searches, contest lab results, and pursue diversion or treatment programs instead of jail.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence allegations carry immediate consequences — arrest, protective orders, and mandatory court appearances, even if the alleged victim doesn’t press charges. We defend clients accused of domestic battery, corporal injury, stalking, and child or elder abuse, often preventing charges or minimizing penalties before trial.

Assault and Battery

These offenses cover everything from bar fights to serious altercations involving injuries or weapons. In California, battery is any unlawful physical contact, while assault is the attempt or threat to use force. Our attorneys focus on self-defense claims, inconsistent witness statements, and lack of intent to reduce or dismiss these charges.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW)

ADW is a “wobbler” offense — it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Prosecutors often file it as a felony if a weapon, vehicle, or serious injury was involved. A strong defense can argue that the item wasn’t actually used as a weapon or that the act wasn’t intentional, leading to major charge reductions.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes include robbery, carjacking, and aggravated assault, all of which carry long prison terms and potential “strike” enhancements. These cases often turn on eyewitness testimony or forensic evidence that can be challenged in court. We work with investigators and experts to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Gang-Related Offenses

Orange County prosecutors aggressively pursue cases involving alleged gang ties under California’s Gang Enhancement laws. These enhancements can add years or even decades to a sentence. We’ve successfully fought to remove gang allegations and challenge police gang databases that label people unfairly.

Theft and Property Crimes

Theft crimes range from petty theft and shoplifting to grand theft, embezzlement, and burglary. Even first-time offenders risk probation or jail if the value of stolen property exceeds $950. We focus on proving lack of intent, mistaken identity, or coercion — and when possible, negotiating restitution-based resolutions to avoid convictions.

Burglary and Robbery

Burglary involves entering a structure with intent to commit theft or another felony, while robbery adds the element of force or fear. Both are felonies and may qualify as “strike” offenses. We attack the prosecution’s claims of intent and use surveillance, forensic, or witness evidence to dismantle their version of events.

Gun and Weapons Charges

Orange County enforces strict firearm laws. Common charges include unlawful possession, carrying a concealed firearm, or using a gun during another alleged crime. We analyze the legality of police searches, ownership documentation, and prior convictions to reduce or eliminate weapon enhancements.

Sex Crimes

Sex crime allegations can destroy reputations overnight. We represent clients accused of sexual battery, indecent exposure, lewd acts, statutory rape, and other related charges. Many of these offenses carry mandatory sex offender registration, so our focus is always on preventing conviction through early, aggressive defense.

Homicide and Attempted Murder

Homicide cases are among the most serious charges in California. The penalties range from voluntary manslaughter to first-degree murder with potential life sentences. We challenge forensic evidence, eyewitness reliability, and alleged motive to build the strongest possible defense at every stage of the case.

Consequences of California Criminal Convictions in Fullerton, Orange County

If you are convicted of a crime in Fullerton, Orange County, or anywhere California, you can face many consequences. Some of them can impact your life for years to come or even the rest of your life.

Understanding How California Sentencing Works

Unlike some states, California doesn’t divide felonies and misdemeanors into “classes.” Instead, sentencing depends on the statute itself and the circumstances of the case. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Felonies: The most serious crimes, punishable by more than one year in state prison. Many felonies — such as robbery, ADW, or burglary — carry “triad” sentences (for example, 2–4–6 years) that judges choose from based on aggravating or mitigating factors.
• Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or fines. Even so, a misdemeanor conviction can cause major collateral issues like probation, restraining orders, or professional discipline.
• Wobblers: Offenses that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the facts and the prosecutor’s discretion. Examples include domestic violence, ADW, and certain theft crimes. A strong defense can often convince the court to treat a wobbler as a misdemeanor, which drastically lowers the penalty and long-term impact.
• Strike Felonies: Under California’s “Three Strikes” law, some violent or serious felonies count as “strikes.” A second strike automatically doubles the prison sentence, and a third strike can lead to 25 years to life. Common strike offenses include robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and certain sex crimes.

Criminal Penalties

• Jail or Prison: Felony convictions are served in state prison; misdemeanors in county jail. Some offenses allow formal or informal probation as an alternative to custody.
• Fines and Restitution: Penalties range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, plus restitution to any alleged victim.
• Probation Terms: Probation often includes classes, counseling, or community service. Violations can result in immediate incarceration.
• Enhancements: Certain factors — such as great bodily injury, firearm use, or gang affiliation — can add years to a base sentence.

Collateral Consequences

The legal sentence is just one part of the punishment. A conviction often triggers ongoing civil, personal, and professional fallout that can last long after the case ends.

In addition to jail/prison time, fines, fees the suspension or revocation of your driver's license, you might also have other consequences such as:

• A damaged reputation
• Family or relationship problems
• Inability to obtain housing
• Revocation of professional licenses or certifications
• Limited educational and vocational opportunities
• Problems with your career being ineligible for certain jobs
• Registering as a sex offender
• Loss of the right to vote
• Loss of the right to own a firearm

Why Choose Our Fullerton, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers

When your freedom and future are on the line, experience isn’t optional — it’s everything. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, every case benefits from the insight of attorneys who’ve spent decades on both sides of the courtroom. Our team includes former judges, senior district attorneys, and ex-prosecutors who understand exactly how the Orange County justice system works — and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.

• Over 50 Years of Combined Experience: Our attorneys have handled thousands of cases across California, from misdemeanor DUI to high-stakes felonies.
• Recognized Leaders in Criminal Defense: Consistently rated among the Best DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers for the past decade and Clients’ Choice Award winners for 15 years running.
• Former Prosecutors and Judges: We know how the District Attorney’s Office builds its cases — and how to find the weaknesses before they reach trial.
• 24/7 Availability: Arrests don’t happen on a schedule. Our team is available around the clock to take your call, answer questions, and start protecting your rights immediately.
• Team-Based Defense Approach: When you hire Chesley Law, you don’t get one lawyer — you get a coordinated team of defense attorneys, investigators, and expert consultants working together on your case.
• Local Knowledge That Wins Cases: We know the judges, prosecutors, and procedures at the North Justice Center in Fullerton — a strategic edge that can make all the difference.

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, felony, or federal charge, our team’s mission is the same: protect your rights, your record, and your reputation. Call (714) 770-8738 today for a free, confidential consultation.

Are You Facing Criminal Charges? Reach Out to an Experienced Fullerton Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you face criminal charges, you need a trial-tested Fullerton criminal defense attorney aggressively defending your rights and representing your best interests. When it comes to being charged with a crime, it's never too early to protect your rights and begin strategizing a winning defense. That's where the Fullerton criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley come in. For years, we have put our extensive skill and knowledge to work representing defendants across California. Let us put it to use to represent you. Give our office a call today at (714) 770-8738 or contact us online to schedule your case review.

Helpful Fullerton, CA Criminal Defense Resources

Fullerton Police Department
237 W Commonwealth Ave,
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 738-6800

Fullerton City Hall
303 W Commonwealth Ave,
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 738-6300

Fullerton Public Library
353 W Commonwealth Ave,
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 738-6333

Crime in Fullerton
Most arrests in Fullerton are made for theft or assault. Locations that see the most crime include the intersections of:

• E. Orangethorpe Ave./S. Raymond Ave.
• E. Chapman Ave./E. Commonwealth Ave.

You can use the community crime map utilized by the Fullerton Police Department to find out more about crimes in this city.

Local criminal courts include:

Central Justice Center
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(657) 622-6878

Community Court
909 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(657) 622-5801

Harbor Justice Center
4601 Jamboree Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(657) 622-5400

North Justice Center
1275 North Berkeley Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92832-1258
(657) 622-5600