Criminal Defense Lawyer in Irvine
Compassionate Legal Representation Across Southern California
If you have been arrested in California, a conviction can result in harsh criminal penalties, such as fines and even a jail or prison sentence. In addition, a permanent criminal record can negatively impact your life, making it difficult to find work, obtain housing, or enroll in college or university. In order to avoid conviction or in hopes of having your penalties reduced to avoid spending time behind bars, you need to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer to help you.
Attorney Diane C. Bass is ready to defend you against the charges you face and help you get the best possible result in your case. With thousands of cases handled in state and federal courts throughout Orange County and Southern California, she can listen to your story, determine your available legal options, and protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process.
Types of Criminal Cases Handled by Attorney Bass
- Arson, including charges which result in personal injury, death, and destruction of property.
- Assault of a police officer or other law enforcement agent.
- Child Pornography, as well as other crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
- Conspiracy, in which two or more individuals took part in a criminal scheme.
- Drug Crimes, including drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing.
- Domestic Violence, including aggravated assault, rape, and abuse.
- Federal Cases, like tax evasion charges.
- Forgery and Counterfeiting.
- Fraud, including healthcare fraud, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, tax fraud, bank fraud, credit card fraud, real estate fraud, mortgage fraud, investment fraud, and securities fraud.
- Identity Theft.
- Illegal Alien Smuggling.
- Sex Crimes, including sexual battery and sex offenses which require sex offender registration.
- Theft Crimes, including bank robbery, grand theft, and petty theft.
- Vehicular manslaughter.
- Violent Crimes, including murder, manslaughter, and assault with a deadly weapon.
- Weapons Offenses, including unlicensed firearm sales or the use of a deadly weapon.
- White-Collar Crimes, including money laundering, bribery, public corruption, and pyramid schemes.
Contact the Law Office of Diane C. Bass Today at Law Office of Diane C. Bass, A Professional Law Corporation, today at (949) 990-4195 for your initial consultation.
Cases We handle
We're on Your Side
- Bank Fraud
- Child Pornography
- Conspiracy
- Credit Card Fraud
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Trafficking
- Embezzlement
- Felony Crimes
- Fraud
- Healthcare Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Investment Fraud
- Mail Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Mortgage Fraud
- Real Estate Fraud
- Securities Fraud
- Tax Fraud
- Weapons Offenses
- White Collar Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
- Wire Fraud
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What is the California Criminal Defense Law?
There are two main types of crimes in California: misdemeanors and felonies. While a misdemeanor offense is not as serious as a felony case, a conviction can still lead to serious penalties, including jail time and community service.
The following are the two classes of misdemeanors in California:
- Standard misdemeanor – Punishable by a maximum jail term of 6 months and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Aggravated or gross misdemeanor – Carries a jail sentence of up to 364 days and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. In January 2015, the maximum sentence was changed from 1 year to 364 days, which prevents a misdemeanor offense involving “moral turpitude” from resulting in deportation under U.S. law.
On the other hand, felony charges carry much more grave consequences, including potential prison sentences and possible fines up to $10,000. For most felonies in California, each offense has three determined or fixed sentences (e.g., a low term, a middle term, and a high term.)
Felony convictions can also result in the loss of valuable civil rights, including the right to possess a firearm, the right to vote, and the right to serve on a jury. Felony convictions can also lead to the loss of professional licenses and can make it much harder to maintain or obtain employment.
Lastly, there are “wobbler” offenses, which are crimes that can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Prosecutors decide whether to charge wobblers as a misdemeanor or felony based on the facts and circumstances of each case. If you are charged with a felony that is a “wobbler” it is possible to have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor with the help of the right attorney.
Can an Attorney Get My Conviction Expunged?
It is possible for those convicted of certain crimes in California to see their records cleared. Later penalties for a criminal conviction need not harm their future prospects any longer, as they will no longer need to disclose their guilty conviction to future employers in job applications.
It is possible to file for expungement at any time after certain conditions like after the completion of parole, have been met. However, experienced law offices may be able to help you speed up the process.
Those not eligible for expungement of criminal records include those convicted for crimes of child pornography, lewd acts with a minor, certain types of sexual assault, and failure to allow law enforcement to perform a legal search of a vehicle.
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"She will put your anxiety at ease and get you through the tangled system."
Diane is the perfect mix of gentle understanding and fierce action you’ll need if you find yourself dealing with the OC court system.- Angie T. -
"Whatever you’re going through, I’m confident Diane will achieve the best outcome you could hope for."
My first impression was that she’s very experienced, no-nonsense, knows the law, how the system works, and was very busy as a result. I quickly realized that she exceeded even those first impressions but also cared very much about my story, needs, an- Daniel B. -
"From the start of my case, she has been there for me."
First of all, I would like to thank Diane for everything she has done for me. From the start of my case, she has been there for me. Only very few people were granted bond and she pulled it off in my case. I know for a fact not too many lawyers could have done that. I am on probation for three years.. while “the others” will not have the chance to raise their children and live their lives. I was headed to prison….I am free.. and for that, I am forever grateful.- John H. -
"Diane Bass is a phenomenal attorney."
After meeting with Diane I felt immediate comfort, and I was sold on the fact that I could trust this amazing person with my life. Diane Bass was there for me every step of the way like no other attorney had ever been.- Ryan O. -
"She is not afraid to battle for you. With her, you will never be alone."
Diane is a brilliant attorney. She listens carefully to your problems and clearly advises you with honesty. She was with me from the first day of my case and I have never been disappointed in any way.- Maria K. -
"I highly recommend Diane if you are dealing with legal troubles of your own."
Since this being my first Federal offense, I had no idea what to expect. I was extremely anxious. After talking to Diane, I felt like she was the attorney I needed to help me get through these challenging times. Her professionalism and knowledge of the law- Adam P. -
"Diane’s work is second to none."
Diane’s work is second to none. I was charged with felony DV, and after working with one firm in Irvine that did absolutely nothing, I did some hard research and found Diane. She worked quickly and diligently and got the case dismissed. I absolutely don’t foresee me needing a criminal lawyer down the road, but if I do, it’ll be Diane hands down!
- Shadic A. -
"Diane is the most professional, thorough attorney I have ever met."
Her expertise, connections, analysis, and comprehensive review of my situation were more than I could ever ask. I am extremely grateful and couldn't be happier with my choice!- Jeff R.
When is the Right Time to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
The best time to hire legal representation was yesterday before you needed it. The second-best time is today, right away, as soon as you finish reading these words. Law offices that represent those accused of criminal offenses are able to provide the most thorough, well-rounded defenses for their clients when they are given more time to examine the investigation, review evidence, speak with witnesses, and learn your side of the story.
Basically, the sooner you hire an attorney to defend you from your criminal charges, the better chance you have of constructing a winning criminal defense. Police officers and lawyers for the district attorney’s office will attempt to seek harsh sentencing in a court of law. You need a defense lawyer who will protect your rights and argue for your defense just as vigorously. But you need to give that criminal defense team the appropriate time to do their work. Waiting until the last second to hire an attorney would not be advisable.
The Law Office of Diane C. Bass is one of the most highly respected criminal defense firms across Southern California. If you would like to speak with the attorney and her legal team about your criminal charges, you may contact her Irvine, CA, office to schedule your confidential consultation. If you are using the attorney’s website, you can also submit your questions online. The website’s contact form sends information directly to the law offices of Ms. Bass and her team of legal professionals, where they will then get back to you and schedule your consultation.
The criminal justice system chews up and spits people out for even the smallest legal issues or charges. While there is a push for reform on various types of criminal cases, defendant after defendant has to go through those courtrooms, fearful for their futures. As your attorney, Diane C. Bass will provide an aggressive defense against your criminal charge, doing her best to keep you out of prison and let you get back to your life no worse for wear.
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Top-Rated & Award-Winning Legal RepresentationWe consistently deliver results that exceed expectations, earning the trust of clients and accolades from the legal community.
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25+ Years of Criminal Defense Legal ExperienceWith over 25 years of criminal defense legal experience, we bring a wealth of seasoned insight and a proven track record of success to every case we handle.
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Extensive Knowledge & Experience With Federal CasesWith extensive knowledge and experience in federal cases, we offer comprehensive legal strategies tailored to the complexities of each situation.
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An Outstanding Reputation Amongst Clients & PeersOur reputation among clients and peers alike reflects our unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
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Featured in the MediaAttorney Bass is frequently featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post, LA Times, ESPN, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and more.
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Track Record of SuccessWith a track record of handling some of the most significant cases in the Central District of California, our firm brings unmatched experience to every client's defense.
Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case?
Whether because of a defiant belief that they cannot be convicted, or because of a need to save money, or perhaps a desire to argue their case themselves, some defendants accused of criminal charges decide not to hire criminal defense lawyers.
This is not wise.
Unless you are a practicing defense attorney yourself or perhaps a former prosecutor, do not make representing yourself in your own criminal case your first or even second option. The attorney for the prosecution will fight hard for a conviction and a tough sentence. You want a criminal lawyer who understands the complexities and seriousness of your criminal charges to represent you in a court of law.
And while it is true that the courts will, in almost all criminal cases, provide an attorney to represent clients who do not have their own legal representation, it is important to hire a criminal defense team up to the task. Some criminal defense lawyers may be lacking in experience representing clients accused of a particular criminal charge. You want a law firm and criminal lawyer who has the ability to pick apart the prosecution’s case, fight for your rights, raise reasonable doubt, and do everything within their legal powers to protect you from a lengthy prison sentence.
It is important to note that aggravating circumstances can make a ‘typical’ criminal defense case incredibly more complicated for those sent before a judge. Violent crimes like domestic violence, which result in personal injury, and sex crimes like rape, when committed along with other types of felony charges, can result in enhanced sentencing.
Confidential or sensitive information is protected by the attorney-client relationship. If you have committed an additional violent crime in the process of the crimes you are being charged for, it is vital that you discuss this with your defense attorney at the earliest possible stage of your defense.
The legal team of the Law Office of Diane C. Bass is well-equipped to help you with your criminal defense. If you would like to schedule your case evaluation, please call the Irvine, CA, law office. Your consultation is confidential, and you are not obligated to take on the Law Office of Diane C. Bass as your legal representation if you do not feel the firm is a good fit for you and your needs.