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Moises Aguilar, Esq. Criminal Defense

Santa Ana Criminal Defense Attorney

Guiding You Through One Of The Hardest Moments In Your Life

Being arrested or learning you’re under investigation can change everything in a single day. Court dates, police reports, and unknown consequences start piling up fast, and it’s hard to know who to trust or what to do next. As a Santa Ana criminal defense attorney, we step in to bring clarity, protection, and a plan for your criminal defense.

At Moises Aguilar, Esq., we defend clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in Santa Ana, including DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, and white-collar crimes such as fraud, forgery, and embezzlement. Led by Moises Aguilar, Esq., our team works to protect your rights and your future while treating you with dignity and respect, guiding you through the Orange County Superior Court process, explaining your options in plain language, and standing with you at every step.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Santa Ana, don’t wait to get answers about your rights and your options. Contact our defense team today for a confidential consultation and start building your defense now.

Facing Criminal Charges In Santa Ana

If you or someone you care about has been charged in Santa Ana, it is normal to feel scared, ashamed, or even angry. Many people have never been in trouble before and do not know what to expect, while others have dealt with the system and worry that this time the consequences could be more serious, especially when issues like warrants or probation violations are involved. Criminal charges can affect far more than a single court date, and a conviction may bring jail or prison time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record that can impact employment, housing, schooling, and, in some cases, immigration status or professional licenses.

Our firm defends clients in a wide range of cases, including domestic violence, theft crimes like grand theft, shoplifting, and robbery, and serious allegations such as kidnapping, assault and battery, and manslaughter charges. We also handle sex crimes, including cases involving rape, and drug cases involving drug possession, drug sales, and drug trafficking. We represent juveniles in the Orange County juvenile court system and help eligible clients clear old records through expungement when California law allows it.

How We Build Your Defense

Build a defense based on your facts and your goals, not a template approach.

  • Review the complaint, police reports, and all available evidence, including any blood tests that may affect the case.
  • Examine how the investigation was conducted and whether your rights were respected.
  • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or inaccuracies in the prosecution’s version of events.
  • Listen to your side to understand context, relationships, and what matters most to you.
  • Align strategy with your priorities (avoid a conviction, reduce charges, protect work/family).
  • Walk you through the typical case stages in Orange County: arrest/citation → arraignment (Central Justice Center, Santa Ana) → pretrial hearings → negotiations → trial (if needed).
  • Prepare yourself for each court appearance and the decisions you may need to make.
  • Explain the charges and potential penalties in plain language, including how multiple DUI penalties may apply in repeat-offense cases.
  • Review the evidence with you so you understand what the prosecution may rely on.
  • Spot legal issues to challenge (questionable searches, improper statements, rights violations).
  • Communicate with the court and prosecutor on your behalf so you do not agree to something you do not fully understand.
  • Leave no stone unturned through detailed preparation and creative problem-solving.

Why Choose Our Firm For Defense

Choosing a lawyer is about who will stand beside you in court and protect your rights. Our firm makes sure you are heard, respected, and informed from the first conversation through every stage of the case, including a thorough case evaluation. We listen closely, keep you updated, and explain your options and the risks of each path in clear terms so you can make confident decisions. Moises Aguilar, Esq., is personally involved in your defense and prepares thoroughly whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, with a focus on both the immediate charges and the long-term impact on your record, family, and future, and you can review client testimonials to learn how others describe their experience with our team.

What To Do After An Arrest

  • Do not discuss the details of your case with law enforcement without a lawyer present.
  • Use the right to remain silent.
  • Do not explain your side to friends, coworkers, or anyone who could be called as a witness.
  • Avoid discussing the arrest on social media, text, or email.
  • Keep all paperwork, including booking information, court date, and court location in Santa Ana or elsewhere in Orange County.
  • Write down everything you remember as soon as possible while the details are fresh.
  • Save citation documents and court papers in one place.
  • Collect and keep contact information for witnesses or anyone involved.
  • Attend every scheduled court appearance.
  • Contact a criminal lawyer in Santa Ana early to review what happened, confirm upcoming dates, and protect your rights.

Clearing Your Record & Moving Forward

A criminal record can affect job applications, rental screenings, and school opportunities, so record clearing is often as important as the case outcome. Planning for your future should be part of the defense strategy from the start.

In California, some people may qualify for expungement or other record-clearing options after a case is resolved, depending on the conviction, sentence, and compliance with court orders. Petitions are typically filed in Orange County Superior Court, and eligibility must be evaluated based on the facts of the case. Our firm reviews your paperwork, determines whether post-conviction relief may apply, and explains the process and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after an arrest?

After an arrest, stay calm, use your right to remain silent, and ask to speak with a lawyer. Avoid explaining your side to officers or posting about the situation. Keep any paperwork you receive, and contact our firm so we can review what happened and talk through your next steps.

Can you help if this is my first offense?

Yes, we regularly represent people facing a first criminal charge. First offenses can still carry serious consequences, but they may also offer options for reduced penalties or long-term damage control. We look at the specific charge, your history, and your goals to craft a strategy.

How will you keep me informed about my case?

We make communication a priority. We explain the process when we begin, update you before and after court dates, and answer questions as they arise. Our goal is that you always know what is happening and why, so you do not feel left alone in the dark.

Do you handle juvenile cases in Santa Ana?

We do represent juveniles facing accusations in the Orange County juvenile court system. These cases have their own rules and procedures, and they can be especially stressful for families. We guide both the young person and their parents or guardians through the process with care and clear communication.

Can my record ever be cleared or expunged?

Some people can seek expungement or other record relief under California law, depending on the conviction and how the sentence was completed. We review your history, explain what options might apply, and help you understand the steps involved so you can plan for the future.

Talk To A Santa Ana Defense Lawyer

Criminal charges can feel like they have taken control of your life, but you do not have to face the court system by yourself. Working with a Santa Ana Criminal Defense Lawyer gives you a guide who understands local courts and is focused on protecting your rights and your future.

When you contact Moises Aguilar, Esq., we take the time to listen to what happened, answer your questions, and outline possible paths forward. There is no judgment and no pressure, only straightforward information and support so you can make informed decisions about your case.

The sooner you have an experienced advocate on your side, the more protection you have moving forward. Call (714) 408-1249 now to speak directly with a Santa Ana criminal defense attorney who is ready to help.

  • Words From Our Clients
    See how we've successfully helped our clients through this difficult time in their lives.
    Testimonials
  • What Sets Our Firm Apart
    Our practice is dedicated solely to criminal law. We bring empathy & creativity to every case we handle.
    About Us
  • Don't Face This Alone
    The criminal system can be complicated and intimidating. We'll guide you through the process.
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Take Steps Now to Protect Your Rights, Your Freedom, and Your Future.

Contact our office today for a free consultation.
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