Criminal Defense

I have handled every type of criminal case, from DUI and petty theft to capital murder and everything in between. I have extensive experience in homicide and sexual assault cases, but every case gets my undivided attention and expertise. I will accept all criminal cases - misdemeanors or felonies.

Criminal Defense

• Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
• Appeals
• Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
• Environmental Violations
• Felonies
• Grand Jury Proceedings
• Juvenile Crimes
• False Identification
• Truancy
• Misdemeanors
• Parole
• Probation
• Perjury
• Plea Negotiation
• Search & Seizure
• Victims' Rights
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights

Abuse

• Animal Abuse
• Child Abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Elder Abuse

Automotive

• DUI
• Felony Auto Accidents
• Open Container
• Driving with a Suspended License
• Driving without a License
• DWI

Computer Crimes

• Hacking
• Malicious Code
• Unauthorized Access

Drugs

• Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
• Drug Possession
• Intent to Distribute Drugs
• Intent to Sell Drugs
• Medical Marijuana

Firearms & Weapons

• Illegal Possession or Transportation
• Other Weapons & Devices

Fraud & Financial Crimes

• Bank Fraud
• Checks & Credit Cards
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Forgery
• Identity Theft
• Money Laundering
• Smuggling

Property Crimes

• Arson
• Burglary
• Embezzlement
• Larceny
• Shoplifting
• Theft
• Trespass
• Vandalism

Sex Crimes

• Abduction
• Child Abuse
• Child Pornography
• Indecent Exposure
• Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
• Rape
• Sexual Assault
• Stalking
• Trafficking in Women

Violent Crimes

• Assault & Battery
• Domestic Violence
• Extortion
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Robbery

CA, Jun 1996
Bar Number: 182308

All California State Courts and Federal Court - Central District of California.

State Bar of California and United States District Court - Central District of California.

I keep up with the law by attending seminars and self-study for the State Bar's required Continuing Legal Education. I have also written continuing education training materials and lectured other attorneys in trial tactics, jury selection, crimes against children and DNA in criminal cases. Although not required legal education, I also subscribe to electronic notification of every case decision in California so I am always up to date on case law.

I have written training materials for other attorneys on preliminary hearings, DNA cases, jury selection and trial tactics.

Every case is unique and there are no guarantees of outcomes, but I have had great success negotiating even serious felonies to where the case will be completely dismissed.

One client faced kidnapping, attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon charges. Result: Supervised release and a dismissal after six months.

Domestic violence case: DA agreed to dismiss all charges after two court appearances. The reason? The police failed to document the injuries my client sustained. When I was retained, we went to the police to demand they take photographs, showing clearly that my client was the victim.

1

California

I practice criminal defense work exclusively. By focusing on one aspect of the law, rather than handling any case that walks in my door, I can specialize in the defense of my clients.

After twelve years in the District Attorney's Offices in Tulare and Orange County, I opened my office as a sole practitioner, concentrating exclusively on criminal defense.

Before law school, I was a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, working uniformed patrol. I investigated every type of crime, including DUI cases, drug offenses, and murder. During law school, I clerked with the Orange County District Attorney's Office and even before graduating law school, I was conducting preliminary hearings on felony cases and tried misdemeanor jury trials.

After law school, I worked for the Tulare County District Attorney's Office for six years. Three of those years were in the sexual assault unit, handling rape and child molestation cases. When I left Tulare County, I was assigned to the homicide unit, where I was handling murder and manslaughter cases on a daily basis.

I then came back to Orange County, where I worked for the District Attorney's Office. Three of those years were in the sexual assault unit. I also was assigned to the Major Narcotics Unit. In that assignment, I had extensive experience in search warrants, search and seizure (Fourth Amendment) issues and wiretap cases.

For more about my background, see my website at www.joedane.com.

I have taught for the Orange County Probation Department's "Shortstop" program. It is designed to intervene with first-time juvenile offenders and avoid prosecution. I have twice received awards as Attorney of the Year.

(714) 532-3610

I am usually in court in the mornings; hours by appointment. I can usually accommodate same day appointments and can be reached 24 hours a day by phone.

Yes

Every case is different, and every case has its own set of legal issues. I cannot quote a set rate without knowing about your case. It just wouldn't be fair to either of us to quote a fee without knowing anything about your case. If I assume it is full of issues and will require extensive motions, court appearances and quote accordingly, I've over-quoted. If I assume it's a "straight-forward" case, that takes months to resolve or try, I've under-quoted.

I take cases on a flat fee basis and do not charge hourly rates. Your fees will not exceed the amount agreed to in your retainer, no matter how many hours or how many court appearances it takes.

Yes - an initial consultation is free. I usually set aside an hour to meet with a client for the first time, but we'll take the time necessary to discuss your case and representation fully.

Typically, misdemeanors start at $2,500 and felonies at $3,500. Please understand that these are just starting points. Your case may merit a lower fee, but the issues and complexity may also mean a higher fee. You will always know the exact cost of representation after we meet.