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Michael Chastaine
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Michael Chastaine
The Chastaine Law Office
101 Parkshore Drive
Suite 100
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 932-7150 | Fax: (916) 932-7151
http://www.chastainelaw.com/
Creative Solutions for Difficult Problems
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Cases involving sexual misconduct, white collar crime and registration issues.
Sub-Categories
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
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1985
Bar Number: 121209
Other Court Admissions
Federal Court - California Northern and Eastern Districts.
Association Memberships
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice - Board of Governors, Sacramento County Bar Association, California Public Defenders Association, Rotary.
Continuing Education
I primarily attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of Criminal Law. I normally exceed the required number of continuing education hours. I have taught continuing legal education seminars on Criminal Law in the past.
Papers and Publications
No, I have not published any papers, but I am often called upon by the media to address legal issues, especially those involving sex offender registrations.
Example Cases
I have obtained acquittals in my last several jury trials, including child molestation (step-father), sexual assault (massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting seven clients), battery (fist fight between neighbors), rape (taxi driving accused of raping an intoxicated passenger), and child molestation (in a Walmart).
I recently secured a certificate of factual innocence regarding a client identified as a person who threw a beer bottle at a woman.
I have obtained several certificates of rehabilitation in various counties for persons with prior sex offenses, thereby eliminating their requirement to register as a sex offender. I pursued the District Attorney to dismiss a failure to register as a sex offender case due to a mistake of fact.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Santa Clara University School of Law
City:
Santa Clara
State:
CA
Year:
1985
Focus and Accomplishments:
Moot Court. I was a full time law clerk my second and third year.
Degree:
Study of Jurisprudence
School:
Magdalen College, Oxford
City:
Oxford, England
State:
Information coming soon.
Year:
1983
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
School:
California State University - Hayward
City:
Hayward
State:
CA
Year:
1982
Honors:
Honors.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Founding member of Hayward Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi, President of Ski Club, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Representative at Large, Awarded the Presidents Service Award.
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The Chastaine Law Office primarily focuses on criminal defense work. We specialize in the representation of persons accused of sexual misconduct. We also have a great deal of experience in drug offenses, crimes of violence, and white collar crimes. We offer discounted rates for DUI offenses and other less serious crimes.
We also represent clients in administrative hearings involving professional licenses, Department of Social Security, and other related matters.
The Chastaine Law Office was established in January of 2007. Starting as a solo practice it has now grown to a three attorney firm. We are located in Folsom California, centrally located between the Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado County Court Houses. I moved here to be closer to the clients and to make it more convenient for the client to have access to me.
Previous Employment Summary
After passing the Bar, I was hired by the Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office. I moved up through the ranks, becoming the youngest member of the Special Trials Unit at the age of 29. I tried multiple homicide and death penalty cases as well as other serious felonies. I was a member of the research team and argued cases before the Court of Appeal as well as the California Supreme Court.
Around 1995, I joined the Alternate Defenders Office of Santa Clara County handling the same types of cases - serious felonies, homicides as well as heading up the research department at various times.
In 2001 I left the Alternate Defenders office and joined the prestigious Sacramento firm of Rothschild, Wishek & Sands. I continued to handle serious felonies as well as other less serious cases and began specializing in cases involving sexual misconduct. In 2004, I expanded my practice to include Federal litigation.
In 2007, I opened the Chastaine Law Office.
Activities and Awards
I have been named a Northern California Super Lawyer (top 5%) in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009. I am currently a member of the Board of Governors for the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. I enjoy a Superb rating from Avvo.com.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is extremely important that clients educate themselves regarding the various legal issues that directly involve their case. This will assist them in making an informed decision. However, it is important to understand that many legal issues have nuances and variables depending on the jurisdiction and that things are rarely black or white. Educating yourself is important, but trusting your legal counsel is also important.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always very pleased when clients prepare documents. I review all of them with great care. I have had some clients actually draft pleadings which, after some polish, have been submitted in court.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
While I am willing to assist clients who want to represent themselves on a limited basis, it is important to understand that representing yourself is an extremely bad idea. Even if you have the proper training it rarely works out well. Without training and experience, self-representation can be fatal to your cause.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became a criminal defense attorney because I wanted to help people. I understand that people can make mistakes. I also understand that when good people make bad decisions, there is usually a "trigger" - either a death, divorce or some other traumatic event that has thrown them off track. Part of my job to is determine what that trigger was, address it as a mitigating factor, and help the client move on with his or her life in a product manner. I don't want repeat clients.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have been involved in many group organizations throughout my life. I was the editor of my high school yearbook, a founding father of a college fraternity, the president of a ski club with 300 members. I have been an active athlete my entire life and am currently active in adventure racing. I travel around the world, racing in events that last up to 10 days. These experiences have provided me with a solid world view of how people react under stress, what motivates them and how to present people in a human way. I believe that these and many other experiences have made me a well-rounded individual who is very empathic to the human condition.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I believe that I can help people. I strongly believe that our constitutional rights are only as strong as the rights we provide to our most despised members of our community. That we are engaged in an adversarial system and that the individual needs someone who is fearless and strong and willing to stand up against the government. That no innocent person should ever spend a day in jail.
What do you like best about your career?
Helping people. Taking a bad situation and helping the client turn it in to a positive outcome.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have a great associate that works every hard and is able to handle the nuts and bolts of the practice so that I can focus on the difficult work of making the hard decisions that most impact the outcome. We work together very closely and brainstorm and come up with creative solutions for difficult problems. My wife also works on a part-time basis in the office as an attorney. She is very experienced with 12 years of Public Defending in her background. She handles her own caseload and is very helpful to the firm.
What are your strengths and style?
I am a bulldog, but in a gentle way. I never give up, but am not over bearing. I believe that you get better results with honey than vinegar. But I'm not afraid to take off the gloves if the situation demands it. I am very good at reading my opposition and trying to figure out what is the best approach for that case with that person. I have many tools in the box and use all of them with skill.
Personal Interests:
I am an avid adventure racer. I race all around the country and have raced in different countries as well. I also race mountain bikes. I am a volunteer ski patroller at Sugar Bowl during the winter. These activities keep me physically fit and mentally sharp.
Fax
(916) 932-7151
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends and after hours by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We have a variety of fee arrangements. Fixed fees, hourly fees and a combination of both can be worked out on a case by case basis.
Hourly Rates
Hourly rates range from $150 (associate) to $350. Rates and fees depend upon a variety of factors and are negotiable.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer free initial consultations on most issues. Generally, these are approximately an hour. For registration issues I generally charge between $200 and $250, because I can normally determine if the client can obtain his/her goals and provide a complete legal analysis in that initial meeting. Any fee that might be charged for this initial consultation will be agreed upon before meeting.
Typical Retainer
Because there are rarely typical cases there is no typical retainer. First time DUIs without priors can usually be resolved for a $1,000. Otherwise I will normally ask for a retainer of between $1,000 and $10,000 depending on the type of case.
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Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
