Tustin Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal defense representation grounded in 13 years of work on behalf of clients in Tustin and across Orange County.

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Tustin, CA, we recommend having our team start building your defense immediately. At Seyb Law Group, we have been handling criminal matters throughout Orange County for 13 years. Our Tustin, CA criminal defense lawyer knows the criminal court system, how local prosecutors work, and what it takes to push for our client’s protection and fair court process. We handle everything from first-time misdemeanors to serious felonies. Free consultations are available. Reach out today to get started.

Criminal Defense Attorney Tustin, CA

Most of the meaningful work of a criminal defense case happens before trial ever begins. It starts with the arrest itself, and we assess whether the stop was lawful, if your rights were honored, or if the evidence the prosecution is relying on was improperly obtained. We review police reports, witness statements, and lab results if there are any. A good defense attorney is looking for the flaws in the government’s case to weaken their angle against you.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Tustin

Seyb Law Group represents clients facing criminal charges across a broad range of offense types. Whether that be misdemeanors, felonies, or federal matters, we handle them in Tustin and throughout Orange County.

DUI. We look at how the stop was initiated, how field sobriety tests were administered, and whether the chemical testing followed proper procedure.
Drug crimes. Charges range from simple possession to trafficking and manufacturing. The right defense depends on what happened and how the evidence was gathered.
Domestic violence. The consequences extend beyond criminal penalties, including restraining orders, custody implications, and professional licenses. We have helped clients get these charges dismissed.
Felony charges. State prison exposure, loss of civil rights, permanent record consequences. We handle the full spectrum of violent crimes, drug felonies, theft, and weapons charges.
Federal crimes. Federal court is a different environment than state court. The resources behind the prosecution are significant, and the sentencing guidelines are strict. We handle federal matters including fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking, and racketeering.
Assault and battery. California draws meaningful distinctions between simple and aggravated assault, and the charging decision significantly affects potential penalties. We handle both misdemeanor and felony-level assault.
Theft crimes. Petty theft, grand theft, or embezzlement, each carries different exposure and different defense considerations. In many situations, reducing a felony to a misdemeanor is a realistic goal worth pursuing aggressively.
Sex crimes. Few accusations carry more immediate and lasting consequences. We represent clients facing sexual assault charges, statutory rape allegations, and related offenses. These cases require careful and thorough defense.
Misdemeanors. These charges show up on background checks, affect professional licensing, and can result in jail time. Many misdemeanor charges can be dismissed, but only if someone is actively working toward the outcome.
Probation violations. A violation allegation can put you back before a judge facing the original sentence. We work to challenge the basis of the alleged violation and argue for alternatives to custody wherever possible.

Why Choose Seyb Law Group for Criminal Defense in Tustin, CA?

Established Criminal Defense Practice Across Orange County

Spencer Seyb started Seyb Law Group because he believed that every person charged with a crime deserves real legal representation. Our criminal defense lawyer in Tustin, TX focuses on getting charges dismissed or reduced and that is the standard he holds every case to.

Spencer Seyb founded his law firm with a dedication for those facing criminal charges. He graduated from Trinity Law School in Santa Ana in 2011 and has spent his entire career focused on criminal defense. Over that time, he has handled thousands of cases across Southern California in both California State Superior Courts and federal courts, covering nearly every category of misdemeanor and felony charge. His approach is direct and persistent, through pushing for dismissal, advocating for reduction, and pursuing the best available outcome regardless of how the government builds its case.

A Track Record Worth Looking At

Our results include many positive outcomes for clients we have represented in the past, such as a DUI case with a high BAC of .18, where charges got completely dismissed, a felony domestic violence case that was reduced to a misdemeanor with no jail, a felony drug sales and transportation was minimized to a misdemeanor with no jail, and a DUI with injury had charges dismissed with probation. If you are dealing with a criminal accusation, contact our team today.

Understanding Criminal Defense Cases in Tustin

Charges, Penalties, and Defense Strategies for Criminal Cases

California separates criminal offenses into three categories, including infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Where a charge is categorized determines the court it’s heard in, the potential sentence, and collateral consequences that follow conviction. Here are a few aspects worth knowing:

Misdemeanors carry up to one year in county jail. Beyond jail time, they can result in fines, probation, mandatory programs, and a criminal record that shows up on background checks.
Felonies can mean state prison. Sentences vary widely depending on the specific charge, prior criminal history, and any sentencing enhancements.
Wobblers sit in between. Offenses that prosecutors can charge as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Defense attorneys can argue for a lower charge.
Enhancements can add years to a sentence. Prior convictions, use of a weapon, and other aggravating factors are the most common.
Diversion is available in some situations. Particularly for first-time drug offenders and certain domestic violence defendants, successful completion can result in dismissal.

Important Aspects of a Criminal Defense Case

The facts of what happened are important, but the outcome of a criminal case often depends on factors that aren’t immediately obvious when a client first seeks our assistance. Here are important aspects of your criminal defense case:

How the arrest was carried out, including whether the officer had legal grounds for the stop, a search was conducted with or without consent, and if a warrant was issued or not.
Evidence that was gathered improperly may be suppressible, and suppression can change the entire trajectory of a case.
Beyond the arrest itself, witness credibility is influential, and we work to prevent inconsistencies in statements. The prosecution’s charging decision and whether it reflects the evidence presented matters.
Question of strategy. For some clients, the goal is dismissal or acquittal at trial. For others, the priority is avoiding jail time or protecting a professional license.

Criminal Defense Case Timeline

No two cases move at exactly the same pace, but the general sequence in the state of California looks like the following:

Arrest and booking. What happens at this stage, particularly what you say, can affect the case down the line. You have the right to remain silent.
Arraignment. Your first court appearance. In-custody defendants are typically arraigned within 48 to 72 hours. You’ll enter a plea, and bail will be addressed.
Pre-trial hearings. This is where much of the defense work happens. Motions to suppress evidence, challenges to the charges, and plea negotiations.
Preliminary hearing. For felonies, the court must find probable cause before the case moves on to trial. This is another opportunity to challenge the government’s evidence.
Trial. Jury or bench, depending on the circumstances. If the case gets to this stage, preparation over the preceding months is what determines the process.
Sentencing. If there’s a conviction, by plea or verdict, sentencing typically follows within a few weeks.

What to Bring to Your Criminal Defense Consultation

Bring what you have to your appointment with us, but don’t worry about having it all together. We do suggest bringing the following if you have it available:

Any paperwork from your arrest, including citation, booking paperwork, and charging documents if you’ve received them
A written account of what happened, in as much detail as you can remember, in your own words.
Names or contact information for anyone who witnessed the relevant events.
Prior criminal history, if any, so we have the full picture from the start.

California Legal Resources for Criminal Defense Cases

California has numerous useful resources publicly available for those navigating the criminal justice system. Here are several worth knowing about:

California Courts Self-Help Center: Explains criminal court procedures in plain language, including what to expect at arraignment, hearings, and trial.
California Penal Code: The primary source for California’s criminal statutes, available through the state’s legislative information portal.
Orange County Superior Court: Handles the vast majority of Tustin criminal matters. The court’s website includes location information, calendars, and general procedural guidance.
California DOJ Open Justice: Provides publicly accessible data on arrests, filings, and case dispositions throughout California.
U.S. Courts Federal Criminal Process: Useful starting point for clients facing federal charges who want to understand how that system differs from state court.

Reach Out to Seyb Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

The sooner you have legal representation after an arrest, the more options and opportunities for a defense are available to you. At Seyb Law Group, our team needs time to build a defense before the prosecution solidifies its case. We offer free consultations and work with clients on payment plans if needed. Contact us to speak with a Tustin criminal defense attorney today.