FACING CHARGES IN COSTA MESA? PUT MY EXPERIENCE ON YOUR SIDE

CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER IN COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA

Costa Mesa sits at the crossroads of the 405, 55, and 73 freeways and is home to South Coast Plaza, the OC Fair and Event Center, and two college campuses. The Costa Mesa Police Department handles a steady flow of retail theft, DUI, and nightlife-related cases, as well as more serious felonies. If you have been arrested or contacted by police in Costa Mesa, getting a lawyer involved early can make a real difference.

I have defended clients in Orange County since 2007. My offices in Santa Ana and Fountain Valley are both a short drive from Costa Mesa.

Criminal Charges I Defend in Costa Mesa

Shoplifting and retail theft, including petty theft, grand theft, and organized retail theft
DUI and drug DUI
Drug possession and sales
Assault, battery, and other violent crimes
Domestic violence
Vandalism (Penal Code 594) and trespassing
Juvenile crimes, including cases involving students

Theft Charges at South Coast Plaza and Other Retailers

Retail theft is one of the most common charges in Costa Mesa. Under California law, theft of property worth $950 or less is usually charged as petty theft, a misdemeanor. Theft over $950 can be charged as grand theft, which may be a felony. Proposition 36, passed in 2024, added harsher penalties for people with two or more prior theft convictions. It also allows the values from several thefts to be added together.

Stores often rely on loss prevention staff and security video. Those reports are not always accurate. I review the footage, the store's procedures, and how the value of the property was calculated. Many first-time theft cases can be resolved through diversion or a civil compromise, with no conviction on your record.

Where Costa Mesa Criminal Cases Are Heard

Misdemeanor cases from Costa Mesa are typically heard at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. Felonies are often heard at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. I appear in both courthouses and can guide you through each step, from arraignment to resolution.

A Defense Built on Experience

Before I became a defense attorney, I served eight years with the Los Angeles Police Department. I understand how officers investigate cases and write reports, and I know how to cross-examine them. That experience helps me find problems in the evidence that others may miss.

Talk to a Costa Mesa Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Costa Mesa, do not wait to get help. The sooner I am involved, the more I can do to protect your rights and build your defense. Call McCready Law Group at (714) 785-9978 or send me a message to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shoplifting in Costa Mesa a felony?

Usually not. Shoplifting property worth $950 or less is generally a misdemeanor. However, higher-value theft, a record of prior theft convictions, or allegations of organized retail theft can lead to felony charges.

Can I avoid a conviction for a first-time theft charge?

Often, yes. Depending on the facts, first-time theft cases may be resolved through diversion, a civil compromise, or a dismissal after completing certain conditions.

My child was arrested in Costa Mesa. Do you handle juvenile cases?

Yes. Juvenile cases are handled differently from adult cases and focus more on rehabilitation. I can represent your child in Orange County juvenile court.

Other Areas I Serve

I also represent clients arrested or charged with a crime in these nearby cities:

Also Serving Costa Mesa

See all service areas or learn more about my criminal defense practice.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER SERVING COSTA MESA

At McCready Law Group, I fight for people arrested or charged with a crime in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County. I bring eight years of experience as a Los Angeles Police Department officer to every case, and I give each client honest advice and personal attention. Call (714) 785-9978 to discuss your case.