When your life, career and future are at stake, you need to retain the very best counsel available. Jacqueline delivers stellar advice and counsel. I hope I never need her services again, but if I am ever in a critical situation I know that I have an attorney that I can depend on.
I feel so lucky and blessed to have had Ms. Goodman represent me in a very complicated criminal case. She is super smart, extremely knowledgeable, dedicated, efficient and very good at what she does. If you ever find yourself in a legal mess, talk to Jacqueline Goodman. She did an excellent job presenting all the facts in my preliminary hearing; she handled my case all the way through pretrial and got the best possible results for me. Furthermore, I think her fees are more than reasonable for a highly skilled, eloquent and dynamic lawyer.
SOMETIMES BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE. CALL AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY WHO CARES.
Attorney Goodman is a criminal defense lawyer based in Orange County, California. She is admitted to the United States Supreme Court and is named on the Wall of Recognition at the NationalConstitutionCenter in Philadelphia. She was the founding president of the North Orange County Bar Association, and has been a featured speaker at law schools including NYU Law, UCLA Law and Chapman Law. She has been a guest lecturer on legal issues at BrownUniversity and Occidental, among others, and is a regularly featured speaker for the National Lawyer's Guild. She recently debated the District Attorney of OrangeCounty, Tony Rackauckas with moderator, Constitutional scholar and Dean of UCI Law, Erwin Chemerinsky.
Ms. Goodman has appeared on radio and television in Southern California and across the nation. As a trial attorney in private practice in Fullerton for over 17 years, Goodman has also worked closely with charitable organizations for the last decade, and has written and developed a curriculum for advocates for persons with Developmental Disabilities. Her cases are often notorious, including the murder of MLB's Angel's pitcher, Nick Adenhart and the currently pending murder case against a woman for throwing her disabled baby off the roof of CHOCHospital. She defended the Muslim students in the free speech case known as the "Irvine 11," she has represented defendants in other notable First Amendment cases, including journalists arrested in the OCCUPY LA raid, and the so-called "glitter bombers." She has
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by anonymous | September 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
JACQUELINE GOODMAN REALLY IS THE BEST!!!!!!
When your life, career and future are at stake, you need to retain the very best counsel available. Jacqueline delivers stellar advice and counsel. I hope I never need her services again, but if I am ever in a critical situation I know that I have an attorney that I can depend on.
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Felony Criminal Case
I feel so lucky and blessed to have had Ms. Goodman represent me in a very complicated criminal case. She is super smart, extremely knowledgeable, dedicated, efficient and very good at what she does. If you ever find yourself in a legal mess, talk to Jacqueline Goodman. She did an excellent job presenting all the facts in my preliminary hearing; she handled my case all the way through pretrial and got the best possible results for me. Furthermore, I think her fees are more than reasonable for a highly skilled, eloquent and dynamic lawyer.
Read less
Posted by Pam | December 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
When only the best will do!
Jacqueline gave us our lives back and we will be forever indebted to her! My loved one was looking at an attempted murder charge in addition to five others and several years in prison. It is clear that Jacqueline is respected by her colleagues and the judges and is the ultimate professional! She knows the law inside and out, acts as a trusted advisor and has your best interest at heart at all times. Jacqueline from the onset provided her cell number, secured a bail bondsman, stayed in touch through the entire 5 year process and even helped us manage the range of emotions that goes along with trial. Watching her work, her knowledge of the law, her interaction with the jury, peers and judge you know you have the best attorney. Jacqueline is nothing short of amazing in her approach and delivery. We received a not guilty on all counts and this is 100% because of Jacqueline. Grateful is an understatement as I have never been more confident in my life that without her representation, our lives would have been destroyed. She worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure we received that verdict and you will not find that dedication with anyone else.
Read less
Posted by Raquelyn | April 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professionalism, responsiveness, quality and value
Professionalism, responsiveness, quality, value
Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is the best! Every part of our experience with her was great. From January 2020 to April 2021, she was the one who helped my husband's case. Thanks to Ms. Goodman, his case was dismissed! We can't express our happiness. Without her on our side, we wouldn't know what might happen to my family. She is very good and passionate at her job and always knows what she's doing. We highly recommend! Thank you Attorney Goodman and to your staff. We pray that God gives you more wisdom by helping people with their needs. God be with you always!
Read less
Posted by Art | November 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jacqueline Goodman
Attorney Goodman, her and her team did an excellent job with my case.
At first I wasn't sure if I had chosen the right person to represent me. I didn't know her. I can look back now, and know that I did.
She cares and I'm sure she will really try to get any client, the best outcome possible.
I'm very happy with what she did for me.
Read less
Posted by Claudia | December 27, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Defense Lawyer!
Jacquie, is a true criminal defense attorney, with the best combination that any person can find in a situation like this . She is knowledgeable, professional , she fights for you ! And at the same time she is caring always putting your interest at heart . She is truly one of the best human being that I have ever met .She fights for you with deep knowledge of the law , she uses her expertise and professionalism to obtain the best deal for you and at the same time she makes sure you feel comfortable with the process . Jacquie gave us the best Christmas present ever our son back! She does what she says she is going to do, She has patience and always shows care. She owns her title, she prides herself of her work that is why she is called the most passionate defense Attorney!!! Thank you so much Jacquie!! You are the best !!!!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
BEST CHOICE I HAVE EVER MADE. THANK GOD FOR JACQUIE
Long story short, she's the one. Save yourself some time, stop looking and book a consult with her ASAP. No exaggeration this woman and the grace of God saved me. I had gotten myself in a bad situation to say the least. 3 felonies and I was scared to death. They were "white collar" crimes but if not dealt with, could definitely ruin my life working as a professional in any field, or getting a regular job for that matter. I went to many other lawyers in OC and LA. And when I met Jacquie it just clicked. She was extremely professional, knowledgeable and warm. Other attorneys tried to wow me with mumbo jumbo about what a great deal they would get me and how they know the judge, some were just smug, others could not understand my case, or they tried to scare me and charge me an arm and a leg, and some had no hope for my case whatsoever. But not Jacquie! She is not only very humble, professional, and patient- she genuinely cares about her clients. She doesn't try to take advantage of you financially either! She is very affordable and fair with her pricing. Unlike the others she gave me very realistic expectations, no empty promises or leaving me in the dark. She pacified my anxiety and always made me feel important and listened to. She explained the process , our options, and was always available to talk. I was never alone, and she always kept me updated on what the next approach would be, what to expect on my next court date- she really took the time. She represented me a total of 4 years. It was a long journey but I wouldn't have wanted anybody else to represent me. She was able to get me an offer of dropping the 3 felonies- to one misdemeanor- but the nature of the misdemeanor still would effect my professional life. She understood this and wouldn't settle. Other attorneys would have just urged me to take the deal because it was a really good one. But because she knew my situation, and what kind of profession I wanted to get into, she kept fighting for me. Other attorneys would have convinced me to take the deal( because I couldn't get any better), taken my money and that would be the end of it. She ended up representing for me twice- in felony court, and I rehired her for misdemeanor court (after pretrial, the judge dropped them to misdemeanors- but still not good enough for me). I could have gone to someone else but I'm glad that I didn't. I didn't just get a really great deal in the end... I GOT MY ENTIRE CASE DROPPED. This woman is amazing- how she did it, I have no idea! After this case got dropped it really changed my life. I really don't think that anybody else could have gotten me the best outcome I could have ever anticipated. Yes I know cases get dropped everyday- but the nature of my case and what I was up against..this was never something I could have imagined. She will fight for you, she won't take the easy way out. She really cared about me as a client, and cared about not only the outcome for her records, but how it would effect me- and for that I'm eternally grateful to her. Jacquie , you're the best!!! This is a very long overdue review, but I've just been on cloud 9 the past few months from having this weight lifted off me. I knew if I wrote a review right away I would just be yelling HIRE HER HIRE HER HIRE HER! And I wouldn't be able to get my whole point across!! Choose her, you won't be disappointed.
Read less
Posted by Eric | January 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
You will not find better representation than Ms. Goodman
In 2016, I was Falsely Accused of a crime I DID NOT commit. My family found the law offices of Ms. Goodman through a family friend of ours. After researching attorney after attorney who specialized in my charges, Ms. Goodman was the clear and obvious choice. These words will never truly explain the comfort, love, support, professionalism, integrity, personal interaction and top notch representation that I received from Ms. Goodman and her entire office. From the moment I met her behind that glass in that horrible place I knew I was in great hands. She represented me for over a year into Trial, I had the pleasure of watching her work throughout the entire process of our legal system, from just after my arraignment to the THREE NOT GUILTY verdicts in the end.
Although Ms. Goodman was representing me in a county different then the one her office is located in, it never kept her from battling traffic to come see me while I was being held in that awful place. Also she was not a "local" attorney to the court I was being tried in, and given that the legal system seems to be a "who knows who" golfing buddy system, the results proved that it didn't matter. You could say that I know her process, style, work ethic, preparation, delivery and many other working traits better then most people.
She is one of the smartest people I have ever had the pleasure of being in the presence of. A brainiac on a whole other level, don't let her gorgeous features fool you, it should only compliment her intimidatingly vast knowledge of Law. She's constantly analyzing every situation to the very bone. Fifty steps ahead of everyone (judges and district attorneys included). Her litigation skills are overly impressive to say the least. For a person like me who is relatively intelligent but did not study law, she never once made me feel inferior or dumb for asking questions, in fact it was the polar opposite. She took all the information I provided her with great appreciation.
We all watch these movies and shows like law and order... but in reality, the justice system is much less forgiving and much more corrupt than any of that hollywood nonsense. However, watching Ms. Goodman work in the court room was on such a powerful level it blows all of that out of the water by far. She is a beacon of hope in an otherwise dark and evil system. Pardon my dramatic tones, but this woman saved my life!!! I watched her make the D.A. look like a junior high school student in beginning speech and debate class.
If you ever get the PRIVILEGE of having Jacqueline Goodman represent you, I promise you she will fight harder then any of her colleagues in that profession, and most likely run circles around them as well. The support and compassion that her entire office had for my poor mother and father in such a devastating time was beyond personal. It brings tears to my eyes that people like that are out there, ready to help hold us together and pick up the pieces. I am forever in debt to these woman and will be bonded with them for the rest of my life. If you are seeking the best of the best, look no further, you found her :) I understand this is just an AVVO review, but like others have said about her, I wish I could give Ms. Jacqueline Goodman 10 stars, 20 stars 50 stars or 100stars!!!
-Eric M
Read less
Posted by Maria Pulido | April 29, 2015
good lawyer
I want to thank ms. Goodman although I wasn't a former client of her because my husbands was dismissed when I called for consultation she gave me all.the info I needed god bless her.
Posted by Michael | July 24, 2014
Gave me hope, and delivered!
I thought I was doomed to spend years in jail after meeting with several other attorneys in the area. When I met Ms. Goodman to review my case and options, I knew I had a winner. My offense had fairly straightforward punishment guidelines and I feared many years behind bars as a result. Facts of the case be damned, Ms. Goodman looks at the human in a person and communicates that effectively to those who matter in court. Being a first time offender and having many examples of being a “good kid,” Ms. Goodman was able to come up with a creative solution with the court that would not have normally been considered.
Ms. Goodman said that by the end of this I would either like her or love her. Ms. Goodman did above and beyond for my case and I definitely love her as a result!
Thanks to her, my felony was reduced to a misdemeanor and I will not be seeing the inside of a jail cell.
Read less
Posted by Nathan | December 3, 2013
She makes the impossible POSSIBLE
In 2007 I got myself into a huge predicament. I was a first time offender and I was facing 15+ years in prison. Jacqueline Goodman Rubio was referred to me by one of my mothers friends from church. This by far was the best referral I ever received in my life. I was facing transporting, large quantity of narcotics (400+ Lbs.) , and hidden compartment charges. 3 HUGE felonies that would have ruined my life! Right away Jacqueline re-assured me that we had a great case and she would be there by my side. Not only was she amazing in the court room but she was very friendly and comforting to me outside the court room. It almost felt like I was being defended by a life long friend. Needless to say Jacqueline did not disappoint. I only did 6 months in county, I didn't even have to file as a drug offender, and I received a felony that was reduced to a misdemeanor after a year of good behavior on the streets. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you Jacqueline Goodman for all your hard work, dedication, and comfort. You are my Super Hero!!! :)
Read less
Posted by chan | June 24, 2013
She is best
I am very thankful to GOD to have her as my excellent lawyer Ms. Jacqueline Goodman She was very knowledgeable ,honest, compassionate and at the same time very Professional. I cannot imagine finding anyone better...." I have not been able to think of the words to express my gratitude to her. "Thank you" just doesn't seem like enough... Thank you very much ,Ms Jacqueline Goodman for excellent works for me !!"
Read less
Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2012
Excellent Representation and Solid Legal Advice
Ms. Goodman represented me in a case where drinking was involved while operating a motor vehicle. The charges were negotiated to a "wet reckless" where I paid a fine, attended classes, and served on informal probation. This saved my job. She gave me a candid assessment of my case, made a recommendation, and once we decided on a course of action, she really went to the mat for me. I believe that her work helped me keep my job, and later, when I was up for another position at a different company, she helped to guide me on a route where the probation was rescinded so that I could accept the new job. Ms. Goodman absolutely representd me professionally, and most importantly - successfully. I felt that I made an excellent choice to have her represent me with this case.
Read less
Posted by Ron | May 23, 2012
Jacqueline goes the extra mile for you. She was Great!
Jacqueline got the Judge to dismiss all charges in my case. She was an awesome person and a great attorney. She always kept me updated via phone and monthy letters. I would highly refer her! Jacqueline, Thanks from the bottom of my heart for your hard work,dedication, skills and communication.
Posted by Jaclyn | April 18, 2012
My Security Blanket
Attorney Goodman was heaven sent! I am a textbook procrastinator and have the notion that everything will get handled when i have the time to. Unfortunately I was convicted of Driving Under the Influence and failed to pay fees and do any classes. I went to try to handle the situation on my own with an active warrant out. The judge however was taking people into custody. I panicked and walked out, no doubt making things worse for myself. I knew at this point I needed to hire an attorney and I wanted nothing but the best as I have a fear of being in jail. She made sure everything was taken care of in a timely manner and reassured me over and over again that her job was to keep me out of handcuffs. That is exactly what she did. I can't thank her enough. I have her business card with me at all times because I highly recommend her. Things are always better when you have that security blanket.
Read less
Posted by John | March 30, 2012
Very professional services.
Ms Goodman was extremely understanding, very supportive and most important of all, handled my case very professionally.
Posted by Sherie | February 2, 2012
Very Pleased with Ms. good mans services
Jacqueline kept my son from going to prison. Instead he will now be going into a program that can help him. She was very quick to respond and gave lots of ways to get in touch with her.She was there each time we went to court and stayed the entire time answering as many questions as needed. She also seemed to be well respected by other attorneys. I would most definitely recommend her.
Read less
Posted by Daniel | September 2, 2011
Great Lawyer Really Cares
I have used Ms. Goodman and sent friends to her. She is one of the best lawyers in Orange County if not the whole state of California. But don't take my word for it. Please -- unless she has changed her ways -- sign up for the free initial consultation. After that she is not a cheap lawyer. I suggest that when looking for a criminal defense lawyer that you not look for a "cheap" lawyer.
Her staff is wonderful. Ms. Goodman is wonderful. You know you have the best lawyer when you see her in court or just walking down the hall in a courthouse and see how the other lawyers all speak to her and know her and ask her advice. She is the best!
Read less
Posted by Eunice | July 14, 2011
She is the BEST!
Ms. Goodman was very professional and, at the same time, understood us and our situation with passionate heart. She took full control of the matter and brought us the best of the bests ruling. SHE IS THE BEST!!!!!
Posted by Randy | June 1, 2011
SAVED ME AGAIN
Took control of everything, for the second time in my life. There are no words to describe what it means to have a lawyer save you from your mistakes and give you a chance to change.
Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.
What determines Avvo Rating?
Experience & background
Years licensed, work experience, education
Legal community recognition
Peer endorsements, associations, awards
Legal thought leadership
Publications, speaking engagements
Discipline
Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have know Jacqueline for over twenty years. As a prosecutor for the DA's office I have worked with her on many matters. Now, as a defense attorney she is the first person I go to when I need a second opinion on a case. She is talented, intelligent, and she truly cares about her clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known Ms. Goodman for years and I have to say she is one of the brightest, most resourceful and creative attorneys I've ever met. Her clients seem to love her and she is well respected by prosecutors, judges, and fellow members of the defense bar.
Ms. Goodman is not only an excellent attorney but also a great person who would go out of her way to help friend and stranger alike.
Overall, I cannot say enough good things about Ms. Goodman."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"As a prosecutor in Southern California for twenty years, I handled numerous cases with Ms. Goodman. She is blessed with the uncanny ability to be both admired and feared by the prosecution team on every case she defends. Ms. Goodman's court room skills are unparalleled and her defense strategies are are ridiculously successful. You cannot go wrong in retaining the services of Ms. Goodman for your criminal defense."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"20 years of criminal defense practice is what we call experienced. Not just an average attorney but an instructor to and mentor to attorneys. Knowledge of criminal law and procedure is at the highest level. Client reviews are stellar and they adore her. READ THEM! Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation, than hire her."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Jacqueline is diligent, hard working attorney that knows the law and how to maneuver through the courts to get the best results for her clients. She is committed to delivering for her clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Small in stature, big in WINS! Jacqueline knows her way around a courtroom and is not afraid of the big fight. She is humble and genuine yet with a big smile and laugh. If you are looking for an excellent criminal defense lawyer who is super intelligent and super compassionate about the law, Jacqueline is the one."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I can endorse Ms. Goodman without hesitation. Her reputation as the definition of zealous advocacy on behalf of her clients is well known. I know she takes her cases to heart and strives for the best - with impressive results."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Jacqueline Goodman for approximately 16 years. She is a passionate advocate for her clients. She will always go the extra mile for her clients. I am happy to endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Goodman for over 8 years. Her knowledge of the courts and criminal law is unparalleled. You rarely see someone so passionate about her clients and upholding their rights. She is truly one of a kind."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Goodman for many years and have had the opportunity to see her work in court. She is passionate about her work and is eager to help her clients. She is unafraid of taking on tough challenges. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Ms. Goodman and find her to be one of the most tenacious lawyers in the business. She is very knowledgeable and respected in the legal community. I would highly recommend her to anyone that is in need of a criminal defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I had the pleasure of working with Jacquie on a 10 codefendant criminal/free speech trial in Orange County. She is an excellent advocate who really fights for her clients and sincerely invests all her time and energy to do everything that is ethically permissible to win the case. I would highly recommend Jacquie as one of the most zealous advocates I know."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jacquie Goodman is a top criminal defense attorney, and a leader in the Southern California legal community. Although she is frequently seen in the media handling high profile cases, she is also very down to earth. She is a passionate lawyer, and her clients always come first - she will fight tooth and nail for them. If you hire Jacquie to be your lawyer, rest assured you're case will get the attention it deserves."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Working with Jacquie Goodman is a total joy. She is smart and always prepared. You can see the courtroom how much she puts into each case . Her clients are truly blessed"