Skilled, Aggressive Representation in Murrieta
With 27+ years of experience, Murrieta Criminal Defense Attorney Chuck Gorian delivers results.
Murrieta Criminal Defense Attorney
H. Charles Gorian is a trusted Murrieta criminal defense attorney providing aggressive representation for DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, gun rights, and felony and misdemeanor charges. He focuses on clients throughout Murrieta, Temecula, Riverside, and other regions across Southern California.
Focusing on the Outcome
A criminal accusation can turn your life upside down. The decisions you make in the days that follow may have a lasting impact. Understanding your options can feel impossible without trusted guidance. You may feel uncertain about what comes next, but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you work toward the best possible outcome.
Experience You Can Trust
For nearly three decades, H. Charles “Chuck” Gorian has defended clients throughout Riverside County and across many parts of Southern California. His legal insight has earned the respect of judges, prosecutors, and fellow attorneys. His experience has given clients the confidence that they are in capable hands. Chuck is known for his thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and steady advocacy. He approaches every case with the goal of securing the best possible outcome.
How to Find a Reliable Criminal Defense Lawyer in Riverside County
When choosing a criminal defense lawyer, look for an attorney with deep experience in criminal law, strong knowledge of the local courts, clear communication, and a record of handling cases similar to yours. You might also consider the firm’s communication style, availability, and case results. Additionally, you might consider whether the firm offers focused, personal defense rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
A Client-First Approach
At our firm, every client receives personal attention and respect. You will work directly with our attorney, and we will help you understand your options at every stage of the process. We will listen carefully, provide honest guidance, and advocate for you as both your counsel and your ally.
Serving the Inland Empire
Conveniently located in Murrieta, just minutes from the Southwest Justice Center, the Law Office of H. Charles Gorian represents clients throughout Riverside County and San Bernardino County, from Temecula to Rialto to Indio to Rancho Cucamonga.
Spanish-Friendly Representation
The Law Office of H. Charles Gorian is proud to work with Spanish-speaking clients and families. Spanish-language assistance is available to help you better understand your case, your rights, and the legal process. Call us so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
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Practice Areas
DUI and Traffic Offenses
Defense for misdemeanor and felony DUI charges, license-related consequences, and alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses.
Drug Crimes
Strategic defense for drug possession, prescription drug charges, possession for sale, transportation, and related offenses.
Domestic Violence Defense
Experienced representation for domestic violence accusations, restraining order issues, and charges that can impact your freedom and future.
Weapons Charges
Defense for firearm offenses, unlawful weapon possession, prohibited weapons, and other state or federal weapons-related charges.
Violent Crime Charges
Strong defense for assault, battery, robbery, criminal threats, and other violent felony or misdemeanor allegations.
White Collar Crime
Representation for fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, and other financially motivated criminal charges.
Juvenile Crime
Defense for minors accused of criminal offenses in juvenile court, including cases involving school misconduct, theft, drugs, and violence.
Expungement
Clear a record, seal a record, get guidance with expungements, sentence relief, and other post-conviction remedies under California law.
Theft Offenses
Defense for shoplifting, petty theft, grand theft, burglary, embezzlement, and related theft-related charges.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear From Our Clients
Verified Verified Verified Verified Questions and Answers: The Criminal Justice Process
Q: What should I do if I am arrested?
A: If you are arrested, it is important to remain calm and assert your right to remain silent. Under the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution, not only do you have a right to remain silent, you absolutely should. Many think that the arresting officer will go “light” on you if you assist with a statement, while in fact, the opposite is true. The arresting officer is only interested in getting incriminating statements from you that are inconsistent with his truth, or alternatively, the information he believes to be true. Upon ANY questioning, ask if you are free to leave. If told you are free to leave, then leave immediately. Any answer other than “you are free to leave” MUST be met with “I am making no statements, and I want an attorney.”
Once arrested, the next step is to decide whether to post bail or to fight the case from custody.
Q: What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A: In California, crimes are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, or community service. Common misdemeanors include petty theft and simple assault. Felonies are more serious crimes that can result in state prison sentences, larger fines, and longer probation periods. Examples of felonies include burglary, drug trafficking, and murder. The consequences of a felony conviction are more severe and can include longer imprisonment and lasting impacts on your civil rights. Read more about misdemeanors and felonies here.
Q: What are the consequences to my California Drivers license if I am arrested for DUI?
A: After a DUI arrest in California, the officer will usually take your license and give you a pink temporary license valid for 30 days. If you do not act within 10 days of the arrest, the DMV will automatically suspend your license after that 30-day period. What many people don’t realize is that you’re facing two separate proceedings: the criminal court case and the DMV’s administrative process. You have just ten days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing, which is your only chance to fight the administrative suspension.
The length of the suspension depends on your record. For a first offense, a license suspension will either be four months, 30 days, or no suspension at all. With repeat offenses, the suspension is much longer.
Regardless of whether it’s a first or a subsequent offense, if you refuse to take an evidentiary breath or blood alcohol test, the DMV can impose a one-year license suspension.
If a court later convicts you, the DMV will impose an additional suspension. Although this is a new suspension, you can go to the DMV and get a restricted license immediately. The key takeaway is that you must act quickly to protect your driving privilege and explore every option for keeping yourself on the road. Read more about DUI criminal charges and penalties here.
Q: If I am a US military veteran or active duty military, how can that affect my criminal case?
A: In California, being a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can affect your criminal case in various ways. The law now recognizes the unique challenges that come with military service, including PTSD, Substance Abuse Disorder, or other mental health conditions.
California Courts now have a dedicated veterans court. Within that court there are two treatment programs that seek to assist both veterans and active-duty military. These two programs are Veterans Court and Military Diversion.
Veterans Court is designed for people accused of more serious crimes. This program is a treatment alternative in lieu of more serious punishment, such as jail or prison time. The court-ordered treatment typically consists of counseling, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, anger management, and community service.
On the other hand, Military Diversion is appropriate for less serious crimes. If a defendant successfully completes court-ordered treatment in Military Diversion, the court dismisses the case as if the offense never happened.
Outside of these two programs, a conviction can carry serious consequences, but your status as a veteran or active-duty service member may result in treatment-focused alternatives. Learn more on our blog about how criminal charges can affect service members.
Q: What are my rights during a police search?
A: In California, you have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. If the police want to search you, your home, or your vehicle, they typically need a warrant. There are exceptions to this rule and believe me, law enforcement will exploit the same. The most widely used exception is consent to the search. Often times, law enforcement will simply ask for permission to search. It is important to exercise your right to say NO without equivocation. Most people will submit to the authority of law enforcement and agree to the search. DO NOT AGREE. Read about your rights during an arrest here.
Q: What are the potential outcomes if I am arrested for a misdemeanor offense in California?
A: A misdemeanor can carry up to a year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000. In practice, especially for first-time offenders, judges often impose probation instead of jail, with conditions like community service, counseling, restitution, or educational programs. A conviction will also appear on your criminal record and can affect employment, housing, or licensing.
However, many misdemeanors can later be cleared through expungement. Another possible outcome is diversion, and there are three main categories: 1) misdemeanor judicial diversion, 2) military diversion, 3) mental health diversion. If you successfully complete a diversion program, the case is dismissed and deemed never to have happened. The best path forward depends on the type of offense, your prior record, and whether alternative sentencing or diversion applies to your situation. Read more about potential outcomes for misdemeanor offenses on our Felony Vs. Misdemeanor page.
Q: What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is your first formal court appearance after being charged with a crime. It’s not a trial, and no evidence is presented. Instead, the judge will inform you of the charges, ask for your plea, and address issues such as bail or release conditions. Your next court date will also be scheduled at this hearing.
In most cases, your attorney will enter a not-guilty plea on your behalf. A skilled criminal defense attorney will argue for your release or for a bail reduction. After this hearing, it will give your attorney time to review the evidence, file motions, and begin building your defense.
While an arraignment can feel stressful, it is typically a brief proceeding. Having experienced legal counsel at your side ensures you understand what is happening and that your rights are fully protected from the very beginning of your case.
For a more detailed breakdown of what happens at an arraignment, you can read the full blog post about arraignments.
Q: If I have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, how will that affect my criminal case?
A: If you suffer from a mental health condition, it can significantly affect how California handles your criminal case. Depending on the circumstances, the court may consider your mental health both when deciding guilt and when determining sentencing. In some cases, an attorney can use mental health issues as part of a legal defense by challenging whether you had the capacity to form intent.
During a sentencing hearing, the court can consider your mental health as a mitigating factor in determining an appropriate punishment. That punishment is typically and dramatically reduced in these situations.
Even if the condition doesn’t serve as a complete defense, it can still influence the outcome. Recently, California legislation has created a mental health diversion program. This program allows eligible defendants to receive treatment and ultimately earn a dismissal as if the case never happened.
Every case is unique, but California courts take mental health seriously and may offer alternatives that focus more on rehabilitation than punishment.