Chaney Criminal Defense Lawyers

09/24/2026

Accidentally violated a restraining order? It can still turn into a criminal case.

The key question is whether the violation was truly accidental and how that can be proven. Even an unintentional call, text, message, or contact may be treated as a violation of a court order.

If this happens, don’t wait. Contact a lawyer right away so they can help communicate with the investigating agencies and protect your rights.

09/22/2026

We’re grateful this client felt supported and informed throughout their restraining order case. Navigating the U.S. legal system can feel overwhelming, especially as an international student, and clear communication matters.

Thank you for trusting Austin Godinez and the team at Chaney Law to guide you through the process and help you work toward the best possible outcome.

09/17/2026

Some cases stay with you forever.

Attorney Dawn Dunbar reflects on a domestic violence restraining order case where her client was seeking protection from a terrifying abuser. During the hearing, the fear in the room was real, but so was the relief when the court granted a 5-year restraining order.

Afterward, her client handed her the notepad she had been using during the hearing. The only words she wrote were: “Thank you.”

That note still hangs in her office today.

09/15/2026

Carjacking in California is not the same as ordinary auto theft. Prosecutors must prove specific elements, including taking possession of the vehicle, the immediate presence of a driver or passenger, lack of consent, deprivation of the vehicle, and the use of force or fear.

These details matter because a defense may focus on what the state can and cannot prove. If you’re facing carjacking charges in Los Angeles, get legal guidance early and protect your rights.

Learn more: https://www.ceclaw.net/los-angeles-violent-crime-lawyer/carjacking/

09/10/2026

For some people, walking into court brings nerves. For Attorney Austin Godinez, it feels a lot like game day.

He compares waiting for his case to be called to waiting in the locker room before a football game. Once he’s at the counsel table, he’s locked in and ready to handle the case.

09/08/2026

Federal stalking and harassment sentences can vary widely depending on where a case is prosecuted. A new analysis from The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney & Associates found that Arkansas has the toughest average federal sentence at 56 months, while Wyoming has the lowest at 9 months. The national average is 28 months.

California falls below the national average at 23 months, but Los Angeles stands out. The Central District of California, which includes Los Angeles, has the highest average sentence in the state at 27 months, a full year longer than the Southern District.

The key takeaway: location can matter in federal sentencing, even within the same state.

Read more: https://www.ceclaw.net/blog/where-federal-stalking-and-harassment-sentencing-is-toughest-what-a-decade-of-data-reveals-about-california/

See how California's federal stalking & harassment sentences compare nationally. LA's Central District ranks toughest. Call 818-330-5198 today.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing long weekend as we honor the hard work, dedication, and commitment that keep our communities moving.

09/03/2026

Attorney movie pick: Adam’s Rib 🎬

A 1950s classic starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn as two married lawyers on opposite sides of a criminal case. Legal drama, courtroom tension, and a little old Hollywood charm.

What’s your favorite lawyer movie?

09/02/2026

The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney & Associates released a new study analyzing where federal stalking and harassment sentencing is toughest across the U.S.

Key findings include: Arkansas ranks No. 1 with the longest average federal sentence at 56 months, while Wyoming has the lowest average sentence at 9 months. The national average is 28 months, and California falls below that at 23 months. Within California, the Central District, which includes Los Angeles, has the state’s highest average sentence at 27 months.

The takeaway: sentencing can vary significantly depending on where a case is prosecuted, even within the same federal system.

Read the full study: https://www.ceclaw.net/blog/new-study-ranks-us-states-where-federal-stalking-and-harassment-sentencing-is-toughest/

09/01/2026

Stalking and harassment cases can carry serious federal penalties, but sentencing is not the same across the country.

A new study by The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney & Associates found that Arkansas has the toughest average federal stalking and harassment sentence at 56 months, followed by Nevada at 43 months and Alaska at 42 months. On the other end, Wyoming has the lowest average sentence at just 9 months.

The national average is 28 months, but California falls below that at 23 months. Even within California, location matters. The Central District of California, which includes Los Angeles, has the state’s highest average sentence at 27 months, while the Southern District averages 15 months.

The key takeaway: federal stalking and harassment cases are serious, and where a case is prosecuted can impact the outcome. If you are facing stalking or harassment charges, experienced legal representation matters.

Read the full study here: https://www.ceclaw.net/research-studies/where-federal-stalking-and-harassment-sentencing-is-toughest/