HABLA ESPAÑOL • AVAILABLE 24/7/365 • HELP WITH BAIL BONDS

As Seen In

1538.5 Motion in Anaheim

Summary: This page covers How to get a Motion to Suppress.

In Anaheim, as in the rest of the state of California, a ‘1538.5 motion’ or a ‘motion to suppress’ is a tool that a defendant can use to prevent evidence against them from being used in court.

According to Penal Code (PC) 1538.5, evidence acquired through an illegal search and seizure should be thrown out of court if an appeal to do so is made. Additionally, any property acquired through the illegal seizure should also be returned after an appeal to the court is granted.

How to get a Motion to Suppress

A 1538.5 motion is a part of the California pretrial process and is therefore usually filed and determined before a trial actually begins. The procedure for having a motion to suppress heard before the court depends on whether the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor.

For a misdemeanor charge,

  1. A criminal defense attorney files the 1538.5 motion at the court arraignment. That is, at the first hearing of the court case (when the accused enters a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest). The only exception is if the illegally acquired evidence comes to light after the trial has begun.
  2. Upon filing the 1538.5 motion, the court then schedules a special pretrial hearing called a ‘suppression’ hearing, when the arguments for the motion to suppress are made.

If a felony charge is involved an attorney has 2 choices for filing a 1538.5 motion,

  1. They could argue the motion at a preliminary hearing or
  2. They could wait and have the 1538.5 motion heard at a special suppression hearing devoted to this specific issue

It is important to note that having a capable and experienced attorney who is conversant with the California and Anaheim courts can prove to be a huge asset.

Contact the Johnson Criminal Law Group if you or your property has been illegally search and seized.

Get A Criminal Defense Consultation Now

Do you already have a court date?*
Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Recover Your Future with a Commanding Legal Defense

Immediate Action to Restore Control

Neutralize threats & prevent escalation with a firm that begins active case management as soon as you retain us

24/7 Access to Elite Legal Counsel

Connect with a member of our team at any time to begin addressing your legal challenges swiftly and decisively

Resolve Uncertainty with Clear Guidance

Reduce stress and uncertainty through honest, candid assessments and a clear, strategic path to resolution

Fierce Representation for Urgent Situations

Secure lasting stability for you or your loved one through an aggressive defense and diligent case preparation

Criminal Defense Case Results

Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

Mr. H. was found by police passed out in his vehicle with drugs out in the open. Our office was successful in obtaining a diversion out of the criminal justice system and ultimately a dismissal.

Hear From Our Clients

Refreshing & Life-Changing Experience

Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

.

Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

Habla Español • Available 24/7/365 Help With Bail Bonds