Michael L. Chastaine

Practice areas

Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: White Collar

Focus areas

Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Criminal Law – Federal, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, False Accusations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Murder, Parole, Probation, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, White Collar Crime

Attorney Michael L. Chastaine, the founder and proprietor of Chastaine Law Office (now known as Chastaine | Jones) situated in Gold River, California, is highly esteemed both within his region and throughout the nation as one of the foremost trial lawyers. His primary legal focus is dedicated exclusively to criminal defense, and his extensive track record is a testament to his success in advocating for individuals facing allegations or investigations involving felony or misdemeanor offenses in Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado counties, as well as the surrounding areas of Northern California.

Throughout a legal career spanning more than 36 years, Mr. Chastaine has firmly established himself as a prominent figure in criminal defense, particularly in cases concerning sex crimes. His representation extends to both adult and juvenile clients, appearing before various state and federal courts in his locale, as well as before professional licensing boards. Beyond this, he has cultivated substantial expertise in handling appeals and is recognized for consistently surpassing his clients’ expectations in pursuit of the most favorable outcomes possible.

Before establishing his own private practice, Mr. Chastaine accrued over a decade of experience as a deputy public defender for Santa Clara County. He also spent five years with the county’s Alternate Defender Office before contributing his legal acumen as part of another reputable local law firm. In addition to delivering effective defense for those accused, he actively assists clients with matters related to expunging records and avoiding registration as sex offenders.

Complementing his thriving legal practice, Mr. Chastaine is also an accomplished author of several reference books focusing on criminal law. His literary achievements earned him the prestigious Legal Excellence Award for Literary Distinction. Additionally, he has hosted a weekly radio show within the local community, providing comprehensive legal insights across various subjects. Notably, he boasts an exceptional accomplishment of five consecutive jury trial victories and has played a role as counsel in several noteworthy cases.

Mr. Chastaine graduated from California State University at Hayward in 1982 and also completed a summer program at Magdalen College in Oxford, England. Subsequently, he obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1985. His admission to practice encompasses the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California.

Actively engaged in the legal community, Mr. Chastaine maintains memberships in esteemed organizations including the Sacramento County Bar Association, The State Bar of California, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the California Public Defenders Association, and the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. He previously served on the board of governors for the latter.

Consistently acknowledged for his legal prowess, Mr. Chastaine has received accolades from The Best Lawyers in America and the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Notably, he was designated as one of the Top 100 DUI Attorneys in Northern California for 2018. His excellence is further evidenced by the Superb client ratings of 10 out of 10 on Avvo.