Books
Our Books by Chastaine | Jones
Our Sacramento County criminal defense attorneys are near you in Gold River, California. We are ready to fight for you. Contact Chastaine | Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a consultation and begin your defense today. The following books are written by one of Northern California’s premier criminal defense attorneys, Mike Chastaine.
The “How to Survive Series” of Books by Attorney Mike Chastaine
I wrote this series of books as part of my dedication to educating people accused of crimes. Whether they retain my firm or not, people need to be armed with knowledge on how the system works. Our legal system is an adversarial system that doesn’t always hold people’s best interests, or innocence, as its priority. The consequences of a conviction cannot be overstated. Being accused and convicted of a crime, no matter what kind, IS LIFE CHANGING. Your life will never be the same. Over the years I have seen people who never fully recover. Many eventually do but it is a tough road coming back from a conviction or even just an accusation. Your life, your livelihood, your family and your social structure will all be deeply affected. You need help and knowledge. My suggestion to you is to click on the tab below and get a free copy of any of my books. Even if you have never been accused of a crime and don’t plan on being, these books contain important information about the criminal justice system that is helpful for everybody. Knowledge is power. These books are my gift to you, to ensure that the system stays fair. – Mike Chastaine, Criminal Defense Attorney for Over 32 Years
How To Survive A Sex Crime Allegation: What You Need to Know
Sex offenses are different than any other type of crime. These charges are extremely serious and difficult to defend. One could honestly say that once an allegation has been made – especially involving a child – that the deck is stacked against you. Juries hate these cases. District attorney offices have specialized units to prosecute these types of cases. The rules of evidence are different, and information that would never be allowed before a jury in a regular case can be admitted in a case involving allegations of sexual misconduct with a child. In short, these cases are very complex, and the consequences are life-changing. This book is designed to provide a basic understanding of some of the issues that arise when a person is either being investigated or has been charged with some sort of sexual misconduct. It is not a substitution for strong legal counsel. This book focuses mostly on child sexual assault allegations because those types of cases have special rules and considerations. Learn:
- What a pretext call is and how to protect yourself
- Why you never want to talk to the police
- The types of evidence that the prosecution will try to use to convict you
- What are the various types of court appearances
- Why having a strong team on your side is critical
- And more
How to Survive a Criminal Arrest: What You Need to Know

Being charged with a crime is scary and there is a great deal of uncertainty. As an experienced criminal defense attorney for over three decades, I’ve seen it all. Each year I receive hundreds of phone calls from people that are unsure of what to do next. I always give them my book to read so that they have a basic understanding of how the system works. People need to understand the process so they can know what to expect. Once they have a basic idea, we can then start working together to formulate the best possible defense. I believe in working with my clients as a unified team. If you have been accused of a crime, you need to read this book today! Learn:
- What to do after an arrest
- What is an arraignment and pretrial hearing
- What happens at a preliminary hearing
- What to expect in court
- How a criminal conviction impacts your employment
- How to rebuild your life, relationships and career prospects
- And more…
How to Survive a Domestic Violence Arrest: What You Need to Know

Domestic Crime allegations have far-reaching consequences. For most people, it is a very difficult experience. They are in shock this is happening to them and afraid of what is going to happen next. Criminal protective orders, restraining orders, jail time, and a 52-week batterers treatment program are just a few of the potential consequences of a conviction. No one wants to end up in jail and no one wants to have a criminal record. Guilty or not, the charges alone are life changing. The ripple effect can be devastating. Your family, spouse, and children will also have their lives impacted. Knowing what to expect is the first step. This book is written to help educate you at this most difficult time. Knowing what to do and what can happen is critical. I want you to understand the process and the variables that could impact your case. Learn:
- What constitutes a domestic violent crime
- What happens if there is a criminal protective order
- What to do after an arrest
- What are aggravating factors
- Learn what to expect in court
- Varying consequences
- How will this impact your children
How to Survive a DUI Arrest: What You Need to Know
A DUI is never part of anyone’s plan, and it can significantly alter the course of their future. As an experienced DUI attorney, I’ve received thousands of phone calls from people that are scared, nervous, and unsure of what to do next. I wrote this book to provide many of the answers. If you have been arrested for a DUI and are unsure of your next steps, this book can act as an informative supplement to your DUI attorney’s counsel. Please schedule a consultation so we can review the specifics of your case. Learn:
- How to act with the police
- Arrest and bail information
- What a DUI means for your license
- How criminal proceedings work
- What are proven DUI defenses
- What to do if you’re being sued in civil court
- Restitution and accident information
- And more…
Proven Criminal Defense Team Ready to Fight for You
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Words cannot express the gratitude my family and I have for Martin Jones and his incredible work, as well as the entire team at Chastaine | Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys, who went above and beyond for my son. My son, who has never been in trouble a day in his life, is a kind, respectful, and caring young man. Unfortunately, befriended the wrong person, who took advantage of his kindness. As a result, he was falsely accused and charged with two serious sexual offenses, facing 16 years in prison for something he did not do.
From the very first call, Martin and his team treated my son with dignity, compassion, and belief. After reviewing the case, they immediately saw the truth and committed themselves to standing by him every step of the way. For over a year and a half, they attended every court date, provided emotional support, and ensured he always understood exactly what was happening, the good and the bad.
Martin and his team went above and beyond in preparing my son for trial. They spent countless hours reviewing evidence piece by piece, practicing testimony, role-playing cross-examination, and asking the hard questions he might face from the prosecution. They walked him through possible scenarios and ensured he felt ready and supported. Their level of preparation, professionalism, and dedication was unmatched. They made sure no detail was overlooked and no stone was left unturned.
When the trial came, Martin’s skill and experience were undeniable. One of the most remarkable things about Martin is the way he connected with the jurors. He chose the jury with extreme care, asking thoughtful and strategic questions. He spoke to them with honesty, clarity, and sincerity, and not just as an attorney, but as a human being who truly cared about the truth. In the courtroom,
Martin was confident, sharp, and entirely in control. His cross-examination was robust, and it was clear he understood every angle of the case. Because of Martin’s dedication, expertise, commitment, and genuine belief in my son’s innocence, the jury returned the verdict we had prayed for: NOT GUILTY. Words cannot describe the relief and gratitude we feel.
We know how difficult it is to win cases of this nature, and yet Martin and his team handled it with courage, skill, and unwavering commitment. They fought for my son as if he were their own. For that, we are forever grateful.
My family will forever be grateful to Martin Jones and everyone at the firm who supported my son and stood by him when he needed it most. If you are looking for a legal team that is compassionate, honest, incredibly smart, and genuinely committed to fighting for justice, I would recommend Martin and his team without hesitation. They don’t just represent you; they care about you, they fight for you, and they change lives.
I was facing 7 years in prison. Thanks to the team at Chastaine | Jones, I walked away with just 2 years of probation. They kept their promise and fought hard for the best outcome. James Ryan and Jessica Davis stepped in when needed and were just as professional and supportive. The entire team communicated clearly, kept me informed, and never gave me false hope. They truly care and know how to handle serious cases. I’m incredibly grateful and highly recommend them.
If you are in need of the most Professional and Concerned law firm that truly cares about the rule of Law and Justice, Chastaine Jones will provide all that’s needed, as they have provided that for me
I can’t say enough about this legal team. Mr. Ryan is very professional and a great attorney. CJ are just the best. 5 stars
I came to Chastaine Jones in dire need for help with our criminal case. We were greeted by three of THE BEST experienced attorneys Who navigated us through throughout the entire process. We were never left wondering where Our case stood. All of our questions were answered within a timely manner, And the Support stuff really went above and beyond! The staff remained knowledgeable regarding our case and was able to obtain answers fairly quickly. They walked us through everything from start to finish without any hesitation, They really did have our best Interests at heart. We met with several attorneys and really did feel at home with Chastaine Jones. We couldn’t be happier with our services and have gained lifelong experience all thanks to this amazing and dedicated team. Thank you for helping our family, we are forever grateful! God Bless
Facing the consequences of back-to-back DUI’s was daunting. I knew I needed representation and I needed it immediately. I was so fortunate to have connected with Chastaine Law Group. From my initial meeting, until the final day in court, James Ryan provided the legal support that was so vital for a fair and satisfactory resolution. James is a competent and yet compassionate attorney. It was so comforting to know that I had someone by my side, looking out for my interests. When you have the need for representation, look to Chastaine for help and guidance.
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