Attorney Profile
Michael Chastaine
Attorney Michael Chastaine's extensive expertise as a criminal defense lawyer includes cases involving sexual misconduct, homicide, registration issues, Megan's Law, driving under the influence, crimes of violence, and white collar crimes. Mr. Chastaine provides effective representation for adult and juvenile clients in state and federal courts, as well as before various professional licensing boards, and can also provide effective representation in post-conviction appeals and writs. He has appeared before the Third and Sixth Appellate Districts, as well as the California Supreme Court.
In 2007, Mr. Chastaine opened The Chastaine Law Office in Folsom, putting over 25 years of criminal law expertise to work on behalf of those who have been accused of criminal misconduct in the many counties and communities surrounding Sacramento in Northern California. Prior to that, Mr. Chastaine served 11 years as a Deputy Public Defender for Santa Clara County and worked for five years in the county's Alternate Defender Office before serving for six years as of counsel to a well-respected private practice firm in Sacramento.
Few lawyers have the trial experience that Mr. Chastaine brings to the representation of his clients. Over the more than two decades he has served as a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Chastaine has tried scores of jury trials in numerous counties, in both state and federal court, and has obtained many not guilty verdicts. He has been repeatedly recognized by his peers for his excellence and integrity in the practice of law, having been named a Northern California Super Lawyer in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
In his life outside of practicing law, Mr. Chastaine is a semi-professional adventure racer and expert level mountain biker. During the winter he is a member of the Sugar Bowl National Ski Patrol. For more information on Mike's adventure racing travels, see his team website at www.dirtyavocados.com.
Education:
- J.D., Santa Clara University School of Law (1985)
- B.S., California State University at Hayward (1982)
- Summer Program, Magdalen College, Oxford, England (1983)
Admissions:
- State Courts of California
- United States District Court - Eastern District of California
United States District Court – Northern District of California
