The Hartmann Law Firm Team

Shelly Aronson

Shelly Aronson is one of the most respected criminal defense attorneys in Orange County, nearing 40 years experience practicing criminal defense. She has substantial trial experience in white-collar cases, DUIs, and crimes alleged as misdemeanors and felonies including murder and death-penalty cases. In joining Robert Hartmann at the Hartmann Law Firm, almost 75 years of experience and strategy can be applied to every client’s case.

Shelly also specializes in sobriety law, representing those accused of crimes involving alcohol and prescription/illegal drugs. She has extensive experience in the Collaborative Courts such as Drug Court, DUI Court, Veterans Court, and the “WIT Court” for mentally ill individuals. These courts offer alternative sentencing and treatment to defendants afflicted with mental illness or addiction.

Shelly has earned the respect of her peers, judges, and prosecutors after years of tough advocacy and trial work, having tried over 85 felony and misdemeanor cases through jury trial and verdict. She goes the extra mile in representing individuals charged with criminal behavior, taking a holistic approach, assisting individuals with every aspect of their case, helping them through the very stressful and emotional aspects of the criminal process. She uses a wealth of life and legal experience to help clients address the emotional aspects of their charges, as well as helping clients address the stressors associated with criminal behavior, mental illness, addiction, and substance abuse.

Shelly is always available 24/7/365 for clients by phone, email, text, or in-person and she recognizes the impact having a criminal matter can have on a client and their family. She is a fierce, thorough, and loyal advocate who will fight for you to obtain the very best result in your case, preserving your dignity, reputation, family, and your life throughout the intimidating process of the criminal justice system.

+ Bar Admissions

California State Bar
United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit
California Supreme Court
All California Courts

+ Experience

Criminal Defense Practice and Senior Trial Attorney for over 38 years
Over 100 Felony Jury Trials in State Court
Over 1000 Preliminary Hearings
Argued over 1500 Motions including not limited to: -1538.5 Motions for Illegal Search & Seizure
- 995 Motions for Dismissal Post Preliminary Hearing
- Speedy Trial Motions
- Pitchess Motions for Illegal Conduct by Law Enforcement
- Hitch/Trombetta Motions for the Loss/Destruction of Evidence
- Kelly Frye & Daubert Motions Regarding the Admissibility of “Scientific” Evidence
- Serna Motions for Unreasonable Prosecution Delay
Handled All Types of Misdemeanor and Felony Criminal Cases including:
- Assault and Other Violent Crimes
- Collaborative Courts
- Drug and Alcohol Offenses
- Election Fraud
- Environmental Crimes
- First and Multiple Offense DUI’s, Watson Murders
- Gang Cases
- Manslaughter
- Mental Health & Addiction
- Murder including Special Circumstances and Capital Cases
- Probation Courts
- Sexual Assault
- Theft Offenses such as Robbery, Burglary
- White-Collar
- Writs & Appeals

+ Teaching & Lectures

Adjunct Professor, Evidence, Western State College School of Law (1995-1996)
Instructor, Brian Scheckmeister Death Penalty College, Santa Clara University (2001)
Guest Lecturer, Westwood College, Anaheim, Intro to Criminal Justice (2013)
Character Evidence: How to use it, How to Defend Against it (1996-2010)
How to Organize Your Case from Start to Finish (1996-2010)
Gang Cases: How to Organize Gang Evidence, FI’s and Gang Reports (2001-2010)
Gang Cases: Cross-examining the People’s Expert / Using the Defense Expert (2001-2010)
Crimes of Violence ~ Preparing & Defending Your Case (1998-2010)
Mental Health Issues in Criminal and LPS Cases (1988-1990, 2000-2010)
Mental Defenses Using the DSM V (1998-2010)
Handling Mental Health & Addiction Cases (2000-2010)
Co-Morbidity Involving Mental Illness & Drug Abuse/Addiction in Criminal Cases (2012-Present)

+ Professional Associations

Business Network Association
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
California Women Lawyers, Member Board of Directors
Celtic Bar of Orange County
Collaborative Courts Foundation
CPDA
Death Penalty Focus, California
Hispanic Bar Association, Member Board of Directors
Orange County Bar Association
Masters Division, Orange County Bar
Orange County Women Lawyers
Public Law Center, Orange County (Volunteer)
Thurgood Marshall Bar Association of Orange County (Volunteer)
Constitutional Rights Foundation Mock Trial Competition, Volunteer (1991-1992, 2019)

+ Education

Western State University School of Law (1982)
- Graduated 1st in Class of 159 Law Students
- Magna Cum Laude
- Received 12 America Jurisprudence Awards
Cal State University Fullerton (1978)

+ Publications

Golden Pen Awards, Orange County Register - Honored by the Orange County Register for excellence in editorial writing for two articles published in the Register:
- A Lesson in Courtroom Compassion (1993)
- A Heavenly Host of Champions (2002)

+ Press

+ Testimonials

“Shelly Aronson handled my case with so much care and compassion, resolving my case for a total dismissal of all my charges. She saved me from losing my job and family. She saved my life. I can’t thank Ms. Aronson enough for her work on my case.” ~ Anthony G.
“We are so honored to have worked with Shelly Aronson… a determined and committed humanitarian whose continued commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants…helping the underprivileged…fighting for the rights of poor minorities…and working with children and families in communities of color…along with her abiding compassion, provides a sense of hope.” For that, we are truly thankful.” ~ Chicanos Unidos of Orange County
“I would like to thank you Ms. Aronson for being so dedicated to my son’s case. You were so helpful, understanding, and tactful with him. The work you did on his case was so appreciated. Your compassion for my son and your understanding of his mental illness and your valuable insight were instrumental in resolving his case. You really had a deep appreciation and expertise in addressing the problems facing the mentally ill in our criminal justice system. My family thanks you so much for your caring work!” ~ Family of Alexander D.
“Thank you so much Mrs. Aronson for all your help to our family with my son’s case. He was so scared and so young to be charged with such serious crimes. You and your investigators took the time to get to know our son and our family. We can’t thank you enough for returning our son to his family and giving him his life back.” ~ Mother of Eduardo R.