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2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Irvine

Our Recommended Top 17

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Irvine Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

166Reviewed

106Curated

17Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

23 Corporate Plaza Dr Ste 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Chudnovsky Law is a legal firm with criminal lawyers near Irvine that's been serving clients since 2004. It represents individuals arrested for and under investigation for misdemeanors and felonies, including drug and alcohol-related offenses, assault, battery, domestic violence, theft, weapons charges, and sex crimes. The firm's attorneys also help clients with outstanding arrest warrants and foreign citizen defense cases. Other practice areas include personal injury litigation and immigration law. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Suzanne CroutsActive22 yrs
Robert WeinbergActive43 yrs
Kareem ArefActive7 yrs
Tsion Chudnovsky - Managing AttorneyActive22 yrs

19200 Von Karman Ave Ste 600, Irvine, CA 92612
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Staycie R. Sena is a criminal defense firm with criminal defense attorneys in Irvine. Founded in 2003, it represents individuals charged with assaults and batteries, child molestation, drug crimes, alcohol-related matters, domestic violence, theft, traffic violations, and sex offenses. The firm's attorneys also help with probation matters, such as violation defense, change in terms, and early termination of probation obligations. Attorney Staycie R. Sena also handles cases involving immigration consequences to avoid deportation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Staycie Sena - PrincipalActive27 yrs

2900 Bristol St Ste C204, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (31)

Why choose this provider?

Kenney Legal Defense has over 20 years' experience representing clients with criminal lawyers near Irvine. Attorney Karren Kenney handles misdemeanors and felonies involving DUI, internet crimes, juvenile offenses, resisting arrest, domestic violence, carjacking, theft, public drunkenness, white-collar crimes, and assault and battery. The firm also takes cases involving federal charges, including espionage, antitrust, conspiracy, racketeering, drug offenses, and bank, computer, mortgage, health care, wire, mail, and investment fraud. Ms. Kenney is a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Karren Kenney - PrincipalActive30 yrs

22982 La Cadena Dr Ste 201, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (34)
Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Alan Castillo Attorney at Law is a criminal defense attorney affiliated with the SoCal Law Network in Laguna Hills, California. With over 25 years' experience handling over 5,000 cases, Castillo is an experienced and aggressive DUI attorney who takes cases to trial when necessary. The SoCal Law Network also helps clients file 1650 waivers, which are required in California for those who have had a DUI driver's license suspension in another state.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Peter Iocona - Owner & Lead Trial LawyerActive18 yrs
Alan Castillo - PrincipalActive30 yrs

107 Avenida Miramar, San Clemente, CA 92672

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (28)

Why choose this provider?

Dean Steward is a criminal lawyer near Irvine who has served clients in the federal court system for more than 35 years. Mr. Steward has tried more than 150 jury trials, giving him great insight into the internal workings of the criminal justice system for drug cases, federal court appeals cases, computer offenses, and white-collar crimes. Attorney Steward also handles cases related to matters with the DEA, IRS, FBI, and other government organizations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
H. Dean Steward - PrincipalActive45 yrs

17671 Irvine Blvd, Suite 110, Tustin, CA 92780
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (13)
Yelp
5.0 (13)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The McDonnell Law Firm represents defendants in Irvine and the nearby areas who have been charged with criminal offenses. The office works on cases involving drug felonies and misdemeanors. It handles white-collar offenses like embezzlement. The firm examines the investigative processes and evidence gathered by the prosecution to poke holes into the state's arguments. Brian D. McDonnell is admitted to practice in the state Supreme Court and is a part of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

19200 Von Karman Avenue Suite 400, Irvine, CA 92612

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (37)
Facebook
5.0 (11)
Avvo
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Lisa A. Kopelman is a private criminal defense firm that serves the residents of Irvine and the surrounding areas. With more than three decades of legal experience, principal attorney Lisa A. Kopelman represents individuals with driving under the influence charges. Other types of cases she handles include assault and battery, drug crimes, sex crimes, and theft. She also helps clients with certificates of rehabilitation, pardons, and expungements. Lisa Kopelman is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

23046 Avenida de la Carlota Ste 125, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.5 (39)
Yelp
4.5 (28)
Google
4.6 (15)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Virginia Louise Landry is a legal practice serving clients in Laguna Hills and throughout the Irvine area. It focuses on drug and alcohol-related DUI defense, representing clients with felony DUI charges, as well as first-time offenders, individuals with multiple offenses, and underage and out-of-state charges. Attorney Virginia Louise Landry is board certified by California in DUI defense. The firm also handles accidents and personal injuries involving alcohol and drug-related charges.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Virginia Landry - FounderActive35 yrs

2030 Main St Ste 1300, Irvine, CA 92614

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michael L. Guisti is a criminal defense firm that's been serving clients since 1999 with criminal justice attorneys in Irvine. It represents clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors, including drug crimes, DUI, assault, battery, domestic abuse, sex offenses, theft, and violent crimes. The firm also assists with juvenile charges and white-collar crimes, such as bribery, embezzlement, extortion, federal tax evasion, forgery, fraud, and identity theft. Attorney Michael L. Guisti is a member of the California Appellate Defense Counsel.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Guisti - PrincipalActive25 yrs
Michael Guisti - FounderActive25 yrs

15635 Alton Pkwy Ste 300 Irvine, CA 92618, Irvine, CA 92618

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (42)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Gary Polston has over 17 years' experience representing individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies. Its criminal lawyer in Irvine works with clients in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. The firm handles cases involving sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated, and possession and distribution of controlled substances. Attorney Gary Polston also helps people with expungement. Other practice areas include Chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcy.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Gary Polston - PrincipalActive22 yrs
Gary Polston - PrincipalActive22 yrs

19200 Von Karman Ave. #400,, Irvine, CA 92612

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (25)
Avvo
5.0 (23)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of David A. Stein offers counsel and representation for clients in Irvine who have been charged with crimes. The firm's criminal defense attorney, David A. Stein, protects his clients' rights by examining the evidence and formulating legal strategies that can get the charges dropped or reduced. Since starting his practice, Stein has successfully defended multiple clients accused of DUI, white-collar crimes, and drug charges. His experience includes handling juvenile, state, and federal cases. The law office is open to clients 24/7.

5015 Birch St, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (29)
Google
5.0 (27)
Yelp
5.0 (27)

Why choose this provider?

John F. Christl specializes in criminal law and offers his services to clients located in Irvine and the surrounding areas. With more than 28 years of trial experience, the lawyer has experience in representing high-profile criminal defendants such as politicians and police officers. He employs a hands-on approach in all cases he handles and helps clients involved in sex crimes, embezzlement, murder, physical assault, and robbery. Christl previously served as a senior deputy district attorney.

22982 La Cadena Dr Ste 239, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Peter F. Iocona - Attorney at Law is DUI and criminal defense practice serving clients in Laguna Hills and throughout the Irvine metro area. The firm represents individuals under arrest for alcohol- and drug-related driving offenses, including gross vehicular manslaughter. Its attorneys work with skilled accident reconstruction investigators to assist with clients' defense. Owner and managing attorney Peter F. Iocona is a member of the National Advocacy of DUI Defense and the California DUI Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Alan Castillo - Senior AssociateActive30 yrs
Peter Iocona - OwnerActive18 yrs

5020 Campus Dr Newport Beach Ca 92660, Irvine, CA 92660

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (48)
Yelp
4.5 (34)
Google
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Robert Miller & Associates is a legal practice with over 23 years' experience serving clients with criminal lawyers in Irvine. The firm has additional locations available by appointment in Newport Beach, Long Beach, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, and Temecula. Its attorneys focus on DUI defense for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charges and felony offenses, which can occur after three or more DUIs or with arrests involving accidents that result in severe injuries or death.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Manal Sansour - Associate AttorneyActive23 yrs
Bita Hamidi - Associate AttorneyActive28 yrs
Robert Miller - Owner / Founding MemberActive29 yrs

82 Discovery, Irvine, CA 92618

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (56)
Facebook
5.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Braden & Tucci is a firm of criminal justice attorneys near Irvine that devote 100 percent of their practice to DUI and DMV matters. Attorney Tucci is certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety administration in standardized field sobriety tests, which gives him a unique perspective when fighting DUI or other drunk driving charges. He is also a previous president of the California DUI Lawyers Association. Attorney Braden has an AV-Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Vincent john Tucci - PartnerActive27 yrs

16520 Bake Pkwy Ste 280, Irvine, CA 92618

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (49)
Avvo
5.0 (17)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Ron Cordova, Attorney at Law, represents the rights of clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors in Irvine. He takes cases involving state and federal crimes, including restraining order violations, drug possession, narcotics trafficking, criminal threats, domestic violence, kidnapping, child abduction, assault, sex crimes, weapons charges, murder, manslaughter, felony DUI, and vehicular homicide. Attorney Ron Cordova also handles white-collar charges for financial crimes, such as racketeering, money laundering, and wire, bank, and tax fraud.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Ronald Cordova - PrincipalActive52 yrs

650 Town Center, Suite 1400,, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Hartmann Law Firm provides legal counsel and representation to individuals in Irvine who are under investigation or have been charged with criminal activity. The firm frequently takes on cases involving fraud, violent crimes, burglary, vandalism, DUI, and environmental crimes, advising clients on their legal rights and helping them explore defense strategies about the charges. Bob Hartmann is a former Superior Court Judge Pro Tem and a guest contributor for TV station KTL. He also served as an editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review.

  • Juvenile Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Irvine, California?

    The non-emergency phone number of the Irvine Police Department is +1 949-724-7000.

  • Do you have to talk to the police or prosecutor after an arrest in Irvine?

    No. You do not have to talk to the police or prosecutor after getting arrested in Irvine, and the authorities and the prosecutor’s office cannot force you to make a statement either. It is your very right to remain silent until you can reach out and seek the guidance of a criminal defense lawyer. It would be best to consult with an attorney first, regardless of the crime you are being charged with.

  • Will you go to jail after being charged with a criminal offense in Irvine?

    Serving jail time in Irvine depends on the type of crime you’ve been charged with and your criminal history. Most cases that involve misdemeanors do not require jail, but if it is ordered, you may have alternatives. Community service, pay-for-stay jails, electronic monitoring, and work release are some ways you can avoid actually going into a jail facility. Jail sentences are more common with felonies, but you may also seek the same alternatives mentioned if charged.

  • Will you get deported if you’re not a U.S. citizen and were arrested for a crime in Irvine?

    If you are living in Irvine on a visa as a permanent resident or if you are undocumented, a criminal charge or conviction can have severe implications on your immigration status. This is because your status of stay in the U.S. may be considered and impacted by the factors of your arrest, including the nature of the criminal charges and the length of time you have been in the country. While some crimes minimally impact one’s immigration status, it would be wise for you to speak with a qualified attorney to assist you with your case.

  • Can domestic violence charges in Irvine be dropped?

    No, domestic violence charges in Irvine cannot be dropped. Once charges are filed, there is no way to take them back. The laws are designed this way in order to protect victims from being coerced into dropping charges. So after the charges are filed, a prosecutor will take over the case. Only the prosecutor and judge have discretion over whether to dismiss the case or not. Although, the case is more likely to be dismissed if the victim refuses to testify.

  • Can you have a conviction removed from your record in Irvine?

    In Irvine and the rest of California, it may be possible for you to have certain convictions removed or “expunged” from your records. This is available to you if your sentence involved probation; if you successfully completed the terms of your probation; and if you are not facing subsequent charges or serving a subsequent sentence. There may be other requirements involved to erase a conviction from your record, which an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you with.