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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Costa Mesa, CA

Our Recommended Top 16

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

95Reviewed

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16Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

19200 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612
WebsiteLicense: 204192

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (84)
Avvo
5.0 (15)
Yelp
5.0 (14)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Christian Kim is a criminal defense law firm in Costa Mesa. Christian Kim provides legal representation to individuals who are facing criminal charges in both federal and state courts. He handles various cases including drug offenses, domestic violence, burglary, assault and battery, juvenile crimes, and vehicular manslaughter. He provides consultation services and education on client's rights. He also offers his services in Korean and is a member of the Orange County Korean American Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christian Kim - PrincipalActive25 yrs

19200 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (54)
Avvo
4.8 (30)
Yelp
4.9 (28)

Why choose this provider?

William Weinberg is a criminal defense lawyer that serves the city of Costa Mesa. Weinberg has been defending residents of Orange County for over 25 years and has a deep understanding of the county's criminal justice system. His process separates a client's case from the other ones that appear before the court by focusing on the uniqueness of each case. The charges Weinberg handles include white-collar, gun, theft, sex, and drug crimes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
William Weinberg - PrincipalActive31 yrs

515 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92805

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (148)

Why choose this provider?

Orange Country Criminal Defense Attorney provides legal assistance and representation in Gilbert and nearby areas. The firm's criminal defense lawyer, Daryl Anthony, provides representation to clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies. Some of the cases that he handles include assault and battery, DUIs, violent crimes, and sex crimes. The firm has a strong focus on formulating defense strategies that are proven to work, arising from Anthony's experience working as a prosecutor from 1995 to 1997.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Daryl Anthony - PrincipalActive33 yrs
Daryl Anthony - PrincipalActive33 yrs

714 N. Spurgeon Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (15)
Facebook
4.4 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Attorney Alex Mendoza strives to defend the constitutional rights of criminally charged individuals in the Costa Mesa area. Mendoza and his associates represent defendants in and out of court for criminal cases involving drug-related offenses, arson, burglary, child molestation, and embezzlement. The team assists clients in dealing with federal crimes and the offense of giving false statements to police officers. The practice counsels clients in each step of the criminal justice system, from retainer to case conclusion. Its legal team comprises Spanish-speaking members.

  • DWI/DUI

620 Newport Center Drive, 11th Floor, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (8)
Google
4.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Mike Coffey Attorney at Law defends individuals in Costa Mesa facing criminal charges. It covers DUIs cases that involve multiple offenses, juveniles, DMV hearings, vehicle seizure, and appeals. It also offers commercial DUI defense to help commercial drivers prevent license suspension, community service, jail time, alcohol counseling or rehabilitation, and fines. The firm conducts case evaluations and provides support during the investigation and preparation of the case. Coffey also represents clients from Orange County, Newport Beach, and Fullerton.

  • DWI/DUI

695 Town Center Drive Suite 875, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (8)
Avvo
4.3 (6)
Yelp
4.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Paul S. Meyer, APC, is a criminal defense lawyer serving Costa Mesa. He represents people charged with criminal offenses such as felonies, misdemeanors, drug and alcohol offenses, homicide, sex crimes, and business or political crimes in state and federal courts. Before establishing his private practice in 1981, Meyer served as a Senior Prosecutor and Homicide Panel Supervisor at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for 10 years. His effective representation of elected officials was also featured in The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

1432 Edinger Avenue, Suite 240, Tustin, CA 92780

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

For over 20 years, the Law Office of Michael Bruggeman has been representing Costa Mesa clients. The firm primarily works on criminal law cases and advocates for individuals facing charges like domestic abuse, DUI, or murder. It conducts a full investigation to build a strong defense strategy. Before opening his practice, Michael Bruggeman—the firm's namesake—worked at Laguna Niguel as a deputy public defender. He served the South Orange County Bar Association as its president. He is also a member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

5031 Birch Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (29)
Avvo
4.8 (21)
Facebook
4.4 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Rudolph E. Loewenstein is a law firm near Costa Mesa with over 30 years of experience representing clients in criminal defense cases. Its lead attorney Rudolph E. Loewenstein is a former Deputy DA and is a certified specialist in criminal law. The firm defends clients in various cases, such as DUIs/DWIs, kidnapping, homicide, drug charges, domestic violence, and minor crimes. The Law Offices of Rudolph E. Loewenstein is available 24/7.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Rudolph Loewenstein - PrincipalActive46 yrs
Rudolph Loewenstein - PrincipalActive46 yrs

2900 Bristol St C204, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (30)

Why choose this provider?

Kenney Legal Defense Firm is a private law firm that serves the residents of Costa Mesa and the surrounding areas. It provides legal counsel and representation for a wide variety of criminal cases, including arson, assault and battery, domestic violence, and drug crimes. It also handles cases involving money laundering, white-collar crimes, and identity theft. Principal attorney Karren Kenney has more than two decades of litigation and jury trial experience. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Karren Kenney - PrincipalActive30 yrs

2107 N Broadway STE 308, Santa Ana, CA 92706

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (11)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Darwish Law handles criminal defense cases in the Costa Mesa area. Sabrina Darwish has over 10 years of law experience and is a former Riverside County Deputy Public Defender. Darwish represents clients charged with assault and battery, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, driving offenses, and drug crimes. She also deals with cases involving fraud, sex crimes, theft crimes, and white-collar crimes. She also handles expungements, probation violations, and violations of restraining orders.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sabrina Darwish - PrincipalActive18 yrs

4000 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92660

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Domestic Violence Attorney Law Firm serves clients in the Costa Mesa area and the surrounding areas. It takes on criminal defense cases and provides legal representation for individuals who are facing criminal allegations. It also represents parents who are involved in child neglect cases and guides them on the next steps to take. In addition, it defends clients who are accused of stalking and cyberstalking. The firm's lawyer, Joshua Baskin, offers round-the-clock consultation services.

  • Internet Crime
  • Domestic Violence

19200 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Lisa A. Kopelman has more than 30 years of experience practicing criminal law in and around Orange County. The firm defends people charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It handles felonies and misdemeanors in the region's state and federal courts and also works to have previous convictions expunged from its clients' records. Attorney Kopelman is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the Orange County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lisa Kopelman - PrincipalActive38 yrs

1000 Quail St 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (109)
Avvo
4.9 (52)
Yelp
4.8 (32)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Randy Collins services Costa Mesa and the surrounding areas. The legal service provider represents individuals accused of various criminal charges, including assault, domestic violence, murder, sex and drug offenses, DUI, and robbery and theft. It also handles cases of juvenile crimes and white-collar crimes. Lawyers at the firm also represent clients in expungement cases and probation disputes. Founding partner Randy Collins is the Deputy District Attorney for the County of Riverside I.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Randy Collins - Founding AttorneyActive20 yrs

695 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Found in 2004, Siddiqui Law APC is a firm of criminal defense attorneys in Costa Mesa who represent adults and juveniles throughout Orange County and the surrounding areas. The firm also has offices in Los Angeles. Its attorneys have experience defending clients charged with federal and state crimes, such as insurance fraud, DUI, domestic violence, identity theft, burglary, and murder. The firm's attorneys are licensed to practice in all of California's state and federal courts.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Omar Siddiqui - Founding PartnerActive23 yrs

600 Anton Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a multi-disciplinary law firm located in Costa Mesa that practices criminal law throughout the counties of Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles. Its attorneys have experience advising clients who are under investigation and negotiating plea deals before trial and defending clients in state and federal courts. The attorneys have advocated for people charged with assault and other violent offenses, theft, managing fraudulent schemes, DUI, and offenses committed for sexual purposes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Marcus Bagley - PartnerActive25 yrs
Stephanie Casteel - PartnerActive33 yrs

19200 Von Karman Ave #400, Irvine, CA 92612

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (82)
Avvo
5.0 (31)
Yelp
5.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Johnson Criminal Law Group, APCL, focuses on litigating criminal cases in Costa Mesa, representing individuals who have been accused of criminal offenses. Lawyers at the firm handle different types of charges, including DUI, DUID, juvenile, drugs, theft, vehicle crimes, vandalism, and violent crimes. They also assist clients in eliminating any criminal record through expungement filings. Founding partner Lauren Kelly Johnson has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star for five consecutive years. She was also named Top Women Lawyer in Southern California by the Los Angeles Magazine.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lauren Johnson - PrincipalActive21 yrs

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Law Offices of Christian Kim
19200 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612
William Weinberg
19200 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612
Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney
515 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92805
Attorney Alex Mendoza
714 N. Spurgeon Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Mike Coffey Attorney at Law
620 Newport Center Drive, 11th Floor, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Paul S. Meyer, APC
695 Town Center Drive Suite 875, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Law Office of Michael Bruggeman
1432 Edinger Avenue, Suite 240, Tustin, CA 92780
Law Offices of Rudolph E. Loewenstein
5031 Birch Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Kenney Legal Defense Firm
2900 Bristol St C204, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Darwish Criminal Defense Attorney
2107 N Broadway STE 308, Santa Ana, CA 92706
Domestic Violence Attorney Law Firm
4000 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Law Offices of Lisa A. Kopelman
19200 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612
Law Offices of Randy Collins
1000 Quail St 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Siddiqui Law, APC
695 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Snell & Wilmer
600 Anton Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Johnson Criminal Law Group
19200 Von Karman Ave #400, Irvine, CA 92612

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.

Costa Mesa, CA Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    Call the Costa Mesa Police Department at (714) 754-5252 for non-emergency concerns.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Costa Mesa, California?

    Call the Costa Mesa Police Department Records Bureau at (714) 754-5373 if you require a copy of a police record. Do not make a public records request to obtain a police record.

  • What are the laws regarding marijuana in Costa Mesa, CA?

    Marijuana use, purchase, and possession are legal in California except for individuals below 18 years old. If you are aged 18 years and up, it is legal for you to obtain a physician's prescription and use marijuana for medicinal purposes. If you are aged 21 years and up, you can legally purchase products from a marijuana dispensary for recreational purposes. When traveling outside Costa Mesa, note that marijuana remains illegal in federal lands and in other states.

  • Is there a chance for your DUI in Costa Mesa to get dismissed even if you failed the breath test?

    Yes, an experienced Costa Mesa criminal defense attorney can investigate and spot circumstances that could get your case dismissed. Some of these circumstances are incorrect calibration of the breath test machine and police errors during the DUI stop and arrest. If there was an error in the machine or the results could have been affected by outside factors, your failed breath test result may become inadmissible as evidence.

  • Is it legal for Costa Mesa police officers to break down your door during an arrest?

    Yes, under California Penal Code 844, a costa Mesa police officer holding an active arrest warrant is allowed to break down your house door to implement the arrest. However, the police officer must announce their presence and the warrant for arrest, as well as wait for a certain time to pass before resorting to breaking down the door.

  • How long do DUI convictions in Costa Mesa stay on your record?

    Unfortunately, a criminal conviction will stay on your record unless you take steps to have it expunged. Expunging your record will make the DUI untraceable in background checks. However, it will still be visible and will come up if you face criminal charges in the future. Your expunged record will also be counted in California's Three Strikes Rule.

  • Will the Costa Mesa court provide you with a free criminal defense attorney if you can't afford one?

    If you can't afford to hire a private criminal defense attorney to represent you in Costa Mesa, you can petition for a court-appointed public defender. The court will evaluate your financial capacity and provide you with a defender if you qualify. Note that public defenders may not have the time and resources that a private attorney or firm can provide for your case.