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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Santa Ana, CA

Our Recommended Top 19

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Santa Ana 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.

263Reviewed

165Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

23 Corporate Plaza Drive, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (37)
Avvo
4.9 (27)
Yelp
4.5 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Chudnovsky Law is a team of Former Prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys with more than 75 years of experience handling thousands of cases and trials. The firm handles all misdemeanor and felony charges, including DUI, drug, domestic violence, federal, criminal immigration, gun, homicide, assault, theft, and sex crimes. The firm also practices professional license defense, defending doctors, nurses, realtors, and all professionals in front of licensing agencies. Service available in Spanish.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • Professional License
  • DUI
  • Theft
  • Misdemeanor
  • Sex Crimes
  • Assault
  • Criminal Immigration
  • Felony

Attorney Information

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

Santa Ana, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Santa Ana? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

12832 Valley View St, Suite 203, Garden Grove, CA 92845

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (47)
Avvo
5.0 (25)
Yelp
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Wais Azami is a criminal defense law firm in Santa Ana. It handles arrest warrant recalls, misdemeanors, and felonies. The firm takes misdemeanor charges seriously in order to protect clients from potentially severe sentencing and repercussions. Its attorneys also defend clients who are facing DUI, sexual offense, assault, kidnapping, and theft charges. The legal team has experience representing documented and undocumented immigrants and mitigating consequences to citizenship.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Wais Azami - PrincipalActive8 yrs
Wais Azami - AttorneyActive8 yrs

1800 N Broadway Ste 200, Santa Ana, CA 92706

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (281)
Facebook
5.0 (108)
Google
4.9 (104)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Douglas Borthwick is a Santa Ana-based full-service legal practice working in criminal defense. It defends the liberty and freedom of clients charged with criminal offenses including drug possession and distribution, burglary and theft, and a range of misdemeanors. Sole practitioner Douglas Borthwick is a highly experienced trial attorney who works to achieve favorable outcomes for his clients. Mr. Borthwick is licensed in the state and federal courts of California.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Douglas Borthwick - PrincipalActive29 yrs

1633 E 4th St Ste 248, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (39)
Yelp
5.0 (18)
Facebook
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann APC is a DUI and criminal defense lawyer serving Orange and Los Angeles Counties, including Santa Ana. Practicing since 2000, Christopher J. McCann protects the freedom, jobs, licenses, and rights of those accused of crimes, including drug charges, domestic violence, theft, fraud, vandalism, and forgery. With his experience and background in criminal defense cases, he evaluates available options to advocate for his clients' best possible outcomes, including mental health and military diversions.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christopher McCann - Principalactive23 yrs

18002 Irvine Blvd Ste 108, Tustin, CA 92780

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (45)
Facebook
4.3 (20)
Avvo
4.7 (19)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2010, the Law Office of Hieu Vu assists those accused of crimes in Orange County and Los Angeles County courts. He seeks solutions to legal problems through his procedural and case law knowledge to achieve favorable outcomes for his clients. Hieu Vu represents those charged with crimes including domestic violence, cable theft, DUI, public intoxication and urination, and probation violations, and also handles expungement of criminal records. He is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Hieu Vu - PrincipalActive15 yrs

1851 E 1st St Ste 900, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (31)

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Christian Kim is a legal firm in Santa Ana with a sole focus on criminal defense. Attorney Kim represents clients facing assault and battery, arson, drug offense, DUI/DWI, gang-related, and vehicular manslaughter charges. Founding attorney Christian Kim served as an Orange County deputy district attorney for seven years prior to opening the practice. He uses his experience on both sides of the law to defend the rights of individuals charged with criminal offenses.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christian Kim - PrincipalActive25 yrs

2090 N. Tustin Ave. Suite 240, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (5)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Matt Feron, Attorney at Law, is a Santa Ana-based firm that explains the law to its clients and determines facts associated with their cases to help them reach a favorable outcome. Matt Feron protects the legal rights of individuals charged with criminal cases. He handles various criminal cases such as robbery, assault and battery, drug possession and sales, and DUI. He also practices estate planning and mediation for certain cases. Feron started his legal career in 2011 as a deputy district attorney.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

1851 E First St #900, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Darwish Law represents individuals in and around Santa Ana who are facing criminal charges. The firm is led by Sabrina Darwish, who honed her penal law expertise as a former public defender. She takes on cases of assault and battery, child abuse, and domestic violence. Darwish also handles drug offenses such as the sale or manufacture of prohibited substances. She has completed studies in Psychology and Economics, and her past cases include accusations of attempted rape.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Probation Violation
  • Drug Crimes

17671 Irvine Blvd Ste 208, Tustin, CA 92780

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

With four convenient locations in Tustin, Anaheim, Riverside, and San Bernadino, Seyb Law Group is a criminal defense firm serving Santa Ana and Orange County. The firm is available at any time of the day or night to provide quality consultation to individuals facing criminal charges. It's attorneys have experience in a broad range of criminal matters, from arson to drug trafficking. Seyb Law Group diligently prepares robust defense and aggressively advocates for clients' liberty at trial.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Spencer Seyb - Managing PartnerActive12 yrs
Spencer Seyb - Senior AttorneyActive12 yrs

1851 E 1st St, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (25)
Google
5.0 (19)
Facebook
3.5 (12)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Glew & Kim provides multilingual legal services to the Spanish, Korean, and English-speaking residents of Santa Ana. Its criminal defense includes client representation in assault, DUI, theft, and domestic violence, sex crimes, attempted murder, and weapons cases. The firm focuses on narcotics charges, including possession, distribution, and medical marijuana offenses. It has successfully defended individuals at the state and federal levels for more than 15 years. The firm also represents clients in family law matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jina Kim - PartnerActive27 yrs
Chris Glew - PartnerActive24 yrs

404 W 4th St Ste L, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (18)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Chambers Law Firm is a bilingual criminal defense firm serving Spanish and English-speaking clients in Santa Ana, with seven Southern California locations. Its attorneys defend clients charged with violent and non-violent crimes, including arson, assault and battery, crimes against children, conspiracy, elder abuse, and gang crimes. They've also successfully represented clients at the federal level in cases involving terrorism, tax and cybercrimes, drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, and bank, Social Security, credit card, and mail fraud.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Dan Chambers - FounderActive33 yrs

1000 Quail St Ste 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (79)

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Randy Collins provides criminal defense assistance to individuals in Newport Beach who are charged with felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, DUI,s and white-collar crimes. Attorney Randy Collins has worked as both a prosecutor and defense attorney in 70 jury trials, and he has handled over a thousand cases. Mr. Collins, a graduate of Boston College Law School, is a member of the Orange County Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sharon Tekolian - AssociateActive6 yrs
Ryan Rodriguez - Senior AssociateActive20 yrs

1043 Civic Center Drive West, #200, Santa Ana, CA 92703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.8 (37)
Google
4.4 (14)
Avvo
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Vigil Defense, PC, addresses the legal needs of people in Santa Ana and its surrounding communities. It offers aggressive legal representation to individuals arrested for DUI, domestic violence, assault, forgery, and felony and theft crimes. Principal attorney Martina A. Teinert reviews clients' cases, prepares a solid defense, and supports them from the time of their arraignment until trial. She is a founding member of the North Orange County Bar Association and also takes on cases under family law.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

1717 N. Broadway St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (35)
Yelp
4.5 (7)
Avvo
3.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Steven A. Alexander Attorneys at Law counsels and represents clients in the Santa Ana metro and the surrounding locations. It handles various types of criminal defense cases, including attempted murder, burglary, domestic violence, financial fraud, hit and run, and probation violations. It also deals with assaults involving deadly weapons, forgery, and gang offenses. Steven A. Alexander, the attorney, brings over 25 years of experience in the legal field. He can accommodate individuals who speak Spanish.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

2677 N. Main Street, Ste 820, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (23)
Google
4.4 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Fontes Law Group, PC, is a small practice serving individuals and families in Santa Ana. It defends individuals facing criminal charges that involve drugs, theft, violence, expungements, domestic violence, and DUIs. In addition, it assists with post-conviction relief. Fontes Law Group offers legal solutions for other practice areas, including immigration and family law. Its legal team can communicate in Spanish. Founder Martin C. Fontes is admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

  • DWI/DUI

1819 North Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (28)
Yelp
4.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Duarte Law Group Attorneys at Law is a Santa Ana-based firm providing representation and advice. It assists with federal and state criminal defense cases, including misdemeanors, felonies, expungements, and the sealing and dismissal of prior criminal convictions. It also handles immigration law matters, such as deportation defense, naturalization, post-conviction relief, and family-sponsored immigration. In addition, the firm helps personal injury victims and their families. Its attorney, Santiago, is a Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County member.

  • Federal Crime
  • DWI/DUI

714 N. Spurgeon Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Attorney Alex Mendoza caters to the legal needs of residents in the Santa Ana metro affected by criminal charges. Mendoza represents defendants in a wide range of criminal cases, from sexual assault and embezzlement to fraud and forgery. He and his team counsel clients in navigating the justice system, starting from retainer and plea deal negotiation to the case resolution. They also help individuals resolve cases of giving false statements to police officers. They can assist clients in Spanish.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Federal Crime

300 N Tustin Ave. #100, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Frias Law Firm is a criminal defense practice that serves clients in the Santa Ana community. It assists those facing cases relating to DUIs, domestic violence, drug crimes, sex crimes, probation violations, and violent crimes. Frias Law Firm helps clients clean up their records through expungement, modification or termination of probation, or a motion to vacate a plea. The firm was founded by Ruben, who has over 15 years of practice. He communicates with clients directly.

  • DWI/DUI

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Chudnovsky Law
23 Corporate Plaza Drive, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660Free Consultation 24/7
Law Office of Wais Azami
12832 Valley View St, Suite 203, Garden Grove, CA 92845
Law Offices of Douglas Borthwick
1800 N Broadway Ste 200, Santa Ana, CA 92706
Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC
1633 E 4th St Ste 248, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Law Office of Hieu Vu
18002 Irvine Blvd Ste 108, Tustin, CA 92780
Law Offices of Christian Kim
1851 E 1st St Ste 900, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Matt Feron Attorney at Law
2090 N. Tustin Ave. Suite 240, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Darwish Law
1851 E First St #900, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Seyb Law Group
17671 Irvine Blvd Ste 208, Tustin, CA 92780
The Law Offices of Glew & Kim
1851 E 1st St, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Chambers Law Firm
404 W 4th St Ste L, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Law Offices Of Randy Collins
1000 Quail St Ste 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Vigil Defense, PC
1043 Civic Center Drive West, #200, Santa Ana, CA 92703
Steven A. Alexander Attorneys at Law
1717 N. Broadway St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
Fontes Law Group, PC
2677 N. Main Street, Ste 820, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Duarte Law Group Attorneys at Law
1819 North Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706
Attorney Alex Mendoza
714 N. Spurgeon Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Frias Law Firm
300 N Tustin Ave. #100, Santa Ana, CA 92705

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.

Santa Ana, CA Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    Contact 714-245-8665 to report non-emergencies to the Santa Ana Police Department.

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

    Visit the Records Division at 60 Civic Center Plaza to get a copy of a police report for a crime in Santa Ana. You may contact the unit at 714-245-8665 for further assistance.

  • What are the consequences of crimes committed in Santa Ana?

    Depending on the charges, penalties in Santa Ana can vary, including a monetary fine, prison time, or both. The specific circumstances of the case can also affect the penalties. Ultimately, charges and their respective penalties may be influenced by whether the defendant caused physical harm to another person, used a weapon during the crime, and has a prior record of similar offenses.

  • What are the common crimes in Santa Ana, California?

    The most common crimes in Santa Ana include DUI, drug possession, theft and robbery, domestic violence, and gang-related violations. Regardless of the nature of the charge, it is important to seek the guidance of a skilled attorney to assess the charges and build the defense against the case in court. A legal professional can also provide valuable advice and representation in navigating the criminal justice system in the area.

  • Is it advisable to seek legal advice from a public attorney for criminal charges in Santa Ana?

    Although public attorneys in Santa Ana have valuable experience representing individuals charged with crimes, relying on their services is generally not advisable. This is due to their heavy workload and low compensation, which can result in limited resources and time to dedicate to a case. Hiring a private attorney with a proven track record is recommended instead.

  • Do all criminal cases go to trial in Santa Ana?

    No, criminal cases do not always go to trial in Santa Ana. Defendants and their lawyers can negotiate with the prosecutor to seek favorable plea deals, which may result in reduced sentences or dismissal of charges. In the metro, the most common defenses in criminal cases are self-defense and accidental injury. However, the viability of these rebuttals may depend on the case's specific circumstances and require skilled legal representation to navigate effectively.

  • What should a person accused of a crime in Santa Ana do when interrogated by a police officer?

    If a person is accused of a crime in Santa Ana and interrogated by a police officer, he or she must remain calm and avoid giving information and false statements. It is highly recommended to seek the services of a skilled criminal defense lawyer to protect one's rights and receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.