Have you been arrested for a crime in the Newport Beach area? The criminal justice system can be terrifying and unpredictable, and the law has harsh penalties for convicted persons. That is why you need a hard-hitting Orange County criminal defense lawyer on your side to protect your rights against the prosecution.
Our lead attorney, Frances Prizzia, utilizes a "hands-on and client centered” approach and she will work tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. Our mission is to have all charges dismissed and to obtain the not guilty verdict whenever possible.
Our legal team will vigorously defend your best interests and ensure that your objectives are being met. Attorney Prizzia is personally invested in the success of every case and she will do everything in her power to help you obtain the most favorable outcome. Our Newport Beach firm has a history of case victories, read through our recent case results to learn more about our successful track record.
DMV hearing win on a 0.20 blood alcohol level in a DUI case! Based on Ms. Prizzia's careful cross-examination of the investigating officer, the DMV agreed there was insufficient evidence and refused to suspend the client's driver's license.
People v. John W. Domestic Violence case (Violating a Restraining Order) - DISMISSED
Client was charged with "DUI with Injuries" following an accident. Factors in this case were tough given a prior DUI and a reported BAC of .16 in this most recent event. Had this resulted in conviction, the client could have severed upwards of 17 years in prison and received 2 strikes on their record. The case went to trial and resulted in a mistrial, the jury voted 8 to 4 for not guilty and then after further deliberation, voted 9 to 3 for not guilty, resulting in a mistrial. Thereafter, rather than go back to trial, the prosecution negotiated and the case was dropped to a misdemeanor DUI.
Not Guilty in 20 minutes on a 4 counts of forgery on 2 different victims, even with a client's own confession! Client worked at LA Fitness and allegedly signed people up for memberships by forging their signatures on an application contract with LA Fitness and charging their cards without authorization. Client even admitted to forging one of the victim's signatures and charging her account at least three times. Through thorough investigation and aggressive cross examination of the two victims, Ms. Prizzia convinced the judge to have her motion to dismiss granted on two of the forgery counts. The remaining counts went to the jury, and the client was acquitted of all charges.
People v. Eloy A. Attempted Petty Theft - Dismissed Grand Theft - Dismissed *Pled down to Petty Theft of Lost Property and Driving without a license (NO JAIL TIME)
2 Counts of Assault - Dismissed 2 Counts of Battery - Dismissed Resisting Arrest - Dismissed *Pled down to Disturbing the Peace (NO JAIL TIME)
People v. Gustavo C. This client was on probation for a violation of Health & Safety Code section 11352(a). Gustavo C. was facing a new charge and three years of state prison. Ms. Prizzia obtained a dismissal of the alleged violation of probation, and had probation terminated.
Not guilty verdict in an assault and battery case even after eyewitness testimony! Client charged with assault and battery after allegedly throwing a bottle at a table full of females celebrating a bachelorette party. Through Ms. Prizzia's aggressive cross-examination of the eyewitness testimony, the jury (who hated the client) agreed that although the bouncer's testimony was damaging to defense case, it was not enough to prove that the client actually did it.
People v. Brian O. - Brandishing a Weapon (Carrying a mandatory minimum jail time of 30 days) - Dismissed Criminal Threats (Potential Strike) - Dismissed *Pled down to Simple Battery (NO JAIL TIME)
People v. Eun 0. Battery Against a Cohabitant - Dismissed *Pled down to Disturbing the Peace (NO JAIL TIME)
People v. Justin L. Grand Theft - DISMISSED
People v. Anna Marie R. Domestic Violence case - DISMISSED
People v. Marie W. Unauthorized Possession of a Hypodermic Needle - DISMISSED Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - DISMISSED
People v. Matthew R. Battery - Dismissed Public Intoxication - Dismissed *Pled down to a Trespass (NO JAIL TIME)
People v. Anna R. Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant - Dismissed
People v. George S. Disobeying a Domestic Relations Restraining Order - Dismissed
People v. Richard R. Battery Against a Cohabitant - Dismissed Damaging/ Prohibiting the Use of a Wireless Communication Device (Obstructing Person from Calling for Help) - Dismissed *Pled down to Disturbing the Peace (NO JAIL TIME)
People v. Richard T. Petty Theft/Shoplifting - DISMISSED
People v. Rene P. Possession of a Controlled Substance Without a Prescription - Dismissed
People v. Brandon M. Public Intoxication - DISMISSED
People v. Sean M. Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (which carries a mandatory 90 days jail time upon conviction!) - DISMISSED
Case No. 07SM4028 Impersonating a Peace Officer - DISMISSED
People v. Ronald V. Driving on a Suspended License (DUI)(Vehicle Code 14601.2) - Dismissed Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Responsibility - Dismissed Defective Windshield and Rear Window - Dismissed Failure To Appear - Dismissed
Case No. 07HM07428 Possession of Marijuana (over 28.5 grams) - DISMISSED
Not Guilty verdict in DUI 0.25 Blood Alcohol Level (BAC). Case in which her client was caught and admitting to driving the vehicle. Ms. Prizzia used the bad facts to her advantage and argued the necessity defense that the client was justified in driving the vehicle due to the fact that she believed her life was in danger.
People v. Rok K. Disturbing the Peace/Challenge to Fight - DISMISSED
People v. Paul G. Assault on a Peace Officer - Dismissed Battery on a Peace Officer - Dismissed *Pled down to a Trespass, Disturbing the Peace, and Simple Battery (NO JAIL TIME)
People v. Christopher B. Possession of a Controlled Substance Without a Prescription - DISMISSED No Evidence of Current Vehicle Registration
Not Guilty verdict after only 30 minutes of jury deliberation in a vandalism case. Her client was accused of vandalizing his neighbor's car. An aggressive and effective cross examination revealed the alleged victim's motive and bias against her client.
Not Guilty verdict on DUI with injuries, where client had a strike prior and was on felony probation! Client was found at a scene of a collision (he had allegedly rear ended an elderly couple so bad that one had to be taken to the hospital), completely intoxicated on a cocktail of drugs, and made incriminating statements, such as "I was not the passenger . . . I came out of this door" (pointing to the driver's door). The driver of the vehicle he allegedly crashed in to stated that client had been tailgating him for several city blocks and was the only driver in the vehicle. The client was the only one found at the scene, nevertheless the client's defense was that he was the passenger, his friend was driving and fled the scene on foot when the collision occurred. The real driver was tracked down by defense investigator but pled the 5th on the stand. Ms. Prizzia's cross examination revealed holes and discrepancies in the eyewitnesses' statements that supported her in her closing arguments that the client was not the driver. The jury agreed and came back with a not guilty verdict stating that there just wasn't enough evidence to put the client in the driver's seat.
