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Denise Marie Grimes

State, local, and municipal law Attorney at Irvine, CA

4.9   17 reviews

also known as Denise Hansen Grimes, Denise Hansen

  • Licensed for 31 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1991
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Denise

Learn Denise’s areas of practice.

 

Denise Grimes is an experienced, former Orange County Deputy District Attorney.  During her career, she has conducted almost 70 jury trials and dozens of court trials.   As an Orange County Deputy District Attorney, she prosecuted many types of cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, and served as vice-president of the Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys. When she left the office, she was the Hate Crimes Deputy, filing and prosecuting hate crimes and also prosecuting cases involving public officials and police officers.  In 1998, Ms. Grimes moved to Santa Barbara where she continued her prosecutorial career. She became a Deputy District Attorney in Ventura County. She later worked as a Deputy County Counsel with the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office. While with the County Counsel’s Office, she handled enforcement issues, civil litigation defending the county, and advised county agencies on employment law.

 

 

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Contact Denise

Best Best & Krieger
18101 Von Karman Avenue
Suite 1000
Irvine, CA, 92612

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  17 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | August 23, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Attorney
Denise handled my DUI case and was able to negotiate reduced fines and terms. The process was handled very professionally. She was always very responsive. I would recommend her to anyone for DUI/DWI representation.
Posted by Carol | January 1, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A TRUE lawyer
Denise took over and went to work immediately to clean up my case, after two other attorneys screwed up and took one year of my life. She was always concerned about my children and my needs. Without asking, she was very involved in understanding my children's special needs and always advised what was best for us. My case was incredibly difficult. Due to her attention to detail and strong research capability, she was successful in clearly demonstrating to the court, my ex's history to deceive the truth and hide his income to his first family for over 4 years. The court ruled twice in my favor (RFO and Attorney Fees), citing the court's inability to find him credible in any terms. By bringing in a respected vocational expert, we were able to present my ex's ability to obtain work (if he tried) and what would be his salary, even though he was stating constant unemployment and hardship in finding work. I cannot be more grateful for knowing Denise and the privilege of having her as my attorney. She is not only the best Family Law Attorney, but will always be considered a good friend and advocate to me and my children.
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Posted by Tracy | January 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client
Denise was an excellent family law attorney. She did a great job on my case. She was passionate about representing me and always well prepared.
Posted by anonymous | December 2, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I did not think my divorce would go easy.......
I am a law-enforcement professional who after 22 years of marriage decided the best option was divorce. Denise came to me HIGHLY recommended by a co-worker. Denise was receptive to all of my needs and concerns. She was readily available and to my surprise, the entire process was seamless. Divorce is not an option for everyone. But, if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, I now, along with my co-worker, HIGHLY recommend Denise.
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Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2014
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND HIRE THIS ATTORNEY!
I was a complete emotional wreck when I first met with Michael Fell and Denise Grimes, but they instantly made me feel rest assured that I had made the right decision in contacting them to represent me. I just knew they had my best interest at heart and were willing to fight for me to get the best outcome possible. They are genuinely nice people and they treated me like a person, not just a case. They were also always available for any questions or concerns I had, which was quite often. Denise ultimately was the one who handled my case and I could not be happier with the outcome. I had some pretty serious charges, was facing jail time and she was able to get my case dismissed. I am so thankful for her help. If all attorneys were like Michael and Denise the typical stereotype of lawyers would not exist. If you are reading this you are probably feeling like I did before I chose an attorney and I can honestly tell you that hiring them was the best decision I made in a horrible situation and you will not be sorry you did.
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Posted by Jenae | August 26, 2014
A true blessing.
I can't say enough about how pleased I was to have Denise Grimes represent me in my child abuse case against my former spouse. She was everything I could have hoped for in an attorney. Denise went out of her way to make sure I understood every aspect of my case and made sure I was fully prepared when I entered the court room. She fought for me in court as if she were fighting for her own child. I was so moved and impressed by her commitment to truth, her integrity and willingness to fight for me to the end. She is such a genuine, caring individual as well. I wholeheartedly recommend Denise to anyone facing a difficult legal battle. I am forever grateful for her dedication to the law and to my case in helping me win full custody of my child.
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Posted by anonymous | July 28, 2014
The best lawyer I have ever seen so far. Save my life.
I was got in a big trouble and thought that i could have end up in jail or ruin my life by receiving stolen property, using stolen credit card and grand theft. Luckily I met Denise. She took care my case very professional. She responded email fast and made me feel very comfortable when we went to the court. She was able to get me 2 dismissed on using stolen credit card and grand theft. Also receiving stolen credit card was reduced form felony to misdemeanor. Denise is the best lawyer that I would recommend. When she work on the case, she put a lot of effort and she will do her best to get you a good deal with the DA. Once again, thanks for saving my life.
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Posted by Ray | February 19, 2014
Expert Representation
Denise and her team were consumate professionals. They handled my DUI case expertly and providsd me with an outcome that allowed me to continue my career without interruption. I never had to email or call twice when I had concerns or questions.
Posted by anonymous | February 17, 2014
Excelent Lawyer!!!
Denise, went beyond for me in helping me with my case. She was always available and very professional. She was very cordial and she made me feel like i wasnt one more of her cases . She gave me the time and attention i needed. She truly cares about you :)
Posted by Simona | February 1, 2014
Great person and outstanding attorney
I met Mrs Grimes in Mr.Fell's office , and from the beginning she showed me compassion ,understanding and a kind friendly smile that made me feel better in an instant .Denise Grimes assisted Mr.Fell in defending me.I was falsely accused and charged with a serious felony .I was in a bad situation and I was afraid that my entire existence will be affected negatively . Mrs Denise Grimes had a very positive attitude ,superior knowledge ,and the ability to control everything ,to the smallest detail.She appeared in court numerous times and dominated and ultimately managed to help in dismissing my case. She was in the moment and she own it, and I have to thank her again and again .I highly recommend Mrs. Grimes as a great attorney that will go the extra mile with a beautiful smile and a tenacious attitude that gives a client confidence and courage. The world can be a much better place , when Denise is part of your defense team .
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Posted by Barri | September 15, 2013
The Best Lawyer Around
When my ex husband wouldn't return my son after I allowed him to visit with him in Indiana for the summer I knew I needed a good lawyer. I went online in an attempt to find one. Nothing panned out. Luckily a relative referred me to Michael Fell's office. He then gave my case to his partner, Denise Grimes, who had recently gotten into family law. She was amazing through the process, always keeping me updated and really seeming to care. I was a wreck, stressed out, angry, and frustrated but in the end my son was returned to me. I don't know how I would have gotten through everything without her. I couldn't have asked for a more real, trustworthy, and hardworking attorney. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would definitely use her in the future if needed.
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Posted by anonymous | September 5, 2013
100% Genuine
Denise Grimes is an excellent attorney. Not only does she get amazing results but she really cares about her clients as well. I had never hired an attorney before and imagined they would all be the same. You know, the typical shady, sneaky, lying attorney who only cares about the paycheck and doesn't even remember your name. Don't get me wrong, when searching for an attorney I did come across a few of those, but I am happy to say that there are some genuine people still left in this profession. Denise Grimes is definitely one of those people. From the moment I first met with her I knew she was the one I should hire. She actually really cared about my case, me, and the end results. If I ever have any kind of trouble in the future, I'll definitely hire her again. Let's just hope I wont have to.
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Posted by Craig | July 15, 2013
Denise Grimes is an excellent attorney
Denise handled a matter involving my son, a minor. Not only did she win a complete victory in court, she also, through her counseling, helped him get his life back on track to the point where he went from a drug rehab to a B average in our local high school the next year. She is fantastic.
Posted by Don | June 24, 2013
Child Abuse "factual finding of innocence" Case
Initially my case of "factual finding of innocence" was being handled by Michael Fell, Esq. and he passed it Denise Grimes, Esq. She managed the case very competently, developing an extensive timeline of events and documents for the case. She maintained very good communications with her client, explaining the legal issues and the actions she was taking. Her arguments prevailed even in the face of an opposition filed by the DA's office and ended with a successful ruling of "factual finding of innocence" for me by the judge.
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Posted by anonymous | June 5, 2013
best civil right lawyers
I was introduced to Denise through Mike Fell who was representing me in a civil right case. I was a victim of abduction. As a parent it is probably one of the worse things you can go through. The feeling of being helpless and having no idea where and how your child is doing is the most debilitating feeling I have ever felt. After much support and guidance by Mike Fell's law firm I was able to be reunited. During the court process Denise was always on my side and she understood how I felt before even vocalizing it and was able to vigorously represent my quest for justice. She is a very calm, EXTREMELY knowledgeable about law as was able to make me understand complex nuances in very simple every day examples. And EMPATHTY, Denise JUST cares, and was always available on her personal cell phone anytime. That type of access showed me she truly cared about my child as much as I did. And as a victim of abduction, the support of people like Denise and Mike Fell is the only thing that carries one through until being reunited. The only thing. I am eternally grateful, and recommend Ms. Denise Grimes SANS any degree of trepidation.
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Posted by Kim | January 13, 2013
Victim Advocate
Michael Fell introduced me to Denise Grimes after I became a rape victim while visiting USA from Australia. With the vast distance and different legal system, Denise tiredlessly followed my case acting on my behalf all the way through to the trial then after a successful conviction has ensured the restitution awarded to me has been filed with all relevant departments for collection. Denise is a highly competant attorney that listens to her clients and acts in the most respectful and compassionate manner. It is without hesitation I highly recommend Denise's services.
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Posted by Richard | March 30, 2014
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Denise was recommended by an associate. She and her firm were excellent to deal with and handled the case effeciently and effectively, gaining me a favorable outcome given my case particulars.
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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.9 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Prosecution Counsel
  • Best Best & Krieger
  • 2017 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Law Office of Michael L. Fell
  • 2011 - Present
  • Deputy County Counsel
  • Santa Barbara County Counsel
  • 2000 - 2001
  • Deputy District Attorney
  • Ventura County District Attorney's Office
  • 1999 - 2000
  • Deputy District Attorney
  • Orange County District Attorney
  • 1991 - 1998
View all work experience

Education

  • Loyola Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1991
  • Univ of California Irvine
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1987

Associations

  • Criminal Law Association
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Orange County Women Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1991 - Present
  • Robert A. Banyard American Inn of Court
  • Member
  • 1997 - 1998
  • Orange County Deputy District Attorneys
  • Vice President
  • 1996 - 1997
  • Orange County Deputy District Attorneys
  • Member
  • 1991 - 1998
  • Loyola International & Comparative Law Journal
  • Staff Writer
  • 1989 - 1990
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Client Review
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2015

Speaking Engagements

  • The Guidance Center Speaking Engagement
  • Juvenile Justice System & Marsy's Law
  • 2017
  • Mommy Esquire
  • Criminal Law 101
  • 2017
  • MADD
  • Marsy's Law
  • 2017
  • Jackson Tidus
  • The Criminal Justice System and Marsy’s Law
  • 2017
  • UCI Department of Criminology, Law and Society Career Night
  • Career Night Panel
  • 2014
  • Criminal Law Society Lecture
  • Marsy's Law and Criminal Defense
  • 2013
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (11)
Endorse Denise
Family Attorney | Feb 09
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jun 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Denise is nothing short of fantastic. She is dedicated to her clients and their interest. Denise is a valuable asset to any person struggling with a family law issue. I endorse Denise and would have zero hesitation recommending her service to someone."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 04
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Denise is extremely knowledgeable in the area of criminal defense. Starting off as a district attorney, she knows when and how to negotiate in order to protect her clients and get them a favorable result. I highly endorse Denise Grimes. She is a gem in our industry."
Family Attorney | Dec 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend Denise Grimes. Ms. Grimes is an extremely qualified lawyer who truly cares about her clients."
Administrative law
Domestic violence
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Litigation