Licensed for 26 years

State CA

Acquired 1997

Status
Active No misconduct found

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

Staycie Renee Sena

Criminal defense Attorney at Irvine, CA

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Best money I spent

Excellent Lawyer CARES about her clients

About Staycie

Learn Staycie’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

40%

23 years, 2,500 cases
DUI and DWI

20%

23 years, 1,000 cases
Domestic violence

20%

23 years, 900 cases
White collar crime

20%

23 years, 800 cases

Chosen "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" by the National Trial Lawyers and OC Metro's "Top Criminal Attorney"

Graduate, Stanford Law School ('96)

Former Deputy Public Defender

Member of defense team for actor Robert Blake (acquitted of special circumstances homicide)

Hundreds of cases dismissed

Contact Staycie

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The Law Offices of Staycie R. Sena

19200 Von Karman Ave #400

Irvine, CA, 92612

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Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0

28 customer reviews

5 Star

93%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by anonymous | October 1, 2023

Best money I spent

I needed a second opinion on my sons criminal case. I contacted Staycie and she was a great help. He helped me navigate the system a little better and gave me advise. She was available when ever I text or called her. She was definitely a help and reassured me during the process.

Posted by Oscar | August 29, 2019

Excellent Lawyer CARES about her clients

Staycie Sena helped me out tremendously helped me through the unknown tough parts of my domestic violence case and assured me everything was temporary and would pass and she was right although difficult she helped me through the various unknowns and made me feel supported through the whole process. She got two separate charges dismissed on my behalf. I don't know what i would of done without her.

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Posted by anonymous | October 1, 2014

Best Lawyer in DV case in OC

I met with a grand total of 5 lawyers before deciding that Stacy was the right one. I did all the research from the internet and physically met or spoke with them on the phone. Upon speaking with Ms. Sena, I immediately observed her professionalism, intelligence on the subject matter and confidence. I am so glad that I chose her to represent me in my Domestic Violence case. I wanted to put this case to rest and suggested to make a plea bargain as soon as she may, but since she really is an expert in this field, she advised that she can do better than that and have it dismissed. I am so glad that I listened to her. My case is not quite dismissed yet but will be in a few months. Because of her broad knowledge, intelligence and outside the box thinking, she worked something out with the DA that my case will be dismissed. I am a law abiding citizen and having a case against me is a very stressful experience but every time I texted or called her, she immediately responded and made my wife and I not to worry about the case. Her fees are very reasonable. Atty. Staycie Sena really showed that she cared not only to me but also to my wife. My wife and I really appreciates the job well done by Staycie.

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Posted by Elizabeth | March 31, 2014

Excellent Attorney, worth every dime!

Helped my son with a traffic ticket. Got the fine reduced and traffic school. We hope that this is last time we need a criminal defense attorney, but if it's not, we will definitely call Staycie Sena first and will refer her.

Posted by Rip | January 21, 2014

Caring lawyer that stood by me and fought hard

Like you, I had read tons and tons of these reviews before hiring the right lawyer. I met with a grand total of 7 lawyers before deciding that Stacy was the right one. Now, after having been caught up in the system for almost a year and a half, I can honestly say that hiring her was one of the best decisions of my life. First, I will say, it can be difficult to choose a lawyer based on what these reviews say. I think that people second guess their lawyers after-the-fact, based on what they hear other people in their classes or at the jail say. What I want to tell you (and what you can trust from this review) is that this lawyer really cared about me and how things turned out. I called her on her cell phone and she took my calls, she was understanding when my payments were late and she really understood what happened in my case and explained to me what was going to happen BEFORE anything happened. I have seen the way people treat their lawyers in court and it makes me wonder why Stacy would want to do this kind of work, but a couple of trips to court with her and I got it. She cares. She felt I was being railroaded just like my family did. And she stayed with me until we got a deal that was much more fair. I could tell that the prosecutors and judges respect her and I really am thankful that I shopped around until finding her.

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Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2013

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Mrs Sena was my second attorney. My First attorney told me to shut up and take the deal. After 50K in retainer fees it was obvious that he was only out to take all my money. The DA slipped in a TRO so I wasn't able to visit my children for 10 years. My attorney didn't care about anything other then finishing my case and moving on and collecting more money from another sucker. Mrs Sena reviewed my case and gave no false promises. She admitted that there were some problems and she would do her best to resolved the issue regarding my kids. I was able to witness an attorney fight for my rights. She fought the DA who was unfair and obviously personally involved in my case. Sena was able have the TRO removed and now I'm back in family court fighting to see my kids. She cares about her cases.

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Posted by anonymous | October 17, 2013

Great lawyer - smart, professional and personable!

Ms. Sena was able to get my DUI case dismissed. She was very professional while still being nice and approachable. I had a lawyer in the past who was intimidating and arrogant. She's not like that at all. She helped me feel at ease and I could trust her. She responded in a timely manner to my questions and kept me in the loop on my case.

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Posted by EJC | October 15, 2013

Best in Irvine, OC area!

She knows her stuff! She works hard! And she ensures that you'll be taken care of. I was charged with domestic violence crime (2 felonies! Can you believe that?) against my ex-boyfriend who attacked me in my sleep, while I was naked in bed and she immediately assured me that I won't go back to jail and that we can get the case dismissed. I've never been charged with anything in my life before, so I was clearly freaked out. So Staycie told me what evidence to collect (thank God for photos of the bruises he gave me and the pictures of my ex's body with the self-defense scratches I gave him with a pen when he didn't let go of me and was about to break my wrists) and she put a big box of presentation together for the tough D.A. (including internet posts/proof that my ex was very aggressive and was trained in Martial Arts as well as a Personal Trainer) and she negotiated it down to a dismissal after 10-12 classes of Anger Management Probation approved classes and a $200 donation to Victim Witness Unit. It took less than 4 months too! Now I can continue with my life and apply to other high-prospect jobs and travel! Thank you, Staycie! Keep up the good work!

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Posted by anonymous | October 14, 2013

Awesome attorney!

Great lawyer, she is very understanding and kept me well informed. She actually went above and beyond for me and I am very great full. I would recommend Staycie to anyone that is looking for an attorney that stays on top of things.

Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2013

DV case, no charge was filed

I was arrested for DV a month ago. I have interviewed several attorneys before Staycie. All other attorneys told me it was hard to have the case dismissed before the arraignment. Staycie told me a special strategy she will use to make the DA's office not to file any charge. This strategy had turned out good results several times before my case. She was very knowledge about how the legal system in orange county worked, and explained that very well to me ( who was unfamiliar with the area ). It was the special strategy and my first impression of her that made me to hire her to help me pass through the unexpected darkness in my life. About one month later, it turned out that I made the right decision. DA's office told me that they had rejected the case and returned the paperwork to the agency. Up to now, no charge was filed against me, no arraignment was scheduled, I did not even have to go to the court. I also want to mention that during last month, I needed to talk to my school about my case, because the police also reported the DV incident to my school. Staycie gave me good suggestions about how to talk with the officer in my school, such that I could avoid sanction from my school. I would highly recommend Staycie if you were involved in a DV case.

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Posted by Jade | September 24, 2013

Amazing

Staycie is amazing. She got my case dismissed and literally saved my life. She's very trustworthy and extremely smart. Reasonable price for the work she does. I would highly recommend her to anyone, in fact I keep her cards in my purse.

Posted by Justin | February 26, 2013

Honest and objective

After the police arrested me with 243(e) [Domestic Battery, no injuries] against my wife, my wife and I consulted with various lawyers to find the one we were most comfortable with. We believed we already had chosen a lawyer, however we decided to do our due diligence and consult with the last lawyer on our list which was Staycie Sena (and we are extremely happy we did). What really sold us on Staycie was her prowess in the legal system, her transparency, her compassion, and her work ethic. She didn’t sugar coat the situation, she didn’t use scare tactics; she was honest and objective about potential outcomes. After we retained Staycie as legal counsel, she and her team aggressively sought out the DA to present what happened between my wife and I in our words (not just the polices). Because of her, the DA rejected the case and my wife and I are free to move on from this excruciating and embarrassing situation. Additionally, Staycie’s team was accessible and very responsive. I was extremely nervous and had many questions throughout the process. I was able to call (or email) and receive a response from her or her team in a timely manner. Thank you very much Staycie (and team).

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Posted by Jake | February 8, 2013

The best experience I've ever had

My experience with staycie was the best i've ever had with an attorney. I had a 10 year old warrant in my case because i left the state. I've since returned and she was the first person i called by sheer luck. She quoted me a very fair retainer price and was able to have my warrant recalled in one court visit. I live 10 hours north of Santa Ana and she was able to convince the judge that i shouldn't have to appear before him to resolve the matter-a very strict judge to i was informed. Anyone out there who needs a GREAT attorney call Staycie first. I'm so glad i did. Just review her credentials they speak for themselves. She's the best! Thanks again Staycie.

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Posted by anonymous | September 10, 2012

BEST LAWYER FOR PROFESSIONALS

I am a medical doctor and was arrested for domestic violence due to misunderstanding. I was panicked and interviewed multiple firms since this may affect my medical practice. Ms. Sena impressed me with her extensive experience in the field, knowledge about the system, and attention to details. I felt most comfortable with her so I asked her to represent me. Ms. Sena was able to confer with DA’s office and no charge was filed. My deepest gratitude.

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Posted by Joe | August 30, 2012

Case dismissed!

Thanks so much Staycie, this entire situation has changed the path of my life in so many wonderful ways and thanks to you it is going to all work out. Thank you for making sure justice was served. You were the best choice I made in the past several weeks. We were assured by other lawyers that getting this dismissed was not possible but you pulled it off and I will recommend you to anyone I know who ever needs a lawyer. Thanks again!

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Posted by Robyn | June 21, 2012

The very best in every way!

On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, Staychia Sena is a 10! She developed an effective strategy for my case to get the desired result. She’s a great listener and communicator who stayed in close contact with me. She is smart, caring, and conscientious. She knows the system and is very effective in court. I recommend Ms. Sena highly. She’s the very best! I'm so grateful to her for her skillful help.

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Posted by Camille | June 19, 2012

Excellent and professional attorney with diplomacy

Ms. Sena guided me through the dark ravages of domestic violence with scrupulous and empathetic support. She gave a clear vision of how my TRO would progress and the legal path I needed to maintain . In spite of the respondent's court continuance and his constant harassment with vicious e-mails to Ms. Sena, she maintained a fearless yet professional attitude toward him. Her diplomacy both in and out of the courtroom throughout this 4 month battle concluded with his agreement to give me a 3 year restraining order. Thank You Ms.Sena for your brilliant legal expertise in matters of domestic violence.

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Posted by vic | October 27, 2010

Five Stars for Results!

Staychia handled my case, which was outside her county of normal operation, and did so in a swift, confident, and I-don't-give-up manner. When the first settlement was proposed she said "no thanks, who's your boss?" and went up the ladder until she got what we both wanted... a dismissal! She gets five stars for results... not promises... results!

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Posted by Leah | September 17, 2010

OCBA Referral

Ms. Sena was referred by the OCBA and after an initial message, she called me back promptly, handled my case in an expedited time-frame and resolved my legal matter in a professional manner. I was not able to meet with her in person but we were able to conduct business by phone/email with ease. She was a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend her.

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Posted by Long | August 12, 2010

Ms. Sena saved my future.

I was charged with a felony for receiving stolen property and as an immigrant I was up for deportation if convicted. Ms. Sena worked closely with an immigration lawyer to protect me from deportation. The DA was asking for jail time but Ms. Sena was very effective in her negotiation and finally got the charge dismissed. I am going to apply for medical school and if it was not for her help my dream of becoming a doctor would never materialize. The posting guideline prevents me from giving out personal information otherwise I would give my phone number so you can hear my testimony directly from me. You really cannot go wrong in hiring Ms. Sena.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Attorney
Law Offices of Staycie R. Sena
2003 - Present

Attorney
Criminal Defense Team for Robert Blake
2003 - 2004

Deputy Public Defender
Orange County Public Defender
2000 - 2003

Attorney
Pilsbury Madison & Sutro
1999 - 2000

Adjunct Professor
University of California at Riverside
1998 - 2000

Attorney
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth
1998 - 1999

Attorney
Best Best & Krieger
1997 - 1998

View all work experience

Education

Stanford Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1996

University of California Riverside
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1993

Legal Cases

Sexual Molestation
Not Guilty on one life count, other dismissed

Certificate of Rehabilitation- 290 Registrant
Petition granted

Child abuse- wrongfully accused
Dismissed

View all legal cases

Associations

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association
Member
2009 - Present

Newport Harbor Bar Association
Member
2003 - Present

Orange County Barristers
Member
2003 - Present

West Orange County Bar Association
Member
2003 - Present

State Bar of California, Criminal Law Section
2000 - Present

Orange County Bar Association
Member
1997 - Present

State Bar of California
Member
1997 - Present

South Orange County Bar Association
President
2009 - 2010

Stanford Professional Women of Orange County
Member
2004 - 2007

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Top Criminal Lawyer
Coast Magazine
2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2014

Top Criminal Attorney
OC Metro Magazine
2013

Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Beta Kappa
1993

Most Distinguished Student- Philosophy
University of California at Riverside
1993

View all awards

Publications

California Redevelopment Journal
Implementing Redevelopment
1999

League of California Cities
Free Speech and Sign Ordinances
1998

Speaking Engagements

North Orange County Bar Association
Children, Memory and Sexual Abuse Allegations
2016

Family Lawyers Study Group
Defense of Seuxal Abuse Claims
2016

Orange County Asian Peace Officer Association Meeting
The Defense Perspective
2011

South Orange County Bar Association,
Representing Celebrity Clients
2007

Faculty Presentation
Do the Realities of the Criminial Justice System Mirror Doctrine?
2003

Law and Society
Social Change through Law
2000

Philosophy of Law
Legal Pedagogy
1995

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Attorney endorsements

Received (29)

Given (28)

Endorse Staycie

Fredrick Ray

Domestic violence Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Few criminal defense attorneys work so hard and so passionately on behalf of their clients as Staycie. I send Staycie clients who need amazing results for very difficult matters, particularly in the domestic violence area. She is an outstanding attorney."

Harutiun Kassakhian

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. As a former Deputy District Attorney/Assistant DA (in Humboldt County, CA and Santa Fe, NM), I have worked against numerous criminal defense attorneys. The best criminal defense attorneys care about their clients and help them address the personal issues (often drug and alcohol abuse) that lead them to the accusations they face. Staycie's practice is client-centered, she deeply cares about the outcome for her clients. In my experience many private criminal defense attorneys are unwilling to take a case to trial because they are either lazy, afraid of trial, or inexperienced. Staycie knows the value of a case and is willing to take a case to trial if she believes that a jury will disagree with the DA's perspective. The willingness to take a meritorious case (from the defense perspective) to trial is the single most important tool to leverage a good deal or dismissal from the DA. I would recommend her services to any person who had a criminal problem in OC."

Andrew Levine

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Staycie is a repository of knowledge and advice, and her mentorship when I was beginning my practice was invaluable. Without her help and the help of others, I would have been lost at sea. I'm consistently impressed by her passion and her dedication to protecting the interests of her clients. I endorse her wholeheartedly."

Aaron Fairchild

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter Marek

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Staycie Sena. Excellent contributions, reviews and endorsements. READ THEM! As a former deputy public defender she has seen a vast number of client and cases. Experience counts. Call her first if you are in or near Irvine for a consultation."

David Salvin

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ms. Sena for many years, and have always found her dedication and commitment to her clients to be of the highest caliber. She has consistently some of the best results for her clients in even the toughest cases."

Jay Nunez

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Regularly provides thoughtful and accurate answers on Avvo. I endorse this lawyer."

Howard Roitman

White collar crime Attorney | Oct 07
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kerri Strunk

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Staycie. Not only is she a wonderful person and compassionate, she is also competent, ethical and has a great reputation in the legal community."

Vincent LaBarbera

Criminal defense Attorney | May 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Burch

Criminal defense Attorney | May 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred clients to Ms. Sena when they have had criminal matters and had very positive feedback. My clients have been very happy with Ms. Sena's representation and advocacy."

Jon Pettis

Unknown Attorney | Apr 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alexander Perez

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is my great pleasure to endorse Staycie Sena. She is one of the smartest people I know, an excellent attorney who constantly uses her vast legal knowledge, intelligence and natural charm to the benefit of her clients. She cares deeply about her clients and her outstanding record of legal achievements is a testament to her hard work and dedication to help people."

Randall Longwith

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stacy Sena is an outstanding lawyer. She knows the law and knows how to use it. I have had the pleasure of watching Ms. Sena in trial numerous times. She owned the courtroom every time. Skilled and successful... that about sums up Stacy Sena. I endorse this lawyer."

Christian Lassen

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Her knowledge of complex legal issues is extensive, based on her AVVO answers."

Lauren Johnson-Norris

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Staycie is an experienced advocate who has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most effective criminal defense attorneys in Orange County. I fully endorse her."

George Mueller

DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work: extraordinarily conscientious, very hardworking and extremely dedicated, it is well-known that Ms. Sena is an excellent trial attorney who is a tremendous & generous asset to the Nationwide DUI Defense Bar community. Any person in need who hires this superb attorney will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of obvious reasons, I am honored to endorse this fine Orange County lawyer!"

Aaron Dishon

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Staychia is a tenacious and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. She is willing to pursue matters to trial when necessary and is very aggressive and proactive. I have referred her many clients all of whom were very satisfied."

Shane Stafford

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Gene Dorney

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Staychia Sena is an exceptional lawyer. She is highly professional, experienced and hard working."

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Criminal defense

Litigation

Litigation

Litigation

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Divorce and separation

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Licensing

Family

Lauren Johnson-Norris

Criminal defense

Family

Criminal defense

Estate planning

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Avvo Contributions

73 Legal Answers 0 Legal Guides

Q&A
Can i say that I have not been convicted if I completed my PC 1000 drug diversion class but the court date is next year?
02 May 2018
Q&A
Do I need a Lawyer if I'm being charged with spousal abuse and breaking a cellular device of my girlfriend.
01 Dec 2014
Q&A
Can DCFS reopen my case for this?
12 Nov 2014

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Staycie Renee Sena

About Staycie

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