Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
13 Client Reviews
Free Consultation
$0 first 55 minutes
PRO
Richard Wagner
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Richard
Biography
24+ Years Professional Legal Experience. Former Prosecutor. Dedicated DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Wagner offers professional representation and proven methods for effective DUI criminal defense with a unique and insightful perspective on the California Penal Code and California Vehicle Code and related criminal laws. An intelligent, overly prepared, and tirelessly dedicated attorney, Richard Wagner earned his bachelor’s degree from University of California, Santa Barbara, and law degree from Chapman University School of Law in Orange, California.
In law school, his academic achievements included serving on the Law Review, being awarded the Dean’s Merit Scholarship and the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. Mr. Wagner’s work experience in law school included serving as a law clerk with the Orange County Alternate Public Defender’s Office, and as a judicial extern to the Honorable Justice Edward Wallin (Ret.), California Court of Appeal, in Santa Ana, California.
After graduation from law school, Mr. Wagner worked as a criminal prosecutor for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the third largest municipal law office in the country. During his tenure as a deputy city attorney, Mr. Wagner prosecuted thousands of criminal cases, including drunk driving cases. He also was a speaker at the Los Angeles Police Department, Impaired Driver Apprehension Program (IDAP) on Case Preparation and Courtroom Testimony Training, and for the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Trial Advocacy Project (TAP).
Since 2002, Mr. Wagner has been in private practice, where his criminal defense practice has included an emphasis on criminal defense and drunk driving cases in state criminal courts and administrative suspension/revocation hearings before the Department of Motor Vehicles. In 2006, he presented a lecture, “What to Do If You Are Arrested for Drunk Driving” at Whittier Law School.
Mr. Wagner is one of the few dedicated DUI defense attorneys who has successfully completed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Course.
Mr. Wagner managed the Orange County office for Top Gun DUI Defense Attorney® Myles L. Berman, where he learned how to aggressively defend clients accused of DUI and other criminal charges throughout Southern California courthouses.
Mr. Wagner represents privately retained clients, as well as, listed by Los Angeles Superior Court as an Attorney authorized to accept court-appointed cases through the Indigent Criminal Defense Appointments Program (ICDA).
Mr. Wagner has handled thousands of Southern California criminal defense cases, resulting in excellent results for his clients, including not guilty verdicts, acquittals, dismissals, and reductions of charges.
Mr. Wagner won a jury trial in Newport Beach for a woman accused by the Orange County DA of DUI in Corona Del Mar. In another, he got a man’s DUI dismissed who was accused by the Los Angeles DA of DUI in the Compton Courthouse after two jury trials ended in mistrials.
In another DUI case, Mr. Wagner won a jury trial in Whittier for a man accused of his second DUI, defending against evidence put on by the LA District Attorney of his client causing a traffic accident, failing FSTs, and having a blood test result that came back at 0.19%.
Mr. Wagner’s victories include a complete dismissal of felony charges for his client facing significant state prison time and lifetime drug registration accused by the San Bernardino District Attorney of second degree commercial burglary, transportation of marijuana for sale, and possession of marijuana for sale in the San Bernardino Superior Court.
Mr. Wagner also convinced the LA District Attorney to dismiss serious sex felony allegations in Bellflower, avoiding serious prison and sex registration for his innocent client.
Mr. Wagner is admitted to practice law and defend clients in the Central and Southern Districts of the United States District Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, in all state courts throughout California. He has successfully represented clients in criminal and DUI cases in Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Joaquin, San Bernardino, Riverside, Tulare, Imperial, and San Diego Counties. Mr. Wagner has even been hired to defend clients in Georgia, Idaho and New Mexico. He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of California, and the California Public Defender’s Association.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
DUI and DWI
100%
26 years | 2,200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in California for 27 years
State: California
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Office of Richard Wagner, A Professional Corporation
(714) 886-3149
Mobile
7700 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 800, Irvine, CA, 92618
criminaldefensestrikeforce.com/The Law Office of Richard Wagner, A Professional Corporation
(714) 886-3149
Mobile
24881 Alicia Parkway, Ste., E-351, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653
criminaldefensestrikeforce.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Richard online.
Richard Wagner's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Edward K | September 26, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Attorney
Richard did an amazing job!! From the very first introduction, he made me and my family feel comfortable and confident that he would have my best interest in mind and would seek the best resolution possible. He provided guidance and support during such a difficult time. His knowledge and experience s...
Posted by anonymous | August 7, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Fantastic Attorney
Mr. Wagner is the best! He helped me every step of the way with my case! He always makes himself available anytime and answers promptly! He fought for me every step of the way and made it less stressful! I absolutely recommend Mr. Wagner for your legal needs!
Posted by Tracy cabrera | August 24, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Tracy cabrera
Mr Wagner was always available, informative. We were kept in the loop at all times. I would highly recommend his service and would use him again.
Posted by Jerry | July 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
An angel on the devils playground
Mr. Wagner fought my DUI Case by filing my expungement which was dismissed! After being treated unfairly in an illegal arrest and risking having my record tainted, I reached out to him regarding my lamentations and personal story. He listened, clearly discussed the possibilities and showed empathy ...
Posted by anonymous | July 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Never had to appear in court
Fantastic attorney! DUI case was dismissed and I never had to appear in court
Richard Wagner's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr Wagner is a tremendous advocate. I have known him for several years and can attest to him work!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Wagner is a talented, experienced, and skillful criminal defense attorney. He has a solid reputation for employing the best possible strategies to exploit the specific weaknesses in his client's cases."
"I considered Rich a mentor when I became a lawyer. He is an excellent attorney. I have also worked with him on many cases and would absolutely recommend him."
"I have know Richard a long time and he is an excellent attorney!"
"As a former prosecutor he has one huge advantage. "they know that he knows what they know". This coupled with his education and contributions to local law enforcement training uniquely benefit him and you as a prospective client. Read the reviews. If you are in or near Irvine give him a call first for a consultation."
"I endorse Richard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Wagner is simply an exceptional attorney who I would recommend to everyone and anyone. I am a former judge, former magistrate, former prosecutor, and an attorney with 24 years of experience. I still learn from his answers on Avvo on a daily basis and I am constantly impressed."
"I endorse Attorney Wagner. I've recently had the pleasure of working with Richard on an out-of-state criminal case. His knowledge of the law is impressive; his ability to calm rattled clients equally so. Richard is dedicated, thorough, and persistent in his pursuit of justice for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard will get the job done right."
"While I have never met Richard personally, I feel that I know him well as we worked together across the country on a case in which I served as local counsel. We had several conversations and strategy sessions, and Richard was always pleasant and easy to work with. His reasoning is sound, and his abilities solid. I look forward to the opportunity to work with him again. - McP"
"I endorse this lawyer. Rich is the type of lawyer that can't sleep until he knows he has done everything in his power to help his clients. In the arena of criminal law, there are two types of lawyers. Those who care enough about their clients to continue to fight the good fight, and then there are those lawyers who don't. Rich operates with empathy and respect in pursuit of the best resolution available - and is the most technically proficient attorney I know."
"I've ready many of Mr. Wagner's responses to questions on AVVO. His responses are knowledgeable and concise, and he is a valuable contributor to the legal community. I endorse Mr. Wagner without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rich is a fantastic attorney."
"Mr. Wagner is the type of attorney that promotes our profession. He is 100% dedicated to his clients and relentless is his advocacy of their interests. Not only does he work tirelessly to ensure his clients rights are protected but he also has that personal touch which engenders trust and confidence from his clients. Rich Wagner is the real deal."
"Mr. Wagner goes the distance for all his clients. He is dedicated, educated, aggressive and smart when it comes to defending his clients. He is a great coach to have on your team."
"Richard Wagner is one of the hardest hitting trial attorneys that I have had the pleasure and honor to know over the course of my career. Richard will never settle for second best when it comes to securing a favorable outcome for his clients. When a prosecutor is unwilling to be reasonable when negotiating a plea agreement, it's go time for Mr. Wagner. He will not hesitate tell the judge to call in the jurors and get the ball rolling for trial. Moreover, Richard is one of the most prepared defense attorneys that I know. When he comes to court he comes armed and ready to go with pretrial motions and a plan of attack. If you're looking for an attorney who will really go to bat for you and protect your rights at all cost, then Richard is the attorney for you because he brings the fight to the prosecutor. I cannot recommend Richard highly enough."
"I endorse Richard Wagner as a great top choice when searching for your lawyer in DUI or regular criminal law. Interview him as one of your top three choices and I'm sure you'll see he is the one you want on your case."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Wagner is a tough, devoted advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Wagner is suberb advocate for his clients. He has a mastery of the law and more than that he knows how to effectvely present his client's case. Mr. Wagner is respected and liked by the prosecution which allows him to acieve successful results for his clients. In shore, he is an effective advocate who achieves successful results."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Antonio Garcia
Criminal defense lawyer
Saif Rahman
Criminal defense lawyer
Moises Aguilar
Criminal defense lawyer
William Duffy
DUI and DWI lawyer
Bobby Shamuilian
DUI and DWI lawyer
Leonard Matsuk
Personal injury lawyer
Richard Poland
Personal injury lawyer
Lolita Kirk
Criminal defense lawyer
Eric Ganci
DUI and DWI lawyer
Brandon Naidu
General practice lawyer
Sami Haddad
Family lawyer
Shakti Vadgama
Criminal defense lawyer
Gregory Brenner
Criminal defense lawyer
Jonathan Ibanez
Criminal defense lawyer
Richard Hutton
DUI and DWI lawyer
Michael Grahn
DUI and DWI lawyer
Geoffrey Morris
Personal injury lawyer
Sydne French
Criminal defense lawyer
Wade Skalsky
Appeals lawyer
Jeffrey Kent
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2017
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
1998
Dean's Award For Academic Excellence, Chapman University School of Law
1996
Dean's Merit Scholarship, Chapman University School of Law
1996
Law Review, Chapman University School of Law
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Attorney, The Law Office of Richard Wagner, A Professional Corporation
2006 - 2009
Attorney, Law Offices of Top Gun DUI Defense Attorney Myles L. Berman
2002 - 2006
Attorney, Wagner & Zielinski, A Professional Law Corporation
1999 - 2001
Prosecutor, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office
Associations
1998 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
American Bar Association
Attorney Member
California Public Defenders Association
Attorney Member
Independent Defender Program
Attorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Violation of Criminal Protective Order - Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Domestic Violence - Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
2nd DUI .19 Blood Test - Not Guilty - DMV Suspension Overturned
Not Guilty - Acquitted at jury trial
Felony possession of controlled substance and car theft - Not Guilty
Acquitted at Jury Trial
Long Beach DUI Dismissed
DUI Dismissed - Client pleaded to two traffic violations / infractions
Rancho Cucamonga Marijuana DUI Dismissed
DUI & POSSESSION DISMISSED. REDUCED TO DRY RECKLESS
Riverside DUI Dismissed - DMV Suspension Overturned
DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO DRY RECKLESS (DMV SUSPENSION OVERTURNED)
San Bernardino DUI Dismissed - DMV Suspension Overturned
DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS (DMV SUSPENSION OVERTURNED)
Chula Vista DUI Dismissed
DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS
Newport Beach DUI Dismissed
DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS
Santa Ana DUI Dismissed - DMV Suspension Overturned
DUI DISMISSED. CASE REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS (DMV SUSPENSION OVERTURNED)
Vista DUI Dismissed
DUI DISMISSED. $250 FINE
East LA DUI Dismissed - DMV Suspension Overturned
DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS DRIVING (DMV SUSPENSION OVERTURNED)
Alhambra DUI Dismissed - DMV Suspension Overturned
DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO DRY RECKLESS (DMV SUSPENSION OVERTURNED)
Not Guilty For Client charged with DUI in Newport Beach
Acquitted at jury trial
Long Beach DUI Dismissed
Dismissed
Resisting Arrest Case Dismissed in Long Beach Court
Case Dismissed
Felony Marijuana Charges in Fontana Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Client beat accusations of felony sex crimes in Bellflower - Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Vandalism Charges in Long Beach - Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Domestic violence and vandalism - Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Violation of the Harbor City Boys Gang Injunction - Not Guilty
Acquitted at jury trial
DUI Case Thrown Outta Compton
Count 1 Acquitted, Count 2 Hung - DUIs Dismissed
Education
1998
Chapman University School of Law
Juris Doctor
1989
University of California - Santa Barbara
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2006
Law Day at Whittier Law School
What to Do If You Are Arrested for Drunk Driving
2001
Trial Advocacy Project (TAP)
Trial Advocacy
2001
Trial Advocacy Project (TAP)
Trial Advocacy
2000
Trial Advocacy Project (TAP)
Trial Advocacy
Publications
2005
Random Lengths News
The Crime Fitting The Description
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What penalties can a first time DUI offense carry?
18 Jan 2017
Q&A
How long will I need to have the IID device installed for a 2nd DUI conviction in California?
14 Jan 2017
Q&A
DUI Admission of driving and Rebuttable Presumption.
14 Jan 2017