Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
Daniel C Grupenhagen
About Daniel
Biography
I handle all manner of criminal matters and occasionally traffic in and around Orange County, CA. My objective is to get you the absolute best results possible. Thanks for looking into my profile.
I recently joined the team at Paladin Legal Defenders, they have been good friends since way back in 2003. If I had any issues with schedules or just wanted to refer a case, I referred people to Paladin. I'm happy to be accepted into their busy criminal practice. They share my values of providing careful, professional attention to cases and excellent service.
I think the most important aspect of performing my service is to provide the free, confidential consultation. This should open the door to you to call me at your convenience and discuss your case directly. Many questions I see posted here on AVVO can be answered as, "Contact a lawyer and speak directly to them about your case." I think it should be simple and harmless to call and spend a few minutes with me rather than searching endless websites about what may or may not happen in your case. It's the easiest way to get the most beneficial information to you.
Be careful of th AI answers, at this time, it regurgitates all the info it finds on the web, so all the different jurisdictions, and court rules, and even websites from anyone and everyone is put into that sausage. It's good to get some background, but real results or case evaluations come from experienced attorneys in the geographical area where your case is originating.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
75%
25 years | 1,000 cases
Criminal Defense
25%
25 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 24 years
State: California
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Licensed in Idaho for 27 years
State: Idaho
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Daniel C Grupenhagen
221 Main Street, Suite Q, Huntington Beach, CA, 92648
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Daniel C Grupenhagen's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
10 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (10)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | September 04, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Beware all he wants is his fees
I would never recommend this lawyer to anyone, he is very comforting to talk to when you are in a difficult situation, but once you have given him the fees, then do not expect any work from him. He will try to get all the fees upfront. Once you have signed an agreement with him, then he is a differen...
Daniel Grupenhagen
Replied last September 04, 2013I'm sorry you had a bad experience with the firm. This matter doesn't sound familiar, and I strive for utmost client satisfaction in every case. Please contact me directly to discuss your specific concerns.
Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2012 | Criminal Defense
I needed a good attorney NOW!
Did something dumb and got arrested. First time offense but found myself sitting in jail nonetheless. I had met Dan recently at a community event so I called him. He was able to help get me out of jail within hours. He handled my case all the way through to the end and was able to have my charges red...
Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2012 | Criminal Defense
extremely satisfied client
Mr. Grupenhagen is well qualified to handle any criminal case and did a great job for me! I had many questions and he always returned my phone calls in a timely manner and was very patient guiding me through the process. I would refer and have referred others to him when they have been or are in ne...
Posted by Mario | September 13, 2012 | DUI & DWI
INTELLIGENT LAWYER.. COMMAND OF HIS FIELD
Dan G was able to have my DUI dismissed ... no classes no fines class dissmised!!!
Daniel C Grupenhagen's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Dan has a tremendous amount of experience which he utilizes to represent his client and he is very much respected among his colleagues in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Daniel really raised the bar with criminal defense work."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Dan for over 10 years and have worked together with him on a number of cases. In fact, when I was first starting out as a defense attorney, Dan took the time to help me learn how to handle a case from beginning to end – he had no obligation to do this, it’s just the way he is. To this day, I know I can always call on Dan when I need advice or a second opinion on a case. Dan is without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable and effective criminal defense attorneys in Orange County. He truly cares about his clients and manages to get them out of impossible situations time and again. If you are in search of a great lawyer, then look no further."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse Daniel. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Grupenhagen in the same firm years ago and also have been fortunate enough to have worked with him on criminal matters in the recent past. I have always been amazed at his professionalism, knowledge of the law, skill level and kindness to his clients. I practice in Los Angeles, we all have clients that sometimes are no matter what going to talk bad because they do not care enough to listen, understand and appreciate the legal framework attorneys have to work within. The nature of defense work is not only to get the best resolution possible but to defend against and ensure to protect the client from worse. In the many years that I have known Mr. Grupenhagen, I have always, always known him to be an excellent attorney but above all a genuine, honest, kind and trustworthy person. I would recommend this attorney and proudly, I endorse this lawyer."
"I have seen Daniel in court getting the reults you need. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. GRupenhagen is well known in the community for his quality legal work and taking care of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Grupenhagen is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dan is an outstanding lawyer. I have known Daniel for about 15 years and refer cleints in the OC area to him. All have been satisfied with his representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer. Attorney Grupenhagen is highly respected in the legal community by his fellow lawyers and former clients. Not only is he experienced and knowledgeable about the law but he truly cares about each of his clients. If you are searching for an aggressive DUI/DWI attorney that will fight for you but who is also compassionate, Attorney Grupenhagen is the lawyer for you."
"Dan is not only a skilled attorney, but he's also a great guy. His knowledge of the courts and the prosecutors in Orange County make him a tremendous asset for any defendant. He's one of the few fellow criminal defense attorneys that I would refer cases to."
"Mr. Grupenhagen is well known and respected in the criminal defense community. He is often seen in court, agressively defending his clients. I endorse his abilities and efforts."
Polina Logrue
Criminal defense lawyer
Eric Dumars
Criminal defense lawyer
Douglas Borthwick
Unknown lawyer
Michelle Will
Criminal defense lawyer
Courtney Will
Criminal defense lawyer
Darrel Aherin
Personal injury lawyer
Donald Sowers
Criminal defense lawyer
Douglas Wright
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Charles Rick
DUI and DWI lawyer
Howard Roitman
Personal injury lawyer
Justin McShane
DUI and DWI lawyer
Ricardo Nicol
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Kennedy
Criminal defense lawyer
Anthony Arzili
Criminal defense lawyer
Jimmy Cha
Criminal defense lawyer
Kenneth Holder
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Brewer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Ardalon Fakhimi
Criminal defense lawyer
Joseph Dane
Criminal defense lawyer
Kim Hansen
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2010
Top Lawyer, OC Metro Magazine
2002
Outstanding Intern, RAB Law Office
1998
McNichols Appellate (Moot) Court Competition, Judge McNichols
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Associate, Paladin Legal Defenders
2005 - 2010
Owner, Law Offices
2004 - 2023
Owner, Law Offices of Daniel C. Grupenhagen
2002 - 2004
Associate, Wallin & Klarich
2002 - 2002
Associate, RAB Law Offices
1998 - 2002
Deputy City Attorney, City of Moscow, Idaho
1996 - 1996
Intern, Aherin, Rice & Anegon
1989 - 1995
Material Planner, McDonnell Douglas Corporation--DAC Long Beach
Associations
2019 - Present
Orange County Softball AssociationStaff
2013 - Present
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - 2015
CSUF Legal Aid ClinicVolunteer Attorney
2012 - 2013
Superior Court Alternate Defense PanelAttorney
2012 - 2013
SW Law Center for Internet ResearchBoard of Directors
2007 - 2024
California District 62 LL umpireStaff
2007 - 2008
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2006 - 2013
Orange County Bar Association-LRISAssociate
2005 - 2015
California DUI Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2005 - 2012
Orange County Quasi-Indigent Panelmember
2004 - 2020
Harbor Court Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Nguyen
Strike Felony reduced to simple trespassing
People v. Steve S.
Dismissed
People v. Gary M.
Case dismissed
People v. J.G.
Dismissed
People v. JC
Dismissed
People v. SM
Both Dismissed
People v. DC
Not guilty by jury
People v. A.G.
Case Dismissed
People v. T.B.
Strikes dismissed, prison avoided
People v. J.W.
Dismissed and Sealed
People v. M.G.
Dismissed after Trial
People v. L.A.
No jail whatsoever
People v. Sean B.
No jail
People v. T.H.
Dismissed over DA's opposition
People v. L.E.
No jail
Education
1998
University of Idaho College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
CSU Fullerton
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2012
Career Day
Law as a Career
2009
Economics & Small Business
Law Office Business Administration
2002
WK Annual Seminar
Bias in Legal Ethics
2002
OC Mock Trial Competition
Trial Judge
Publications
2012
SW Law Center Journal
Criminal Law Private Practice
2011
OC Weekly
Ugly Police Mug of the Week
2010
OC Register
Outragous Traffic Fines
2006
OC Weekly
Ticket Wizard
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will i be arrested/
06 Nov 2025
Q&A
Is it better to do 12 mths in jail with 3 years formal probation or 16 months in Lynwood prison/ no probation for dui/injury
21 Dec 2018
Q&A
The item cost $20, how much they charge for shoplifting at target store
29 Oct 2018
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Charged with Shoplifting in Orange County?
27 Feb 2014
Legal Guide
A Guide to Help Understand Trial and Appeals in a Criminal Case
08 Sep 2012
Legal Guide
A Guide to Help Understand Pre-Trial Criminal Case Procedure
08 Sep 2012