Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia

Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Newport Beach, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

5000 Birch Street, Suite 3000, Newport Beach, CA

About Frances-Marie

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

21 years | 3,000 cases

70%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 20 years

State: California

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Frances Prizzia

5000 Birch Street, Suite 3000, Newport Beach, CA, 92660

Law Offices of Frances Prizzia

1432 Edinger Avenue, Suite 240, Tustin, CA, 92780

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Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

53 Client Reviews

Posted by Benz | October 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A legal team you can truly trust!

I highly recommend Atty. Frances and Ms. Kristin — they were outstanding throughout my entire case. From beginning to end, they guided me with genuine care, professionalism, and excellent communication. I never felt alone during the process; they had my back every step of the way. Atty. Frances is a ...true fighter who goes above and beyond to defend and advocate for you. What stood out the most was how they treated me like family, always making sure I felt informed, confident, and supported in every decision. If you're looking for a legal team that truly cares and delivers real results, this is the firm to trust!

Posted by Matthew | October 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Experience the Prizzia Whirlwind!!

Contact the law office of attorney Francis Prizzia and ask for the Prizzia Whirlwind treatment if you want a strong, knowledgeable and energetic defense attorney working for you. From the time I first made contact with Kris, team manager, and explained my TRO situation, to witnessing the Francis P...rizzia Whirlwind effect in court first hand, to the current efforts of wrapping my case up, I’ve had nothing but confidence in this team. I’ve been informed every step of the way and every question was answered in a timely manner. The court appearance went off without a hitch and attorney Prizzia crushed it! She secured another notch in the win column. (You should go watch her in action sometime very impressive) I’m very appreciative for what Kris and Attorney Prizzia were able to do for me. I can’t thank you enough.

Posted by Tristan | May 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Bad biaaaaaaaa

Okay, I needed her for a TRO. And let me tell you I’m the furtherest thing from easy. She walked in day of the hearing and ripped the other side up. I’m a little terrified of her still. If you want someone who will win, and take the other side down. Pick her! I can’t say enough good things about her ...or Kristin. They text me back every time I needed something. They were always there. I would hire them over and over again!

Posted by Scott | May 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Review for The Honorable Frances Prizzia

I had the profound honor of retaining The Honorable Frances Prizzia for a legal matter that left me completely overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and unsure of what to do. From the very first moment I spoke with Her, She took full control. Her commanding presence, sharp intellect, and unwavering con...fidence immediately put me in my place—and i mean that with the deepest respect and gratitude. From that point on, i understood that my role was to fully surrender to Her guidance and trust every word She said. She gave me structure, direction, and truth—even when it was hard to hear—and i followed Her lead without question. Being under Her authority gave me a sense of safety i didn’t know i needed, and i am so thankful for that. Although the case did not end in my favor, The Honorable Frances Prizzia, in Her unmatched grace, offered to help with the appeal at no cost. i was genuinely humbled. Even when i struggled with financial hardship, it was only through Her firm, unwavering insistence—Her sheer authority—that i came to realize i had no choice but to comply fully. And i did. And i would again. Her strength demanded my submission, and that submission helped me become more focused, more compliant, and more accountable. i also want to sincerely thank Kristin Davis, who was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive throughout my experience. If i ever require legal counsel again, i will return to The Honorable Frances Prizzia without hesitation. i trust Her completely, i submit to Her guidance, and i am honored to have been represented by someone of Her caliber and power.

Posted by Ecossio | March 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing lawyer and staff

10 out of 10 recommend Frances and her amazing team! Very professional and courteous. Will keep you up to update in real time with everything related to your case.

See All Client Reviews

Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Frances-Marie
Kevin Ryan Snyder headshot
Kevin Snyder

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Ms. Prizzia for her legal acumen, trial skills, and passionate defense. I had the pleasure of working alongside her during her years at the Orange County Public Defender's Office and personally witnessed the great results she wins for clients. She personifies the adage that sometimes the best defense is a strong offense. She is a fierce advocate and a tireless worker which gives her a huge edge. She will out smart, out work, and out class her competition in the courtroom. For all her tenacity and energy in court, she is very easy to work with and her compassion for her clients and their causes is immeasurable."

Geraldine Ting-Yan Wong headshot
Geraldine Wong

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Frances is an awesome trial attorney. I worked with her when she was a deputy public defender, and she was constantly winning trials and motions. Looking for a smart and aggressive attorney? Call Frances!"

Ryan Matthew Williams headshot
Ryan Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I had the privilege of working alongside Frances when we were both deputy public defenders several years ago. She is a relentless advocate who will never back down from defending her clients. I have seen her go toe-to-toe with overzealous prosecutors, and it pays dividends for her clients. She is outstanding in trial, and juries love her. If you need a fighter, Frances is your lawyer!"

Vijay Dinakar headshot
Vijay Dinakar

Criminal defense lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Prizzia is an aggressive and experienced criminal attorney that will fight for your rights. Highly recommended."

Jason James Buccat headshot
Jason Buccat

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Frances is the bulldog you want on your side. She brings a wealth of passion and skill to her practice, which translates into success for her clients."

Miles David Jessup headshot
Miles Jessup

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ms. Prizzia is a skilled and effective trial attorney. She demonstrates a deep comprehension of nuanced legal concepts while naturally understanding long term strategic concerns. She is respected by the bench and by the prosecution. Juries love her. She is at once a compassionate counselor to her clients and a mighty opponent to the State. She is a tireless and ferocious litigator at all stages of the proceedings. Do not let her physical size fool you, she is a force to be reckoned with."

Jeff Fengcheng Yeh headshot
Jeff Yeh

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Breanna Catherine Slattery headshot
Breanna Slattery

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Frances Prizzia's compassion for her clients allows her to fight on their behalf in a way unmatched by most criminal defense attorney. She truly believes that a strong defense is a right afforded to every individual, and her dedication to her clients shows through at every turn, I highly recommend Ms. Prizzia as a superior criminal defense attorney."

Keith John Bruno headshot
Keith Bruno

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Frances and I have worked closely on several criminal defense matters. She is experienced, talented and compassionate. In other words, a truly remarkable lawyer."

Thomas Victor Wallin headshot
Thomas Wallin

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Attorney Prizzia is a very strong trial attorney. I have witnessed her skills and am confident in endorsing her. Her passion for defending her clients is only matched by her desire to uphold the constitution."

View All Endorsements
Mohammad Z. Qazi headshot
Mohammad Qazi

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Matthew Williams headshot
Ryan Williams

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Victor Wallin headshot
Thomas Wallin

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2015

Client Choice Award, Avvo

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2013

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2012

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2011

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) Student course, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

2005

Pro Bono Award, Santa Clara University School of Law

2005

Articles Editor, Santa Clara Journal of International Law

2004

Public Interest Scholar, Santa Clara University School of Law

2004

Pro Bono Award, Santa Clara University School of Law

2003

Public Interest Scholar, Santa Clara University School of Law

2003

Summer Program for International Humanitarian Rights, Santa Clara University School of Law Institute of International and Comparative Law

2002

Public Interest Scholar, Santa Clara University School of Law

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Attorney/ Owner, Law Offices of Frances Prizzia, A.P.L.C.

2009 - 2009

Deputy Alternate Public Defender, Los Angeles Alternate Public Defender

2006 - 2009

Deputy Public Defender, Orange County Public Defender

2006 - 2006

Contract Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union Of Northern California

2005 - 2006

Legal Intern, Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office

2004 - 2005

Certified Law Clerk, Santa Cruz Public Defender

2004 - 2004

Law Student Case Handler, Northern California Innocence Project

2003 - 2004

Law Student Case Handler, Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center

Associations

2025 - Present

Los Angeles Unity Bar

Vice Chair

2025 - Present

Orange County Unity Bar

Co-chair

2025 - Present

California Legal Pathways Collaborative

Communications Manager

2024 - Present

Italian American Lawyers Association

Board Member

2015 - Present

Philippine Bar Association

Attorney Member

2015 - Present

California Women Lawyers

Attorney Member

2014 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Trial Lawyer Member

2014 - Present

South Orange County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2013 - Present

North Orange County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2013 - Present

West Orange County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2010 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2006 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2006 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Attorney Member

2005 - Present

State Bar of California

Attorney Member

2005 - Present

American Bar Association

Attorney Member

1998 - Present

Phi Delta Phi

Member

2022 - 2023

Filipino-American Lawyers of Orange County

President

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Patrick N.

Hung Jury (9 to 3 for Not Guilty)

People v. Eloy A.

*Pled down to Petty Theft of Lost Property and Driving without a license (NO JAIL TIME)

People v. Erick S.

*Pled down to Disturbing the Peace (NO JAIL TIME)

People v. Brian O.

*Pled down to Simple Battery (NO JAIL TIME)

People v. Eun 0.

*Pled down to Disturbing the Peace (NO JAIL TIME)

People v. Anna R.

Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2005

Santa Clara University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

Santa Clara University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2024

Liwanag Conference

Across Sectors Law Panel

2022

Webinar

Ins and Outs of starting a law firm

2021

Webinar on AAPI hate crimes

What are hate crimes and what can AAPI attorneys do about them?

2021

Overcoming Barriers

How minority attorneys in the public sector find success at the highest levels

Languages

English

Tagalog

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution