Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
Attorney Frances-Marie Prizzia was first interested in pursuing criminal law while working for immigrant labor organizations and a healthcare center, where she witnessed the injustices suffered by the disenfranchised and impoverished. Ms. Prizzia’s desire to make a difference and help those in need drove her to apply for law school. She received her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law (where she had also earned her Bachelor’s degree) in 2005. As a law student, she argued and won a motion to suppress evidence due to the violations of the Fourth Amendment made by investigating police officers. Before establishing her firm, Attorney Prizzia worked for the Orange County Public Defender and the Los Angeles County Alternate Defender’s office. While working as a trial attorney, Mrs. Prizzia obtained many dismissals by the court, and took and won more cases in jury trial than any other attorney within her unit at the time. Attorney Prizzia is admitted to practice law in California, and is admitted to the California State Bar.
At the Law Office of Frances Prizzia, Attorney Prizzia is dedicated to defending the rights and protecting the futures of those who have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense. When their career, reputation, and future are on the line, Ms. Prizzia believes it is important to provide clients with aggressive representation and do everything in her power to have their charges reduced or dropped. Attorney Prizzia understands how stressful it can be to face criminal charges, which is why she offers clients her trusted legal counsel and personal attention. Whether you are facing a drug crime, sex crime, white collar crime, DUI (driving under the influence) offense, or probation violation, Ms. Prizzia has the knowledge and ability to represent you. To learn more about retaining the representation of a Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer, contact the Law Office of Frances Prizzia.
2
Practice Areas
21 years | 3,000 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
5000 Birch Street, Suite 3000, Newport Beach, CA, 92660
1432 Edinger Avenue, Suite 240, Tustin, CA, 92780
Showing 1 - 5 of 53 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Benz | October 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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 ...
Posted by Matthew | October 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Tristan | May 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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 ...
Posted by Scott | May 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Ecossio | March 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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.
"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."
"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!"
"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!"
"Ms. Prizzia is an aggressive and experienced criminal attorney that will fight for your rights. Highly recommended."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Frances and I have worked closely on several criminal defense matters. She is experienced, talented and compassionate. In other words, a truly remarkable lawyer."
"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."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
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
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
2025 - Present
Los Angeles Unity BarVice Chair
2025 - Present
Orange County Unity BarCo-chair
2025 - Present
California Legal Pathways CollaborativeCommunications Manager
2024 - Present
Italian American Lawyers AssociationBoard Member
2015 - Present
Philippine Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2015 - Present
California Women LawyersAttorney Member
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationTrial Lawyer Member
2014 - Present
South Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
North Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
West Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2010 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2006 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2006 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationAttorney Member
2005 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney Member
2005 - Present
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1998 - Present
Phi Delta PhiMember
2022 - 2023
Filipino-American Lawyers of Orange CountyPresident
Hung Jury (9 to 3 for Not Guilty)
*Pled down to Petty Theft of Lost Property and Driving without a license (NO JAIL TIME)
*Pled down to Disturbing the Peace (NO JAIL TIME)
*Pled down to Simple Battery (NO JAIL TIME)
*Pled down to Disturbing the Peace (NO JAIL TIME)
Dismissed
2005
JD - Juris Doctor
2001
BS - Bachelor of Science
2024
Across Sectors Law Panel
2022
Ins and Outs of starting a law firm
2021
What are hate crimes and what can AAPI attorneys do about them?
2021
How minority attorneys in the public sector find success at the highest levels
2014
English
Tagalog
Spanish
Legal Answers
I received an arrest warrant in the mail yesterday for VC23152(A). Just exactly is that charge?
26 May 2013
Court papers say "Bench warrant probation revocation " and another case 'bench warrant DEJ program" what will happen?
19 May 2013
Can Police run your license plates at random with no probable cause and subsequently arrest you if you have a warrant?..
19 May 2013