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Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia

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Avvo Rating10
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed for 14 years
  • Free consultation
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About Frances-Marie

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. 

Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 70%

    15 years, 3,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 30%

Languages spoken

English, Tagalog

Contact

5000 Birch Street
address map

Law Office of Frances Prizzia

5000 Birch Street
Suite 3000
Newport Beach, CA, 92660

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive200501/20/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers37
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers Association2016
Client's Choice AwardAvvo2016
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers Association2015
Client Choice AwardAvvo2015
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers2014
Client's Choice AwardAvvo2014
Client's Choice AwardAvvo2013
Client's Choice AwardAvvo2012
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) Student courseNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)2011
Pro Bono AwardSanta Clara University School of Law2005
Articles EditorSanta Clara Journal of International Law2005
Public Interest ScholarSanta Clara University School of Law2004
Pro Bono AwardSanta Clara University School of Law2004
Public Interest ScholarSanta Clara University School of Law2003
Summer Program for International Humanitarian RightsSanta Clara University School of Law Institute of International and Comparative Law2003
Public Interest ScholarSanta Clara University School of Law2002
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Attorney/ OwnerLaw Offices of Frances Prizzia, A.P.L.C.2009 - Present
Deputy Alternate Public DefenderLos Angeles Alternate Public Defender2009 - 2009
Contract AttorneyAmerican Civil Liberties Union Of Northern California2006 - 2006
Deputy Public DefenderOrange County Public Defender2006 - 2009
Legal InternSanta Clara County Public Defender's Office2005 - 2006
Law Student Case HandlerNorthern California Innocence Project2004 - 2004
Certified Law ClerkSanta Cruz Public Defender2004 - 2005
Law Student Case HandlerKatharine and George Alexander Community Law Center2003 - 2004
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Philippine Bar AssociationAttorney Member2015 - Present
California Women LawyersAttorney Member2015 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationTrial Lawyer Member2014 - Present
South Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member2014 - Present
North Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member2013 - Present
West Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member2013 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationAttorney Member2010 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member2006 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationAttorney Member2006 - Present
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member2005 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney Member2005 - Present
Phi Delta PhiMember1998 - Present
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Santa Clara University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2005
Santa Clara UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science2001
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Lawpreneur RadioJourney to Becoming a Criminal Defense Attorney2014
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
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

Reviews

(34)
5 Star
97%
4 Star
3%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Frances-Marie Prizzia

Very caring and persistent.

Posted by

Frances stayed on top of my case, was patient throughout out and had great follow through. I am very grateful for her efforts.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best Attorney

Posted by

Frances is the best at what she does. Being that I’ve never been in trouble before, she helped ease my mind. She answered all of my questions, even gave me her personal cellphone number to be able to reach her. Her communication is great! Not to mention she is very flexible and affordable. Having her as my lawyer gives me no worries. She is handling 2 separate cases for me in which one of them she has gotten dismissed. Not to mention she went the extra mile and drove over an hour from where her office is to handle what was needed. She has great knowledge of all things that were thrown our way. I would definitely hire her again if ever needed! I would not trust anyone else with my future except for her. Thank you Frances for everything you’ve done for me so far, my family and I appreciate you so much.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(10)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Kevin Snyder, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 10, 2015
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 Wong, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 5, 2013
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 Williams, Juvenile law Attorney on May 31, 2013
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, Domestic violence Attorney on May 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Jason Buccat, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 1, 2013
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 Jessup

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 Yeh, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 22, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Breanna Slattery, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 14, 2010
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 Bruno, Personal injury Attorney on Jan 5, 2010
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 Wallin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 23, 2009
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.

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