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
16 years, 3,000 cases
Languages spoken
English, Tagalog
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2005 | 02/15/2021 |
Legal answers | 37 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Client's Choice Award | Avvo | 2016 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2016 |
Client Choice Award | Avvo | 2015 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2015 |
Client's Choice Award | Avvo | 2014 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2014 |
---|---|---|
Client's Choice Award | Avvo | 2013 |
Client's Choice Award | Avvo | 2012 |
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) Student course | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) | 2011 |
Articles Editor | Santa Clara Journal of International Law | 2005 |
Pro Bono Award | Santa Clara University School of Law | 2005 |
Public Interest Scholar | Santa Clara University School of Law | 2004 |
Pro Bono Award | Santa Clara University School of Law | 2004 |
Summer Program for International Humanitarian Rights | Santa Clara University School of Law Institute of International and Comparative Law | 2003 |
Public Interest Scholar | Santa Clara University School of Law | 2003 |
Public Interest Scholar | Santa Clara University School of Law | 2002 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney/ Owner | Law Offices of Frances Prizzia, A.P.L.C. | 2009 - Present |
Deputy Alternate Public Defender | Los Angeles Alternate Public Defender | 2009 - 2009 |
Contract Attorney | American Civil Liberties Union Of Northern California | 2006 - 2006 |
Deputy Public Defender | Orange County Public Defender | 2006 - 2009 |
Legal Intern | Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office | 2005 - 2006 |
Law Student Case Handler | Northern California Innocence Project | 2004 - 2004 |
---|---|---|
Certified Law Clerk | Santa Cruz Public Defender | 2004 - 2005 |
Law Student Case Handler | Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center | 2003 - 2004 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Philippine Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2015 - Present |
California Women Lawyers | Attorney Member | 2015 - Present |
National Trial Lawyers Association | Trial Lawyer Member | 2014 - Present |
South Orange County Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2014 - Present |
North Orange County Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2013 - Present |
West Orange County Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2013 - Present |
---|---|---|
Los Angeles County Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2010 - Present |
Orange County Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2006 - Present |
California Public Defenders Association | Attorney Member | 2006 - Present |
American Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2005 - Present |
State Bar of California | Attorney Member | 2005 - Present |
Phi Delta Phi | Member | 1998 - Present |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Santa Clara University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2005 |
Santa Clara University | BS - Bachelor of Science | 2001 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Lawpreneur Radio | Journey to Becoming a Criminal Defense Attorney | 2014 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
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Kevin Snyder, Criminal defense 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 4, 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, Criminal defense Attorney on May 30, 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, Criminal defense Attorney on May 25, 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 Jan 31, 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 2, 2013
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 Yeh, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 21, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Breanna Slattery, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 4, 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, Criminal defense 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.