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

Showing 6 - 10 of 14 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Ryan | July 30, 2021 | Expungement

Grateful

Ms. Priazzia and team handled a misdemeanor and a felony expungement for me. During a difficult year I made the choice to see what could be done to rid myself of poor decision in my youth. I was in good hands, had great communication when I settled down and let the professionals do what they do. I wa...s not promised anything but given assurance that it was a strong case. In all I am expunged of all charges and paid a very fair amount for services rendered.

Posted by Sam | October 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Case Dismissed!

I would like to mention that after interviewing few criminal defense attorneys, we retained Attorney Frances Prizzia to handle a friend’s case in the Orange County District Court. Frances heard us with outmost care, compassion and professionalism. During the first meeting she put our worried and anxi...ous minds at ease and explained the various scenarios and possible outcomes of the case. Mistakes happen in everyone’s life and everyone deserves a second chance. Frances is a great listener; she dissected the case and explained the steps and procedures very clearly in layman terms too. She worked with the DA and negotiated a favorable outcome leading to the dismissal of the case. Of course some formalities were to be done. A seasoned criminal law defense attorney friend (from a different California jurisdiction) said this about Frances: “It sounds like her attorney is on top of the situation.” and “…the disposition suggested by her attorney would be in her best interests.” Frances' client never had to go to the court. Frances represented and navigated the client on the formalities and procedures. A great thing about Frances is, she is very easy to work with and communicate. Furthermore, Frances is very reachable via text messages and easy to work with. She even gave a discount on her reasonable fee. Her staff is always reachable and return your messages. Highly recommended!

Posted by Lesya | February 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Reliable and efficient

My experience with Frances was very pleasant and productive. She was always prompt and efficient in returning phone calls and emails. Her impressive level of expertise in criminal law along with impeccable knowledge, attention to detail and quick wit made me feel comfortable and secure throughout the... whole process. Ms. Prizzia successfully resolved my case and I would highly recommend her to all my family, friends, acquaintances and anyone, who might find themselves in need of counsel.

Posted by anonymous | May 04, 2015 | Domestic Violence

Best Attorney in the OC

Ms. Prizzia is very knowledgeable and knows exactly whats shes doing. She is very well known within the courts which is a plus. She helped me with an domestic violence case which could have ended up in a mess but ms prizzia helped me through the stressful situation and got my charges dropped down to ...disturbing the peace. i would highly recommend her, She knows the law and is very caring.

Posted by anonymous | May 04, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Best decision ive ever made

I had a case over 10 years ago facing 10-15 yrs 2lawyers and $30k later I still did time and ended up with some bad scars on my record, I wish i would have reconsidered my defence. I met francis about 7 months ago, my stepson was charged with attempted murder! We scouted and met with over 10 lawyer...s. All different outcomes, then we met Francis, she just set a whole different comfort zone when going through something you'd never expect. She was more than understanding, she was real, she gave us a great financial plan even knowing the seriousness of the charges. She always kept in constant contact with every update morning and night. She filed motions and pushed and pushed, The greatest outcome I never even thought a lawyer would be able to do, 6 months in jail, time served, probation! Name a lawyer whos done that! If I had to leave my life in someone's Hands to defend me I could honestly say and recommend Francis Prizzia. Dont waist ur time and money with anyone else, start your case in Her office. Shes the real deal no bullshit, straight shooter! Thank you so much Francis!!!!!!

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