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Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia
About Frances-Marie
Biography
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
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
70%
21 years | 3,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 20 years
State: California
Acquired: 2005
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
53 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (53)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (40)
Advocacy (33)
Recommendation (23)
Practice Area Knowledge (14)
Responsiveness (13)
Communication Style (10)
Compassion (9)
Cost of Services (9)
Professionalism (9)
Staff & Support (9)
Character & Conduct (8)
Trustworthiness (6)
General Knowledge (4)
Payment Plans (3)
Punctuality (2)
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Mykala | February 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Review
I recently had the pleasure of working with Frances Prizzia and Kristin Davis, and cannot speak highly enough of their professionalism and expertise. From the moment I spoke with Ms. Davis, I was greeted with warmth and courtesy, and felt an immense amount of reassurance. The staff demonstrated a dee...
Posted by A. Roberson | July 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Attorney
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...
Posted by Nan | March 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Expertise and Care
I called the Law Offices of Frances Prizzia on Sunday night slightly panicked because of an unexpected, complicated legal issue. Frances answered the phone! She calmed me, provided me information about next steps and the office followed up the next day. I was impressed with the level of customer c...
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 ...
Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
Mohammad Qazi
Criminal defense lawyer
Ryan Williams
Criminal defense lawyer
Thomas Wallin
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
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 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
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
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
2014
Lawpreneur Radio
Journey to Becoming a Criminal Defense Attorney
Languages
English
Tagalog
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I received an arrest warrant in the mail yesterday for VC23152(A). Just exactly is that charge?
26 May 2013
Q&A
Court papers say "Bench warrant probation revocation " and another case 'bench warrant DEJ program" what will happen?
19 May 2013
Q&A
Can Police run your license plates at random with no probable cause and subsequently arrest you if you have a warrant?..
19 May 2013