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Fred Thiagarajah
also known as Niranjan Thiagarajah
About Fred
Biography
Former Deputy District Attorney Fred Thiagarajah is a criminal defense attorney practicing in Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernadino counties. Mr. Thiagarajah has handled thousands of cases as both a prosecutor and defense attorney and has completed over 70 jury trials -- and has always acquired a better result for his clients in all his felony trials. Attorney Thiagarajah's current practice includes misdemeanor and felony charges in defense of DUI, domestic violence, fraud, child endangerment, sex cases, theft, burglary, drug charges, violent crimes, white collar crimes, and more. For a detailed description of Mr. Thiagarajah's recent trials -- both wins and losses -- see the section on Cases.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
27 years | 2,300 cases
DUI and DWI
50%
27 years | 2,300 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 26 years
State: California
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Right Choice Law
5015 Birch St., Suite 107, Newport Beach, CA, 92660-8113
Right Choice Law
9431 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91730
Right Choice Law
1440 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA, 92835
Right Choice Law
11801 Pierce St., Riverside, CA, 92505
Right Choice Law
25096 Jefferson Ave., Suite B-138, Murrieta, CA, 92562
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Fred Thiagarajah's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 158 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Best Lawayer you could ask for!!!!
I am so grateful for Fred’s guidance and support throughout my son William’s case. He was professional, knowledgeable, and always responsive to our questions. Thanks to his expertise, William’s case was dismissed successfully. I highly recommend Fred and his team to anyone looking for dedicated and s...
Posted by Chris | December 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Gets the job done
I couldn’t be more grateful for Fred. Throughout the entire process he stayed patient, clear, and supportive, especially during moments where I thought my life was going to be ruined. He kept me calm and always explained what to expect. Most importantly, thanks to his expertise, my case was ultimate...
Posted by Alec | September 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A Miracle Worker
Fred Thiagarajah and his paralegal Carlyn were such an amazing team when defending my case. Through the grace of God and the expertise and connections Fred had within the court house, Fred got my whole case dismissed. When searching for a defense attorney I was nervous about who I can trust with my s...
Posted by Carla | August 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great attorney in a difficult situation.
Very knowledgeable and professional. Handled the matter in a timely manner and with excellent results.
Posted by James Forsyth | June 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Service excellence
Testimonial for Fred – Right Choice Law I want to share my deep gratitude and appreciation for my incredible attorney, Fred. He did a phenomenal job on what was an extremely complicated and life-altering case. Back in 2019, I was involved in a serious accident that nearly took my life a...
Fred Thiagarajah's Lawyer Endorsements
"Fred Thiagarajah is a wonderful lawyer and a wonderful human being. He is extremely bright, hardworking and tremendously talented in the courtroom. There are some people that you meet and immediately feel a sense of comfort in their presence, that they are thoughtful and have the tremendous confidence in their work that can only be gained through years of experience and a quality education. Fred is that person and more. I would highly recommend anyone in need of quality representation speak with Fred Thiagarajah and experience a compassion and legal acumen rarely found in the legal profession. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed."
"Fred is extremely confident, persuasive, smart and fearless. Whenever anyone asks me for a defense attorney referral, Fred is one I never hesitate to recommend."
"I endorse this lawyer. Fred is a very talented trial attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and skilled! I have seen him in the courtroom and he represents his clients with the highest level of professionalism. He is well respected in the legal community and gets great results for his clients."
"Very experienced lawyer with great instincts. Worked together in the past as DAs and now are colleagues in the defense bar. Fred is smart and effective. He is a hit with juries and fights hard for his clients. His people skills are a winning advantage in negotiations with the opposing side."
"Fred has worked with my firm on a number of family law domestic violence and criminal cases. He is my go to criminal attorney referral. Very knowledgeable and effective, results-driven lawyer."
"Fred Thiagarajah is an excellent criminal defense attorney with trial skills that are unmatched. His vast experience as a District Attorney augments his trial presence for his clients. Fred will always get you a better result than the District Attorney will offer. Don't settle for second best. He is bright, talented and has a great sense of humor that draws people to him. I highly recommend Fred."
"Fred has worked with my Partner Simon and I on multiple Family Law cases that have Domestic Violence or other Criminal Cross Overs. Our clients have received nothing but excellent results."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I will be referring all of my friends and clients in need of criminal defense to Fred. I referred a close friend of mine to Fred for a domestic violence matter and what he was able to accomplish surpassed all expectations. Throughout the process, Fred was very professional, knowledgeable and informative. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Thiagarajah is a top-notch trial attorney, and his dedication to his clients is unmatched. His work is excellent, both inside the courtroom as well as out of court. Fred works tirelessly in order to zealously advocate for his clients, and he will not rest until he gets the job done. I would recommend Mr. Thiagarajah to my own family."
"Fred is a great attorney who is passionate about defending his clients. He thinks outside the box which generates great results. I would not hesitate to refer anyone to Fred."
"Attorney Thiagarajah is an excellent attorney that has become an expert in the field of criminal defense. He has a reputation for achieving great results for his clients and any client would be lucky to have him as their attorney."
"I referred a client to Fred and worked closely with him through the process. Fred exceeded my expectations. No charges were filed against my client and it seemed like he knew what was going to happen before it happened. I endorse this lawyer."
"Fred is a hardworking and compassionate criminal defense attorney that will go the extra mile for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Fred is great!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Fred for over 10 years and can say that without a doubt, he is one of the most highly skilled criminal defense attorneys in Orange County. He is an extremely knowledgeable and very hardworking advocate who truly cares about his clients. His negotiation skills are second to none and he leaves no stone unturned in his preparation. He also possesses the unique ability to present a case at trial in a highly organized and persuasive manner – a trait that is more rare than you may think with attorneys. If I ever need a second opinion on a case or have a co-defendant that needs excellent representation, I know I can always count on Fred. I have seen him work miracles in the courtroom, and give him my highest endorsement. If you need a top criminal defense attorney in Orange County, then look no further."
"I endorse Niranjan. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Top 100 Criminal Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 100 Criminal Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Criminal Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Criminal Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2014
Best DUI Defense Attorney, OC Register
2014
Top 100 Criminal Lawyers for California, American Society of Legal Advocates
2013
Best DUI Defense Attorney, OC Register / OC Metro
2013
Power Attorney in Orange County, Riviera Magazine
2013
Rising Star (Best Attorney Under 40), Super Lawyers
2013
Top 100 Criminal Lawyers for California, American Socity of Legal Advocates
2012
Power Attorney in Orange County, Riviera Magazine
2012
Rising Star (Best Attorneys under 40), Super Lawyers
2012
Best DUI Defense Attorney, OC Metro Magazine
2011
Best DUI Defense Attorney, OC Metro Magazine
1998
Runner-Up Hale Moot Court Program, USC Law School
Work Experience
2000 - 2004
Deputy District Attorney, Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2008 - Present
MENSAMember
2007 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Newport Beach Chamber of CommerceMember
2004 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2009 - 2012
North American South Asian Bar Association, Criminal Justice CommitteeCo-Chair
2005 - 2015
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2004 - 2017
South Asian Bar Association of Southern CaliforniaBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. L.M.
Acquitted of all felonies
People v. J.P. (Criminal Threats)
Disturbing the peace; no jail
People v. D.B. (DUI)
Case dismissed
People v. P.D. (Theft)
Trespass with no jail; immigration safe
People v. S.N. (Petty Theft)
Case dismissed
People v. J.C. (Perjury) (Jury Trial)
Case dismissed after jury trial
People v. S.T. (Petty Theft)
Case dismissed
People v. R.R. (3rd DUI)
Charges not filed
People v. J.L. (Resisting Arrest)
Dismissed
People v. R.C. (2nd DUI)
No jail, no Caltrans and hit & run charges dismissed
People v. R.R. (Resisting Arrest)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. C.S. (Domestic Violence)
Misdemeanor with no probation or jail
People v. I.C. (Child Molestation)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. C.E. (Sexual Assault)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. B.R. (Domestic Violence)
Reduction to misdemeanor; no jail
People v. R.M. (Domestic Violence)
House arrest
People v. A.R. (Domestic Violence)
Case dismissed
People v. E.A. (Domestic Violence)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. A.M. (Sealing Arrest Record)
Motion granted. Arrest records sealed.
People v. E.P. (Resisting Arrest)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. L.C. (Domestic Violence)
Case dismissed
People v. D.G. (Molestation)
Misdemeanor; no jail
People v. G.R. (Sealing Arrest Record)
Motion granted. Arrest records sealed.
People v. A.K. (Battery)
Case dismissed
People v. H.U. (Drugs)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. A.B. (Possession Stolen Property)
Dismissed
People v. V.A. (Domestic Violence)
Case dismissed
People v. S.T. (Vandalism)
All charges dismissed
People v. B.G. (Fake Id)
Case dismissed
People v. A.M. (Domestic Violence)
Case dismissed
People v. A.Z. (Burglary)
Reduced to misdemeanor
People v. R.P (Domestic Violence)
Reduced from 7 years prison to 6 months work release
People v. V.G. (Battery)
Case dismissed
People v. N.V. (Vehicle Code violations)
House arrest; no jail
People v. A.D. (Hit & Run)
No charges filed
People v. A.F. (Domestic Violence)
Jury Trial -- Not Guilty
People v. J.V. (Domestic Violence)
Reduced to disturbing the peace; no jail
People v. V.K. (Shoplifting)
Charges dimissed
People v. A.S. (Assault on police officer)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. A.S. (2nd DUI)
Wet & Reckless
People v. J.R. (Assault & Vandalism)
Charges Not Filed
People v. B.C. (Drugs & DUI)
180 days house arrest
People v. A.H. (Drugs)
Case dismissed
People v. M.L. (Violence)
Civil and criminal case dismissed
People v. A.W. (Drugs)
No jail
People v. P.P. (Theft)
Charge changed to trespass
People v. C.P. (2nd DUI)
60 days house arrest
People v. K.W. (2nd DUI)
No jail time
People v. K.T. (Battery)
No charges filed
People v. B.K. (Theft)
Reduced to misdemeanor trespass
People v. J.N. (2nd DUI)
House arrest
People v. L.A. (Animal Cruelty)
Case dismissed
People v. V.N. (Battery)
Reduced to disturbing the peace; no jail
People v. N.V. (Drugs)
Case dismissed
People v. R.K. (Drugs)
Dismissed on first day of court
People v. V.A. (Domestic Violence)
Misdemeanor with probation and 30 days community service
People v. A.N. (Petty Theft)
Case dismissed
People v. I.U. (Sex Crime)
Strike dismissed; 3 years instead of 9 years
People v. D.D. (DUI)
No charges filed.
People v. C.P. (Drugs)
Factually innoncent; arrest record sealed
People v. M.E. (Theft)
Reduced to infraction
People v. D.D. (Drugs)
Avoided suspended sentence
People v. J.W. (Resisting Arrest)
Reduced to infraction for disturbing the peace
People v. R.K. (DUI)
Case dismissed
People v. J.C. (Sex)
Probation and no sex registration
People v. V.Y. (Theft)
Case dismissed
People v. D.T. (Brandishing Weapon)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. A.M. (Child Endangerment)
Reduced to disturbing the peace
People v. G.V.
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. J.L. (Drugs)
Case dismissed
People v. C.L. (Drugs)
Case dismissed
People v. J.D. (Ammunition)
Case dismissed
People v. A.B. (Theft)
Case dismissed
People v. R.R. (Domestic Violence)
Domestic violence charges dismissed
People v. R.M. (Sexual Battery)
No charges filed
People v. K.B. (Child Pornography)
Misdemeanor with probation
People v. R.K. (Welfare Fraud)
Dismissal
People v. R.H. (Sexual Battery)
Acquittal of all charges
People v. V.S. (Domestic Violence)
Case dismissed
People v. E.S.A. (Burglary)
Case dismissed
People v. M.L. (DUI)
Wet & Reckless
People v. D.J. (Vandalism)
All charges dismissed
People v. C.C. (Theft)
Reduced to infraction
People v. E.B. (Petty Theft)
Case dismissed
People v. J.C. (Solicitation)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. J.V. (Drunk in Public)
Case dismissed
People v. C.G. (Restraining Order)
Case dismissed
People v. J.S., V.R. and S.S. (Marijuana)
Case dismissed
People v. M.S. (Domestic Violence)
Case dismissed
People v. E.P. (Robbery, Carjacking)
45 days jail and 45 days house arrest
People v. A.L. (Assault and Battery)
Case dismissed
People v. N.P. (Burglary)
Case dismissed
People v. K.R. (Domestic Violence -- Trial)
Acquittal after trial
People v. D.D. (Drug Sales)
No jail
People v. I.k. (Burglary)
All charges dismissed
People v. S.S. (Driving on a Suspended License)
2 of 3 cases dismissed, 1 case reduced
People v. S.V. (Child Abuse) Jury Trial
Jury Trial -- Not Guilty Count 1; Hung Jury Count 2
People v. J.T. (Hit & Run)
Case dismissed; no immigration consequences
People v. S.M. (Under 21 DUI)
Under 21 DUI charged dismissed on appeal
People v. T.C. (2nd DUI)
House Arrest
People v. A.B. (2nd Petty Theft)
18 months probation & no jail
People v. U.K. (Burglary)
Case Dismissed
People v. A.C. (DUI)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. A.S. (Petty Theft)
Charge reduced to an infraction
People v. M.K. (Domestic Violence)
Reduced to disturbing the peace with one year probation
People v. B.Y. (Felony DUI)
Probation with only 1 day jail
People v. D.C. (Domestic Violence)
No charges filed
People v. A.V. (Deadly Threats)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. D.V. (DUI)
Wet & Reckless
People v. J.R. (Petty Theft)
Case Dismissed
People v. Whiteaker (Jury Trial -- Assault & Battery)
Jury Trial -- 2 counts dismissed, one count acquitted, one count hung
People v. D.D. (Motion)
Motions Granted
People v. V.S.
Case dismissed; No immigration consequences
People v. N.H. (Deadly Threats)
Convinced prosecutor not to file charges
People v. Y.P. (Fraud)
Client avoids jail and deportation
People v. M.H. (Motion)
Motion Granted
People v. T.N. (Petty Theft)
Case dismissed; no immigration consequences
People v. J.S. (Possession of a Deadly Weapon)
Convinced prosecutor not to file charges.
People v. N.S. (Vandalism)
Case Dismissed
People v. J.L. (Domestic Violence)
Case Dismissed
People v. A.S. (Solicitation of Prostitution)
Case Dismissed
People v. A.C. (DUI)
Exhibition of Speed
People v. S.S. (Petty Theft)
Case dismissed; no immigration consequences
People v. A.K. (Possession of Numchuks)
Case Dismissed; Client never pled guilty
People v. N.E. (Possession of Fake ID)
Case Dismissed
People v. P.S. (Petty Theft)
Case Dismissed
People v. K.H. (Juvenile)
Charges dismissed & case sealed
People v. A.T. (Petty Theft)
Case Dismissed
People v. R.G. (Sentence Modification on Sex Case)
Sentence modification granted
People v. A.C. (Felony Evading Arrest & DUI)
180 days house arrest and felony reduced to misdemeanor
People v. R.K. (Domestic Violence)
Reduction of Charges to Disturbing the Peace
People v. C.B. (Public Intoxication & Battery)
Charges Not Filed
People v. J.O. (Burglary)
Prison Reduced to County Jail
People v. C.C. (Sex Case)
No Sex Offender Registration
People v. M.S. (Domestic Violence)
Case Dismissed
People v. J.L. (Domestic Violence)
Infraction for disturbing the peace
People v. A.V. (DUI -- Prescription Drugs)
Charges not filed
People v. J.T. (DUI)
Wet & Reckless with 2 years probation
People v. A.R. (Petty Theft)
Case Dismissed
People v. A.S. (Minor in Possession of Alcohol)
Case Dismissed
People v. B.J. (Date Rape)
Charges Not Filed
People v. Y.Y. (Petty Theft)
Reduction to an infraction
People v. C.D. (DUI)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. M.A. (Drugs)
Charges Not Filed
People v. K.C. (Minor in Possession)
Case Dismissed
People v. P.R. (Driving without License)
Case dismissed
People v. J.M. (Domestic Violence)
Immigration Safe Disposition & No Jail
People v. N.P. (Driving on a Suspended License)
Reduced to VC 12500 infraction
People v. D.C. (Reckless Driving)
Case Dismissed
People v. J.W. (2nd DUI)
Home Confinement
People v. R.R. (Assault & Battery)
Charges Not Filed
People v. J.S. (Felony Domestic Violence)
Convinced prosecutor not to file charges.
People v. D.W. (Possession of Controlled Substance)
Case Dismissed
People v. K.S.
Motion to Seal Arrest Records Granted
People v. I.R. (Theft / Fraud)
House Arrest
People v. S.K. (Hit & Run)
Case Dismissed
People v. D.C. (Speed Contest)
Case Dismissed
People v. S.K. (Petty Theft)
Case Dismissed
People v. F.A. (DUI)
Wet & Reckless
People v. S.G. (Motion to Seal Arrest Records)
Motion Granted
People v. P.C. (Theft)
Dismissal of all charges
People v. J.M. (Shoplifting)
Case Dismissed
People v. S.K. (Domestic Violence)
Dismissal of All Charges
People v. N.S. (Theft)
All charges dismissed
People v. L.T. (Theft)
Immigration safe deal
People v. C.D. (Possession of Deadly Weapons)
Convinced City Attorney not to file charges
People v R.R. (DUI)
Wet & Reckless
P.K. v. J.W. (Restraining Order Hearing)
Client prevailed
People v. T.C. (4 Cases of Driving on a Suspend License)
No probation, no jail, no immigration consequences
People v. G.B. (Burglary & Theft)
Dismissal of all charges; client never pled guilty
People v. T.B. (2nd DUI)
Negotiated Plea
People v. R.R. (Exhibition of Speed x 2)
Both Cases Dismissed
People v. M.R. (Minor in possession of alcohol)
Case Dismissed
People v. D.K. (Sex Crimes) (Jury Trial)
Not Guilty on All Charges
People v. R.B. (Trespassing)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. V.L. (Motion to Terminate Probation)
Convinced DA & Judge to allow early termination of probation
People v. H.V. (Domestic Violence)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. K.G. (Domestic Violence)
Convinced DA not to file charges
People v. N.S. (Shoplifting)
Dismissal of the charge
People v. A.H. (Assault & Battery) (Jury Trial)
Dismissal of All Charges
People v. J.S. ( 2nd DUI)
Client given house arrest
People v. J.A. (Shoplifting)
Case dismissed
People v. H.M. (Sex Crimes)
Case dismissed
People v. K.K. (Drunk in Public)
Convinced the DA's office not to file charges
In re B.Y. (Felony DUI) (DMV Hearing)
Won the DMV Hearing
People v. A.L. (Assault) (Motion to Sever)
Charges dismissed
People v. J.B. (DUI)
All charges except DUI dismissed
People v. AJK (Assault)
Reduced to misdemeanor disturbing the peace with community service & no jail time
People v. DG (DUI)
Jury Trial -- Partial Acquittal
People v. A.M. (Assault) (Jury Trial)
Jury Trial -- Full Acquittal
People v. BS
Jury Trial -- Partial Acquittal
People v. BD
Jury Trial -- Conviction
People v. Song
Trial -- Full Acquittal
People v. Richardson
Jury Trial -- Full Acquittal
People v. McDaniel
Jury Trial -- Partial Acquittal
People v. MD
Jury Trial -- Full Acquittal
People v. RA
Jury Trial -- Conviction
People v. Luke
Jury Trial -- Partial Acquittal
People v. Buehring
Jury Trial -- Full Acquittal
Education
1999
University of Southern California
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
Pomona College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
Westwood College
Immigration Consequences for Criminal Cases
2013
Charter College
Sex Crimes
2011
NASABA Convention 2011
Up in Smoke -- California's Medical Marijuana Laws
2011
19th Annual Last Dash & Trade Show
How to Avoid State Bar Disciplinary Cases
2010
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
In the state of California, is there a higher court factual innocence motion or seal and destroy record of arrest motion avail?
02 May 2025
Q&A
What are the chances that an arrest record can be destroyed rather than sealed? And how long would that take?
14 Sep 2018
Q&A
Nursing License related.. Was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Is there a way to lower the charge?
03 Mar 2015