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Fred Thiagarajah

DUI and DWI Attorney at Newport Beach, CA

5.0   143 reviews

also known as Niranjan Thiagarajah

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Hire Fred
Jeffrey
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Payal- Nurse Practitioner
Payal
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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About Fred

Learn Fred’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    50%
    All types of criminal defense, both misdemeanor and felony, including real estate & mortgage fraud, domestic violence, sex crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, theft/burglary and more.

    24 years, 2,300 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    50%
    Everything related to DUI defense including admin per se (DMV) hearings and exploring all issues related to DUIs such as driving defenses, rising blood alcohol defenses, chemical test error, probable cause for enforcement stop,and analysis of field sobriety exercise performance. Aggressive negotiator with the DA's office and if necessary, thorough and experienced trial attorney.

    24 years, 2,300 cases

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.

Photos and videos

Photos and videos

Licensed for 23 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 1999
Updated 04/19/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  143 customer reviews
5 Star
 
98%
4 Star
 
1%
3 Star
 
0%
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1 Star
 
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Posted by Jeffrey | May 1, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire Fred
Hiring the right lawyer can be very stressful, considering the fact you are already stressed out due to the fact that you need to hire a lawyer. Look no further, Call Fred he. is a high performace lawyer.I hired Fred for my situation. He waisted no time, he talked with me about my situation and to be quite honest, took care of everything from there. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. Case closed. Thank you Fred
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Posted by Payal | November 28, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Payal- Nurse Practitioner
Finding a good lawyer is a very overwhelming task, especially when you want to hire someone who is knowledgeable and honestly has your best interest. I talked to about 15 different law firms about my case and my gut told me to go with Fred. And I’m so glad I did! He is very knowledgeable and spends a lot of time explaining each step of the process! My case was able to be dismissed before my court date! Thanks so much Fred!
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Posted by anonymous | June 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Case Results
Thank you very much for your service ,from day one this office was outstanding in keeping me informed on every step taken in my case and the staffs also were very helpful in keeping me informed as well. I would highly recommend this law office.
Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent experience
Was so please with the fast response, great communication, and of course the resolution of my case ( Fred T and his team were able to have the case rejected within a month ). Fred was recommended by another firm who I have a retainer with for labor law advice, and when I asked them who could help me with my arrest, they immediately connected me with Fred with their highest recommendation; thank you Right Choice!
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Posted by Lyndell | December 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer
I had a tough case and witnesses were lying on police report. Two brothers had a prearranged attack on me, but they did not have stories matched especially because they were lies. And they knew that. That's why they did not show up in court to testify to their fraudulent police reports. Fred worked very hard on my case. Did a great job and got two charges dismissed because they were lies. Great job, Fred!
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Posted by Raj | November 17, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great experience
Fred and his staff were informative and a calming presence at all times. The result was great, which helped, but that is independent of the professional manner in which the handed the representation.
Posted by Michael& Diana | November 4, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Perfect Results!
We were referred to Fred by another attorney. Our case was unusual as we didn't even know it was out there hanging over our heads. My worry was once you get in the legal system you never get out. Fred was very understanding and patient with us. He explained our legal options from best to worse and explained his strategy to overcome all obstacles. The result was case dismissed! We highly recommend Fred to anyone who needs his services.
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Posted by Martin | October 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful Attorney
Fred is an amazing attorney, he has been so accommodating and caring to my personal hardships during my case, his level of professionalism and compassion are priceless. I am not sure that anyone else could have done a better job. You can trust you are in the best hands with Fred T.
Posted by Irina | September 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Job!
Fred and his team have been super accomodating and handle my case with light speed and high professionalism. Highly recommended for any legal help, advice, or action.
Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Happily surprised!
I made a big mistake. Fred and his staff were kind and responsive, and gave me realistic expectations. Fred got me a great deal, which was a pleasant surprise, since I was expecting I would be ordered to perform hours of community service, but I got none! I recommend him without reservation. He knows what he's doing.
Posted by Mohamad A | August 14, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
superb
I was involved in a dispute with members of my mosque. I started to peacefully protest outside the mosque and these people filed four frivolous restraining orders against me, making up lies about me threatening people. I hired Fred Thiagarajah from Right Choice Law to fight these restraining orders and he did a great job. He was very thorough and professional, but also very personable. And when we went to court, he did a great job strategizing about how to beat the cases and arguing in court. Ultimately, the judge dismissed all the restraining orders against me. He was definitely the Right Choice for restraining order defense.
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Posted by Hannah | June 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
There is no lawyer better than Fred
I found myself in an imaginable position. I am a Nurse at a level one trauma hospital, and I was criminally accused of something I did not do. Fred put 100% effort into getting my case dismissed. He protected my Nursing License as if it was his own California Bar at stake. Fred is gentle, kind, compassionate, patient, honest, and most importantly a champion in the court room. I have never felt so safe, and protected until I hired Fred. He is the real deal. I will forever be grateful for his dedication, and time he put into helping me. Fred will go down in history! That is the truth. Thanks Fred!
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Posted by Eric | May 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend!
This is the best decision I’ve made. I never thought I’d land myself in a situation but when I did I felt like I had no where to go. Everyone told me I would end up in prison except Fred. He managed to get my felony reduced to a misdemeanor and and only 15 days of house arrest. I couldn’t be more grateful!
Posted by Joe | March 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest & Integrity
I hired Fred Thiagarajah to get some legal work resolved, it was more than a pleasure to work with him and have him represent me. He himself, his staff, an associates were EXTREMELY Responsive and attentative to me prior, during, and through my matter. He was most of all, honest and GENUINE. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anyone for his services. HE GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND, and I will retain him for future needs of representation, and if you need representation yourself, Fred is your guy. Thank You Fred!
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Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
So fast, and so easy!
This might’ve been one of the most efficient and painless transactions I’ve ever done. I had a phone call within a few hours of submitting my request, a direct email from Fred the following day, and a several-months-long expungement process was done in a matter of I think three weeks. I can’t think Fred and his team enough for being so on the ball and just making it happen!
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Posted by anonymous | October 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A clean, professional and knowledgable attorney
I had a DUI case and hired Fred Thiagarajah to help me in my DUI case. He and his staff were very responsive and helpful, always answering my questions. He was available to answer my concerns straight to the point and was aware of my immigration consequences. He took the steps necessary to protect me. I eventually got a good deal on the case and really appreciate Fred's hard work.
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Posted by brandon | June 9, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
No fuss no muss. Straightforward, clear and professional. Thanks Fred
Fred was recommended by a family member of mine and I am very happy he was. I was unclear about much of the legal process I was going to face. Fortunately Fred and his staff were there to guide me.
Posted by Armaan | June 1, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I am so glad I contacted Fred
Fred helped me substantially for my second DUI offense. He is no a BS attorney and will give it to you straight. He negotiated me an awesome plea deal and helped me get my life together. The best part about working with Fred is that he will not nickel and dime you for anything. He has given me extensive advice on things he wasn't obligated to do. He took the initiative to reach out to the courts when COVID hit just to get me information I couldn't find otherwise, months after he was finished with my case. Fred is the best!
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Posted by Roger | March 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely the best attorney
I hired an attorney that had no idea what he was doing. I called Fred and immediately new he was absolutely what I wanted in an attorney. Fred knows the LAW and will be with you all the way. My case was dissmised two days before trial thanks to Fred. He was not only my attorney but also a friend. His office manager Gay is just the best, always helping me with what she could and I'd call her just to vent and she always listened. If your in trouble YOU NEED TO CALL FRED! Thank you Fred for everything.
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Posted by Ty Christopher | February 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Service!
Having a compassionate and responsive lawyer is a must in critical situations. I am very happy I called the office of Mr. Thiagarajah. His entire team was very involved with my cases. They kept me abreast of any changes with respects to courts with understanding and compassion. Mr. Thiagarajah negotiated very well on behalf. He is exceptional lawyer. He truly does have his heart invested in his clients and trying resolve the matter in a the best way for the clients. Under the circumstances, I was truly blessed to have him represent me. I highly recommend!
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Deputy District Attorney
  • Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
  • 2000 - 2004

Education

  • University of Southern California
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1999
  • Pomona College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994

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
View all legal cases

Associations

  • MENSA
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • California Public Defenders Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • North American South Asian Bar Association, Criminal Justice Committee
  • Co-Chair
  • 2009 - 2012
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - 2015
  • South Asian Bar Association of Southern California
  • Board Member
  • 2004 - 2017
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Criminal Lawyers
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2018
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Top 100 Criminal Lawyers
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2017
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Top 100 Criminal Lawyers
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Criminal Lawyers
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Criminal Lawyers for California
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2014
  • Best DUI Defense Attorney
  • OC Register
  • 2014
  • 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
  • 2013
  • Power Attorney in Orange County
  • Riviera Magazine
  • 2012
  • Rising Star (Best Attorneys under 40)
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Best DUI Defense Attorney
  • OC Metro Magazine
  • 2012
  • Best DUI Defense Attorney
  • OC Metro Magazine
  • 2011
  • Runner-Up Hale Moot Court Program
  • USC Law School
  • 1998
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Charter College
  • Sex Crimes
  • 2013
  • Westwood College
  • Immigration Consequences for Criminal Cases
  • 2013
  • NASABA Convention 2011
  • Up in Smoke -- California's Medical Marijuana Laws
  • 2011
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (33)
Given (25)
Endorse Fred
Lewis Robert Rosenblum headshot
Lewis Rosenblum
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Diamond B Tran headshot
Diamond Tran
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Pinaki Chakravorty headshot
Pinaki Chakravorty
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"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."
Brittany Nicole Vanveen headshot
Brittany Vanveen
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Paul Jan Nelson headshot
Paul Nelson
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"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."
Marissa Oxman headshot
Marissa Oxman
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"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."
Denise Marie Grimes headshot
Denise Grimes
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Benson Kwok Wai Lau headshot
Benson Lau
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 24
Relationship: Other
"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."
Kevin K. Moghtanei headshot
Kevin Moghtanei
Criminal defense Attorney | May 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Stephanie Michelle Arrache headshot
Stephanie Arrache
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Heena Hemender Patel headshot
Heena Patel
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Kashif Haque headshot
Kashif Haque
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"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."
Vivek Mittal headshot
Vivek Mittal
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Fred is a hardworking and compassionate criminal defense attorney that will go the extra mile for his clients."
Saleem Kamal Erakat headshot
Saleem Erakat
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
A. Marie Felsen headshot
A. Felsen
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Fred is great!"
Paul J Molinaro headshot
Paul Molinaro
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 12
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Courtney James Will headshot
Courtney Will
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington
Criminal defense Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Niranjan. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Pradeek Susheelan headshot
Pradeek Susheelan
Criminal defense Attorney | May 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Brian Jon Kowalski headshot
Brian Kowalski
Criminal defense Attorney | May 15
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Throughout my time in working with and knowing Fred, I've been impressed with his professionalism and command of his practice area."
View more endorsements
Monty Randhawa headshot
Monty Randhawa
Criminal defense
Brian Jon Kowalski headshot
Brian Kowalski
Employment and labor
Paul Jan Nelson headshot
Paul Nelson
Divorce and separation
Felicia Robyn Meyers headshot
Felicia Meyers
Family
Alicia Lucile McElwaine-Leto headshot
Alicia McElwaine-Leto
Criminal defense
Kevin K. Moghtanei headshot
Kevin Moghtanei
Criminal defense
Heena Hemender Patel headshot
Heena Patel
Criminal defense
Kashif Haque headshot
Kashif Haque
Employment and labor
Vivek Mittal headshot
Vivek Mittal
Immigration
Saleem Kamal Erakat headshot
Saleem Erakat
Litigation
Michelle Ida Will headshot
Michelle Will
Criminal defense
Courtney James Will headshot
Courtney Will
Criminal defense
Hemant Hari Kewalramani headshot
Hemant Kewalramani
Criminal defense
Deepesh K Pandit headshot
Deepesh Pandit
Criminal defense
William John Watson headshot
William Watson
Criminal defense
Daniel C Grupenhagen headshot
Daniel Grupenhagen
Criminal defense
Jon Anthony Dieringer headshot
Jon Dieringer
Employment and labor
William W. Bruzzo headshot
William Bruzzo
Criminal defense
Lauren Kelly Johnson-Norris headshot
Lauren Johnson-Norris
Child abuse
Diamond B Tran headshot
Diamond Tran
Family
Newport Beach DUI and DWI Lawyer Fred Thiagarajah
Fred Thiagarajah
DUI and DWI Attorney
Newport Beach, CA
Licensed for 23 years
Free Consultation
Message