Jimmy Cha

PRO

Jimmy Cha

5.0
114 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Fullerton, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

1440 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 900, Fullerton, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Jimmy

Biography

AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION FROM START TO FINISH. CALL NOW!

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

50%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2023 2022 2019
...
+ 6
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2012

Licenses

Licensed in California for 17 years

State: California

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office Of Jimmy Cha, APC

1440 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 900, Fullerton, CA, 92835

jc4justice.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Jimmy online.

Jimmy Cha's Reviews

5 star

(97)

4 star

(0)

3 star

(0)

2 star

(0)

1 star

(0)

Posted by Jen | January 9, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

If you need a criminal defense attorney, Jimmy Cha is your guy!

Jimmy is one of the best criminal defense attorneys and I can say that with confidence after reaching a verdict to my very long, complicated and extensive case. He is extremely professional and educated in his practice. Jimmy made me feel comfortable with the entirety of my case — though there were... tough realities to face, Jimmy provided all the possibilities in the direction my case could go (best and worst case scenarios). We were able to reach a verdict that I am incredibly thankful for and I know for a fact that I could not have reached this with just any attorney — it HAD to be Jimmy. Thank you for being so kind, understanding and patient. Your personal and professional advice truly helped me put my best foot forward and reshaped my perspective on pushing forward and second chances. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Jimmy Cha

Replied last January 10, 2026

It was a long process. Thank you for being patient and trust your case with me. I'm glad that you are more than happy with the results. Wishing you the best for your future going forward.

Posted by Viola | October 16, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Excellent Work

I had an excellent experience with the Law Office of Jimmy Cha. He is one of the best criminal defense lawyers in California, offering honest advice, strong representation, and personalized attention throughout my case.

Jimmy Cha

Replied last October 16, 2025

Thank you for leaving me such a nice review. I'm truly glad that you put your trust in me, and that I was able to meet your expectations. Thank you

Posted by anonymous | June 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best you can ask for

Had a dui arrest occur in 2020 and the case carried on for almost 3 years. Jimmy was on top of the case throughout the entire time and would always update me. He got me the best possible outcome. If you hire him, your in great hands!

Jimmy Cha

Replied last June 17, 2024

I'm glad I was able to get you the best possible outcome for your case. Thank you for putting your trust in me.

Posted by Xavier | June 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Man!

First and foremost: Jimmy is the man! If you are wanting a straightforward and no BS type of lawyer he is the man to hire. If you want to be given false promises and hopes then keep searching. I found Jimmy by doing some looking as every other lawyer I talked to kept giving me the “we’ll fight this a...nd win” attitude. He kept it very professional and straight with me which right away made my decision. He let me know the real and possible outcomes from the get go. I was facing 200 days in jails and 3 charges that would have destroyed my life in my industry I worked in. Using his finesse and magic skills I was able to be granted into military diversion in a case that I would consider dead to rights. This man literally did the impossible and saved my life. God forbid I ever need a criminal defense lawyer again but best believe Jimmy is the one I will. For my Veterans, he is a supporter and understands our struggles. I cannot express the gratitude I have for him. Thank you Jimmy!

Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Experienced lawyer

Jimmy is a great lawyer who uses his years of experience to devise an effective strategy to help you with your case. He has clear and open communication with his clients. He lets you know your options and what needs to be done to give you the best opportunity for your situation.

Jimmy Cha

Replied last May 28, 2024

I apprecaite the time you took to leave me a review. I'm glad I was able to help.

See All Client Reviews

Jimmy Cha's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jimmy
Mark T. Harshbarger headshot
Mark Harshbarger

Unknown lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Carl Beyersdorf headshot
David Beyersdorf

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

George William Abbes headshot
George Abbes

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jimmy's unique experience makes him more qualified than most attorneys to represent those charged with crimes."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Jimmy. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Michael Stewart Phillips headshot
Michael Phillips

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Among the few lawyers dedicated to representation of the Korean - American communities (in addition to all other clients) in LA & OC who has the talent and skill to produce results as good or better than the most entrenched and seasoned local criminal defense counsel. I have seen Mr. Cha in the LA and OC courts for years. He is an established member of the North Orange County Bar Association and regular attendee. If you chose Mr. Cha to represent your interests in court, you made an excellent selection."

Alexzander C. J. Adams headshot
Alexzander Adams

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. The internal fortitude and personal drive that Jimmy has to serve his clients is second to none. When times are tough, there is no one better to have in your corner than Mr. Cha."

Jason Mark Murai headshot
Jason Murai

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jimmy has a great passion for his criminal defense work and he has all the tools that lead to a successful outcome for his clients. He is very knowledgeable, dedicated, determined and effective. His clients are very well served by his vast legal knowledge and a strong will to win. I endorse Jimmy without any hesitation."

Daniel C Grupenhagen headshot
Daniel Grupenhagen

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cha is a stand-up guy and excellent lawyer. He knows how to navigate through the courts to zealously represent his clients. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him for your case."

Antonio Arturo Cota headshot
Antonio Cota

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Cha is an effective attorney who keeps up with the very latest trends in criminal law and procedure and is deeply familiar with the practices of local law enforcement agencies, especially regarding DUI "investigations." Mr. Cha is definitely a top-shelf lawyer in my book."

Gi Nam Lee headshot
Gi Lee

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Jimmy on a personal and professional level for several years. As a lawyer, Jimmy's strength is his utmost belief in his clients' right to a defense. His vigor and passion is intoxicating. Every client, every criminal defendant in particular, should have someone like Jimmy in their corner. In a few years, I expect to see Jimmy on TV heading up the defense team in a newsworthy case!"

Brian Donald Mcdonnell headshot
Brian Mcdonnell

Unknown lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jimmy is a dedicated and bright practitioner. He has effectively represented 100's of clients and continues to be a prominent attorney in the community"

Joseph Briscoe Dane headshot
Joseph Dane

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jimmy for several years - through professional associations we are members of and as co-counsel on a case. In that case, as well as others I have seen him handle, he is a dedicated, zealous advocate for his clients. He is an outstanding choice for criminal representation."

Michael John Gauthier headshot
Michael Gauthier

Unknown lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"After reviewing attorney Cha's history as well as his insightful answers to questions posted on Avvo, I believe he is a trustworthy source of legal information and experience."

Steven Kelly Bloom headshot
Steven Bloom

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse this lawyer. Jimmy is a hardworking, fierce advocate for his clients. He is also highly respected in the legal community."

Hieu N Vu headshot
Hieu Vu

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jimmy is a lawyer's lawyer. I had the pleasure to meet Jimmy at the North Orange County Bar Association. He is a very down to earth person and easy to talk to. His knowledge of the law is excellent. I call Jimmy if I ever need help on a sticky legal issue."

Martina Anne Vigil headshot
Martina Vigil

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jimmy Cha is a dedicated and hard working attorney. His client's should rest assured that they will receive the best resolution of their case possible."

Matthew Henry Miller headshot
Matthew Miller

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Cha for approximately seven (7) year now, I consider him to be an upstanding member of the state bar. Mr. Cha's criminal law background, and experience in the field provides him with a unique point of view of the criminal system that allows him to more appropriately advocate on behalf of his clients. Not only does Mr. Cha practice criminal defense, but he has also been used by other criminal defense attorneys as an expert in cases involving gang related charges, and/or gang enhancement charges. His knowledge of and in this area of practice is incomparable, even when placed with individuals of whom have practiced in the field significantly longer than Mr. Cha."

Jeffrey Donald Kent headshot
Jeffrey Kent

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Although Jimmy is relatively new lawyer, his energy, passion and knowledge of the law are enormous. Jimmy is a tenacious attorney who is not afraid to go to trial when necessary, but is savvy enough to know when a case should resolve. You are fortunate if you have Jimmy representing you!"

Scott David Hughes headshot
Scott Hughes

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Cha is a highly professional member of the bar. I enjoyed working with him on our matter."

David Inpyo Lee headshot
David Lee

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jimmy is very intelligent, honest, and diligent lawyer. He is also a good person. I would recommend him for any criminal defense/DUI work. Although he went to UCLA, I endorse him 100%."

View All Endorsements
Matthew Jeremy Cohen headshot
Matthew Cohen

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark T. Harshbarger headshot
Mark Harshbarger

Car accident lawyer

George William Abbes headshot
George Abbes

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Stewart Phillips headshot
Michael Phillips

DUI and DWI lawyer

Alexzander C. J. Adams headshot
Alexzander Adams

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Jason Mark Murai headshot
Jason Murai

Estate planning lawyer

Daniel C Grupenhagen headshot
Daniel Grupenhagen

Criminal defense lawyer

Edward Thomas Dunn Jr headshot
Edward Dunn

Criminal defense lawyer

William W. Bruzzo headshot
William Bruzzo

Criminal defense lawyer

Antonio Arturo Cota headshot
Antonio Cota

Criminal defense lawyer

Gi Nam Lee headshot
Gi Lee

Intellectual property lawyer

Brian Donald Mcdonnell headshot
Brian Mcdonnell

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Briscoe Dane headshot
Joseph Dane

Criminal defense lawyer

Hieu N Vu headshot
Hieu Vu

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven Kelly Bloom headshot
Steven Bloom

Criminal defense lawyer

Martina Anne Vigil headshot
Martina Vigil

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey Donald Kent headshot
Jeffrey Kent

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott David Hughes headshot
Scott Hughes

Criminal defense lawyer

David Inpyo Lee headshot
David Lee

Immigration lawyer

Jonathan Patrick Cothran headshot
Jonathan Cothran

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, National Trial Lawyers

2024

Nationally Ranked Top Ten Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2024

Elite Lawyer/Top Attorney, Elite Lawyers

2024

Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, America's Top 100 Attorneys

2023

Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, National Trial Lawyers

2023

Nationally Ranked Top Ten Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2023

Elite Lawyer/Top Attorney, Elite Lawyers

2023

Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, Ammerica's Top 100 Attorneys

2022

Nationally Ranked Top Ten Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2022

Elite Lawyer / Top Attorney, Elite Lawyers

2022

Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, America's Top 100 Attorneys

2022

Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, National Trial Lawyers

2021

Elite Lawyer / Top Attorney, Elite Lawyers

2021

Nationally Ranked Top Ten Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2020

Nationally Ranked Top Ten Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2020

Top Attorney Award, Attorney.com

2020

Elite Lawyer / Top Attorney, Elite Lawyers

2020

Top 100 Criminal Defense, The National Trial Lawyers

2020

Best DUI Lawyers in Los Angeles, Expertise

2019

Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, America's Top 100 Attorneys

2019

Top 100 Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers

2019

DUI/DWI Law "10 Best Attorneys" for California, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys

2019

Nationally Ranked Top Ten Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Association

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2018

America's Top 100 Attorneys, America's Top 100 Attorneys

2018

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2017

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2017

10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2017

10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys

2017

10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2017

10 Best Attorney, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2017

Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates

2017

Top 100 DUI Attorneys Southern California, The National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2017

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2016

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2016

10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2016

Premier 100 Trial Attorneys For California, National Academy of Jurisprudence

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2015

2015 Top Criminal Defense Attorney's in Orange County, The Orange County Register

2015

Top 100 DUI Attorney in California, National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2015

2015 Top Attorney by Coast magazine, Coast Magazine

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

"10 Best" Attorneys for the State of CA, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2015

Nation's Top One Percent, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2014

Top 40 Under 40, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Southern California's Outstanding Young Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine

2013

Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates

2008

Judge Takasugi Pro Bono Bar Review Scholarship, Judge Takasugi Pro Bono Bar Review

2007

WSU Alumni Association Scholarship, Western State University College of Law

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Board Member, California System Involved Bar Association

2019 - Present

Board Member at Large, California System-Involved Association

2018 - Present

UCLAONE mentor, UCLA Alumni Association

2010 - Present

Expert Witness, Law Office of Jimmy Cha

2008 - Present

Attorney, Law Office Of Jimmy Cha

2006 - Present

guest speaker, Law Office of Jimmy Cha

2009 - 2011

Mentor Parolees, VIP Mentors

2007 - 2007

Law Clerk, Orange County Juvenile Public Defenders Office

2006 - 2007

Law Clerk, Orange County Public Defenders Office

2001 - 2007

Attorney Investigator/Law Clerk, Law Offices of David P. Elder

Associations

2015 - Present

American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

Founding Member

2011 - Present

North Orange County Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2010 - 2012

California Public Defenders Association

Member

2008 - 2011

California Young Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Solinap

Dismissed in trial

People vs. Oh

Case 1, dropped to misdemeanor and after one year will be dismissed. Case 2, plead to driving on suspended license and all other counts were dismissed. Case 3, dismissed.

DUI with a Refusal

hung jury

People vs. Kim (DUI w. a refusal)

hung jury

Sales

Proposition 36, no jail time.

4th DUI

House Arrest and no jail time.

DUI

dry reckless

People vs. Chung - 2nd DUI, probation violation, driving on suspended license

motion granted and case dismissed, no probation violation

People vs. El Shaabini

got 4 out of 5 charges dismissed

People vs. Chung

Case rejected

People vs. Meteau - kidnapping

dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Western State Univ Col

JD - Juris Doctor with a certification in Criminal Law Studies

2004

Univ Of California At Los Angeles

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2025

Redemption and Relief

Gubernatorial Pardons and Rehabilitation

2025

Behind Bars & Beyond Borders

Exploring the Intersection of Criminal and Immigration Law

2023

Sociology 510

Prison and Reentery in California

2020

Day in the life of a criminal defense attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney and Service in the Community

2020

1st Annual Convening of the California System Involved Bar Association Formerly Incarcerated or System Involved Person Considering a Career in Law

2018

Tulare County, Juvenile Detention Facility

Prison to Success

2018

2018 Access to Higher Education Summit

From Prison to Success

2017

2016

Progress Through Innovation Perspective From The Other Side

2016

2016

Family Dispute Resolution Regional Training

Conflict Resolution Between Parents and Teens

2016

East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility

Juvenile Delinquency, Gangs, and Drugs

2016

Camp David Gonzales

Juvenile Delinquency, Gangs, and Drugs

2015

Juvenile Law

Juvenile Advocacy

2015

Gangsta Paradise?

Gangs

2015

Adolescent Development and System-Involved Youth

Adolescent Development and System-Involved Youth

2014

SB260 Parent Seminar

Juvenile Serving Life Sentences

2014

OC Juvenile Court Judicial Training

gangs, prisons, drugs, and peer pressure

2014

Juvenile Law Class

Gangs and Juvenile Law

2012

Cal State Fullerton

Guest speaker at CSF Psychology class

2012

All Nations Church

Gangs and Drugs

2011

Whittier Police Department training

gangs, courtroom behavior, and becoming better officers

2011

E-High One Life

Drugs and Gangs

2011

Cal State Fullerton

Guest speaker at Cal State Fullerton, Psychology 101 on drugs and gangs

2010

Los Angeles Conservation Core guest speaker

gangs, violence, drugs, and life skills

2010

LACES Magnet School in Los Angeles guest speaker

gangs, drugs, and delinquent life styles

2010

LACES Magnet School in Los Angeles guest speaker

gangs, drugs, and teenage trends

2010

Fullerton College guest speaker

adolescent psychosocial development and the effects of gangs, drugs, and peer pressure

2009

UCLA Lambda Fraternity

gangs, violence, and the law

2007

WSU Criminal Law Association guest speaker

impact of gangs and the law, current gang trends, and understanding gangs

2007

Educational Opportunity Program Services guest speaker

life skills and the law

2007

Cross Roads High School guest speaker

perils of gangs, life experiences, and consequences

2007

Criminal Law Certification Program guest speaker

gangs and prison

2007

Cal State Fullerton Criminal Justice class guest speaker

gangs

2006

Criminal Law Externship Seminar guest speaker

gangs and prison

Publications

2007

WSU Student View Book Student Profile

Languages

English

Korean

Activity

Top Contributor

Jimmy earned significant contribution points in 2012.

Avvo Rating

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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