23+
YEARS OF CRIMINAL
JUSTICE EXPERIENCE
500+
5/5 STAR REVIEWS ON
GOOGLE AND YELP
5000+
PEOPLE HELPED
DON’T LET A CRIMINAL CHARGE RUIN YOUR LIFE
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers Santa Ana | Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney
When you’re facing criminal charges in Santa Ana, your career and reputation are at stake. The Law Offices of Bryan R. Kazarian has spent nearly two decades protecting professionals who never imagined they’d need a criminal defense attorney. Led by Bryan R. Kazarian, a former Orange County Deputy District Attorney who prosecuted thousands of cases, our team includes experienced attorneys David J. Howell, Dustin M. Shamburg, and William J. Duffy.
Located near the Central Justice Center, we understand how local prosecutors think and what defense strategies actually work. When your livelihood is on the line, our proven experience makes all the difference.
Fight Your Criminal Charges With a Seasoned Santa Ana Criminal Defense Lawyers
Your first encounter with the criminal justice system doesn’t have to destroy what you’ve built. We’ve successfully defended against every type of criminal charge hundreds of times over our 23 years of practice. Our seasoned approach means we know exactly how the local court operates, which prosecutors are reasonable negotiators, and which defense strategies protect professionals.
When you’re dealing with charges that could impact your professional license, security clearance, or employment background checks, inexperience isn’t an option. Our deep relationships with judges and prosecutors give us the insider knowledge that often makes the difference between conviction and dismissal. We handle the legal complexities while you focus on maintaining your normal life.
Which criminal charges do we defend?
The Law Offices of Bryan R. Kazarian focuses exclusively on criminal defense, protecting residents and professionals facing their most challenging moments. Whether you’re dealing with your first DUI arrest or facing more serious charges, our extensive experience defending against these exact situations means we know how to protect your future:

- Aggravated Assault
- Arson
- Assault
- Battery
- Disturbing the Peace
- Domestic Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Driving on Suspended License
- Driving without a license
- Drug charges
- First DUI
- Second DUI
- Third DUI
- Felony DUI
- Embezzlement
- Evading
- Expungement
- Grand Theft
- Hit and Run
- Pre-Criminal Filing Investigations
- Petty theft
- Public Intoxication
- Resisting Arrest
- Robbery
- Motions to Seal and Destroy
- Theft
- Vandalism
What happens after you have been charged?
If you’re arrested or charged with a criminal offense, law enforcement will typically detain you, take your fingerprints and photograph you, then process you through the system. You must invoke your right to remain silent until you’ve spoken with an attorney as anything you say can be used against you later. The sooner you contact our team, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and working toward your release.
Depending on your charges, you may be released on your own recognizance or required to post bail. The bail process can be tricky for someone unfamiliar with the system. Making the wrong statement to a judge can damage your defense before it even begins. Our goal is to secure your release quickly while avoiding any missteps that could hurt your case.
With extensive experience handling bail hearings, we know exactly how to present your case to judges. We fight for the lowest possible bail amount and the least restrictive conditions, so you can return to work and family while we build your defense. No matter how serious the charges, our attorneys are dedicated to getting you out of jail and back to your life as quickly as possible.
Why Hire a Criminal Justice Attorney?
Facing the criminal justice system alone is overwhelming, especially when your career hangs in the balance. Most of our clients are anxious, scared, and completely unfamiliar with how criminal court actually works. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Bryan R. Kazarian have the experience to guide you through every step of this complex process with confidence.
We examine every piece of evidence against you with painstaking detail, looking for weaknesses and inconsistencies that could lead to mitigated consequences, reduced charges or complete dismissal. Our extensive experience means we know exactly what to look for and how to challenge the prosecution’s case effectively. We work tirelessly to ensure your rights, freedoms, and interests are fully protected throughout the entire process.



What Questions Should I Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Choosing the right criminal defense lawyers is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Not all attorneys have the same experience, local knowledge, or commitment to protecting professionals facing criminal charges. Before hiring any attorney, ask these critical questions to ensure they’re qualified to handle your specific situation:
Experience Questions:
- How many years have you practiced criminal defense locally?
- Have you defended cases similar to mine at the local courthouse?
- What’s your track record with area prosecutors and judges?
- Do you have experience protecting professional licenses and security clearances?
Case Management Questions:
- Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed to an associate?
How will you keep me informed throughout the process?
- What’s your strategy for protecting my career and reputation?
- Do you offer payment plans to help manage legal costs?
Experienced Trial Attorney Fighting for Your Future
When prosecutors know they’re facing an attorney who’s actually prepared to go to trial, they’re far more likely to offer favorable plea deals. Many attorneys simply encourage clients to plead guilty and hope for the best, that’s not how we operate. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, giving us the leverage needed to negotiate from a position of strength.
Your professional license and family’s security deserve more than empty threats about going to court. Our trial-ready approach means prosecutors know we mean business when we fight for dismissals or reduced charges. With extensive courtroom experience, we have the reputation and skills that get results when your future is on the line.
Dedicated DUI Lawyer Preserving Your Career and Reputation
A DUI arrest threatens much more than your driving privileges, it can trigger professional licensing investigations and employer background checks that could end your career overnight. We understand these collateral consequences and fight to minimize them from day one.
As your dedicated DUI lawyer, we immediately focus on securing restricted licenses that allow you to drive to work. We know which prosecutors are willing to negotiate alternatives that protect professional licenses, allowing you to resolve your case quickly and quietly.
Trusted Law Firm Only Focusing on Criminal Defense Cases
When your reputation and livelihood are at stake, you need attorneys who live and breathe criminal defense every single day. The Law Offices of Bryan R. Kazarian has deliberately focused our entire practice on defending professionals and families facing criminal charges.
Our exclusive criminal defense focus gives us insights that general practice attorneys simply don’t have. We know which defense strategies work best at the courthouse and how to protect professional licenses during criminal proceedings.
The Criminal Defense Attorneys at The Law Offices of Bryan R. Kazarian will Aggressively Protect Your Rights
Our criminal defense attorneys leave no stone unturned when examining evidence and challenging every aspect of the prosecution’s case. We know exactly where to look for procedural violations and weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Our aggressive approach includes:
- Filing motions when prosecutors wait too long to bring charges
- Challenging evidence obtained through Miranda Rights violations
- Demanding timely discovery and filing motions when prosecutors delay
- Challenging improper police conduct/procedures and constitutional rights violations
If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in Santa Ana, start preparing your defense with an online consultation today.
EXPERIENCED.
AGGRESSIVE.
CAPABLE.
AGGRESSIVE.
CAPABLE.
EXPERIENCED.
AGGRESSIVE.
CAPABLE.
AGGRESSIVE.
CAPABLE.
What Makes Our Firm Different
The criminal defense attorney you hire to represent you is one of the most important decisions you will make.
Here are the values that guide our services:
- Experienced: Our firm has over 23 years of experience, so you can feel confident you will receive quality legal counsel.
- Client-Centered: We put our clients first. Drawing on that belief, and our knowledge of criminal law, we find solutions that best meet our clients’ individual needs.
- Superior Results: Regardless the legal matter, we work tirelessly to achieve exceptional outcomes for our clients.
- Trusted Advice: To guide you through this difficult time in your life, we provide sophisticated legal advice you can trust.

Conveniently Located in Santa Ana
Our office is centrally located to serve clients throughout Orange County with convenient parking right at our building. Watch our parking instructions video below to see how easy it is to visit us.
Have you been charged with a criminal offense in Santa Ana?
Don’t let fear and uncertainty control your future when you’re facing criminal charges. The Law Offices of Bryan R. Kazarian has successfully defended numerous professionals who never thought they’d need a criminal defense attorney, and we’re here to help you navigate this challenging time with confidence.
We know exactly how to minimize the impact of criminal charges on your life. Start with an online consultation today and take the first step toward protecting everything you’ve worked to build.
23+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
We’re proud of the life-changing results we’ve achieved with our clients. Your honest reviews help other people in crisis find the experienced legal representation they need. If we’ve helped protect your future, we encourage you to share your experience through online reviews.
“Bryan is a miracle worker, his reputation goes beyond making slim to nothing chances, almost impossible… Possible. I highly recommend Bryan for any obstacle or unfortunate bind you get yourself into. You won’t regret it…”
TUONG VY L.
“I wouldn’t be able to see these beautiful surroundings that I am experiencing now if I did not have my freedom, I owe that to you Mr. Kazarian and for that I am eternally grateful.”
M.L.
“Bryan helped me navigate a tough case, and got me the best deal we could manage all while avoiding a bunch of headache and any jail time.”
RYAN T.
Frequently Asked Questions
These terms are used interchangeably to describe attorneys who defend people accused of crimes. Both criminal lawyers and defense attorneys provide the same services – representing clients facing criminal charges and protecting their legal rights throughout the legal process.
You should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately after any arrest or if you learn you’re under investigation. Getting a criminal defense lawyer early can help protect your rights, potentially prevent charges from being filed, and ensure you don’t inadvertently harm your case by speaking without representation.
A criminal justice attorney is a broad term including prosecutors, public defenders, and private defense attorneys. A criminal defense attorney specifically represents accused individuals. Understanding the difference between criminal justice and defense attorneys helps you choose the right legal representation for your situation.
Yes, the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction far outweigh attorney fees. A conviction can result in lost employment opportunities, damaged reputation, and potential jail time. Why criminal defense attorneys are worth the investment becomes clear when you consider the lifetime impact of a criminal record.
Criminal defense attorneys defend people accused of crimes, not necessarily criminals. Many clients are law-abiding citizens who made mistakes or are wrongly accused. How criminal defense attorneys protect the innocent is a fundamental part of ensuring everyone receives fair treatment under the law.





