DUI Lawyer Orange County – Top DUI Defense Attorney & Former Prosecutor
Charged with a DUI in Orange County? Take action now.
You only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest. Act now to protect your license.
Former DUI Prosecutor • 27+ Years Experience • 5-Star Google Reviews • Orange County Courts
Richard Wagner is an experienced DUI lawyer in Orange County who aggressively defends first-time, repeat, and felony DUI cases. From traffic stops to chemical testing, he identifies weaknesses in the evidence and builds a strong defense strategy to protect your license and your future.

Protect Your License Before It’s Too Late After a DUI Arrest
You only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest.
Speak directly with an experienced DUI attorney today.
Call Now Before Your License Is Suspended: (714) 721-4423
Free Consultation Available • Speak Directly With an Attorney • Former DUI Prosecutor • 27+ Years Experience

Why Choose Richard Wagner as Your DUI Lawyer in Orange County?
- Former DUI Prosecutor who knows how cases are built and challenged
- Over 27 years of experience defending DUI cases in Orange County courts
- Proven defense for first-time, repeat, and felony DUI charges
- Deep knowledge of Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Fullerton, and Westminster courts
- Aggressive defense against license suspension and DMV hearings
- 5-star Google reviews and top ratings across multiple legal platforms
Why hire a DUI lawyer in Orange County?
Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer in Orange County can make a critical difference in your case. A skilled defense attorney can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, review chemical testing procedures, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. With only 10 days to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest, acting quickly can help protect your driver’s license and your future.
DUI Defense Services in Orange County
- First Offense DUI in Orange County
- Second DUI Offense Lawyer
- Third DUI Offense Defense
- DUI Drugs (DUID) Defense
- DUI Marijuana Defense
- Felony DUI & Bodily Injury Defense
- DMV License Suspension Hearing Defense
Richard Wagner is an experienced DUI lawyer in Orange County who provides aggressive defense for all DUI charges, including first-time offenses, repeat DUIs, felony DUI cases, and DMV license suspension hearings.
The mission Is To Work With Each Client’s Unique Situation
Richard Wagner is easy to reach and returns calls and emails promptly. He uses a secure, double-encrypted online case management system that allows clients to stay informed about their cases and access their files 24/7.
The Law Office of Richard Wagner, A Professional Corporation, stands by its solemn mission: to courageously represent the underdog, the excluded, and the marginalized. To right wrongs, speak truth to power, and stand up for and fight for people who have nobody in their corner.
As an OC Criminal Lawyer, Richard Wagner carries out this mission with integrity, persistence, and respect for each client’s individual situation. Recognized by Super Lawyers and AVVO, he brings years of experience defending DUI arrests throughout Orange County, including Irvine, Newport Beach, Anaheim, and surrounding communities.
To learn how Richard Wagner Compares to Top Attorneys ” Best DUI Lawyer Orange County (2026) “.

Beyond 5 Stars
Richard Wagner expert drunk driving lawyer upholds and defends freedoms and liberties enshrined in our United States and California Constitutions.
The Law Office of Richard Wagner, A Professional Corporation, stands by its solemn mission: to courageously represent the underdog, the excluded, and the marginalized with years of experience defending DUI arrests in Orange County. To right wrongs, speak truth to power, and stand up for and fight for people who have nobody in their corner.
Orange County DUI Attorney
California DUI Lawyers Association
American Bar Association
Independent Defense Counsel Office
Orange County Bar Association
National College for DUI Defense

Recognized by Super Lawyers one of the Top-Rated DUI Lawyers in Orange County
Orange County DUI Courts We Handle
Richard Wagner is an experienced DUI lawyer in Orange County who represents clients facing DUI charges throughout Orange County, including cases filed in:
- Central Justice Center DUI Attorney – Santa Ana
- Harbor Justice Center DUI Attorney – Newport Beach
- North Justice Center DUI Attorney – Fullerton
- West Justice Center DUI Attorney – Westminster
Each courthouse has different procedures, judges, and prosecutors. Working with a DUI lawyer familiar with Orange County courts can significantly impact your case outcome.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in California?
After a DUI arrest in California, drivers usually face two proceedings:
- A criminal court case and a DMV administrative license suspension hearing.
- Drivers typically have only 10 days to request a DMV hearing.
- Early legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of both cases.
- The criminal case is handled in the Orange County Superior Court.
- The DMV hearing determines whether your driver’s license will be suspended.
Learn about the California DUI 10-Day Rule.
Orange County Criminal Lawyer – Richard Wagner Law – DUI Victories
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood …”
CLIENT: A.A.
COURTHOUSE: CENTRAL JUSTICE CENTER – SANTA ANA
CHARGES: DUI (.09 BLOOD) ACCIDENT
FINAL RESULT: DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS (DMV SUSPENSION OVERTURNED).
CLIENT: A.A.
COURTHOUSE: CENTRAL JUSTICE CENTER – SANTA ANA
CHARGES: DUI (.09 BLOOD) ACCIDENT
FINAL RESULT: DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS (DMV SUSPENSION OVERTURNED).
CLIENT: A.A.
COURTHOUSE: CENTRAL JUSTICE CENTER – SANTA ANA
CHARGES: DUI (.09 BLOOD) ACCIDENT
FINAL RESULT: DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS (DMV SUSPENSION OVERTURNED).
CLIENT: A.A.
COURTHOUSE: CENTRAL JUSTICE CENTER – SANTA ANA
CHARGES: DUI (.09 BLOOD) ACCIDENT
FINAL RESULT: DUI DISMISSED. REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS (DMV SUSPENSION OVERTURNED).
Google Client Reviews
Clients throughout Orange County trust Richard Wagner to defend them in DUI cases. As a former prosecutor in Los Angeles, he understands how DUI charges are investigated and prosecuted and works diligently to protect the rights of every client he represents.
He understands the type of evidence prosecutors rely on to file charges and how DUI cases are built in court. That experience allows him to carefully evaluate the facts of each case and identify weaknesses that may help protect his clients.
If you have been arrested for misdemeanor or felony driving under the influence in Orange County, it is important to have a trusted DUI lawyer in Irvine on your side who understands both sides of the courtroom.
If you have questions about your DUI arrest, you do not have to face the process alone.
You deserve a lawyer who works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Call: (714) 721-4423
today. Read about DUI vs. Wet Reckless.
Richard Wagner is a dedicated DUI defense attorney known for his commitment to his clients and his deep understanding of DUI law. Many clients consider him one of the best DUI lawyers in Orange County because of his experience, communication, and focus on achieving the strongest possible defense.
Richard Gave Me Peace Of Mind!, V.V., CA
“He really helped me out with my DUI case and answered any questions I had or needed to be answered and gave me peace of mind!”
– V.V.
Thank You Richard 10/10, B.C., CA
“I needed a lawyer who could help my case who is knowledgeable in the field, affordable, and can explain things to me simple. Richard saved me time and appeared on my behalf, filed paperwork, and He & His team were very accessible when I had questions! I had missed a deadline which I needed to request an extension in person – Richard was able to help me by showing up in person, filing the extension and I was out the building in 5 minutes.”
– B.C.
It’s All Thanks To DUI Lawyer Orange County Richard Wagner, J.M.L., CA
“In 1994, when I first immigrated to the U.S., I was having a drink. I was involved in a violent incident and hired a lawyer, but I suffered a lot and lost a lot of money because the case was handled incorrectly. After that, I distrusted lawyers. But this case made me respect lawyers. It’s all thanks to Richard Wagner. He handled the case diligently and accurately. Thank you again.”
– J.M.L., CA
I Would Give More Stars To Richard, I would, D.M., CA
“If I could give Richard Wagner more stars, I would. He was professional and honest from the start. I did not feel pressured once, rather heard. He was timely and efficient and I got the outcome in Court that I was promised. Really appreciative of how promptly he handled my case. A big thank you to him and his staff!!”
– D.M., CA
Richard Wagner Law – FAQ’s
Drivers arrested for DUI often have urgent questions about their driver’s license, court case, and potential penalties. Below are answers to some of the most important questions people ask when searching for a DUI lawyer in Orange County.
Orange County DUI Defense Service Areas
Richard Wagner defends DUI cases throughout Orange County. Explore DUI defense services by offense type and location below to find the information most relevant to your case.
- Aliso Viejo DUI Attorney
- Anaheim DUI Attorney
- Brea DUI Attorney
- Buena Park DUI Attorney
- Costa Mesa DUI Attorney
- Cypress DUI Attorney
- Dana Point DUI Attorney
If you were arrested for DUI anywhere in Orange County, speaking with an experienced DUI lawyer in Orange County as soon as possible can make a critical difference in your case.
Orange County DWI Lawyer Richard Wagner
Former DUI Prosecutor Richard Wagner brings years of experience defending DUI arrests throughout Orange County. As an experienced OC DUI lawyer, he works with expert witnesses, leading consultants, and front-line private investigators to deliver a powerful defense.
For over two and a half decades, Richard Wagner has successfully handled thousands of Southern California criminal defense and DUI cases, resulting in excellent results for clients, including not-guilty verdicts, acquittals, dismissals, and reductions of charges.
As an Orange County Drunk Driving Lawyer and Criminal Defense Attorney in Irvine residents trust, he provides dedicated representation with proven strategies tailored to each case.
If you’re facing DUI charges in Orange County, Richard Wagner is a DUI attorney in Irvine, California who offers a free consultation to help you understand your options without any upfront cost. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time DUI or a more serious case requiring a felony DUI lawyer, he has the experience and commitment to protect your rights. He can also advise you on concerns such as how a DUI may affect your employment, helping you make informed decisions as your case moves forward.
Richard Wagner Will Fight For You
Priority #1: Zealous Advocacy – Protection Of Your Constitutional Rights
The Law Office of Richard Wagner, A Professional Corporation, has enjoyed years of success defending clients in criminal cases, including: Battery on Police Officer, Battery Against A Spouse, Bench Warrants, Burglary, Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, Domestic Violence, Driving on a Suspended License, DUI, Expungements, Forgery, Grand Theft, Hit and Run, Indecent Misdemeanors, Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated Without Gross Negligence, Violation of Protective Order. Richard Wagner is the best drunk driving defense attorney in the Orange County.
Including your Constitutional Right:
DUI Lawyer Orange County Legal News & Insights
Learn about the latest news impacting the legal landscape
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Orange County, CA? Your Ultimate Guide to DUI Defense Costs
A DUI charge in California is more than just a traffic violation—it’s a serious criminal offense that can have lasting consequences on your personal life, career, and finances. If you're facing [...]
Tiger Woods Arrested After Rollover Crash in Florida on Suspicion of DUI
Professional golfer Tiger Woods was arrested Friday after a rollover crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, where authorities determined he showed signs of impairment. Tiger Woods Arrested Following Jupiter Island Crash Tiger Woods [...]
Best DUI Lawyer Orange County (2026): How Richard Wagner Compares to Top Attorneys
Is Richard Wagner One of the Best DUI Lawyers in Orange County? (2026 Analysis) If you were arrested for DUI in Orange County, one of the first questions you may ask [...]










