William W. Bruzzo
Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo
1851 E. First Street
Suite 900
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Map
Phone: (714) 547-4636 | Fax: (714) 619-9382
http://www.bruzzolaw.com
Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
All Clients, All Criminal Cases, including Military Criminal Cases and Restraining Orders.
Sub-Topics
Abuse
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
Appeals
Automotive
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DUI / DWI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Open Container
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic Violations
Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
Computer Crimes
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
Criminal Records
- Expungement or Expunction
Drug Crime
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
Environmental Violations
False Identification
Felonies
Firearms & Weapons
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Grand Jury Proceedings
Juvenile Crime
Military Crimes (UCMJ)
Misdemeanors
Parole
Perjury
Plea Negotiation
Probation
Property Crimes
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
Search & Seizure
Truancy
Victims' Rights
Violent Crimes
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
CA, Oct 1996
Bar Number: 183656
Other Court Admissions
• California
• Pennsylvania
• Federal
Association Memberships
• Orange County Bar Association
• West Orange County Bar Association
• Italian Lawyer Association
• William Grey Lex Legion Inn of Court
Continuing Education
I have been a participant in a mock trial event to demonstrate the workings of a trial to law students and lawyers. I have also been a presenter for CLE credit on military law. I am a member of various bar associations that provide monthly CLE credit and I attend these events on a regular basis.
Example Cases
• People v. Arney (2011). I filed a motion to dismiss when the magistrate in the lower court kept out evidence over my objection. My motion was granted and the case was dismissed.
• People v. Willson (2010) I negotiated a dismissal of hit and run charges by getting the District Attorney to agree to dismiss the charges if the victim also agreed. The victim ultimately agreed and the case was dismissed.
Education
University of Dayton School of Law
Juris Doctorate
Dayton
OH
1992
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California and Pennsylvania
Firm Focus and History
I represent criminal clients accused of everything from domestic violence and drunk driving to murder. I will not close a case until I believe that I have exhausted every possibility, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. If the facts support it I will take any case to trial; if the facts do not support going to trial, I will use all the relationships and knowledge I have developed over almost 20 years of practice to negotiate the best result possible. I have managed to get "hopeless" cases dismissed just based on my knowledge of the local players (District Attorneys and Judges). An attorney's familiarity with the local system is invaluable to clients. I am that person in Orange County.
After practicing law for over 10 years I established my own firm in 2004 in Santa Ana, California. I am still in the same location 7 years later.
Previous Employment Summary
My most recent employment prior to starting my own firm was in a large criminal defense firm in Tustin, California. I worked there as an associate attorney for 6 years. Previous to that I was a Major in the United States Marine Corps where I served as a lawyer, a Company Commander and an Executive Officer in a Headquarters and Service Company/Battalion. Between my active duty and active reserve time, I spent 7 years in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 2000.
Activities and Awards
I have previously worked as an attorney serving quasi-indigent clients in Orange County. In law school I was awarded the American Jurisprudence Award as a result of having the highest grade in Civil Procedure.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it is fine for a client to seek some knowledge prior to contacting an attorney. However, just reading a penal code section will do little to help a client determine what he should do on his or her case. Only an opinion coming from many years of legal experience can effectively educate someone as to what they face in a particular matter. I provide free telephone consults and so do many other attorneys. There is no reason to take the chance of fouling up your life to save a few dollars. Some of the worst legal decisions I have seen are when clients rely on non-lawyer friends and family for advice. This is usually always a recipe for disaster.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
In criminal law this sort of thing occurs very rarely but I would certainly be willing to review any documents they provide.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I would be willing to coach clients, although I believe it is rarely a good idea for a client to represent himself.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I enjoy debating. From the time I could talk, I liked to argue too. I think that is what led me to the practice of law. We had many a lively debate around the dinner table at my house growing up.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I think being a criminal defense attorney for almost the last 20 years has been the best preparation. There is no substitute for experience. My many years of practice allow me to understand what people are going through when they face criminal charges and what I can do to make it easier on them. In addition, the many trials I have had give me the edge in a trial no matter what the facts.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy helping people, and in the criminal system people need help! They have everything against them and I like a challenge. Also, I enjoy trials and criminal law is one of the few legal areas where trials are common.
What do you like best about your career?
I like helping people in very difficult circumstances. Criminal cases are generally against one person but they often affect the whole family, Mom, Dad and the kids. There is no better feeling then getting a good result that saves someone from spending many years behind bars or keeps them from getting a career killing conviction on their record. Nothing warms my heart more than knowing I did well by someone and that they will live a more fulfilling, successful life as a result.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so I deal directly with my clients. However, I also have an office manager/legal assistant who also has contact with my clients. She is a very kind person (and speaks Spanish) and she is able to get the clients the information they need as well as soothe client jitters which is very common.
What are your strengths and style?
I believe I am a very personable individual who is sensitive to his clients' needs. Also, I understand that being the "aggressive attorney" is not always best for the client and can sometimes make things worse, especially in pre-trial negotiations. My years of practice have shown that a balance of aggressiveness and diplomacy yields the best result. However, in trial I can be tough and ruthless if necessary and strategically beneficial.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy sports. I sponsor and play on local adult soccer teams. I like to jog and work out on a regular basis. I also enjoy reading and writing articles on various topics, usually legal or political.
Office Manager/Assistant
Lucinda Torres- Office Manager and Legal Assistant
Fax
(714) 619-9382
Office Hours
24 Hours, 7 days a week
Emergency After Hours: (714) 547-4636
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
I speak Spanish and so does my assistant/office manager.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I do not have fixed prices. My cases are almost always flat fees. Sometimes I permit payments.
Hourly Rates
$250 to $500
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer free unlimited telephone consultations.
Typical Retainer
$2,500 is a typical retainer.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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