Orange County DUI Lawyer Richard Wagner
Defense Lawyer Richard Wagner upholds and defends freedoms and liberties enshrined in our United States and California Constitutions.
“Richard was able to achieve an even better outcome for my case than what we initially thought was possible. I couldn't be more grateful to him for this than I currently am. I highly recommend hiring him.” J.P., Garden Grove See What Others Have To Say
When you hire Richard Wagner, your case becomes his case.
His past clients love working with him.
He is easy to get a hold of; he returns calls and emails promptly. He uses a user-friendly, double-encrypted, online case management system. Clients are kept informed about their cases. Clients have 24/7 access to their files.
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.
The Criminal Defense Strikeforce is grounded by the words of the great American John Coltrane, who said,
“I want to be a force for real good. In other words. I know that there are bad forces, forces that bring suffering to others and misery to the world, but I want to be the opposite force. I want to be the force which is truly for good.”
Top-Shelf Irvine Lawyer Richard Wagner works with expert witnesses, the finest 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 happy clients, including not-guilty verdicts, acquittals, dismissals, and reductions of charges.
A Partial List of Successful Cases
In one unforgettable trial, DUI Attorney Richard Wagner won a jury trial in Newport Beach for a woman accused by the Orange County DA of driving under the influence of alcohol and refusing to take a breath or blood test in Corona Del Mar.
In another eventful case, DUI Attorney Richard Wagner got a man's DUI dismissed after he was charged by the Los Angeles DA with drunk driving in the Compton Courthouse after two hung juries.
DUI Lawyer Richard Wagner won a jury trial in the West Covina Courthouse in Los Angeles County that very few lawyers, if any, would have had the courage to take to trial.
CHP accused his client of speeding, almost colliding with the CHP patrol car, and having a BAC of .19% on the Datamaster breathalyzer.
The jury was not convinced, however, and unanimously voted not guilty – to acquit – on all charges. Along with the acquittal, Mr. Wagner got his client's DMV suspension (set aside) dismissed.
In another DUI case, Richard Wagner won a jury trial in Whittier for a man accused by the LA District Attorney of his 2nd DUI, defending against evidence his client caused a traffic accident, failed the FSTs, and had a BAC of .19% measured by a blood test.
DUI Attorney Richard Wagner's victories include a complete dismissal of felony charges for his client facing significant state prison time and lifetime drug registration accused by the San Bernardino District Attorney of second-degree commercial burglary, transportation of marijuana for sale, and possession of marijuana for sale in the San Bernardino Superior Court.
In another very important case, Richard Wagner persuaded the LA District Attorney to dismiss serious felony sex charges in Bellflower, avoiding prison and lifetime sex registration for his client.
DUI Lawyer Richard Wagner has defended clients in Federal Court in the Central and Southern Districts of the United States District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, and in all State courts throughout California.
He has successfully represented clients in criminal and DUI cases in Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Joaquin, San Bernardino, Riverside, Tulare, Imperial, and San Diego counties. Richard Wagner has defended clients in Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, Idaho, and New Mexico.
Highly Rated and Reviewed DUI Defense Attorney
→ 2025 Super Lawyer Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
→Top 100 Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers
→Top One Percent Attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel
→Superb Attorney 10.0/10.0 Rating and 5-Star Reviews on AVVO
→5-Star Reviews on Google
→5-Star Reviews on Yelp
Richard Wagner is a member of the
- American Bar Association
- California DUI Lawyers Association
- California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
- California Public Defenders Association
- Independent Defense Counsel Office
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National College for DUI Defense
- National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel: Top One Percent
- Newport Harbor Bar Association
- Orange County Bar Association
- State Bar of California
- William P. Gray Legion Lex American Inn of Court
Richard Wagner earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989 from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Richard Wagner earned his Juris Doctor law degree in 1998 from Chapman University School of Law in Orange, California.
In law school, examples of Richard Wagner's academic excellence include the Law Review, the Dean's Merit Scholarship, and the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence.
Richard Wagner gained valuable legal work experience while a law student by serving as a law clerk at the Orange County Alternate Public Defenders Office and as a judicial extern to the Honorable Justice Edward Wallin (Ret.), California Court of Appeal in Santa Ana, California.
Richard Wagner passed the California Bar Exam on his first and only attempt.
For two years, Richard Wagner worked as a prosecutor in downtown Los Angeles for the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney.
While an LA City Prosecutor, Richard Wagner prosecuted thousands of criminal cases, including DUI, drunk driving, domestic violence, prostitution, vandalism, hit and run, assault and battery, and firearms cases in downtown LA.
Richard Wagner lectured at Parker Center (former LAPD headquarters) to police officers of the Los Angeles Police Department during the Impaired Driver Apprehension Program (IDAP) on “Case Preparation and Courtroom Testimony Training.” Richard Wagner also lectured at the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Trial Advocacy Project (TAP) in May 2000 and March 2001.
Since 2002, Richard Wagner has been in private practice. He is a well-respected Criminal Defense Attorney with extensive training in DUI defense.
In 2006, he presented a lecture, “What to Do If You Are Arrested for Drunk Driving,” at Whittier Law School.
In choosing the best driving under the influence (DUI) lawyer, it is crucial that you choose a DUI Lawyer who has received specialized training in the defense of driving under the influence (DUI) cases. This should include successfully completing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) course.
Mr. Wagner uses his knowledge of Field Sobriety Tests for his clients' benefit to defend DUI cases in Southern California.
In addition to his praise-worthy representation of privately retained clients, DUI Lawyer Richard Wagner is a member of the Los Angeles County Superior Court panel of defense attorneys authorized and selected to accept court-appointed criminal and DUI cases through the Independent Defense Counsel Office (IDCO).
For help with your case and to get a DUI evaluation, call The Law Office of Richard Wagner for a Free Consultation at 714-721-4423. You will get an honest and frank discussion with DUI Attorney Richard Wagner about your case. Richard Wagner is very approachable and will give you the information you need to help you. He has helped thousands of people just like you.
Recent Blog Posts
Can I Get A Restricted License After A DUI?
California DUI Statistics
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
Title 17 and DUI Cases in California
Preliminary Hearings in California: What You Need to Know
Recommendations
- Richard Wagner is a great attorney, extremely knowledgeable, has many years of experience, and worked closely with me so I was always in the loop. He had my back all the way. I highly recommend him, he's the best in the business.
- Hi Richard, I just want to say thank you again for all that you've done for me. I'll forever be thankful. All the times you responded to my calls and took the time to give me peace of mind through the process, I can't thank you enough. If a recommendation of your services are ever needed, I'll ...
- "Richard was extremely professional, and helped me clear a warrant and defuse a situation I thought would result in definite jail time and large fines. Definitely a solid lawyer for anyone looking."
- "The amount of dedication and professionalism is beyond 5 stars. I cannot express the amount of relief I have had using Richard Wagner's services. I would highly recommend it."
- "5 star service to Richard Wagner and his law office. From the beginning, end, and even after. My case was important and difficult to me, but Mr. Wagner walked me threw every process, went to appear in court for me, and helped me achieve the best deal with a difficult judge/court house. I spoke w...
- I can't thank Richard enough for his help with my son's case, Richard was available for questions all the time, he was patient, communicated what we needed to know and is very professional. Richard is kind and made sure we understood the process from beginning to end. I highly recommend Richard ...
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N.C. from Northridge, CA Tremendously Appreciates Richard Wagner
Richard was the best, he helped give me the best advice and results possible. He was very accessible and super helpful! I tremendously appreciate everything he did for me! - Richard Wagner, man, where do I start. 2nd dui both accidents. he reduced my fees with community service from 2k to 400, most importantly, he knew the guidance steps to keep me out of jail. he's the best do not scroll on him if you're in trouble. He's the man to do so.
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R.L., from Ontario, CA Appreciated and would Definitely Recommend Mr. Wagner
"I appreciated Mr. Wagner for always answering when I texted or called him. Always answering all my questions and helping me understand. I would definitely recommend Mr. Wagner to anyone needing legal assistance. Thank you Richard Wagner" -
S.J. from Inglewood, CA Highly Recommends Richard Wagner To Anyone
Richard stuck by me for almost two years though a tough dui charge and he helped me so much along the way. With guidance through the case and then helping me, even after he didn't needed to, with an additional restitution hearing. He went above and beyond to fight for me and everything came out w... -
A.M. From Carson, CA Was Very Pleased With The Outcome on His 3rd DUI Recommends Richard Wagner
This was my third DUI within 10 years, I was looking at jail time. However, Mr. Wagner was very thorough and knowledgeable on the steps needed to keep me out of jail. I was very pleased with the outcome of my case. I would recommend Mr. Wagner to anyone looking for a good attorney. - Mr. Wagner truly did an outstanding job on my case, he got both of cases including a DMV case dismissed! He is very professional and was there when I had any questions about my case. He responded immediately whenever I had any concerns or questions! I'm so glad we chose Mr. Wagner for our legal i...
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T.C Highly Recommends Richard Wagner Who Was Always Available and Informative
“Mr Wagner was always available, informative. We were kept in the loop at all times. I would highly recommend his service and would use him again.” -
C.F. From Anaheim Would Give Richard Wagner 10 Stars If He Could
I'm not sure what I will say will do justice to the level professionalism, expertise, diligence and tireless devotion to my case Mr. Wagner and his office exemplified, but I will do my best. I got a DUI with additional enhancements back in June 2019. Heavy circumstances with potentially heavier ... -
A.L. from Los Angeles Is Entirely Grateful and Recommends Richard Wagner
“Thank you! It should suffice to say that I am very pleased indeed with your handling of my case, without your work the chaos surrounding these events would greatly interfere with my work and personal life. I am entirely grateful to you.” - Richard is very professional, very communicative, and very knowledgeable when it comes to the court systems. I wouldn't trust anyone else in times like these! Thank you very much Richard.
- Mr. Wagner is extremely professional and will make this process easy for you. He always got back to me quickly with any questions or concerns I had, as well as got a favorable verdict for me. I highly recommend his services. I met him in person the day of my proceedings, & from the suit alone, I ...
- Thanks Mr. Wagner…you're AWESOME!!!! I got my first DUI Feb. 2020. Never been in any trouble. I was scared & didn't know what to do. I googled “DUI attorneys” & I entered my information. Less than 2 mins later I get a call from the Law Offices of Richard Wagner. I spoke with a very nice lady nam...
- Great Representation. “I recommend Richard Wagner. Richard handled my DUI / DWI matter. From our first meeting with Richard Wagner I knew we had the right attorney. He explained our DUI case and options to us very clearly. Once we signed on with him he took control and did all the work. After a c...
- “A family member was facing 5 serious counts against them, one carrying a strike if convicted. Richard worked with the court, judge & prosecution & 2 of the charges were dropped, including the charge that carried the strike. He negotiated a sentence that was much less than expected & took care of...
- “Rich is amazing. My husband was charged with Violation of a court order aka gang injunction. From the start Rich expressed his interest in this case, and he wasn't lying. He was as passionate about taking this case to trial as much as we were. His communication and dedication to this case was be...
- “Richard Wagner is great! He communicates well and makes sure you get the best outcome for you!”
- “Dear Richard: I got the news I won my DMV Hearing today! I really appreciate you. I am so grateful to have been blessed with your firm! The Law Office Of Richard Wagner went above and beyond any other criminal defense attorney I have ever met. I called Mr. Wagner to get a price on a Sunday and...
- “I want to THANK Richard Wagner for getting my 2 counts of DUI dismissed and not losing my drivers license (no restrictions). He has great knowledge of the system and how to help you through the entire process. I couldn't imagine trying to do this without him. THANKS AGAIN!”
- During this long 1 1/2 year process of dealing with multiple court hearings for my second DUI, Richard Wagner was extremely valuable to have on my team. We were able to achieve the best outcome possible and he was always available to offer his professional legal council and was very generous with...
- “Dear Richard: I want to thank you for representing me over the last several months. This has been the worst time of my life, especially when I have done nothing to warrant the charges leveled against me. I truly felt victimized by the false charges, accusations, and slanderous lies. Having your...
- After being notified that a warrant was out for my boyfriend's arrest, he luckily got into contact with you, Mr. Wagner. It looked like the whole world was against him and he was accused of doing some terrible things that we knew were not true but no one in the court system believed him, except y...
- “Thank you again for your strong work ethic and allowing me to have peace of mind. I really appreciate you. ♥”
- Hiring attorney Richard Wagner was the best thing I have ever done for myself. He took a very scary time in my life and turned it into a positive experience with a wonderful outcome. He never judged me – he supported me and made me feel everything would be ok. And it was. Thank you Mr. Wagner. Yo...
- “Mr. Wagner is extremely knowledgeable and takes his time to really make you understand the circumstances and options of your case. A true pro!”
- “Greetings Richard; I want to thank you and I wish you the best. You are a good man and sound attorney. I feel you will continue helping others out of a bind. I am grateful to you for your help.”
- “Thank you again, Mr. Wagner. You have helped bring peace in an otherwise chaotic situation for my family and I. I thought that this mistake may have costed years of my family's well-being.”
- “I want to tell you that you did an outstanding job. You really did.”
- Couldn't ask for a better attorney, Very professional, always returns my calls, reasonable prices and got the best outcome possible. I highly recommend the Law Office of Richard Wagner to help you out of a jam.
- “I am very grateful to Richard Wagner. He did an awesome job defending me throughout the trial. In court, Richard talked about the law, science, facts of case, and convinced the jury to find me not guilty. Richard definitely knows how to successfully defend a DUI charge in trial. Thanks to Richar...
- “When I got the news that the police department detectives had been to my home and left a note asking me to contact them immediately because I was facing serious charges, I was scared. I am happy that I was referred to you Mr. Wagner. It meant a lot to me that you met with me immediately and were...
- “Richard was able to achieve an even better outcome for my case than what we initially thought was possible. I couldn't be more grateful to him for this than I currently am. I highly recommend hiring him.”
- Mr. Wagner fought my DUI Case by filing my expungement which was dismissed! After being treated unfairly in an illegal arrest and risking having my record tainted, I reached out to him regarding my lamentations and personal story. He listened, clearly discussed the possibilities and showed empath...
- double edged sword; We hired Mr. Wagner for my son's DUI, that is one side of the sword.. The DUI, but the other side, I can't say enough on how wonderful Mr. Wagner was! He walked us through everything… every detail! at court it was simple, he explained how things where going to go, and what was...
- “Dear Mr. Wagner, I'd like to express sincere thanks to you for working with my father this ordeal. My family and I appreciate your time and expertise, all the more so because we are all unable and unqualified to offer him any tactical support in this matter.”
- “Dear Rich, Thank you for the excellent result of Preston's case. I trust my son has finally learned his lesson – no more run-in's with the CHP!
- “Rich, It went really well today. Thanks for all your support and preparation. We appreciate your professional advice!”
- “Thank you Mr Wagner and your office team for all of your advice and help in my case today. I respect all the hard work and time you took to help me.”
- “Great communication, Richard made this scary process manageable and ensured a positive outcome! Very grateful!”
- “Thank you Mr. Wagner for taking on my case and walking me through every step. Also, for the reductions in charges and fines.”
- I'm not sure what I will say will do justice to the level professionalism, expertise, diligence and tireless devotion to my case Mr. Wagner and his office exemplified, but I will do my best. I got a DUI with additional enhancements back in June 2019. Heavy circumstances with potentially heavier ...
- “Richard, I would like to thank you for taking my case and for responding to my calls promptly. I am very pleased with the outcome of my case and I will recommend you to others without hesitation.
- “Mr. Wagner, Thank you so much for all you are doing for my son Gerrick. Yours truly,
- “This was my 2nd DUI and when I contacted Mr Wagner I asked him two questions can you keep me from going to jail and keep my Driver License. Well he made both happen. I am very happy with the outcome. I recommend his services for anyone that needs him.”
- “Richard, Thank you so much for calling me on a Saturday no less to explain things. You are very easy to talk to and have explained things very well. I am happy to have you as my lawyer.” With appreciation. S.F. Calabasas
- “Attorney Richard Wagner, ESQ came to my rescue … He also went above and beyond … I really appreciated him … Richard Wagner is a professional who is very good at what he does. I am very thankful he was there for me.”
- He did everything in his power to get a lot of my stuff eliminated by the DA and only having to complete a couple of things. Not only that, he was super helpful in answering questions and being there for me. when I forgot to complete something by the court; even offered to help me out. I also cal...
- “Dear Mr. Wagner, I'm writing to thank you for being there with me every step of the way through this scary and stressful time. After my entire case was dismissed I feel as though my life is back on track, and I can continue living my life with peace in my heart. I KNOW that my case wouldn't have...
- “Richard is truly an expert one you would need in your difficult time. He will clearly provide you steps by steps of how you could prepare yourself at best. He has guided us through our darkest moment and each and every of his suggestion, Unbelievably, our case was dismissed!!!!!! Thanks so mu...
- “Mr Wagner was always available, informative. We were kept in the loop at all times. I would highly recommend his service and would use him again.”
- I want to thank you for the professional and effective service that you provided during the past two month's …the result (Case Dismissed -forgery & second degree commercial burglary). Your care and professionalism made it abundantly clear that I would be cleared of any wrongdoing. We went through...
- This is the guy to call if you have found yourself in a less than ideal situation. Everyone is super nice and Richard is more than willing to take the time to answer the onslaught of questions and worries you might have regarding everything. I highly recommend that if you are in a bind to call Ri...
- “I would like to thank Mr. Wagner for getting the best possible result in my case. He was able to get my DUI charges reduced to a “Wet Reckless.” I highly recommend anyone facing DUI charges to contact him as soon as possible.” V.G.S., Garden Grove
- I came to Richard with a DUI and was currently on felony probation. The judge and court wanted to put me into jail for 120 days for probation violations. But Richard did his homework and discovered there was a new law that came out on Jan. 2021 that said I could only be on probation for 1 year to...
