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Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney

40+ years of Strategic, Aggressive Criminal Defense 

Criminal Defense Attorney in Orange County

The Law Offices of Joseph P. Smith provides experienced, strategic criminal defense for individuals facing charges throughout Orange County and Southern California. Led by attorney Joseph P. Smith, who brings over 40 years of criminal law experience, our firm handles serious and complex cases including felonies, drug charges, gang-related offenses, and more.

As a former Senior Deputy District Attorney in Orange County, Mr. Smith offers a distinct advantage: deep insight into how prosecutors build cases and the strategies they use. This experience allows us to anticipate the opposition, challenge the evidence, and build strong, effective defenses tailored to each client.

Our firm is committed to protecting your rights, your record, and your future. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony charge, early and aggressive representation can make a critical difference. If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, contact a trusted Orange County criminal defense attorney today to start building your defense.

Law Offices of Joseph P. Smith place picture
4.9
Based on 30 reviews
Andrew C profile picture
Andrew C
7 months ago
The Law of Offices of Joseph P. Smith helped me exponentially with my legal issues. Their office was able to get a full dismissal for my case.

Initially, the city attorney’s offer for a plea deal was so extreme that we had to immediately ask for representation.

Joe was our first stop after the city attorney’s offer, and it was our last stop looking for representation. The entire office was extremely helpful during my legal issues. Maria and Tyler responded to phone calls and emails immediately. Their helpfulness made the process feel much easier. Our in person meetings were always flawless. Thank you Tyler and Maria for your help. Appreciate your help during this stressful time.

Joe is a very seasoned and skilled criminal defense lawyer. He was very very patient with myself and my case. My case required the patience that Joe and his office were easily able to handle. Only The Law offices of Joseph P. Smith would’ve been able to get a full dismissal for my legal issues. Thank you Joe. My family & I appreciate you and what The Law offices of Joseph P. Smith did for me.

Thank you.
-Andrew C
Jimmy profile picture
Jimmy
12 months ago
The courts were trying to give me a lot of time over 2 decades and Mr Smith was there fighting the entire way
Just be patient
He really cares about his clients
I ended up doing 5 years in prison
Thanks to Mr Smith I was given another chance to come out of prison and be there for my family
Karen Shaw profile picture
Karen Shaw
1 year ago
Joseph P. Smith is my savior. He knows what he's doing, and I am thankful to have him in my corner. Joe and his staff are always pleasant, helpful, knowledgeable, and thorough. I have complete trust in Joe and his staff. I do my part and leave the rest to him, and I know I'm in capable, competent hands. Joe has saved me time and time again.
Jeremy Merrill profile picture
Jeremy Merrill
1 year ago
Joe is probably the most hands on attorneys you'll find in the system he has great knowledge of the law and his staff along with Joe treat you like your family when your represented by his firm I was looking at a lot of time in a few different cases Joe got me two years probation,I highly recommend Joseph p smith to anyone in need of legal help.thanx Joe you and your firm are life savers.
David Carvajal profile picture
David Carvajal
3 years ago
After dealing with false promises from my prior attorney. Joseph P Smith came to the rescues with out a cape. This man gets the job done. He made sure I got the best deal possible and thanks to him I’m on the road a new path in life. I highly recommend his office and staff. All great genuine people.
John Carapinha profile picture
John Carapinha
3 years ago
Wow...an actual honest, straight forward attorney.
Karen Sami profile picture
Karen Sami
3 years ago
If you want the BEST defense inCA, Joe is your man. I’ve never met another human being more benevolent or more invested in his clients than Joe Smith. His encyclopedic knowledge of the law, his creativity in locating the gaps in the burden of proof, he will fight for your innocence. What do you expect from this law firm? This guy was an Orange County prosecutor for 25 years then went private. You think you’re talking to an old friend when you meet Joe and his incredible staff. Once he becomes your attorney, the feeling you get of finally feeling safe and protected will wrap you up like a warm coat. I know this is long and may sound fluffy but honestly this man saved my friend who was facing 3 felony charges but she was so mentally ill and had substance abuse issues so he was able to prove that what she needed was not incarceration, but rather intense, in-patient medical help. She was facing 15 years in prison for each charge. He was able to convince the judge to show leniency during her sentencing and because the judge saw through the possibility of a positive outcome emerging from his trust in the defense that their client was not a criminal but rather a good human being who was very, very sick. That young lady is now thriving with a beautiful family in California and she is studying to be an attorney too !!! Joe has COMPASSION, and trust me, once Joseph P. Smith is hired to defend you, your life only gets better and better.
Art profile picture
Art
3 years ago
Good attorney for criminal cases
David Yu profile picture
David Yu
3 years ago
Mr. Smith is a great attorney; he will fight for your rights!
tammie tran profile picture
tammie tran
6 years ago
Without the help of the entire Joseph Smith's law firm, I know that i would not have had the successful outcomes. Mr Smith has been the best criminal defense lawyer in Orange county who has done an excellent job in not only fighting for me but also protecting my interests. He and his staffs was highly professional and respond in an extreme timely matter. He understands his clients , very insightful and is an expert in his field. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs any legal advice.
Cesar Ortiz profile picture
Cesar Ortiz
8 years ago
One of the best Lawyer in Orange County . I couldn't have found a better lawyer. I will continue to recommend Mr. Joseph Smith to Family and Friends in need of legal help. He is the best at what he does and is very caring, straight forward and down to earth. Talking with him was extremely easy and comforting. Every time he went to court day's to represent me he got back to me with Court reports. Always keeping communication with me. Excellent, efficient service and I highly recommend!
y a profile picture
y a
9 years ago
Joe is one remarkable man, his background alone says sit all but I feel the need to share my story so that anyone looking for representation can have the best of the best, and understand how indebted I feel to Joe. I was faced with some serious felonies but thanks to Joe he was able to get them both dropped to misdemeanors. He is seriously one of a kind and I was so lucky to find him and have him represent my case. Always picked up my phone calls whether it was during day or even at night after the office was closed, he made me feel like family. Before I came across him I visited a bunch of different law firms and none of them brought up the direction Joe wanted to go. Everyone else wanted me to get this special license that would not have made a difference in my case since I would've of obtained it way after I got the charges and the judge wouldn't of understood that I was ready to put this life style behind and move on. When I sat down with Joe the first thing he said was that he wanted to go the opposite the direction of the rest of these other law firms and show the judge that I made a mistake and I was willing to do whatever means necessary in order to put this behind me and start over. I new from there this was the man i needed behind my case and he came through at the end got me a deal I will forever be Grateful for. If you are looking for a lawyer I insist you hire Joe you will not regret it one bit!

ADMIT NOTHING, DENY EVERYTHING, DEMAND PROOF!

– Joseph P. Smith

Felonies

Narcotic Sales, Homicide & Manslaughter, Burglary, Sex Cases, Gang Crimes, White Collar, Financial, Firearms & Weapons, Identity Theft, Arson, Larceny, Battery

Felonies

Misdemeanors

DUI & Drug DUI (Marijuana), Simple Drug Possession, Assault & Battery, Public Intoxication, Domestic Violence, Shoplifting & Theft, Prostitution

Misdemeanors

Federal Cases

Drug Trafficking, Racketeering (RICO), Bank Fraud, Bribery, Computer Extortion, Trading & Insurance Fraud, Laundering, Securities, Tax Evasion, Counterfeiting,  Wire Fraud

Federal Cases

Jury Trials

Jury trials can be complex and time-consuming, often lasting months or longer. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands courtroom strategy and has a proven track record in trial advocacy.

Jury Trials

Post Conviction Relief

New information about your case can significantly impact your conviction and may call its validity into question. An experienced attorney who can evaluate new evidence can take necessary steps to challenge your conviction.

Post Conviction Relief

Out of State Visitors

Reporters, television cameras, and protesters can interfere with your right to a fair trial. We help protect your rights and ensure your case is handled properly. Were you investigated, arrested, or prosecuted while visiting California?

Out of State Visitors

Case Highlights

Hit and Run with Property Damage

Possession of Controlled Substance While Armed

Resisting Public Peace Officer

Assault with Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury

Corporal Injury Spouse/Cohabitant

Driving with BAC of .08% or More

Z

DISMISSED

Z

DISMISSED

Z

DISMISSED

Z

DISMISSED

Z

DISMISSED

Z

DISMISSED

Felony Arson

Misdemeanor Sex Crime

Felony Controlled Substance Possession with Intent to Distribute

Z

REDUCED to Misdemeanor + NO Jail time

Z

REDUCED to NO Jail time

Z

REDUCED to NO Jail time

Asset Forfeiture Petition

Police Custody Return of Property Petition

Firearms Rights Restoration Petition

Expungement Relief

Contested Search and Seizure Return of Property Petition:

Z

GRANTED

Z

GRANTED

Z

GRANTED

Z

GRANTED

Z

GRANTED

Schedule Your
FREE Consultation Today!

Joseph P. Smith brings over 40 years of criminal law experience to every case, including his time as a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Orange County. His background allows him to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and build strong defenses for his clients. Contact us today to learn how we can help.