Best of OC: Best Lawyer - Law Firm 2024 & 2025












Orange County Criminal and DUI Lawyer
As a dedicated Orange County criminal and DUI attorney from the start, Wais Azami chose to defend rather than prosecute, prioritizing his conscience over conventional experience-building. By seeking mentorship from established criminal defense attorneys early on, he ensured his clients received knowledgeable, dedicated representation without compromising his ethical, client-focused approach
Local Criminal Defense Attorney
Law Office of Wais Azami is a centrally-located Orange County criminal defense firm servicing the Harbor, North, West, and Central Justice Centers. The vast majority of our clients come from local cities such as Garden Grove, Anaheim, Huntington Beach and Buena Park. Mr. Azami’s extensive familiarity with local judges and prosecutors allows him to efficiently navigate complex legal cases and secure the best possible outcomes for his clients.
Key Benefits of Wais Azami’s Law Office:
- Convenient Location: Situated near all major OC courts, making him an ideal choice for a “criminal lawyer near me” search.
- Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of Orange County court proceedings, judges, and Deputy District Attorneys.
- Targeted Defense: Specializes in navigating legal minefields to achieve favorable resolutions.
- Practice Areas: Experienced in handling drug/alcohol crimes, vehicle code violations, and crimes of violence.
The vast majority of our cases originate from Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach and Orange. However, we represent every one of our clients equally and passionately.
Start your defense right. Attorney Azami emphasizes that any criminal charge, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, carries significant, life-altering repercussions, including impacts on employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status. To protect your future, secure qualified legal representation from the outset; switching lawyers midstream to correct foundational errors can be problematic.
Voted one of top Criminal Law Firms in Orange County
Mr. Azami was voted the best Orange County criminal and DUI lawyer by the Orange County Register in 2024 and 2025! Further yet, Senator Michelle Steel awarded Mr. Azami a congressional certificate of recognition for being selected as one of the best attorneys/law firm in Orange County. In 2025, he was recognized again by Assemblyman Tri Ta from the 70th District.
Our goal for your case:
Prioritizing Case Dismissal
Mr. Azami focuses primarily on securing the dismissal of charges. This can be achieved in two main ways:
- Insufficient Evidence: Demonstrating to the district attorney a lack of sufficient evidence.
- Diversion Programs: Enrolling clients in a diversion program or securing a deferred entry of judgment.
Diversion Program Options
There are various diversion programs available, including:
- Court Diversion (Penal Code § 1001.95)
- Mental Health Diversion (Penal Code § 1001.36)
- DUI Court
- Drug Court
- Veteran’s Court
- Military Diversion (Penal Code § 1001.80)
- Other specialized programs
Program Requirements and Eligibility
Successfully completing a diversion program typically requires the client to fulfill specific requirements, which results in the eventual dismissal of the charges. Not all individuals or charges qualify for these programs, but our team can help analyze your specific case for eligibility.
Types of Drug and Alcohol cases which we accept:
As an Orange County misdemeanor defense lawyer and felony defense lawyer, Mr. Azami’s practice covers Drug & Alcohol Crimes, Domestic Violence Crimes, Vehicular/Traffic Crimes, Sex Crimes, Crimes of Violence, Property Crimes and Expungements. Many of our cases are for first-time offenders who know nothing about the criminal justice system.
Alcohol:
- Open Container, VC 23222
- Public Intoxication/Drunk in Public, PC 647(f)
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI), VC 23152 (a and b)
- DUI with Accident & Property Damage
- DUI with Accident & Injuries
- DUI and Immigration Status
- Furnishing Alcohol to an Under-aged Person (18-20 year olds), Business and Profession Code (B&P) 25658(a)
- Possession of Alcohol by Minor B&P 25662
Drugs:
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUI), VC 23152 (g)
- Furnishing Tobacco Products to a Minor, PC 308(a)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, HS 11350(a)
- Possession of a drug paraphernalia, HS 11364(a)
- Possession of Non-Narcotic Controlled Substance, HS 11377(a)
Traffic/Vehicular Crimes include:
- Hit and Run, VC 20001, VC 20002
- Vehicular Manslaughter, PC 192.5(c), PC 192.5(d)
- Driving Without a License, VC 12500
- Driving on a Suspended License, VC 14601
- Reckless Driving, VC 23103-23105
- Exhibition of Speed – VC 23109, Street Racing
- Joyriding Car Theft, VC 10851
His last vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run case resulted to dismissal of the felony count and probation only for the manslaughter charge-no jail or prison time.
Domestic Violence Charges which we defend against:
- Domestic Battery, PC 243(e)(1) or 273.5
- Aggravated Trespass, PC 601
- Child Neglect/Failure to Provide Care, PC 270
- Child Endangerment, PC 273a
- Child Abuse, PC 273d
- Elder Abuse, PC 368
- Criminal Threats, PC 422
- Stalking, PC 646.9
- Revenge Porn, PC 647(j)(4)
- Posting Harmful Data on the Internet, PC 653.2
A recent domestic battery cases resulted in dismissal of all charges.
Crimes of Violence which we defend against:
Homicide Charges
- Murder – PC 187
- Manslaughter – PC 192(a) and PC 192(b)
Other Violent Crimes:
- Kidnapping, PC 207
- Assault, PC 240
- Battery, PC 242
- Robbery PC 211
Types of sex charges we defend:
- Statutory Rape in California, PC 261.5
- Rape PC 261
- Sodomy PC 286
- Solicitation for Prostitution PC 647(b)
- Indecent Exposure PC 314
- Lewd Acts/Lewd Conduct PC 647(a)
- Revenge Porn PC 647(j)(4)
- Sexual Battery/Assault, PC 243.4
A recent case with charges of rape, sodomy and strangulation resulted in dismissal of all sex charges and prevented the requirement for registering as a sex offender.
Types of property crime charges we defend against:
- Vandalism
- Arson
- Trespass
- Defacing Public Property
- Burglary, PC 459
- Vehicle Theft, PC 487(d)(1)
- Credit Card Fraud, PC 484e
In addition to defense of criminal charges, as a criminal and DUI defense lawyer, Mr. Azami can assist with expungement of your criminal record. Expungements could be requested as a matter of right. Certain crimes and under certain circumstances qualify for expungement. When you file for an expungement, you are withdrawing an earlier guilty plea. However, keep in mind that expungements won’t clean your record for immigration purposes of for obtaining certain jobs like law enforcement. In addition, it won’t erase “priors” for subsequent arrests. For example, if you expunge a DUI of 3 years ago but then get a second DUI on the 5th year, that first DUI will still count to make the current DUI your second. Second DUI’s have harsher penalties. You would have to allow 10 years to elapse before your next DUI can be counted as a “first DUI.”
Criminal Defense Attorney in Orange County for Prop 36
Wais Azami has been a zealous advocate in Orange County and was chosen as the only attorney to be voted as one of the best attorneys by the Orange County Register. Mr. Azami also received Congressional recognition from Senator Michelle Steel for this People’s Choice Award. Attorney Azami only takes enough cases to be able to do the best job possible for you. He has a proven track record and the best reviews. We urge you to read them and contact us for a free consultation today.
How To Recall a Bench Warrant or Arrest Warrant?
Warrants often result from unpaid traffic tickets, missed court dates, or probation violations, turning individuals into fugitives
. Mr. Azami, an experienced criminal and DUI defense attorney, specializes in recalling bench warrants, potentially on the same day, saving you from appearing in court and avoiding arrest at inconvenient times.
Key Takeaways on Warrant Defense:
- Causes: Warrants are issued for failing to pay fines, missing mandatory court appearances, or violating probation/parole.
- Risks: A bench warrant makes you vulnerable to arrest during daily activities like driving, working, or with family.
- Solution: Legal counsel can often resolve these issues, sometimes without the client having to appear in person, and in some cases, with same-day recall.
- Action: Rather than risking being taken into custody, securing legal help can resolve the warrant and clear your record.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on general California legal principles regarding bench warrants.
Regardless of your needs, contact our office for a discreet and *free consultation (if attorney is hired). Otherwise, there is a nominal fee. Call us now (714) 321-9999.


Meet Wais Azami
I am different than most attorneys. I offer experienced and aggressive representation. I will personally handle your case from start to finish. Whether it's a warrant recall, misdemeanor or felony charges, I will fight relentlessly. Time is of the essence. It's important to call immediately in order to start creating your defense plan!Client Reviews
I had an excellent experience working with Wais. From the very beginning, it was clear that he genuinely cared about my case and wasn’t just going through the motions. He took the time to answer all of my...
From start to finish, Mr. Azami was incredibly communicative and supportive. He took the time to explain every step of the process so I always knew what was happening and what to expect. His professionalism and...
I had the pleasure of working with Wais on my DUI case, and I couldn't be more grateful for his professionalism and dedication. From the start, he guided me through the process with clear, actionable advice...
He is an AMAZING lawyer and is on his game ALL the way! Dedicated to his career and clients, he is the BEST! He is also a man of his word and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM!
There are no words to express how grateful, satisfied, and content I am with the results of my boyfriends case thanks to this amazing attorney, Mr. Wais Azami. After speaking to MANY other attorneys, I could...
Mr. Azami was more than helpful in attacking my case and calming the nerves that comes with the hassle of courts and the case in itself. He made me feel very reassured and made a point to get the best possible...
Azami Law Blog

June 20, 2024 By Law Office of Wais Azami Team Finding the best criminal defense attorney What to consider when trying to find the best criminal defense lawyer? There are so many things to consider when finding the best good criminal...

June 20, 2024 By Law Office of Wais Azami Team How to avoid an arrest Common Sense I’m not trying to help you commit a crime. The following info is How to avoid an arrest and police attention for whatever...

June 20, 2024 By Law Office of Wais Azami Team How does bail work? How does bail work, When someone is arrested, they are immediately taken to jail. But courts don’t work 24/7 so the defendant (person arrested)...
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