Westminster
West Justice Center
The West Justice Center handles criminal matters arising in western Orange County communities, including Westminster, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, and nearby areas.
Law Office of Hieu Vu
Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney
The Police Report Is Only the Beginning.
When your record, reputation, or freedom is at stake, the details matter. I personally review police reports, body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, witness statements, dispatch recordings, and other evidence to determine what actually happened — and what the prosecution can prove.
I represent people throughout Orange County facing DUI, theft, shoplifting, warrants, hit-and-run, probation matters, prostitution allegations, elder abuse allegations, and other criminal charges.
★★★★★ Highly reviewed on Yelp & Google • Serving clients throughout Orange County
Recent Jury Trial Result
NOT GUILTY Orange County Elder Abuse Jury Trial
Real Case. Real Jury Verdict.
Difficult Evidence Does Not Mean the Case Is Over
In a recent Orange County elder abuse jury trial, the prosecution presented visible injury evidence, photographs, body-worn camera footage, police and paramedic testimony, translated statements, and damaging admissions by the defendant.
The defense did not argue that nothing happened. The focus was what the evidence actually proved, the difference between aftermath and mechanism, the language used to describe the event, and the prosecution’s burden of proof.
The jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
Read Case ResultsEvery case is different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Defense for Criminal Charges Throughout Orange County
Every criminal case presents different evidence, penalties, procedures, and strategic decisions. My approach begins with understanding what actually happened and identifying where the prosecution’s case may be weaker than it first appears.
DUI Defense
Alcohol and drug DUI cases, repeat allegations, DMV issues, accidents, refusals, and sentencing alternatives.
DUI Defense →Theft & Shoplifting
Shoplifting and theft allegations involving retailers, malls, Disneyland, surveillance footage, and first-time offenders.
Theft & Shoplifting Defense →Warrants & Probation
Bench warrants, failures to appear, probation violations, recalls, and representation aimed at avoiding unnecessary custody.
Warrants & Probation →Hit and Run
Hit-and-run investigations, identification issues, vehicle evidence, mailed notices, and property-damage cases.
Hit and Run Defense →Prostitution & Solicitation
Online investigations, sting operations, undercover officers, digital communications, and discreet criminal defense.
Prostitution Defense →Expungements
Post-conviction relief intended to reduce the impact of an old criminal record on employment and future opportunities.
Expungement Help → How I Approach a Criminal Case
The Written Report Is Not Always the Whole Story
“Many important defenses do not come from what an officer wrote. They come from what the underlying evidence actually shows.”
Police reports matter. But they are summaries written after an event. The underlying evidence can provide important context that a report does not capture.
- Body-worn camera footage
- Surveillance video
- Dispatch and 911 recordings
- Witness statements
- Digital communications
- Medical and forensic evidence
- Timelines and inconsistencies
- Statements attributed to the accused
The goal is not to force one “magic defense.” It is to examine each part of the case and determine what the prosecution can actually prove.
Why Clients Choose the Law Office of Hieu Vu
Direct Representation. Straight Answers. Careful Preparation.
Personally Handles Every Case
When you hire my office, you work directly with me. Your case is not passed from assistant to assistant while you wonder who is responsible for it.
Straightforward Advice
Clients deserve realistic expectations, clear explanations, and candid advice about both the strengths and weaknesses of their case.
Negotiation Backed by Trial Preparation
Strong negotiation begins with knowing the evidence and being prepared to litigate when the facts or legal issues justify it.
Experience With Thousands of Criminal Matters
Years in criminal court provide perspective on recurring issues, local procedures, prosecutors, judges, and opportunities to improve the outcome of a case.
Local Court Experience
Orange County Criminal Courts
Criminal cases are local. Each courthouse has its own departments, prosecutors, judges, procedures, calendars, and courtroom culture. I regularly appear in criminal courts throughout Orange County.
Fullerton
North Justice Center
The North Justice Center in Fullerton handles criminal cases originating in northern Orange County and surrounding communities.
Santa Ana
Central Justice Center
The Central Justice Center in Santa Ana is one of Orange County’s primary criminal courthouses and handles a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases.
Newport Beach
Harbor Justice Center
The Harbor Justice Center serves many coastal and central Orange County communities and regularly handles DUI and other criminal cases.
Selected Case Results
Real Outcomes From Real Criminal Cases
Not Guilty — Elder Abuse Jury Trial
Jury returned a not guilty verdict after a contested trial involving injury evidence, bodycam footage, translated statements, and responder testimony.
Shoplifting — Disneyland
First-time client obtained an alternative resolution that resulted in dismissal and protected the client’s record.
Hit and Run Matter
Defense representation focused on identification, vehicle evidence, and the prosecution’s ability to establish who was driving.
Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Client Reviews
A Reputation Built One Client at a Time
Choosing a criminal defense lawyer can be difficult. Many clients first find my office the same way you may have — by reading what former clients have said about their experience.
★★★★★
“Hieu Vu was the most honest, caring and professional attorney with compassion and empathy I ever interviewed.”Mark K.
Client Review
★★★★★
“Hieu is very humble, personable, and made me feel very comfortable. His pricing is very reasonable and he updated me on everything frequently.”Lila K.
Client Review
★★★★★
“Attorney Vu seems to care and put a lot of effort in helping me. This guy will fight for you.”Nam B.
Client Review
Your Attorney
Hieu Vu — Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer
My practice is focused on criminal defense. I represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony allegations throughout Orange County, including DUI, theft, shoplifting, domestic disputes, hit-and-run, warrants, probation issues, prostitution-related cases, elder abuse allegations, and post-conviction matters.
I believe good criminal defense begins with understanding both the law and the evidence. My job is to identify what matters, explain the choices clearly, and develop a strategy that fits the facts of the individual case.
Just as important, clients should know what is happening in their case. I place a premium on communication, candid advice, and direct attorney involvement from beginning to end.
Schedule a Consultation Frequently Asked Questions
Questions After an Arrest or Criminal Charge
Can my criminal case be dismissed?
Some cases can be dismissed, reduced, diverted, or resolved without a conviction. The answer depends on the evidence, the charge, the client’s history, legal issues, and the facts of the particular case.
Should I explain my side to the police?
In most situations, it is safer to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering investigative questions. Statements intended to explain what happened can later become important prosecution evidence.
Will I have to personally appear in court?
It depends on the case. In many California misdemeanor matters an attorney may be able to appear without the client’s personal presence, while other proceedings require the defendant to attend.
What should I do after an arrest?
Keep your paperwork, preserve relevant messages or other evidence, avoid discussing the case publicly, and get legal advice before making decisions that may affect the defense.
Why does body-camera footage matter?
Bodycam can preserve the actual sequence of an investigation, including questions, answers, observations, tone, timing, and details that may be summarized differently in a written police report.
Confidential Consultation
Facing Criminal Charges in Orange County?
An arrest or accusation is the beginning of a case, not the end of one. The evidence should be reviewed carefully before important decisions are made about your future.
Contact the Law Office of Hieu Vu to discuss your case, the evidence, and the options available to you.
Call (714) 589-3063 Request a Confidential Consultation