
Gassia Apkarian, Criminal Defense Attorney in Santa Ana, California
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense
Attorney at LawatApkarian & Zalewski, APC
Santa Ana, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Santa Ana since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Gassia Apkarian is an attorney at law based in Santa Ana, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Gassia has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Apkarian & Zalewski, APC.
- Based in
- Santa Ana, CA
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · DV Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense matters from Santa Ana, CA.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Gassia Apkarian: Gassia Apkarian is an attorney at law based in Santa Ana, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Gassia has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Apkarian & Zalewski, APC.
Areas of practice
Gassia's practice areas in Santa Ana
Gassia concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, dv defense, general, and theft. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gassia handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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DV Defense
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General
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Theft
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Violent Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Santa Ana, California
Gassia takes criminal defense matters in Santa Ana, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gassia agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Santa Ana, California
Gassia takes dui/dwi matters in Santa Ana, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gassia agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in Santa Ana, California
Gassia takes dv defense matters in Santa Ana, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gassia agrees to represent you.
General cases in Santa Ana, California
Gassia takes general matters in Santa Ana, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gassia agrees to represent you.
Theft cases in Santa Ana, California
Gassia takes theft matters in Santa Ana, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gassia agrees to represent you.
Biography
Gassia Apkarian, criminal defense attorney serving Santa Ana
Gassia Apkarian is an attorney at law based in Santa Ana, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Gassia has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Apkarian & Zalewski, APC. Gassia works from Santa Ana, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Gassia Apkarian is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, misdemeanors, felonies and 9 other areas of law. Gassia received a B.A. degree from University of California at Irvine in 1988, and has been licensed for 32 years. Gassia practices at Apkarian & Zalewski, APC in Santa Ana, CA.
Working with Gassia on a criminal defense matter
Gassia Apkarian is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, misdemeanors, felonies and 9 other areas of law. Gassia received a B.A. degree from University of California at Irvine in 1988, and has been licensed for 32 years. Gassia practices at Apkarian & Zalewski, APC in Santa Ana, CA.
Who Gassia represents
Gassia reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and dv defense matters in Santa Ana and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Gassia studied and practices
University of La Verne
J.D. · 1992
University of California at Irvine
B.A. · 1988
Jurisdictions
Gassia's state bar admissions
California
1994 · ACTIVE
Gassia studied at J.D. in University of La Verne and B.A. in University of California at Irvine.
Law school and academic background
Gassia completed J.D. in University of La Verne and B.A. in University of California at Irvine. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gassia runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Gassia's professional memberships and bar associations
Orange County Bar Association State Bar of California National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers California Attorneys for Criminal Justice California Public Defender Association
membership
Locations
Gassia Apkarian's office in Santa Ana
Gassia's primary office is at 918 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA, 92701. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Gassia Apkarian
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Gassia Apkarian — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Gassia usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Gassia charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gassia's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Gassia will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Santa Ana, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Gassia
Gassia discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Gassia confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Gassia's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Gassia Apkarian
How much does it cost to hire Gassia for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gassia walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Gassia offer a free consultation?
Gassia charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gassia's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Gassia's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Gassia gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Gassia take my case if I'm outside Santa Ana?
Gassia is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Gassia will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Gassia?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Gassia will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Gassia accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Gassia's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Santa Ana, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Gassia handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
- Santa Ana2,640 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
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If Gassia's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Santa Ana handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.