When you have the luxury of choice, choose the power of experience
If you have been charged with a crime, you cannot afford to put your life in the hands of an inexperienced team of criminal defense lawyers.
With more than 56 years of combined experience as former Orange County prosecutors, Scott Simmons and Dan Wagner have tried more than 200 jury trials.
They understand how prosecutors think and prepare a criminal case. This means you get the legal representation that anticipates every move made by the prosecution team.
Our Practice Areas
Every Criminal Case. Every Client.
Simmons & Wagner Stand Ready to Defend You.
White Collar Crimes
Accused of a white collar offense? We defend clients facing charges such as fraud, bribery, insider trading, and more. Protect your reputation and future with our experienced legal team
DUI Crimes
A DUI charge can impact your license, job, and freedom. We provide aggressive defense for DUI and related offenses, working to minimize penalties and protect your rights
Domestic Violence
Allegations of domestic violence carry serious consequences. Our attorneys handle these sensitive cases with discretion and determination, fighting
for your side of the story and your future
Business Fraud
Charged with business fraud? We have extensive experience defending clients against allegations of corporate fraud, misrepresentation, and other white collar crimes in the business world
Embezzlement
Embezzlement accusations can threaten your career and freedom. Our team builds strong defenses for clients accused of misappropriating funds or property from employers or organizations
Money Laundering
Money laundering charges are complex and serious. We understand the intricacies of financial crime cases and work tirelessly to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your interests
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys That Get Positive Results
Immediate Help
Get fast legal support when you need it most. We’ll guide you through what comes next — no guesswork, just clarity.
Confidential Consultation
Talk one-on-one with a defense attorney. Your consultation is free, private, and focused on protecting your rights.
Proven Criminal Defense
From misdemeanors to major felonies, we’ve successfully defended clients across Southern California. We fight to win.
Scott Simmons and Dan Wagner Have Been
Featured On National Media Outlets
Scott Simmons and Dan Wagner Have Been Featured On National Media Outlets
Our Experience Has Benefits
Former Orange County Senior Deputy District Attorneys
Top Rated Attorney
With 30 years experience in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Scott has tried some of the most notorious cases in the state from sexual assaults, gang crimes, and homicides covered by international press from The OC Register, LA Times, Dateline, and more.
Scott Simmons
Former Orange County
Senior Deputy District
Attorney
With 30 years experience in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Scott has tried some of the most notorious cases in the state from sexual assaults, gang crimes, and homicides covered by international press from The OC Register, LA Times, Dateline, and more.
Scott Simmons
Former Orange County
Senior Deputy District
Attorney
Dan worked as a criminal prosecutor for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for 26 years. Dan has prosecuted cases as a Senior Deputy DA in the Special Assignments Unit, the Gang Unit, and the Homicide Unit before being promoted to be the Head of the Homicide Unit, a prosecution team which he supervised for eight years. During the course of his career, Dan has conducted over 80 jury trials.
Dan Wagner
Former Orange County
Senior Deputy District
Attorney
Top Rated Attorney
Dan worked as a criminal prosecutor for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for 26 years. Dan has prosecuted cases as a Senior Deputy DA in the Special Assignments Unit, the Gang Unit, and the Homicide Unit before being promoted to be the Head of the Homicide Unit, a prosecution team which he supervised for eight years. During the course of his career, Dan has conducted over 80 jury trials.
Dan Wagner
Former Orange County
Senior Deputy District
Attorney
What do I do if I’ve been accused of a sex crime?
Being accused of a sex crime is a serious matter that can have significant legal, social, and personal consequences. It is crucial to handle the situation with care and urgency. Here are detailed steps you should consider:
What are the first steps I should take if I am accused of money laundering?
If you are accused of money laundering, it’s crucial to take immediate and careful actions to protect your rights and prepare for the legal challenges ahead. Here are the first steps you should consider:
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney: Secure representation from an attorney who specializes in money laundering and financial crimes. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you understand the charges against you, and develop an effective defense strategy.
What should I do if I’m accused of business fraud but believe it was an honest mistake?
If you’re facing accusations of business fraud over what you believe was an honest mistake, it’s essential to understand that prosecutors may not see it the same way. In the legal world, even a simple error can be twisted into allegations of intentional fraud if not handled carefully. That’s why the first—and most important—step you should take is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
At Simmons & Wagner, we’ve seen firsthand how small business errors—like accounting mistakes, clerical oversights, or misunderstood regulatory obligations—can quickly escalate into criminal investigations. Prosecutors often assume the worst and aggressively pursue charges even when no criminal intent existed.
What constitutes insider trading, and how can I be charged?
Insider trading involves trading a company’s stock or other securities by individuals who have access to non-public, material information about the company. This material information could significantly influence an investor’s decision on whether to buy or sell the stock. Examples include undisclosed financial performance details, mergers, acquisitions, or any major executive changes within the company.
You can be charged with insider trading if you buy or sell stocks based on this privileged information before it becomes public. Charges can also arise if you pass this information to others who then engage in trading (often termed as ‘tipping’). Regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversee the enforcement of insider trading laws. Violations can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach.
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