Diana Cavanaugh, Criminal Defense Attorney in Newport Beach, California
Over 49 years of legal practice · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatDina Cavanaugh
Newport Beach, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Newport Beach since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Diana Cavanaugh?
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Quick answer
Diana Cavanaugh is a member based in Newport Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Diana has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dina Cavanaugh. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Newport Beach, CA
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from Newport Beach, CA.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Diana Cavanaugh: Diana Cavanaugh is a member based in Newport Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Diana has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dina Cavanaugh. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Diana Cavanaugh
Diana concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Diana handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Newport Beach, California
Diana takes criminal defense matters in Newport Beach, 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 Diana agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Diana Cavanaugh — Over 49 years of California criminal defense experience
Diana Cavanaugh is a member based in Newport Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Diana has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dina Cavanaugh. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Diana Cavanaugh is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Diana received a B.A. degree from San Diego State University in 1965, and has been licensed for 49 years. Diana practices at Dina Cavanaugh in Newport Beach, CA.
Working with Diana on a criminal defense matter
Diana Cavanaugh is a lawyer practicing criminal law. Diana received a B.A. degree from San Diego State University in 1965, and has been licensed for 49 years. Diana practices at Dina Cavanaugh in Newport Beach, CA.
Clients Diana works with
Diana reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in Newport Beach and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Diana Cavanaugh's legal education and bar admissions
Western State University
J.D. · 1977
San Diego State University
B.A. · 1965
Jurisdictions
Diana's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
California
1977 · ACTIVE
Diana studied at J.D. in Western State University and B.A. in San Diego State University.
Law school and academic background
Diana completed J.D. in Western State University and B.A. in San Diego State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Diana runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Diana Cavanaugh
Diana has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Diana's professional memberships and bar associations
Harbor, Orange County, West Orange County (Director, 1994-2000) and Federal Bar Associations State Bar of California California Public Defenders Association California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
membership
Locations
Diana Cavanaugh's office in Newport Beach
Diana's primary office is at 5140 Birch St., Ste. 100, Newport Beach, CA, 92660-2169. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Diana Cavanaugh — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Diana. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Newport Beach.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Diana Cavanaugh claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Diana Cavanaugh — 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 Diana usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Diana charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diana'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; Diana will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Newport Beach, 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 Diana
Diana 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. Diana confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Diana'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 Diana Cavanaugh
How much does it cost to hire Diana for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Diana walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Diana offer a free consultation?
Diana charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diana's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Diana'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. Diana gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Diana take my case if I'm outside Newport Beach?
Diana 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 — Diana 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 Diana?
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. Diana will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Diana accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Diana'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 Newport Beach, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Diana 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.
- Newport Beach3,106 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
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in California
If Diana's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Newport Beach handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




