Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney
Trust your case to the attorney who handles it herself.
For 18 years, Meghan Taylor has defended people facing everything from first-time misdemeanors to serious felonies and fought to protect their driving privileges at DMV hearings.
Arrested for DUI?
10 days
That is how long you have to request a DMV hearing before your license suspension takes effect automatically. Don’t let the deadline pass.
18 years
defending clients in criminal court
SFST Instructor
NHTSA-qualified in the field sobriety tests police use
Focused on Orange County
Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Fullerton & Westminster courthouses
One attorney
Meghan handles every case herself, start to finish
Practice Areas
Defense for every charge, at every stage.
Whether you’re under investigation, were just arrested, received a court date in the mail, or are already mid-case, the earlier you get counsel the more options you keep.
Before Charges Are Filed
Under investigation, or getting calls from police?
If a detective or investigator has called, left a card at your door, or asked you to “come in and talk,” you have the right to an attorney before you say anything. Meghan represents clients at the pre-filing stage: she handles communication with law enforcement and works to protect you before a case is ever filed.
01
DUI Defense
First-time and repeat DUIs including DUI with injury, drug DUIs, and DUIs under age 21.
02
DMV Hearings
DUI and test-refusal suspension hearings, re-examination hearings, and license actions after an accident or a medical issue.
03
Misdemeanors
Petty theft, vandalism, disorderly conduct, hit and runs, batteries, and other lower-level charges.
04
Felonies
Serious felony charges such as burglary, theft, embezzelment, fraud, assaults, and weapons offenses.
05
Domestic Violence
Defense against domestic battery, corporal injury, and related charges.
06
Drug Charges
Possession, possession for sale, and diversion programs that can keep a conviction off your record.
DMV Hearings
A DUI arrest starts two cases, not one.
The criminal case goes to court. The license case goes to the DMV, and it moves on its own, faster clock. Winning one doesn’t automatically win the other, so both need a defense.
Meghan handles both sides together, so what she learns at the DMV hearing can strengthen your defense in court.
Day 0 · Arrest
Your license is taken
Officers usually confiscate your license and issue a pink notice that serves as a 30-day temporary license.
By day 10 · Request
The hearing must be requested
Miss this window and the suspension takes effect automatically. Requesting a hearing can keep you driving while it’s pending.
The hearing
The DMV’s evidence is challenged
The stop, the arrest, and the test results are all open to question, and the officer’s report is reviewed line by line.
Beyond DUI
Re-examinations and other license actions
The DMV can also move to suspend or restrict your license after a collision, a report of a medical condition, or a referral from a police officer or doctor. Often the first sign is a notice ordering you to a re-examination.
Meghan represents drivers at re-examination hearings and in other DMV license actions, so you have someone in your corner who knows the process before your driving privilege is decided.
About the Attorney
Meghan Taylor
Meghan is a skilled criminal defense attorney with 18 years of experience who enjoys the respect and goodwill not only of the criminal defense bar, but of prosecutors and judges as well. Criminal justice is her passion: she takes great pride in defending the rights of people facing criminal charges and in giving clients peace of mind during a stressful time.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has qualified Meghan as a Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor, so she knows exactly how these tests are supposed to be given, and how often they aren’t. She is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association, past President of the West Orange County Bar Association, and speaks throughout the county to educate the public about their constitutional rights.
Before law school, Meghan served a year in AmeriCorps. She earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Point Loma Nazarene University, where she played on the nationally ranked women’s volleyball team, and her law degree from Chapman University School of Law, where she served on the Executive Board of the Journal of Criminal Justice.
EducationJ.D., Chapman University School of Law
B.A., magna cum laude, Point Loma Nazarene University
AdmittedState Bar of California
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
CertificationNHTSA-qualified Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor
LeadershipPast President, West Orange County Bar Association
Member, California DUI Lawyers Association
My Commitment to You
I don’t hand your case to another attorney. I do the work myself, and you’ll hear from me directly.
Many firms sign clients and pass the file to an associate. At my office, the attorney you hire is the attorney who reviews your evidence, stands next to you in court, and answers your calls and emails.
What to Expect
1
Confidential consultation
Tell Meghan what happened. She’ll explain the process, what you’re facing, and how she can help, in plain language.
2
A clear strategy
She reviews the police reports and evidence, then lays out your options, from dismissal and diversion to negotiation or trial.
3
Defense in court
Meghan appears with you or for you at every hearing and keeps you informed, so you always know where your case stands.
Client Reviews
In their words.
Meghan is the best, period. She provides nothing but exceptional advice, service and peace of mind during any process. Going to court for any reason is awful, but when you need someone to help you navigate and fight for your rights and get the facts straight, she does above and beyond what you would expect.
Client R.E.
Meghan is amazing. She helped me tremendously through a difficult time. She took the time to always explain what was going on and I never felt judged by her. She made me feel like I was her only client and treated the entire situation that way. She went above and beyond for me and I am forever grateful.
Client H.B.
Meghan is my hero. She stepped in and brought calm and reasoning to a very difficult and confusing time in our family. She was compassionate, understanding and professional when we needed it. She took the time to explain everything in detail and encouraged questions. Her knowledge of the law and her contacts with the court truly paid off. I highly recommend Meghan to anyone who has the misfortune of getting a DUI. She will go to bat for you!
Client L.O.
Testimonials reflect individual client experiences and do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the outcome of any case.
Contact
Talk to Meghan today.
Every conversation is confidential. The sooner you call, the more options you keep.
Phone949-734-0378
Emailmeghan@meghantaylorlaw.com
Office1422 Edinger Ave. Ste 100
Tustin, CA 92866
HoursMonday-Friday 8:30am-5pm
Weekends for urgent matters only.
