About Ray
Ray Chen is an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney with more than 26 years of experience defending clients against serious felony charges. A longtime Orange County resident, Mr. Chen spent 26 years as a Senior Deputy Alternate Defender for Orange County, representing clients facing some of the most serious criminal allegations under California law.
Throughout his career, Mr. Chen has tried more than 65 felony cases, including over 40 cases involving potential life sentences and eight murder trials. His extensive trial experience includes attempted murder, carjacking, robbery, gang-related offenses, torture, kidnapping, child abuse resulting in death, firearms offenses, and California Three Strikes cases.
Mr. Chen also has substantial experience litigating resentencing motions in homicide cases, helping clients pursue opportunities for reduced sentences under California law.
Having lived in Orange County for more than 30 years, Mr. Chen brings an exceptional understanding of the local criminal justice system to Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys. His decades of experience in Orange County courtrooms, combined with his familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures, provide valuable insight when evaluating cases, negotiating with prosecutors, and developing effective defense strategies.
Career History
Senior Trial Attorney
Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys
October 2026 to present
Orange County, California
Senior Attorney
Office of the Alternate Defender, County of Orange
July 2000 to October 2026
Santa Ana, California
Staff Attorney
Children's Law Center of California (formerly Dependency Court Legal Services)
January 1995 to July 2000
Monterey Park, California
Awards
- American Association of Attorney Advocates Top 10 Law Firm (2026)
- American Institute 10 Best Law Firm (2026)
- American Institute of Legal Advocates Top Law Firm (2026)
- American Institute of Trial Lawyers Best Law Firm (2026)
