Safety Alert: Beware of AI-Generated Scams Impersonating Serrato Law Firm

Aviso de Seguridad para Clientes: Cuidado con Estafas Generadas con Inteligencia Artificial que Suplantan a Serrato Law Firm

Hemos tomado conocimiento de que estafadores están utilizando inteligencia artificial para alterar fotografías y otro contenido tomado de nuestro sitio web con el fin de crear perfiles, documentos o mensajes falsos que parecen provenir de Serrato Law Firm. Estos estafadores utilizan este material fabricado para contactar a clientes actuales o potenciales y solicitarles transferencias de dinero, pago de honorarios, fondos de acuerdos u otros pagos.

Por favor, tenga en cuenta: Serrato Law Firm nunca le pedirá que envíe ningún tipo de pago hasta que usted haya firmado un contrato de representación (retainer agreement) por escrito con nuestra oficina. Si recibe una llamada, mensaje de texto, correo electrónico o mensaje solicitándole que envíe dinero y usted no ha firmado un contrato con nosotros, dicha comunicación no proviene de nuestra firma — no envíe fondos ni información personal o financiera.

Si recibe una llamada que dice ser de nuestra oficina, el identificador de llamadas (Caller ID) siempre comenzará con el código de área (714) y mostrará “Serrato Law Firm”. Si tiene alguna duda sobre la autenticidad de una comunicación, cuelgue y llámenos directamente a nuestro número principal, (714) 775-6654, para verificarlo.

Si cree que ha sido objeto de esta estafa, comuníquese con nuestra oficina de inmediato al (714) 775-6654. También puede reportar el incidente a la policía local y a la Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC) en reportfraud.ftc.gov.


Client Safety Alert: Beware of AI-Generated Scams Impersonating Serrato Law Firm

We have become aware that scammers are using artificial intelligence to alter photographs and other content taken from our website in order to create fake profiles, documents, or messages that appear to come from Serrato Law Firm. These scammers use this fabricated material to contact current or prospective clients and request money transfers, retainer fees, settlement funds, or other payments.

Please know: Serrato Law Firm will never ask you to send payment of any kind until you have signed a written retainer agreement with our office. If you receive a call, text, email, or message asking you to send money and you have not signed a retainer agreement with us, it is not from our firm — do not send any funds or personal or financial information.

If you receive a call that claims to be from our office, our Caller ID will always begin with area code (714) and will display “Serrato Law Firm.” If you have any doubt about the authenticity of a communication, hang up and call us directly at our main office number, (714) 775-6654, to verify.

If you believe you have been targeted by this scam, please contact our office immediately at (714) 775-6654. You may also wish to report the incident to local law enforcement and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

217 N. Main Street, Suite 300 · Santa Ana, CA 92701 Free Consultation · (714) 775-6654
SERRATO LAW FIRM
 A Professional Corporation
Santa Ana · Orange County · Los Angeles County

Your Future. Your Recovery. Your Freedom.

Serrato Law Firm stands with families and individuals facing immigration challenges, serious injuries, and criminal or DUI charges. Personal attention, clear communication, and a team that fights for you.

Free initial consultation Injury cases: no fee unless we win* Confidential
Su Abogado de Confianza

Free Consultation

Speak with our team about your case today.

(714) 775-6654
  • Immigration — petitions, green cards, removal defense
  • Personal Injury — accidents, slip & fall, wrongful death
  • Criminal & DUI — DUI, DMV hearings, expungements

217 N. Main Street, Suite 300 · Santa Ana, CA 92701

Schedule Consultation

How We Help

Three Practice Areas. One Committed Team.

Whether you're building a life in the United States, recovering from an accident, or defending your rights in court, we handle your case with the care it deserves.

Immigration

Guidance through every step of the immigration process for individuals, families, and employers.

  • Family-based petitions
  • Green cards & adjustment of status
  • Citizenship & naturalization
  • DACA, TPS & waivers
  • Removal defense
Learn more →

Personal Injury

We pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

  • Car & truck accidents
  • Motorcycle & pedestrian accidents
  • Slip & fall / premises liability
  • Dog bites
  • Wrongful death
Learn more →

Criminal & DUI

Aggressive defense to protect your record, your license, and your freedom.

  • DUI / DMV hearings
  • Misdemeanors & felonies
  • Drug offenses
  • Domestic violence
  • Expungements
Learn more →
Immigration enforcement officer
Immigration

Keeping Families Together and Futures Secure

Immigration law is complex and constantly changing. A missed deadline or incomplete form can mean months of delay — or worse. We review your options carefully, prepare your filings thoroughly, and represent you before USCIS and the immigration courts.

From a first visa petition to defending against removal, we explain each step in plain language so you always know where your case stands.

Have a hearing or deadline coming up? Call us right away at (714) 775-6654 so we can review your notice.
Family PetitionsI-130 petitions for spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
Adjustment of StatusGreen card applications from within the U.S.
NaturalizationN-400 citizenship applications and interview preparation.
DACA & TPSInitial applications and timely renewals.
WaiversUnlawful presence and inadmissibility waivers.
Removal DefenseRepresentation in immigration court proceedings.
U & T Visas / VAWAProtection for victims of crime and abuse.
Consular ProcessingVisa interviews for relatives abroad.
Personal Injury

Injured? Focus on Healing. We'll Handle the Rest.

After an accident, insurance companies move quickly to limit what they pay. We level the playing field — investigating the facts, gathering evidence, working with your medical providers, and negotiating firmly for a fair settlement. When necessary, we take your case to trial.

Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency basis: you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.*

Time limits apply. In California, most injury claims must be filed within two years — and claims against government entities can have much shorter deadlines. Don't wait.
Car AccidentsRear-end, intersection, and hit-and-run collisions.
Truck AccidentsCommercial vehicle and big-rig crashes.
Motorcycle AccidentsSerious injuries caused by negligent drivers.
Pedestrian & BicycleInjuries to those most vulnerable on the road.
Slip & FallUnsafe conditions on someone else's property.
Dog BitesCalifornia holds owners strictly liable.
Rideshare AccidentsUber and Lyft crash claims.
Wrongful DeathCompassionate support for grieving families.
Criminal & DUI

Arrested or Charged? Protect Your Rights Now.

A criminal charge can affect your job, your license, your family — and for non-citizens, your immigration status. We build a strong defense from day one: examining the evidence, challenging improper stops and searches, and fighting for dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing.

Because we also practice immigration law, we understand how a criminal case can impact your status and work to protect you on both fronts.

Arrested for DUI? You generally have only 10 days from the arrest to request a DMV hearing to protect your driver's license. Call us immediately.
DUI DefenseFirst-time and repeat DUI, DUI with injury.
DMV HearingsFighting license suspensions.
MisdemeanorsPetty theft, vandalism, driving on a suspended license.
FeloniesSerious charges requiring experienced defense.
Drug OffensesPossession, diversion programs, and more.
Domestic ViolenceCharges and protective orders.
ExpungementsClearing your record for a fresh start.
WarrantsResolving outstanding warrants safely.
Why Serrato Law Firm

Personal Service. Serious Advocacy.

You'll work with a team that knows your name and your case.

01

Direct Communication

Clear answers and regular updates — you'll never wonder what's happening with your case.

02

Local Knowledge

Based in downtown Santa Ana, serving clients throughout Orange County and Southern California.

03

Cross-Practice Insight

Criminal and immigration issues often overlap. We see the whole picture and plan accordingly.

04

Accessible Fees

Free consultations, contingency fees for injury cases, and payment plans available for other matters.

What to Expect

Getting Started Is Simple

Contact Us

Call our office and we'll schedule your free consultation.

Case Review

We listen, review your documents, and explain your options.

Strategy

We build a plan tailored to your goals and get to work.

Resolution

We advocate for you until your case is resolved.

Our Team

Meet the People Who Fight for You

Experienced, bilingual advocates dedicated to every client.

Fabian Serrato, Founder & President

Fabian Serrato

Founder & President

Fabian Serrato

Founder & President

Born and raised in Southern California, Mr. Serrato founded Serrato Law Firm, PC in Santa Ana, California shortly after graduating from the prestigious UCLA School of Law as a way to serve his community.

For over 20 years now, Mr. Serrato has served the city of Santa Ana providing legal representation in immigration, criminal, and personal injury matters.

In his nearly 20 years of practice, Mr. Serrato has established himself as one of the best litigators in the field. He has successfully helped thousands of immigrants obtain lawful status in the United States, defending immigrants before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

Mr. Serrato has represented individuals in criminal proceedings to ensure that minor offenses do not result in serious immigration consequences and that everyone's rights are protected in court.

He has also helped clients recover millions in damages in personal injury claims. He ensures that immigrants know they can pursue recovery after they've been hurt in an accident, regardless of their immigration status.

Through his success, he has won numerous professional accolades for his practice, and won precedent-setting cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals.

In his spare time, Fabian Serrato enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys, as well as cheering on his teams in blue. Go Bruins! Let's Go Dodgers!

Education

  • UCLA School of Law — J.D. — Class of 1999
  • UCLA — B.A. — Class of 1993

Awards and Honors

  • Litigator of the Year, 2020 (American Institute)
  • Premier Lawyers of America (Personal Injury), 2019
  • Premier Attorney Rating, 2020
  • Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2018
  • 10 Best Attorneys, Personal Injury, 2018 (American Institute)
  • Top 100 Lawyers, 2016 (The National Advocates)
  • Top 1% of Attorneys in America, 2019 — $25,000,000 recovered
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2011

Representative Cases

  • Matter of Avilez, 23 I&N Dec. 799 (BIA 2005) — Board of Immigration Appeals
Fernando Magdaleno, Esq. — Senior Associate Attorney

Fernando Magdaleno, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

Fernando Magdaleno, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

An Anaheim native, Attorney Fernando Magdaleno pursued the legal field as a means to serve his community.

Fernando Magdaleno began his career working as a Fellow at the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, where he assisted clients in landlord-tenant disputes, assisted with limited civil actions, and helped lead bankruptcy and immigration clinics for the community.

He continued his spirit of service by joining Serrato Law Firm, PC in 2018 to help the large immigrant community in Orange County.

Mr. Magdaleno has successfully defended immigrants in immigration proceedings in Orange County and throughout Southern California. He has successfully litigated matters before the Santa Ana Immigration Court, Los Angeles Immigration Court, Van Nuys Immigration Court, and the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Outside of the office, Mr. Magdaleno helps raise his four children, teaching them the value of service to one's community, and to always root for the Dodgers.

Education

  • Whittier Law School — J.D.
  • California State University, Fullerton — B.A.

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Professional Affiliations

  • Los Angeles County Bar Association, Present
  • Legal Aid Society of Orange County, Fellow/Volunteer, 2017 to 2018
Anabel Sanchez, Esq., Senior Associate Attorney

Anabel Sanchez, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

Anabel Sanchez, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

Ms. Sanchez grew up in Los Angeles and was the first in her family to attend college.

She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Upon graduation, she began working for Union Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter located on Skid Row. Since her time at Union Rescue Mission, she has focused her career on assisting underprivileged communities and vulnerable populations.

Ms. Sanchez holds a law degree from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and was admitted to practice law in 2021. Ms. Sanchez leads our Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) docket, which focuses on immigration relief for undocumented youth.

In 2025, Ms. Sanchez was nominated as the first Latina Foundation President for the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA). The WLALA Foundation supports the next generation of female attorneys and is committed to improving the status of women in the legal profession by funding scholarships, fellowships, and local community programs.

Ms. Sanchez was the recipient of the 2024 Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award from the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law. This award honors a volunteer lawyer who has provided substantial services on cases providing relief to clients who have greatly benefited from in-court representation. Ms. Sanchez continues to collaborate with the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law as a pro bono attorney representing victims of domestic violence.

Education

  • Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law — J.D.
  • UCLA — B.A., Sociology

Awards and Honors

  • Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year, 2024 — Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law
  • Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation — Presidential Nominee, 2025

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish
George A. Gallegos, Esq., Of Counsel

George A. Gallegos, Esq.

Of Counsel

George A. Gallegos, Esq.

Of Counsel

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, George A. Gallegos has dedicated his career to providing exceptional legal representation with a deeply rooted commitment to his community. Mr. Gallegos attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned his Bachelor's degree before remaining on campus to graduate from the prestigious UCLA School of Law. Mr. Gallegos was admitted to the California State Bar in 2000.

Upon entering practice, Mr. Gallegos joined one of the largest corporate law firms in Orange County, where he gained invaluable, high-stakes experience representing major corporations in complex legal matters. Driven by a desire to serve others, he chose to leave corporate practice to return to his roots and advocate directly for members of his community.

For over two decades, Mr. Gallegos has successfully represented clients in complex criminal defense matters throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. His unwavering ethics and courtroom success earned him recognition as one of the state's top legal advocates, including the prestigious honor of being named a Super Lawyer—a distinction reserved for a select percentage of attorneys in California.

Today, Mr. Gallegos brings his formidable background to Serrato Law Firm, PC, serving as Of Counsel. In this role, he focuses his practice on guiding clients through highly complex criminal defense matters. His deep experience spans a wide spectrum of charges, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI), drug possession, domestic violence, theft, weapons offenses, and probation violations.

Education

  • UCLA School of Law — J.D. — Class of 1999
  • University of California, Los Angeles — B.A.

Awards and Honors

  • Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2009–2010
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

GeneralHow much does a consultation cost?

Your initial consultation is free. We'll review your situation and explain your options and fees before you make any decision.

InjuryHow much will my injury case cost?

Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and you pay no attorney fee if there is no recovery. We'll explain any case costs in your written agreement.

InjuryShould I talk to the other driver's insurance company?

It's best to speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement or signing anything. Statements can be used to minimize or deny your claim.

ImmigrationCan a criminal record affect my immigration case?

Yes. Certain convictions can affect eligibility for green cards, citizenship, and other relief, and may lead to removal proceedings. Speak with us before entering any plea.

ImmigrationHow long does a family-based green card take?

Timelines vary widely depending on the relationship, the petitioner's status, country of birth, and current processing times. We'll give you a realistic estimate after reviewing your case.

DUIWill I lose my license after a DUI arrest?

Not necessarily. You generally have 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing. A timely request can delay a suspension and gives you a chance to contest it.

CriminalCan I clear my criminal record?

Many California convictions are eligible for expungement once probation is completed. We'll review your record and determine your eligibility.

Don't face it alone. Talk to us today.

Call (714) 775-6654
Contact

Visit or Call Our Office

⌂

Office

217 N. Main Street, Suite 300
Santa Ana, CA 92701

◷

Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Evenings & weekends by appointment if available

📞 Call Now — Free Consultation