When you face criminal charges in Los Angeles, finding the right legal representation is crucial.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
They can protect your rights, navigate complex legal procedures, and work towards the best possible resolution.
The best criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles possess extensive experience, a strong reputation, and specialized knowledge of California’s criminal laws. These attorneys have a track record of successfully defending clients against various charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
By choosing a top-rated lawyer, you can ensure that your case receives the attention and expertise it deserves.
1) Mark Geragos
Mark Geragos is a prominent criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles.
He is the managing partner of Geragos & Geragos, a well-known litigation firm in California.
You might recognize Geragos from his high-profile cases.
He has represented numerous celebrities and public figures throughout his career.
His client list includes Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, and Scott Peterson.
Geragos has received significant recognition for his legal work.
He has been named “Lawyer of the Year” in both criminal and civil arenas, a rare distinction shared only with Johnnie Cochran.
California Law Business Magazine has repeatedly acknowledged Geragos’s influence.
They have named him “One of the 100 Most Influential Attorneys in California” for three consecutive years.
Your peers in the legal community also hold Geragos in high regard.
He has been voted one of Los Angeles’ SuperLawyers multiple times.
This recognition speaks to his skill and reputation among fellow attorneys.
Geragos’s accolades extend beyond peer recognition.
He has been awarded the California Lawyer of the Year award in Civil Litigation.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association named him Trial Lawyer of the Year.
2) Shawn Holley
Shawn Holley is a prominent criminal defense attorney based in Los Angeles.
Her career began as a Los Angeles County Public Defender, where she handled numerous serious criminal cases from start to trial.
You might recognize Holley from her work on high-profile cases.
She was a member of the famous O.J. Simpson “Dream Team” during his 1994-95 criminal defense trial.
Holley’s expertise extends beyond criminal defense.
She is currently a partner at Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir LLP, a boutique entertainment and business litigation firm in Santa Monica.
Her experience includes serving as the Managing Partner of the Los Angeles office of The Cochran Firm.
She also headed its national Criminal Defense Section.
Holley’s skills have earned her recognition in the legal community.
She has been named one of the top-rated Criminal Defense attorneys in Los Angeles by Super Lawyers, a distinction that requires meeting stringent selection criteria.
If you’re seeking a criminal defense lawyer with a proven track record, Shawn Holley’s extensive experience and high-profile case history make her a strong contender.
Her background in both criminal defense and entertainment law provides a unique perspective that could benefit your case.
3) Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson stands out as a prominent criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles.
His impressive career spans both prosecution and defense, giving him a unique perspective on criminal cases.
As a former Los Angeles District Attorney, Jackson gained valuable experience that now benefits his clients.
He understands criminal cases from every angle, which contributes to his high success rate.
You might be interested to know that Jackson has achieved a remarkable 96% career success rate.
This statistic speaks volumes about his skill and dedication to his clients’ cases.
Jackson’s expertise extends to complex criminal cases and high-profile trials.
His background as a prosecutor allows him to anticipate the strategies of the opposing side, giving you a significant advantage in your defense.
Alan J. Jackson is recognized for his exceptional work in the legal field.
He has been named one of California’s Top 100 Lawyers, a testament to his professional accomplishments and reputation.
When you choose Jackson as your defense attorney, you benefit from his extensive experience and proven track record.
His ability to navigate complex legal situations can be crucial in securing favorable outcomes for his clients.
4) Harland Braun
Harland Braun is a renowned criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles with over 50 years of experience.
His expertise and dedication have earned him a reputation as one of the best in the field.
You might recognize Braun from his high-profile cases.
He successfully defended director John Landis in the Twilight Zone manslaughter trial and represented Rep. Bobbi Fiedler against bribery charges.
Braun’s educational background is impressive.
He received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 1967, where he served as Senior Editor on the UCLA Law Review.
His career began at the Office of Economic Opportunity in Washington, D.C. This experience laid the foundation for his future success in criminal defense.
Braun’s firm, Braun & Braun LLP, is located in Los Angeles.
You can find him handling complex criminal defense and white-collar crime cases.
His commitment to justice and thorough approach to each case sets him apart.
When you need a top-tier criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, Harland Braun should be on your list of considerations.
Braun’s extensive experience and track record of success make him a formidable advocate for his clients.
You can trust that he will fight tirelessly for your rights and provide expert legal representation.
5) Blair Berk
Blair Berk is a highly regarded criminal defense attorney practicing in Los Angeles.
You’ll find her office located in West Hollywood, where she has built a reputation for handling high-profile cases.
Berk’s expertise spans various areas of criminal defense, including white-collar crime.
Her skills have earned her recognition in the legal community, with selections to Super Lawyers for multiple years.
When you’re looking for top-tier legal representation, Berk’s credentials stand out.
She has been listed among the Best Lawyers in America from 2005 to 2012, showcasing her consistent excellence in the field.
You can find Blair Berk at Berk Brettler LLP, where she continues to provide robust defense for her clients.
Her office is situated on Sunset Boulevard, a convenient location for those seeking her services.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, Berk’s experience and track record make her a formidable advocate.
Her dedication to criminal defense has earned her a place among the city’s most respected attorneys in this challenging area of law.
6) Ethan A. Balogh
Ethan A. Balogh is a highly regarded criminal defense attorney in Northern California.
While not based in Los Angeles, his reputation extends throughout the state.
You’ll find Mr. Balogh at Coleman & Balogh LLP in San Francisco.
He specializes in white-collar criminal defense, bringing extensive experience to complex cases.
The legal community recognizes Balogh’s expertise.
He has been described as a “top-flight criminal attorney” by respected legal publications.
This speaks to his skill and effectiveness in defending clients.
Balogh’s educational background includes a law degree, though specific details about his education are not provided in the available information.
His professional accolades, however, indicate a strong foundation in criminal law.
You can expect eloquent oral arguments from Mr. Balogh.
The New York Times has highlighted this particular strength, which can be crucial in courtroom proceedings.
If you’re facing white-collar criminal charges in California, Balogh’s expertise could be valuable.
While his office is in San Francisco, his services may extend to cases in the Los Angeles area.
7) Leonard Levine
Leonard B. Levine stands out as a prominent criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles.
With a career spanning decades, Levine has represented clients in over 80 felony jury trials, showcasing his extensive experience in the field.
His expertise covers a wide range of criminal cases, including rape, sexual assault, robbery, and first-degree murder.
You can trust Levine’s capabilities in handling complex white-collar crimes and insurance fraud cases as well.
Levine’s exceptional skills have earned him recognition from his peers.
He has been awarded the Jerry Giesler Award for Trial Lawyer of the Year twice, a testament to his courtroom prowess and dedication to his clients.
You’ll find Levine practicing at Levine, Flier and Flier, LLP in Encino, California.
His firm specializes in criminal defense, offering you top-tier legal representation when you need it most.
Levine’s commitment to excellence is further evidenced by his consistent selection to Super Lawyers from 2004 to 2019.
This recognition highlights his standing among the best criminal defense attorneys in the Los Angeles area.
8) Thomas Mesereau
Thomas Mesereau is a renowned criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles.
You may recognize him as the lawyer who successfully defended Michael Jackson in his high-profile 2005 trial.
Mesereau Law Group has built a reputation for handling complex and challenging cases.
You can trust Mesereau’s extensive experience in both state and federal courts.
Mesereau’s accolades include being named the 2022 Los Angeles “Lawyer of the Year” for Criminal Defense: General Practice by Best Lawyers.
This recognition highlights his exceptional skills and dedication to his clients.
You’ll find that Mesereau’s expertise extends beyond celebrity cases.
He has represented clients from all walks of life, including those facing white-collar criminal charges and death row inmates.
If you’re seeking top-tier legal representation, you should know that Mesereau has received numerous awards for his work. Loyola Law School presented him with the 2011 Fidler Institute Award for Excellence in Criminal Defense.
When you choose Mesereau, you’re selecting an attorney who has been recognized as the Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer of the Year by the National Trial Lawyers.
His track record speaks for itself, making him a formidable advocate for your legal needs.
9) J. Tony Serra
J. Tony Serra is a renowned criminal defense attorney based in San Francisco, not Los Angeles.
Despite this, his reputation extends far beyond the Bay Area.
Serra’s law office has been defending society’s outcasts for over four decades.
You might recognize him for his specialization in high-profile jury trials and his unwavering commitment to justice.
As a graduate of Stanford University and Boalt Hall, Serra brings a wealth of knowledge to his practice.
His expertise covers both state and federal criminal defense cases.
Serra’s career highlights include his successful defense in the Chol Soo Lee case, which earned him an honorable mention from American Lawyer magazine in 1982.
This recognition speaks to his skill and dedication in the courtroom.
You’ll find Serra’s approach to law unique.
He’s known for his counterculture warrior persona and his willingness to take on challenging cases that others might avoid.
Serra’s commitment to his principles is evident in his work.
He’s defended clients from various backgrounds, often those marginalized by society, demonstrating his belief in equal justice for all.
While not based in Los Angeles, Serra’s influence on criminal defense law makes him a figure worth knowing about if you’re seeking top-tier legal representation.
His decades of experience and numerous high-profile cases have cemented his reputation as one of California’s most notable criminal defense attorneys.
10) Matthew D. Muller
Matthew D. Muller is a disbarred lawyer who gained notoriety for his involvement in a high-profile kidnapping case in California.
His story serves as a cautionary tale in the legal profession.
Muller, once a Harvard-trained attorney and ex-Marine, received a 31-year prison sentence for orchestrating a kidnapping so bizarre that authorities initially dismissed it as a hoax.
This case drew significant media attention and public interest.
You should be aware that Muller’s actions led to his disbarment, effectively ending his legal career.
His case highlights the importance of ethical conduct and the severe consequences of criminal behavior for legal professionals.
While Muller’s story is noteworthy, it’s crucial to remember that he no longer practices law and does not represent the standards of the legal profession.
When seeking a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, you should focus on currently licensed attorneys with strong ethical records and proven track records of success.
Understanding Criminal Defense Law
Criminal defense law protects individuals accused of crimes and ensures their constitutional rights are upheld.
It encompasses various legal strategies and procedures to defend against criminal charges.
Basics of Criminal Defense
Criminal defense involves protecting the rights of those accused of crimes. Defense attorneys work to challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and represent clients in court.
Key elements include:
- Presumption of innocence
- Right to remain silent
- Right to legal representation
You should understand that criminal defense lawyers investigate cases, gather evidence, and develop strategies to create reasonable doubt.
Effective defense often involves:
- Analyzing police reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting expert witnesses
- Filing motions to suppress evidence
Types of Criminal Charges
Criminal charges in Los Angeles range from minor infractions to serious felonies. Criminal defense attorneys handle various case types, including:
- DUI offenses
- Drug possession and trafficking
- Assault and battery
- White-collar crimes
- Sex offenses
Misdemeanors typically carry lighter sentences, while felonies can result in significant prison time.
Common misdemeanors include:
- Petty theft
- Simple assault
- Trespassing
Felony charges often involve:
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Aggravated assault
- Murder
You should be aware that some crimes can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.
Qualities of the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer
When seeking legal representation in Los Angeles, certain qualities distinguish top-tier criminal defense attorneys.
These attributes contribute to their effectiveness in protecting your rights and securing favorable outcomes.
Experience and Track Record
A premier criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles possesses extensive courtroom experience.
You should look for an attorney with a proven track record of successfully handling cases similar to yours. Robert F. Jacobs, for instance, has multiple years of experience in criminal defense.
Consider the lawyer’s familiarity with local courts and prosecutors.
This knowledge can be invaluable in navigating the legal system efficiently.
Examine their history of case dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals.
A strong track record indicates their ability to achieve positive results for clients.
Specialization and Expertise
The best criminal defense lawyers often specialize in specific areas of criminal law.
You want an attorney whose expertise aligns with your case type.
For example, if you’re facing drug charges, seek a lawyer with extensive experience in drug-related cases.
The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin handles a wide range of cases, including drug and alcohol offenses.
Look for attorneys who stay updated on legal changes and participate in ongoing education.
This ensures they’re equipped with the latest strategies and knowledge to defend you effectively.
Client Reviews and Testimonials
Client feedback provides valuable insights into a lawyer’s performance and client relations.
Look for attorneys with positive reviews and testimonials from past clients.
Pay attention to comments about communication, accessibility, and case outcomes.
These factors indicate the lawyer’s dedication to client service and success.
Check reputable platforms like Avvo for top-rated Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers.
High ratings often reflect client satisfaction and peer recognition.
Consider scheduling consultations with potential attorneys.
This allows you to assess their communication style and determine if you feel comfortable working with them.
Legal Rights of Defendants
Criminal defendants in Los Angeles have crucial rights that protect them throughout the legal process.
These rights ensure fair treatment and access to proper legal representation.
Right to a Fair Trial
You have the right to a fair and impartial trial in Los Angeles.
This includes the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Your trial must be conducted in a timely manner, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.
You’re entitled to a jury of your peers and can participate in jury selection.
Evidence against you must be obtained legally.
Illegally obtained evidence can be suppressed through a motion filed by your criminal defense attorney.
You have the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses testifying against you.
This allows your lawyer to challenge the prosecution’s case effectively.
Right to Legal Representation
You have the constitutional right to an attorney throughout criminal proceedings in Los Angeles.
If you can’t afford one, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you at no cost.
Your lawyer can be present during police questioning and all court proceedings.
They’ll advise you on your rights, investigate your case, and develop a strong defense strategy.
Attorney-client privilege protects your communications with your lawyer.
This ensures you can speak freely and honestly about your case without fear of self-incrimination.
Your attorney can negotiate plea bargains, file motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence, and represent you vigorously at trial if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles involves considering costs, experience, and qualifications.
Many attorneys offer free consultations and flexible payment options.
How can I find an affordable criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles?
You can find affordable criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles by researching online directories and comparing rates.
Some lawyers offer payment plans or sliding scale fees based on your income. Public defenders are also available if you qualify financially.
What should I expect to pay for a criminal defense lawyer in California?
Fees for criminal defense lawyers in California vary widely based on the complexity of your case and the attorney’s experience.
You might pay anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 for a misdemeanor case.
Felony cases can cost significantly more.
Are there any high-profile criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles known for their success?
Yes, Los Angeles is home to several renowned criminal defense attorneys. Mark Geragos is known for representing high-profile clients.
Shawn Holley has a strong track record in celebrity cases.
Alan Jackson, Harland Braun, and Blair Berk are also highly respected in the field.
How can I get a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles?
Many Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys offer free initial consultations.
You can schedule one by calling their office or filling out a contact form on their website. Some firms provide 24/7 availability for consultations.
Is pro bono criminal defense representation available in Los Angeles?
Pro bono criminal defense representation is available in Los Angeles, but it’s limited.
You can contact the Los Angeles County Bar Association or local law schools for information on pro bono services.
Some private attorneys also take on a certain number of pro bono cases each year.
What qualifications should I look for when selecting a criminal defense lawyer?
When you select a criminal defense lawyer, make sure they have experience in handling cases similar to yours.
Check their track record of success and client reviews.
Ensure they are licensed to practice in California and have no disciplinary actions against them.
Also, ensure they have strong negotiation skills and trial experience.