Best Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles work under California's Three Strikes Law. A prior strike can double the sentence for a new felony. That raises the stakes on every charge. The firms below have the trial records to fight serious cases in LA County courts.

To compile this list, we review Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers based on public information, client feedback, and professional standing.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Consistency of public reviews across multiple platforms

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Top-Rated LA Criminal Lawyers for State & Federal Charges

Screenshot of the Manshoory Law Group - Los Angeles Criminal Defense Law Firm Website

Manshoory Law Group is a Los Angeles criminal defense law firm that handles only criminal cases. Lead attorney Shaheen Manshoory is a State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense Law.

The team defends a wide range of charges, from assault and drug crimes to theft and federal offenses. Associate attorney Neda Manshoory is a former Los Angeles County prosecutor, so the firm knows how the other side builds a case.

Clients can reach the office 24/7, and bilingual staff is on hand for Spanish speakers. The firm offers a free case analysis and flexible payment plans.

Screenshot of the Goldstein Law Group Website
1645 Vine St 809 809, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

Two generations of the Goldstein family have run this boutique criminal defense firm in Los Angeles since 1975. Attorneys Michael and James Goldstein take on complex, high-profile cases across California.

Their lawyers have handled more than 3,500 felonies and misdemeanors, 60 murder cases to verdict, and 6 death penalty matters. National media outlets have covered the firm's work.

Based at the historic Broadway Hollywood building, the practice is known for discreet, strategic defense.

Screenshot of the Sitkoff Law Group, Inc. Website
11845 W Olympic Blvd # 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA

Former senior Los Angeles prosecutor Stephen Sitkoff brings more than 39 years of California criminal law experience to his defense practice. He now uses that courtroom background to fight charges for people facing arrest.

Sitkoff handles DUI, domestic violence, and drug charges, among others. He is AV Preeminent rated and a Super Lawyers selection.

The firm serves clients across Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Screenshot of the Cron, Israels & Stark Website
401 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1200, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Certified criminal law specialists with more than 100 years of combined experience, Cron, Israels & Stark defend all misdemeanor and felony charges. Their partner attorneys also teach criminal law as adjunct professors at Pepperdine.

The firm handles violent crimes, sex offenses, and financial fraud cases throughout Los Angeles County and the San Fernando Valley. It holds an AV rating and regular Super Lawyers recognition.

With offices in Santa Monica and Los Angeles, the firm takes on cases of every severity.

Screenshot of the Hedding Law Firm Website
2049 Century Park E #2525, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA

Attorney Ronald Hedding worked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office before he moved to the defense side. He also served as a Commissioner for the State Bar of California.

His firm takes on serious state and federal charges, plus the appeals that follow a conviction. The Los Angeles Times has named him a top criminal defense attorney.

Now in his fourth decade of practice, Hedding is admitted before the United States Supreme Court.

Screenshot of the Eisner Gorin LLP - Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Website

Few Los Angeles firms work federal criminal cases as their main focus, but Eisner Gorin does. Founders Alan Eisner and Dmitry Gorin are State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialists with more than 50 years of combined courtroom experience.

The firm appears almost daily in the Central District of California federal court in Los Angeles. It defends fraud, white-collar, and other federal charges nationwide.

Eisner Gorin is AV Preeminent rated and works from a Century City office.

Screenshot of the Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers Website
355 S Grand Ave #2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

Partners Daniel Perlman and Matthew Cohen lead this Los Angeles criminal defense practice, each with close to 20 years in the field. They are reachable around the clock.

The firm defends DUI, domestic violence, and assault charges, among other matters. Its attorneys appear regularly in courts across Los Angeles County and nearby counties.

Perlman & Cohen rank among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and offer a free, confidential consultation with affordable payment plans.

Screenshot of the Esfandi Law Group Website
2049 Century Park East, Los Angeles, CA, USA

UCLA School of Law graduate Seppi Esfandi has defended thousands of misdemeanor, felony, and federal cases in Los Angeles. His firm is known for early, pre-filing work that can stop charges before they are ever filed.

Esfandi Law Group handles drug, weapons, and theft cases. This top-rated practice serves clients from offices across LA County.

Screenshot of the Spolin Law P.C. Website
11500 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA

Criminal appeals are a narrow field, and Spolin Law focuses on them. Founder Aaron Spolin is a former prosecutor and award-winning appeals attorney.

He has won outcomes at the California Court of Appeal and the state Supreme Court, including overturned wrongful convictions. The firm handles appeals and post-conviction cases nationwide.

Screenshot of the Hedding Law Firm Website
2049 Century Park East #2525, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA

More than 250 jury trials and over 10,000 cases defended stand behind Ronald Hedding's Los Angeles practice. He defends clients in courts throughout Los Angeles County and the San Fernando Valley.

The firm handles violent crimes, theft, and fraud matters. Hedding works from offices in Los Angeles and Encino.

Screenshot of the Hedding Law Firm Website
2049 Century Park East, Los Angeles, CA 90067, United States

A sex crime conviction can mean lifetime registration, so these charges call for careful defense. This Hedding Law Firm office concentrates on sex crime cases in Los Angeles.

Attorney Ronald Hedding defends charges such as sexual battery, rape, and indecent exposure. The firm offers a free, confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles cost?

Flat or hourly fees. Criminal defense attorneys do not work on a contingency fee basis. Most charge a flat fee per case or an hourly rate. The cost depends on the charge and whether the case goes to trial.

How long do prosecutors have to file charges in California?

One year for misdemeanors. Most felonies carry a three-year deadline. Felonies punishable by eight or more years allow six years. Murder and a few serious crimes have no time limit at all.

What is California's Three Strikes Law?

It raises the penalty. One prior strike doubles the sentence on a new felony. A third strike can mean 25 years to life. A skilled lawyer may ask the court to strike a prior conviction.

Should I hire a private lawyer or use a public defender?

Both can be skilled. Public defenders carry heavy caseloads across LA County. A private attorney can give your case more time and investigation. The right choice depends on your budget and the charge.

Can a lawyer stop charges before they are filed?

Sometimes, yes. This is called pre-filing intervention. Your attorney contacts the detective or prosecutor before the arraignment. The goal is a "DA reject" that avoids formal charges.

What happens at a criminal arraignment?

You enter a plea. The court reads the charges and sets bail. Most defendants plead not guilty at this stage. Your lawyer then starts building a defense.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?

Usually yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction creates a criminal record. That record can affect jobs, housing, and immigration status. A lawyer may get the charge reduced or dismissed.

Types of Criminal Cases Handled in Los Angeles

DUI and DWI. LA County sees a high volume of DUI arrests each year. These cases run through both the DMV and the criminal court. A lawyer can challenge the traffic stop and the chemical test.

Domestic Violence. Prosecutors often pursue these cases even when the accuser recants. Charges range from misdemeanor battery to felony corporal injury. A conviction can trigger a protective order and firearm loss.

Drug Crimes. These run from simple possession to sales and trafficking. Diversion programs may replace jail for eligible defendants. Many cases turn on an illegal search.

Theft and Fraud. Charges include petty theft, grand theft, and white-collar fraud. The dollar amount often decides misdemeanor or felony. Larger fraud cases can move to federal court.

Violent Crimes. Assault, robbery, and homicide carry the harshest penalties. Many count as strikes under the Three Strikes Law. Trial experience matters most for these charges.

Sex Crimes. A conviction can mean lifetime sex offender registration. These cases call for careful, discreet defense. Witness credibility and forensic evidence are often central.

Federal Charges. Federal cases go through the Central District of California in downtown LA. They involve agencies like the FBI and DEA. They need a lawyer admitted to federal court.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

Check their local court experience. LA County has many courthouses, like Clara Shortridge Foltz downtown, Van Nuys, and Pasadena. A lawyer who knows your courthouse knows its judges and prosecutors.

Look at the trial record. Most cases settle, but some must go to a jury. Ask whether the lawyer actually tries cases.

Match the lawyer to the charge. A federal case needs federal court admission. An appeal needs appellate experience. Pick a firm that fits your situation.

Ask who handles your case. Some firms pass work to junior staff. Confirm which attorney will appear in court for you.

Get the fee in writing. Ask for the full fee structure up front. Find out what going to trial would add.

What Affects the Outcome of a Criminal Case in LA

Several factors shape how a Los Angeles criminal case ends. Your record, the evidence, and early legal help all play a role.

Prior record. A clean record helps your position. Prior strikes raise the penalty.

Quality of the evidence. Weak or illegally obtained evidence can be suppressed. That can lead to reduced charges or a dismissal.

The courthouse and prosecutor. Outcomes vary by courthouse and the deputy DA assigned. Local knowledge helps your lawyer negotiate.

Early intervention. The sooner a lawyer steps in, the more options stay open. Pre-filing work can change the path of the whole case.