Playa Vista Criminal Lawyers

Andrés Ortiz is one of California's top immigration lawyers and a foremost authority on the potential adverse immigration consequences of criminal convictions and plea deals (“Padilla Opinions”). Attorneys from across the nation consult Andrés on a regular basis for his expertise in how to resolve criminal cases without triggering deportation and removal.

A graduate of Loyola Law School, Andrés has been the recipient of numerous awards for his work. He was named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and was Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy's pro bono attorney of the year for 2016.

Andrés handles cases in immigration court, the...

I was a police officer with the LAPD for 8 years. I did hundreds of DUI arrests, domestic violence arrests, drug possession arrests, fugitive warrant arrests, etc.
I also testified in numerous cases.

I have been practicing law since June of 2017. During that time, I have focused my career on criminal defense and DUI cases. I also do chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, immigration cases, debt settlements, and civil litigation.

I have testified in over a dozen trials as an expert witness on the Standardized Field Sobriety tests which are used in almost all DUI arrests.

I have taken many cases to trial and...

Todd Means initially became interested in law to help "the little guy." After working for an educational nonprofit during and after college, Todd entered Loyola Law School, Los Angeles to become a civil rights attorney. However, he quickly realized that protecting the constitutional rights of the accused was his true passion. During law school, he interned at the Ventura County Public Defender’s Office, was a member of Loyola Law School's Juvenile Innocence and Fair Sentencing Clinic, and was a Judicial Extern for the Second District of the California Court of Appeal.

After receiving his J.D. from Loyola, he...

Gregory Caplan is a strategic legal consultant, published author, and media commentator. His area of practice is criminal law in Los Angeles County. He focuses on alternative solutions, and explores effective options for each client's case. Mr. Caplan is a former Deputy District Attorney and City Prosecutor in California.

I am a criminal defense attorney, mostly handling matters in state court (a small percentage of my work is in federal court). The courts I appear in most often are Torrance, Long Beach, Compton and Airport Courthouse, but I also appear frequently in Bellflower, Westminster, Fullerton, Downtown LA (both at the Clara Shortridge Foltz and Metropolitan courthouses), Downey, Santa Ana and East Los Angeles. I also do appear in Rancho Cucamonga, West Covina, El Monte and Pomona courts, but not too often. I handle all levels of criminal matters, from murder down to public urination, from DUI...

I have been a lawyer in the criminal law field for almost 40 years. I began as a Deputy District Attorney for the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. I then entered private practice. I am Board Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. I am honored to have hundreds of positive and 5 star online reviews from past clients. My partner is attorney Michelle Mathes who has been a lawyer for over 25 years and has a reputation as one of the brightest and best motion writers in the state. My...

Attorney Simon Aval has been practicing criminal law since 1999. Over the years he has gained invaluable experience handling thousands of criminal cases and has completed over 150 Jury Trials. He is a Certified Specialist in criminal law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He has been chosen as a Superlawyer by Los Angeles Magazine. He has been selected as one of the Best Attorneys in Los Angeles.

Professor Raul Sabado has been practicing and teaching law since 2004. After a couple of years in private practice and seven years as a successful trial lawyer in the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, he founded his own private offices. The service area includes Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties.

RANA PARSANJ IS AN ATTORNEY IN GLENDALE FIGHTING TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES OF EACH OF HIS CLIENTS.

Rana Parsanj began his legal career as an attorney with the Mendocino County Public Defender's Office and continued his career with the Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office. Coming back to where he grew up here in the Los Angeles Area, Rana brings the courtroom experience and dedication so valued in a public defender office to the matters he handles daily.

Rana has handled thousands of cases and works to protect his clients at every stage of their matter. Rana has experience...

Raoul J. Severo has a long history in law. He has over 45 years of experience as a defense attorney and has defended thousands of clients from all walks of life, in all aspects of litigation in federal and state courts, at trial and appellate levels. There is no higher accolade for a lawyer than the praise that he is “a lawyer's lawyer,” one that was received by Mr. Severo on multiple occasions when he literally defended lawyers against criminal charges. He is an aggressive advocate for his clients' rights, and he has a reputation among his colleagues and clients of...

Mr. Varga’s experience as an Attorney in Los Angeles spanning four decades gives him a unique legal perspective. He graduated from Stanford University in 1975 with a BA in Psychology. Then, he pursued his law degree at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California. After passing the bar, Stephen A. Varga began his legal career in 1980, focusing primarily on personal injury and criminal law. In 1982, Mr. Varga began practicing solo and opened his own law office. In 1999, he moved his practice to the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. With a wide variety of criminal defense...

The Law Office of Nabil E. Chelico is committed to providing professional and aggressive representation to clients while adhering to strict ethical standards. I have successfully represented clients before USCIS, the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals; the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. I represent clients in family-based petitions; fiance/fiancee petitions; employment-based petitions; complicated naturalization applications; removal proceedings; appeals; petitions for review, and writs of mandamus. Each case will be given the appropriate attention it needs and no client will be left...

I have been practicing criminal defense and DUI defense for well over 20 years. My office is located in Encino, California, and my practice focuses mainly on Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. No case is too large or too small for my firm. Call me any time for a free, confidential consultation about your case.

Attorney Ross Erlich has been practicing criminal law since his admission to the Bar and works in all courts located in Southern California. Mr. Erlich handles all cases ranging from DUI and other misdemeanors to major felonies. Ross’ experience emphasizes complicated criminal matters including bail, probation violations and other complex white collar matters.

After a brief stint in Northern California at the University of California, Berkeley, Ross decided to come back to his native Southern California to attend law school. In school, he supported himself with work in criminal defense and politics. This wide range...

Jeremy Lessem grew up around a courtroom. At a very young age, Jeremy was watching trials and meeting influential judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys while following around his father, highly respected Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Mark D. Lessem. After he graduated from the top-tier University of Michigan Law School, Jeremy began his career practicing civil litigation. After three years of being a civil litigator, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and began practicing criminal law in 2004. Jeremy quickly forged a reputation for being a skilled, dedicated and aggressive criminal defense attorney who had inherited...

Selected by Super Lawyers Magazine as a "Rising Star," Karthik Krishnan has emerged as one of the young criminal defense and DUI attorneys in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties. The criminal system can be a stressful and insensitive place, where your voice is not heard. However, that is not the case with Karthik. The focus of his representation is his clients and what they need. "I want to tell the client's story," he says. In Karthik's decade plus experience as a criminal defense attorney he has handled various cases ranging from serious felonies, thousands of DUI matters, domestic violence cases,...

Attorney Anthony A. Arzili has devoted his practice to criminal defense and DUI for over a decade. He has handled thousands of cases in all LA courthouses and in the process developed strong relationships with the decision-makers in those courts. He believes that specializing in criminal defense allows him the knowledge and experience to acheive outstanding results. Anthony also believes in keeping his clients informed at all stages of the proceedings. Call or email us for a free case evaluation. 562-907-4448 or AnthonyArzili@gmail.com

Mark Haushalter has been involved with many highly complex and notable cases such as the: Temple City Public Corruption case, OJ Simpson case, Michael Jackson case, Jesse James case and many other high profile criminal cases seen in the media. Additionally, I have been a criminal defense analyst for CBS, FOX, KCAL, NBC and KTLA. My firm has co-authored the California Looseleaf Search and Seizure Handbook, a leading authority on criminal law in California. If you were subjected to an illegal search or seizure, we may be able to get your case completely dismissed. I am willing to...

Tracy Green is a founding member of Green & Associates. She specializes in representing professionals in civil, administrative and criminal matters. Green's practice has an emphasis in health care and she has represented a variety of professionals and providers for 20 years. A tenacious lawyer who really cares for her clients, Green was recognized by Public Counsel as Outstanding Advocate in 1999 and is nationally recognized as an expert in health care. Green has also had the honor of being nominated to the Board of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers where she currently serves and brings...

DUI defense attorney, author, and lecturer Jon Bryant Artz has specialized in DUI Defense for over 48 years and has been called “the Best DUI Lawyer in California” by CNN Legal Analyst Roger Cossack. Designated a 2020 SuperLawyer™, Mr. Artz is known throughout the California courts for winning "unwinnable" drunk- and drugged-driving cases and keeping 99% of his clients out of jail (and driving) on a first or second DUI offense. Artz has the confidence to win "Not Guilty" verdicts—all charges dismissed—in over 81% of his DUI jury trials, even in cases involving prior convictions, injury accidents, BAC test refusals,...

David S. Kestenbaum has been practicing criminal law exclusively since 1979. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell and has been listed as a Super Lawyer every year. He has also been named as a Preeminent Criminal Defense Attorney by LexisNexis. Mr. Kestenbaum Was recently elected to serve a second term as a Trustee of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association where he has been the Chair of the Criminal Law Section since 2011. Additionally, he was elected to the Board of Governors of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ), a statewide Association of attorneys whose goal it is to make...

Anthony Falangetti is a skilled criminal defense attorney in Long Beach and founding partner of West Coast Defense. With more than 25 years of legal experience, including a background as a former prosecutor for LA County, he has an in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system. He uses this knowledge to his clients’ advantage, offering outstanding legal counsel and uncompromising representation as he aggressively advocates for your rights. Mr. Falangetti has been recognized for his outstanding legal services and commitment to excellence in handling a wide range of criminal cases, including high-profile and celebrity cases. Call for a free consultation!

Bailey K.F. Means began concentrating on criminal defense practice during her 1L year at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. During her three years at Loyola, she interned at two public defender’s offices, and the ACLU, in addition to working as a research assistant for three criminal-focused professors.

Since graduating from Loyola, she worked as a Deputy Public Defender in Ventura County for 3 years. In the 3 years she was there, Bailey took more cases to trial than anyone else in the public defender’s office. (Todd Means tried the second-most cases in those 3 years). Though she’s an aggressive and experienced...

Law Office of Sharon Babakhan was founded by Sharon Paris Babakhan. Attorney Babakhan is a Former Prosecutor. Ms. Babakhan practices all areas of criminal law specializing in DUIs, drug charges, domestic violence and other criminal cases. Ms. Babakhan graduated from Glendale Law School, with high honors, Summa Cum Laude, in 2011. She started her career as a Deputy District Attorney with the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office. During her time as a prosecutor, she processed thousands of cases, about a hundred preliminary hearings, argued numerous motions and successfully conducted several jury trials and bench trials. ...

In 1999 Joseph T. Gibbons opened his own law firm, it was then solely known as The Law offices of Joseph T. Gibbons, Jr. In 2000 Marc A. Gibbons began working for his father as a law clerk while awaiting bar results. In 2001 Marc opened his own firm known as the law offices of Marc A. Gibbons. Danielle Gibbons, Joe’s daughter and Marc’s sister, became Joe’s new law clerk in 2001. In 2002 Danielle rose to the title of an attorney and joined her brother Marc’s path in opening her own law firm. In 2004 Joseph, Marc and Danielle...

The attorneys at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson will fight for you. Rated 10/10 Attorney J. Tooson and his partner Jeremy Lessem have both been honored by CA Super Lawyers and have handled over 10,000 complex criminal matters and received millions in civil settlements and verdicts. Attorney J. Tooson is a legal analyst for ABC 7 and People Magazine. Attorney J. Tooson and Jeremy Lessem have also been featured in several prominent publications for their legal work including ; The Los Angeles Times, and New York Times. The Lessem, Newstat & Tooson team is dedicated to helping good people in tough...

Sherry Cross is a member of both the California and Florida bars, as well as many professional and community service organizations. Some of these include; The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, The Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Criminal Courts Bar Association. Additionally, a volunteer coach of a local high school mock trial team. Sherry Cross is an extremely skilled advocate and is not afraid of a fight. S.C. Cross has obtained hundreds of pre-trial acquittals and has produced thousands of positive results for clients based on experience as a trial attorney and...

Trial Lawyer, CEO &Founder of Martinian & Associates, Inc. I recognized by my peers, clients, and the public as a skilled trial attorney in California. Martinian & Associates firm represents individuals as well as families and corporations. Each individual at Martinian & Associates Inc. is absolutely dedicated to providing the highest quality of defense for our clients. We aim to accomplish this through aggressive tactics both in and outside of the courtroom. Our team is made up of highly qualified individuals that are ready to represent you in your case. Our Los Angeles attorneys have a history of successful case results. In...

Hart Levin is a former Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney with a passion for criminal defense. He was formally trained by the LA DA's office in all DUI matters, drug trafficking and sales, drug possession, gang crimes, theft crimes, domestic violence matters, juvenile crimes, and all other felony and misdemeanor criminal case matters. Hart was a successful prosecutor and an on set adviser for NBC and FOX crime television shows. Hart left the DA's office to open his own firm and has achieved several awards for his outstanding criminal defense work, including Super Lawyer (2014-2024), Clients' Choice...

Michael A. Goldstein was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1996 and is admitted to the Central and Southern Districts of the United States District Court. Michael represents clients charged in both State and Federal Courts and has represented the interests of clients in State or Federal cases pending in California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, Nebraska and other jurisdictions.

Michael served as the 2014 president of the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors.

Michael has secured 4 consecutive not guilty verdicts. The last two juries found Michael’s client not guilty in 27 minutes...

Mr. Griggs has over twenty years experience in the criminal justice system, including employment in both the Los Angeles County District Attorney and the Public Defenders office. He has successfully represented thousands of clients facing all types of criminal charges such as DUI, hit and run, theft, domestic violence, "three strikes" cases, assault with a deadly weapon, drug sales and/or possession, burglary, juvenile matters, rape, sex offenses, robbery, grand theft, receiving stolen property, extortion, embezzlement, criminal threats, "white collar" crime, fraud, internet crime, kidnapping, carjacking, petty theft, manslaughter, attempted murder and murder.

Alex relishes the challenges in these cases and enjoys...

Mariya Melkonyan has over 13 years of experience as a Deputy District Attorney and has jury trial experience ranging from all kinds of minor misdemeanors to serious and violent felonies. Her experience as a Deputy DA involved cases of DUI, hit and run, theft, narcotics, domestic violence, assaults, burglaries, robberies, child molestations, rape, and Homicide. Her experience in effective examinations of experts in different fields, such as Medical Professionals, Toxicologists, DRE Experts, DNA Experts, Forensic Pathologists, Psychologists, Child Sexual Accommodation Syndrome Experts, Involuntary Confession Experts, Ballistics Experts, Geo-Fencing Experts, gives her the ability to attack the prosecution with in-depth knowledge.

For more then 2 decades, Mr. Marc Aaron Goldbach has worked tirelessly to develop a successful bankruptcy and civil law practice for clients located throughout Los Angeles County. Whether his clients are facing insurmountable debt, foreclosure, serious felony charges, immigration or other legal issues such as personal injuries, workplace harassment, family and medical leave act violations, whistle blowing and retaliation, consumer law, criminal defense they can be rest assured that Marc Aaron Goldbach will take all steps necessary to fight for their legal rights to protect their interests. Marc Goldbach has represented many legal cases with 100% success...

If you’ve been arrested or you are facing criminal charges of any nature, don’t wait to put a criminal defense lawyer from Escovar Law, APC on your side. As seasoned litigators who’ve been practicing law since 1994, the firm’s legal team is well-equipped to help you fight a DUI, theft offense, federal crime, or anything else. Schedule a free consultation with an attorney at the firm today to get the legal process started.

On April 28th, 2012, the Los Angeles Criminial Courts Bar Association will award James A. Goldstein the prestigious "Jerry Giesler Award", as their Trial Lawyer of the Year. Over the past two years, Jim has secured not guilty verdicts in 4 of the 6 serious murder and attempted murder cases he tried. Two of these cases included multiple defendant jail house murders. In another murder case, Jim sought to exclude his client's confiession given the improper and coercive interrogation tactics used by LAPD detectives. The judge agreed and the case was dismissed. Jim has represented the rights of the...

Ryan T. Okabe is one of the founding members and a general partner in Southern California's premier criminal defense firm of Okabe & Haushalter. His experience with both sides of the adversarial system provides his clients with unparalleled advantages in obtaining the best possible legal defense. Mr. Okabe has successfully tried a wide variety of cases, and his dedication to his clients, attention to detail, and involvement in high-profile cases have made him one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Southern California. Located in Beverly Hills and Redondo Beach, Mr. Okabe handles California and Federal criminal cases.

When your future and freedom are at stake you want the best criminal defense lawyer to defend you. The lawyers at Stephen G. Rodriguez and Partners have over 50 years of criminal defense experience and they put that experience to work for you. We have a proven track record of success in winning at trial and negotiating favorable plea bargains for our clients. We understand what's at stake and we pride ourselves on our service, aggressive representation and results.

Kratu R. Patel spent his first seven years of his career as a trial attorney for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. There he developed a county-wide reputation for his tenacity, charm and honesty. Kratu has represented thousands of clients from various walks of life and from varying communities. Between his time as a Deputy Public Defender and now as Private Counsel, Kratu has litigated cases in nearly all of the courthouses in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange County. Kratu will ensure all of his clients are treated with the dignity, respect and compassion that they deserve....

I am an accomplished California Criminal Defense attorney. I zealously represent clients facing a broad range of criminal charges.

As a former prosecutor, I bring an insider's perspective to criminal defense. With skilled and knowledgeable advocacy, I will aggressively fight for your rights, reputation and freedom.