California Criminal Defense Lawyers – Aggressive, Proactive Defense From Day One

If you are facing criminal charges in California, time is not on your side. The earliest days of a case are often the most critical.

At Esfandi Law Group, we take an aggressive, proactive approach to criminal defense. We do not wait for court dates or police reports. We begin investigating immediately — often before formal charges are filed.

Early action can mean:

Preserving favorable evidence
Locating key witnesses
Preventing charges from being filed
Reducing felony exposure
Negotiating dismissals

When your freedom is at stake, delay is dangerous.

An Aggressive, Early-Intervention Strategy

Some criminal defense lawyers take a “wait-and-see” approach. We do the opposite.

The most important window in many cases is:

The first few days after arrest
The pre-filing stage, before the District Attorney makes charging decisions

By acting immediately, we often:

Interview witnesses before memories fade
Secure surveillance footage before it is erased
Identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case
Present favorable evidence directly to prosecutors

In some cases, early intervention leads to a “D.A. Reject” — meaning the District Attorney declines to file charges.

Knowledge of Local Courts & Prosecutors

Every courthouse operates differently.

The criminal court process in Los Angeles County differs from San Bernardino County. Even within the same county, procedures vary between courthouses.

Our attorneys are assigned to specific courts and develop:

Professional relationships with judges and prosecutors
Familiarity with courtroom procedures
Insight into prosecutorial discretion
Understanding of probation department practices

Knowing how local courts operate creates strategic advantages.

Early Intervention Before Charges Are Filed

After police submit reports, prosecutors decide whether to file charges. Often, this decision is based only on law enforcement's version of events.

Our attorneys frequently meet with prosecutors during this stage to present:

Witness statements
Documentary evidence
Exculpatory information
Legal defenses

When prosecutors see the full picture, they may:

File lesser charges
Reduce felonies to misdemeanors
Decline to file charges entirely

Early intervention can dramatically alter outcomes.

Legal “Second Opinions”

If you already have an attorney but face a major strategic decision — such as whether to accept a plea offer — we offer independent case evaluations.

Our legal second opinions are:

Unbiased
Independent
Focused solely on your best interests
Based on careful legal and factual analysis

Sometimes we agree with your current attorney. Sometimes we recommend a different strategy. Either way, you receive objective guidance.

Bail & Release Assistance

If a loved one is in custody, we can request:

Bail reduction hearings
OR (own recognizance) release
Alternative release conditions

We assist clients held at facilities including:

Twin Towers Correctional Facility
Men's Central Jail
Orange County Central Jail Complex
West Valley Detention Center

Prompt legal action can speed release and reduce bail amounts.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

DUI Defense

Our DUI attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals.

We defend charges under California DUI laws, including:

Vehicle Code 23152(a) DUI
Underage DUI
DUI causing injury
Hit and run
Reckless driving (23103 VC)
Gross vehicular manslaughter

DUI cases often hinge on:

Breathalyzer calibration errors
Blood testing inaccuracies
Illegal traffic stops

Violent Crimes

Violent offenses carry severe prison exposure and strike consequences.

We defend against:

California Penal Code 187 – Murder
California Penal Code 207 – Kidnapping
California Penal Code 211 – Robbery
California Penal Code 215 – Carjacking
California Penal Code 245 – Assault

Common defenses include self-defense, misidentification, accident, false allegations, and mental health defenses.

Sex Crimes

Sex offense convictions can require lifetime registration and carry devastating consequences.

We defend:

California Penal Code 261 – Rape
California Penal Code 288 – Lewd Acts with a Minor
California Penal Code 243.4 – Sexual Battery
California Penal Code 311 – Child Pornography

We scrutinize credibility, investigate accuser backgrounds, and challenge forensic evidence.

Financial & Property Crimes

We represent clients facing:

California Penal Code 459 – Burglary
California Penal Code 487 – Grand Theft
California Penal Code 530.5 – Identity Theft

Many theft cases can be reduced, dismissed, or resolved through diversion.

Domestic Violence

False allegations are common in emotionally charged disputes.

We defend against:

California Penal Code 243(e)(1) – Domestic Battery
California Penal Code 273.5 – Corporal Injury to a Spouse
California Penal Code 646.9 – Stalking

Early intervention is critical in domestic cases to address protective orders and charging decisions.

Drug Crimes

Drug cases often involve unconstitutional searches.

We defend charges under:

Health & Safety Code 11350 – Drug Possession
Health & Safety Code 11351 – Possession for Sale
Health & Safety Code 11352 – Sales/Transportation

Where appropriate, we pursue:

Proposition 36
PC 1000 diversion
Drug court

Federal Crimes

We represent clients in federal court facing:

18 U.S. Code 1343 – Wire Fraud
18 U.S. Code 1341 – Mail Fraud
18 U.S. Code 1347 – Healthcare Fraud

Many theft cases can be reduced, dismissed, or resolved through diversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can charges be stopped before filing?

Yes, in some cases, early attorney intervention can lead to a D.A. Reject.

Should I talk to the police before hiring a lawyer?

No. Politely request an attorney and remain silent.

How soon should I hire a defense lawyer?

Immediately. Early evidence preservation is critical.

Can bail be reduced?

Yes. Courts may lower bail or grant OR release after a hearing.

Contact Us for Help

We start every case by listening.

Police and prosecutors will present their story. We want to hear yours. We carefully gather your facts, identify key witnesses, and build the strongest defense possible.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in California, contact the Esfandi Law Group at (310) 274-6529 for a confidential consultation.

Your defense begins the moment you call.

Criminal Defense