Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys

In 2010, Seppi Esfandi earned the rare distinction of being deemed a Certified Specialist Attorney by the State of California in Los Angeles.

Federal cases tend to be more serious and are typically focused on white-collar crimes, fraud, internet crimes, manufacturing/trafficking narcotics, conspiracy, solicitation of a crime, child pornography, and terrorism. Esfandi Law Group provides a strategic approach using pretrial motions, plea agreements, and will prepare any case for trial in order for you to stay out of federal prison. Federal judges will typically hand out a sentence in accordance with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Our Los Angeles-based attorney and his team of experts handle California charges and U.S. Federal cases brought on by the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), IRS (Internal Revenue Service), ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms), DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) or any other agency. Our goal, as always is to minimize damage to our clients, keep you out of prison and maintain the best path.

1. Arrest, Bail

The process typically begins with an arrest. After the arrest, the defendant is detained at a local police station until the arraignment and formal charges are filed. Bail, the amount of money required for release, is set based on the severity of the alleged crime. A skilled criminal defense attorney can advocate for a reduction in bail or explore alternative options for release. When a person is arrested, it is important for law enforcement to follow certain procedures to protect the individual's rights, including reading your Miranda rights—the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning. Politely tell them you cannot talk to them without your attorney and immediately call them. A good attorney may be able to stop the charges from being filed within the 48-hour pre-filing window, before the arraignment.

2. Arraignment

During the arraignment, the defendant appears before a judge who reads the charges brought against them. The defendant then enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If the plea is not guilty, the judge sets a date for a preliminary hearing or pre-trial conference. This is an opportunity for the defense to negotiate with the prosecution and explore potential resolutions for the case.

3. Pre-trial Conference

In cases involving misdemeanor charges, a pre-trial conference allows the defense and prosecution to discuss possible resolutions. This may involve negotiating a reduction or dismissal of charges or reaching a plea bargain. The goal is to find the best possible outcome for the defendant, considering the evidence and circumstances of the case.

4. Preliminary Hearing

For felony cases, a preliminary hearing determines whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. The judge reviews the evidence and listens to witness testimony. If the judge determines that there is probable cause, the case will move forward to trial. A skilled defense attorney can use the preliminary hearing to challenge the strength of the prosecution's case and identify weaknesses in the evidence.

5. Trial

At trial, both the prosecution and defense present their cases before a judge and jury. The jury then deliberates and reaches a verdict based on the evidence and testimony presented. If the defendant is found not guilty, the trial ends, and the defendant is free.

6. Sentencing

If the defendant is convicted, a sentencing hearing follows, where the judge determines the punishment. A skilled criminal defense attorney can advocate for a fair and just sentence, considering mitigating factors and crafting persuasive arguments.

7. Post

You have the right to appeal a conviction. An appeal allows a convicted individual to challenge the decision and seek a higher court's review. This process is crucial in ensuring that justice is served and any errors or unfairness in the trial are rectified. Another important post-conviction procedure is the ability to expunge a prior conviction. Expungement refers to the process of erasing a conviction from a person's criminal record. This can be beneficial for individuals who have completed their sentence and want to move on with their lives without the stigma of a criminal record. Lastly, sealing your arrest record means that it is not completely erased but made inaccessible to the public. Both expungement and sealing provide individuals with a fresh start and opportunities for employment, housing, and other aspects of life.

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you're facing criminal charges in California, you may wonder whether you need to hire a criminal defense attorney. A good defense attorney can navigate the best possible route for you, whether that involves convincing the Los Angeles District Attorney there's inadequate/inadmissible evidence, questionable eyewitness credibility, lack of probable cause, technical errors in the filing process, opposing forensic evidence/interpretation, lack of intent, self-defense, mistake of fact, or duress, or any other defense that works, only an experienced criminal defense attorney will properly execute the best defense and do all the legwork necessary involved.

Why Not a Public Defender?

Public defenders in Los Angeles have incredibly heavy caseloads and will often offer the least attractive plea deal at best. Private criminal defense attorneys, on the other hand, are hired by individuals or organizations to represent them in court. They have more time and resources to devote to their client's cases. If you want a route that ends in a dismissal, or a much lesser charge with the option to expunge at a later time, a public defender is more often not optimal.

How Do I Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Choosing the right Los Angeles criminal defense attorney is crucial to the outcome of your case. When choosing an attorney, it's important to consider their experience, reputation, and communication skills. You should also look for an attorney who specializes in the type of case you're facing. Additionally, you should feel comfortable with your attorney and trust that they have your best interests in mind. You may ask your potential attorney some quick questions to ensure they are a proper match.

Why is it Crucial to Hire Private Defense in Los Angeles?

Whether innocent or guilty, having a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles is particularly important due to the complexity of the legal system in this area. Los Angeles has a high volume of criminal cases, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. No one wants to end up in County Jail if it's avoidable. A criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles will have the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.