Encino Attorney
Criminal Defense Attorney in Encino
You’re getting into your car after lunch on Ventura Boulevard when police approach. A misinterpreted gesture, a misread license plate, or simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and suddenly you’re facing criminal charges. You have a hard time comprehending what just happened, but as it sinks in, you realize that your job, your reputation, and your future are suddenly at risk.
When you find yourself arrested by police, the world can feel like a very scary place. The weight of the government is pressing down on you. You are only one person, and you feel out of control of an intimidating situation. How do you protect yourself from the powers that seek to convict you of a crime and take away your freedom and all you have worked for?
The best answer: Get an experienced Encino criminal defense attorney on your side as soon as possible. An attorney with vast local experience can help you in ways that you likely cannot imagine. If they get to work fast enough, they might even be able to stop official charges from being filed. So do not hesitate. The lawyers of Esfandi Law Group are happy to answer your questions and get started protecting your rights today.
Common Criminal Offenses
Encino may be one of Los Angeles’s more suburban neighborhoods, but it’s no stranger to criminal charges, especially those tied to property crime, substance use, and disturbances in public or commercial settings. Let’s look at some crimes that happen with relative frequency in the area:
- Driving under the influence (DUI). Encino sees a steady number of DUI arrests, particularly along Ventura Boulevard, where nightlife and restaurant traffic lead to an increase in late-night patrols. Drivers may be charged with having a BAC over .08% or for driving while impaired by drugs or prescription medication.
- Residential and commercial burglary. Break-ins are rising, especially south of the 101 and near upscale residential areas. Some involve theft of high-end electronics or vehicles, while others relate to “burglary crew” activity.
- Drug-related offenses. These offenses range from simple possession to alleged intent to distribute controlled substances. Police also target Encino for drug-involved offenses tied to nightlife events and parties.
- Assault and violent altercations. Charges such as assault, battery, and robbery often stem from domestic disputes or altercations in public areas like parks, shopping centers, or community gatherings.
- Sex-related charges. These offenses can include indecent exposure, statutory violations, or allegations of assault in social or party settings. Such cases often involve complicated fact patterns and conflicting accounts.
- White-collar crimes. Identity theft, fraud, and embezzlement have become more common as remote work has increased access to sensitive data in home and business settings.
- Public nuisance and disorderly conduct. During Encino’s high-traffic social events or commercial disturbances, arrests often involve public intoxication, resisting arrest, or creating a public hazard.
These charges may arise from various scenarios and circumstances. The consequences can be serious regardless of how situations arise, making early legal representation essential.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys defend a full spectrum of cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies in the L.A. County Court system. We represent clients in a variety of matters:
- Drug offenses,
- DUIs and license issues,
- Violent crimes such as assault or robbery,
- Sex-related allegations,
- Probation and juvenile issues,
- Restraining order violations,
- White collar and identity-related charges,
We also handle weapons violations and complex multi-charge matters involving high-profile incidents or prior criminal histories.
If your charge isn’t listed here, contact us. We’ve likely handled a similar case and are ready to do the same for you.
What Happens After You’re Charged
After an arrest, your case typically begins with an arraignment at the Van Nuys Courthouse. During the arraignment, the charges against you will be read, and you will have the opportunity to enter a plea, which is usually a plea of “not guilty” at this early stage in the process. The judge may then set the conditions for your bail or approve your release.
Acting quickly at this stage can make a significant difference. We can intervene before charges are officially filed, or seek diversion or pre-filing resolution for first-time or low-level offenses.
If the case moves forward, we’ll guide you through each stage from negotiations and motions to trial so you’re never left guessing.
What to Do If You’re Arrested in Encino
How you act after an arrest can change everything. Take these steps right away:
- Stay calm and respectful. Resisting arrest can lead to additional criminal charges and legal complications.
- Don’t answer police questions. Immediately invoke your right to remain silent and request an Encino defense lawyer.
- Avoid online statements. Posts, texts, or calls about the incident can and likely will be used against you.
- Ask for a bail hearing. We can argue for reduced bail or release on your own recognizance.
Even if you believe you’re innocent or the issue seems minor, protecting your rights early on is critical.
Common Defenses an Encino Criminal Defense Lawyer May Use
Our defense strategy is specifically tailored to the details of your case. Here are some of the most effective defenses we may explore:
- Unlawful search or seizure. If police searched without a warrant or violated your rights, we can petition the court to exclude this unlawfully obtained evidence. If enough critical evidence is excluded, it could critically weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Alibi evidence. If you were elsewhere at the time of the crime, surveillance, receipts, or credible witnesses can help prove it.
- Mistaken identity or false accusation. If the alleged victim does not know you, mistaken identity can be a strong defense. And if the accuser has a motive to lie, this can cast doubt on their credibility and the overall case against you.
- Lack of intent. Many crimes require that you acted willfully at the time of the incident. We can contest the intent element if the situation resulted from an accident or mistake.
- Self-defense or defense of others. Legal justification may apply in assault or domestic situations.
We examine every detail to uncover defenses that could lead to dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
How Our Encino Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
At Esfandi Law Group, we don’t just fight charges. We help clients reclaim control after an arrest. Founding attorney Seppi Esfandi brings Encino clients over 25 years of criminal defense experience. A UCLA Law graduate and former public defender, he has handled thousands of cases—from DUI to homicide—across Southern California. Here’s some of what we do:
- Review police conduct for constitutional violations;
- Subpoena surveillance footage, call records, and eyewitness statements;
- File suppression motions to exclude illegally obtained evidence;
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reductions or dismissals; and
- Aggressively defend you at trial when needed.
We also help you understand what’s happening and what comes next. What makes us different:
- Timely, clear communication;
- Straightforward advice from a seasoned Encino criminal justice attorney;
- Flexible payment plans and transparent fees;
- Spanish-language support for bilingual families; and
- Proven courtroom results in L.A. County.
When your freedom is on the line, we treat your case like it’s the only one that matters, because to you, it is.
Don’t Deal with Criminal Accusations Alone
Facing criminal charges can feel like the odds are stacked against you. You may be worried about your family, job, or immigration status. Maybe it’s your first time in trouble, or you’re being unfairly labeled because of a prior record or an overblown police report.
That’s why having an Encino criminal defense attorney who listens and knows how to push back can make all the difference. From the first court appearance to closing arguments, we stay one step ahead, working to dismantle weak claims.
If you feel like the police rushed to judgment or the charges don’t reflect what really happened, you need a legal team that knows how to challenge assumptions and defend your future.
If you’re under investigation or facing charges in Encino, we’re ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
