Torrance Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney in Torrance
Criminal charges in Torrance set off a sequence that unfolds more quickly than most people expect. Officers file reports. Prosecutors draft complaints. Court dates appear before you’ve even processed what happened. In those first hours, what you do or fail to do shapes everything that follows. That’s when decisive counsel matters most. A Torrance criminal defense lawyer can step in to take control, demanding discovery, reviewing evidence, and protecting your rights from the first hearing forward.
At Esfandi Law Group, our support starts from day one. Founding attorney Seppi Esfandi, a UCLA School of Law graduate and former Deputy Public Defender, has spent over two decades defending clients in Los Angeles County courts. His team investigates quickly, negotiates strategically, and litigates when necessary. When you call, we act immediately by analyzing the charges, contacting witnesses, and preparing a defense that gives you the best chance to move on with your life.
Why do I Need a Torrance Criminal Defense Lawyer from the Outset?
Every case begins with time-sensitive work. Under California law, prosecutors are required to bring a defendant to arraignment within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Before that hearing, your Torrance criminal defense lawyer will:
- Request discovery, including all police and lab reports;
- Examine probable cause and identify potential Fourth Amendment violations;
- Challenge bail amounts and argue for own-recognizance (OR) release; and
- Preserve key evidence, such as surveillance footage, texts, or digital data, that may disappear quickly.
Quick, precise action shifts momentum from accusation to analysis.
What Does a Torrance Criminal Lawyer Do?
Every criminal case is unique, but the principles behind an effective defense remain the same: act promptly, understand the system, and anticipate the next move. A Torrance criminal lawyer manages every phase of that process, from investigation through post-resolution relief. At Esfandi Law Group, this includes:
- Pre-filing representation—engaging with law enforcement and prosecutors before charges are filed to present mitigating evidence and prevent formal accusations;
- Misdemeanor and felony defense—protecting clients facing offenses ranging from DUI to complex financial or violent allegations;
- Warrants and arrests—arranging voluntary surrender, bail hearings, and release motions that minimize disruption to family and work;
- Negotiations and diversion programs—leveraging experience to secure dismissals, reductions, or treatment alternatives that avoid conviction; and
- Trial and post-trial advocacy—preparing for court when necessary and pursuing expungement or record-clearing afterward.
This is not an exhaustive list; criminal law is broad, and new situations arise frequently. What matters most is having an attorney who recognizes the patterns behind each charge and knows how to dismantle them. Seppi Esfandi’s twenty-plus years in Los Angeles County courts ensure that strategy is grounded in real-world results. Clients come to us not only for defense in active cases but also for guidance throughout the entire process, so nothing is left to chance.
Do I Need a Torrance Criminal Defense Attorney with Proven Experience?
The best criminal defense rarely ends in trial; it often ends before trial becomes necessary. A skilled Torrance criminal defense attorney uses knowledge of courtroom dynamics to avoid them altogether. When prosecutors recognize that your lawyer understands every phase of litigation, from evidence to jury selection, they negotiate differently. They calculate risk. They compromise sooner.
Seppi Esfandi has earned that credibility through more than two decades of work in Los Angeles County courts. As a former Deputy Public Defender, he established relationships with local prosecutors and judges, gaining insight into how cases progress through Torrance and the South Bay. That insight helps him dismantle weak claims early, file targeted motions that make trial unnecessary, and position clients for dismissal, diversion, or favorable resolution long before a jury is ever seated.
What Kinds of Cases Does a Torrance Criminal Attorney Handle?
At Esfandi Law Group, we defend against both state and federal accusations, including:
- Violent crimes such as murder, manslaughter, and assault with a deadly weapon;
- Drug offenses, from possession to large-scale distribution;
- Juvenile matters, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment;
- Probation violations where early action can preserve freedom;
- Cyber and internet crimes, including unauthorized access, online fraud, and exploitation charges; and
- Weapons violations, including possession, use, and registration.
Each charge demands its own approach, informed by precedent, procedure, and the personalities of local prosecutors.
What Should I Do Right After an Arrest in Torrance?
Stay calm. Say nothing substantive until counsel arrives. The law guarantees you the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. Call Esfandi Law Group immediately so we can contact the jail, confirm bail, and stop questioning. Early intervention protects both rights and reputation.
FAQs About Working with a Torrance Criminal Defense Lawyer
Do I Need a Lawyer Before Charges Are Filed?
Yes. Early representation can stop a case before it starts. A Torrance criminal defense lawyer can speak with detectives, provide exculpatory evidence, and prevent a misunderstanding from turning into a criminal filing. Acting fast preserves options that vanish once the complaint is in motion.
Can Esfandi Law Group Appear in Court for Me?
In many misdemeanor cases, yes. We can appear on your behalf, handle scheduling, and report back afterward. That keeps you at work or with family instead of sitting through routine hearings.
How Much Does Representation Cost?
Fees depend on case complexity, but Esfandi Law Group provides transparent, written agreements and flexible payment structures. You’ll know what representation costs before any work begins, no surprises and no hidden fees.
What If I’m Not a U.S. Citizen?
Criminal convictions can threaten immigration status. Esfandi Law Group coordinates with immigration counsel when needed to protect your right to remain in the United States while resolving your criminal matter strategically and lawfully.
Can Old Convictions Be Cleared from My Record?
Often, yes. California law allows expungement and record sealing. Our firm regularly petitions courts to erase eligible convictions, restoring employment and housing opportunities.
How Soon Should I Call a Torrance Criminal Attorney After Arrest?
Immediately. Time favors the prosecution. Evidence decays, memories fade, and plea leverage disappears. The earlier we act, the more tools we have to challenge the case.
When you contact us, we:
- Review reports and booking documents,
- Determine probable cause strengths and weaknesses,
- File motions to secure release or reduce bail, and
- Begin negotiations or prepare trial strategy as conditions warrant.
Prompt defense is the single most significant predictor of a favorable outcome.
What Happens If I Call from Jail?
If you reach out from jail, Esfandi Law Group acts immediately. We can contact the facility, confirm the charges, and begin the release process. Our firm coordinates with family or bail professionals, appears at the arraignment, and ensures your rights are protected before you face a judge. Fast communication can shorten the time in custody and preserve critical evidence for your defense.
Trust Esfandi Law Group
When everything feels uncertain, your defense should not. Seppi Esfandi brings over 20 years of focused criminal defense experience to every case, backed by recognition from California’s top trial attorneys and Expertise.com’s list of the Best DUI Lawyers in Los Angeles. His results speak for themselves: dismissals, reduced charges, and resolved cases across Torrance and the South Bay.
At Esfandi Law Group, precision replaces panic. Every motion, filing, and negotiation is built on preparation, not promises. We defend with strategy, discretion, and the respect every client deserves. Our work doesn’t end when the case closes; we help clients rebuild stability, restore confidence, and move forward. If you or someone you love faces charges, don’t wait. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.