Culver City Attorney
Criminal Defense Attorney in Culver City
It’s late on a Friday near The Culver Steps. Police approach your car with blue lights flashing. What started as a casual evening with friends quickly turned into a blur of questions, field sobriety tests, and a vehicle search. Suddenly, you find yourself under arrest.
In Culver City, even one accusation, whether DUI, an argument at home, or a misunderstanding at a traffic stop, can turn your life upside down.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Culver City, you need more than hope and reassurance. Hire a Culver City criminal defense lawyer who brings calm, control, and courtroom strategy in this chaotic time. Your choices now decide your case, your record, and your future.
What to Know About Criminal Charges in Culver City
Culver City may feel like a small town, but its criminal justice system moves with the full force of Los Angeles County. Arrests are typically handled by the Culver City Police Department, with cases heard in the Los Angeles Superior Court system.
California law typically divides crimes into two main categories:
- Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, punishable by up to one year in county jail; and
- Felonies are more serious charges that can result in state prison time and long-term consequences.
Upon arrest, defendants have fundamental rights under both the U.S. Constitution and the California Constitution. These include the right to remain silent, the right to have a lawyer, and the right to a fair and prompt trial. Exercising those rights early gives your lawyer more leverage to challenge the prosecution’s case before it gains momentum.
What to Do After an Arrest in Culver City
If you’ve been arrested or charged, what you do next matters more than anything else.
- Stay calm and remain silent. You have the right to remain silent under both state and federal law. Use it because anything you say can be misinterpreted and used against you.
- Ask for a lawyer right away. Clearly state, «I want a lawyer,» so the police stop asking you questions until your lawyer arrives.
- Avoid discussing your case. Don’t discuss the details with the police, friends, or family. Conversations can later be subpoenaed or misconstrued.
- Document everything you remember. Write down names and dates. Make note of what was said during the incident and arrest. Small details often make or break cases.
Your rights only protect you if you use them. Act quickly so your Culver City criminal defense lawyer can challenge evidence before prosecutors decide how aggressively to file charges.
The Most Common Criminal Charges We Defend
Every case is unique, but certain charges appear frequently in Culver City. At Esfandi Law Group, we defend clients facing a range of accusations, from misdemeanors to life-changing felony charges.
- DUI charges. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to fines, license suspension, and jail time, even for a first offense. Felony DUI charges may apply if injuries are involved.
- Domestic violence. Allegations of domestic violence often arise from heated arguments that escalate. Even without visible injuries, officers can arrest individuals based solely on their statements.
- Theft and property crimes. Charges such as burglary, robbery, or shoplifting depend on the intent and value of the items stolen. Prosecutors must prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property, a higher burden than most realize.
- Drug crimes. From simple possession to intent to sell, these cases often hinge on search procedures and the handling of evidence. If officers overstepped, your attorney can move to have evidence suppressed.
- Assault and battery. California defines these offenses, ranging from misdemeanor altercations to felony cases involving great bodily injury. Witness statements and video evidence frequently decide outcomes.
While these are the most common cases, our Culver City criminal attorney handles a full spectrum of offenses, including probation violations, restraining order violations, and white-collar crimes. Every case demands a customized defense strategy, not a generic approach.
Potential Penalties in California Criminal Cases
The consequences of a criminal conviction in California depend on the nature of the offense and your prior record. Typical sentences may include:
- Jail or prison time. Misdemeanors can bring up to one year in county jail; felonies can carry years in state prison.
- Fines and restitution. Courts may order thousands in fines and repayment to alleged victims.
- Probation. Many defendants receive supervised or informal probation in place of jail time, with conditions such as counseling or community service.
- Protective orders. Domestic-related offenses often trigger restraining orders that restrict contact or where you can live.
- Collateral consequences. Convictions may affect immigration status, employment, and professional licensing.
Each penalty adds up if you face multiple charges. With the proper defense, clients secure dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing.
Strong Defenses Built on Facts and Precision
A strong defense relies on strategy. At Esfandi Law Group, we analyze every step of your arrest to identify errors, inconsistencies, or overreach. Common defense strategies include:
- Illegal search or seizure. If officers lacked probable cause or a valid warrant, evidence may be excluded.
- Lack of intent. Many crimes require proof that you acted with intent to commit a specific act, but misunderstandings or accidents don’t qualify.
- False accusations. In domestic or personal disputes, emotions run high, and false or exaggerated claims are common. Cross-examination and corroboration are key.
- Insufficient evidence. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a standard we hold them to at every turn.
- Violation of rights. From Miranda violations to denied counsel, procedural errors can lead to case dismissal.
Defense is about controlling the narrative, the evidence, and the courtroom. Our team’s role is to restore that control to you.
Accused in Culver City? Go with Local Experience and Proven Strategy
A local case requires a local understanding. Prosecutors in Los Angeles County handle hundreds of cases each week. They move quickly and often assume defendants won’t fight back.
We anticipate and respond. With over 23 years of experience in criminal defense, Attorney Seppi Esfandi, a graduate of the UCLA School of Law and a former public defender, leads a team recognized for its methodical approach and courtroom focus.
We’ve defended thousands of clients across Los Angeles County and many in Culver City. We have achieved reductions, dismissals, and not guilty verdicts. What sets us apart isn’t just legal knowledge. It’s the client-focused support and precise advocacy we bring when the stakes are highest. When you hire our Culver City criminal lawyer, you’re gaining a defense team committed to protecting your freedom, your name, and your future.
What you do now determines what happens next. Esfandi Law Group provides steady, strategic defense to move forward with confidence. Whether your case involves DUI, domestic violence, theft, or any criminal allegation, we’re ready to investigate, negotiate, and fight for you in court when necessary.
Your story matters. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
FAQs
What Types of Cases Does a Culver City Criminal Defense Attorney Handle?
We defend clients against all criminal charges, including DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug possession, theft, and more. Each case receives an individualized defense strategy tailored to the evidence and legal analysis.
Where Will My Case Be Heard?
Culver City criminal cases are handled at the Airport Courthouse or LAX Courthouse under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Can a Criminal Charge Be Dismissed?
Dismissals occur when evidence is weak, procedural violations occur, or negotiations reveal a lack of proof. Our team carefully examines every file to identify these opportunities.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor?
Yes, even minor offenses can result in lasting consequences, including a criminal record, probation, or license suspension. A lawyer can often resolve misdemeanors without requiring you to appear in court.
