Finding the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me in Los Angeles and Southern California

When you’re facing criminal charges in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, finding the right criminal defense lawyer near you can make the difference between freedom and incarceration, between maintaining your reputation and losing everything you’ve worked for. At LibertyBell Law Group, we understand that when you search for “criminal defense lawyers near me,” you’re not just looking for any attorney – you’re looking for someone who will fight for your rights, protect your future, and provide aggressive representation when you need it most.

LibertyBell Law Group has been serving clients throughout Southern California for years, building a reputation as one of the most trusted and effective criminal defense law firms in the region. We serve clients in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County. Whether you’re in Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, Anaheim, Irvine, San Diego, Riverside, Ontario, Oxnard, or any of the 700+ cities we serve, we’re here to help.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services Throughout Southern California

At LibertyBell Law Group, we handle virtually every type of criminal case, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, from state charges to federal crimes. Our criminal defense lawyers near you in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California have the experience, knowledge, and resources to defend against any criminal charge.

Understanding Your Rights: Essential Tips From Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys

Knowledge is power when dealing with the criminal justice system. Here are crucial tips and strategies from our experienced criminal defense lawyers that every person in Los Angeles and Southern California should know:

What To Do If You’re Arrested

Pre-Filing Intervention: Stopping Charges Before They’re Filed

Understanding Felonies vs. Misdemeanors in California

California law categorizes crimes into three main levels: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Understanding the difference is critical because the consequences vary dramatically.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines up to $1,000 (though some specific misdemeanors carry higher fines), and informal probation. Common misdemeanors include simple assault, petty theft (under $950), first-time DUI without injury, possession of small amounts of drugs, and many domestic violence charges. While labeled “less serious,” misdemeanors still create criminal records that can affect employment, housing, and your reputation.

Felonies

Felonies are serious crimes punishable by state prison (not county jail), lengthy sentences, substantial fines, and formal probation. Felonies include murder, rape, robbery, serious drug crimes, grand theft, many white collar crimes, and crimes involving serious injury. Felony convictions carry lifelong consequences: loss of voting rights (until restored), inability to own firearms, difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses, and potential immigration consequences for non-citizens.

Wobblers – Crimes That Can Be Charged Either Way

California has unique “wobbler” offenses that prosecutors can charge as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances and defendant’s criminal history. These include many theft crimes, some drug offenses, certain domestic violence charges, and various fraud crimes. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can negotiate to have a wobbler charged as a misdemeanor rather than a felony can literally change your life.

Proposition 47: Reducing Old Felonies to Misdemeanors

In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47, which allows people convicted of certain felonies to petition the court to reduce them to misdemeanors. This groundbreaking law has helped thousands of Californians clear their records and move forward with their lives.

Crimes Eligible for Prop 47 Reduction

• Shoplifting (Penal Code 459.5) – Previously charged as burglary
• Grand theft involving property valued at $950 or less
• Receiving stolen property valued at $950 or less
• Forgery involving checks or documents worth $950 or less
• Fraud involving access cards or checks worth $950 or less
• Writing bad checks worth $950 or less
• Personal use possession of most drugs (Health & Safety Code 11350, 11357, 11377)

The benefits of Prop 47 reduction are substantial. Once your felony is reduced to a misdemeanor, you can honestly state on employment applications that you have not been convicted of a felony. Your firearm rights may be restored. Immigration consequences may be reduced. Professional licensing barriers may be removed. Housing applications become easier.

Expungements: Clearing Your Criminal Record Under PC 1203.4

California Penal Code Section 1203.4 allows people who have successfully completed probation to petition for dismissal of their conviction – commonly called an expungement. This powerful legal remedy can help you move past your criminal record and rebuild your life.

How Expungements Work in California

An expungement under PC 1203.4 doesn’t erase your conviction, but it does provide significant relief. When granted, the court withdraws your guilty or no contest plea and enters a not guilty plea, then dismisses the case. You can then legally state on most job applications (except government and law enforcement positions) that you have not been convicted of that crime.

Who Qualifies for Expungement?

• You were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony
• You were granted probation (even if probation was later revoked)
• You have completed all terms of probation including paying fines and restitution
• You are not currently charged with another offense
• You are not serving a sentence for another offense
• You did not serve time in state prison for this offense (with some exceptions)

Benefits of Expungement

Once your conviction is expunged, doors begin to reopen. You can honestly answer “no” when asked if you’ve been convicted of a crime on most private employment applications. Professional licenses become obtainable. Landlords are more likely to approve rental applications. College admissions become easier. The psychological relief of having a dismissed conviction rather than a conviction on your record is immeasurable.

However, it’s important to understand what expungement doesn’t do. It doesn’t restore gun rights for felony convictions (you need a different process for that). Government and law enforcement agencies can still see the conviction. Immigration authorities consider expunged convictions. If you’re convicted of another crime later, the expunged conviction can still be used for sentencing enhancement.

Bail Reduction and Bail Review Hearings

When you’re arrested for a crime in California, the court sets bail – the amount of money you must pay to be released from custody while your case is pending. Bail amounts are often set extremely high, especially for serious felonies, making it impossible for many defendants and their families to afford release.

Factors Courts Consider in Bail Decisions

• The seriousness of the charges
• Your prior criminal record
• Your ties to the community (family, employment, property ownership)
• Whether you’re a flight risk
• Whether you pose a danger to the community
• Your ability to pay bail
• The strength of the evidence against you

In some cases, particularly for non-violent offenses with strong community ties, we’ve secured OR release, meaning our client walks out of custody without paying any bail. In other cases, we’ve reduced bail from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands, making release affordable. Being out of custody while your case is pending is crucial – it allows you to work, support your family, and actively participate in your defense.

Probation Violations: Protecting Your Freedom

If you’re on probation and accused of violating its terms, you’re facing serious consequences including revocation of probation and imposition of the maximum jail or prison sentence. Probation violations occur when you fail to follow the terms of your probation, such as failing to report to your probation officer, failing drug tests, getting arrested for a new offense, failing to complete classes, or failing to pay fines and restitution.

Defending Against Probation Violations

The standard of proof for probation violations is lower than for criminal trials – the prosecution only needs to prove the violation by a “preponderance of the evidence” rather than “beyond a reasonable doubt.” However, you still have rights and defenses. We challenge whether a violation actually occurred, present mitigating evidence explaining the violation, demonstrate your overall compliance with other probation terms, and argue for continued probation with modified terms rather than revocation.

Pitchess Motions: Accessing Police Personnel Records

A Pitchess motion is a powerful defense tool that allows defendants to discover information from police officers’ personnel files that may be relevant to their case. This California-specific motion is named after Pitchess v. Superior Court, the case that established this right.

When Pitchess Motions Are Crucial

• The officer has a history of dishonesty or false reports
• The officer has previous complaints for excessive force (relevant in assault cases)
• The officer has a history of racial bias (relevant when race may be a factor)
• The officer has previous complaints for planting evidence
• The officer has disciplinary history for illegal searches

Habeas Corpus Petitions: Post-Conviction Relief

A habeas corpus petition is a legal mechanism to challenge your conviction or sentence after your appeal rights have been exhausted. The Latin phrase “habeas corpus” means “you have the body,” referring to the right to challenge unlawful detention.

Grounds for Habeas Corpus Relief

• Ineffective assistance of counsel (your trial attorney made serious errors)
• Newly discovered evidence that could change the outcome
• Constitutional violations during trial
• Changes in law that apply retroactively to your case
• Actual innocence based on new evidence
• Prosecutorial misconduct that wasn’t discovered until after trial

Habeas petitions are complex and require demonstrating that you were actually harmed by the error, not just that an error occurred. At LibertyBell Law Group, we’ve successfully secured relief through habeas petitions for clients serving lengthy sentences, including getting convictions overturned and sentences reduced.

Alternative Sentencing Options

Many people facing criminal charges assume that conviction automatically means jail or prison. However, California law provides numerous alternative sentencing options that allow defendants to avoid incarceration while still being held accountable.

Building a Strong Defense: Strategies That Work

Every criminal case is unique, but there are proven defense strategies that experienced criminal defense attorneys use to protect their clients. Here’s what we do at LibertyBell Law Group to build winning defenses:

Immediate Investigation

The moment you hire us, we begin investigating. Time is critical in criminal cases. Witnesses’ memories fade, surveillance footage gets deleted, physical evidence degrades. We immediately send investigators to the scene, interview witnesses before police influence their statements, locate and preserve video evidence, photograph the scene, and identify exculpatory evidence. In several cases, we’ve found witnesses and evidence that completely contradicted the prosecution’s version of events, leading to dismissed charges.

Challenging Illegal Searches and Seizures

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If police violated your constitutional rights by conducting an illegal search, any evidence they found may be suppressible in court. At LibertyBell Law Group, we meticulously examine every aspect of how police obtained evidence.

Common Fourth Amendment Violations We Challenge:

• Searches without warrants, consent, or probable cause
• Warrants based on false or misleading information
• Searches that exceed the scope of a warrant
• Vehicle searches without probable cause
• Prolonged traffic stops that become fishing expeditions
• Home searches based on invalid consent
• Use of drug dogs without reasonable suspicion
• Cell phone searches without warrants

When we successfully suppress evidence through a motion to suppress (Penal Code Section 1538.5), the prosecution often has no choice but to dismiss the case or offer a favorable plea deal.

Attacking Witness Credibility

Many criminal cases rely heavily on witness testimony. At LibertyBell Law Group, we thoroughly investigate witnesses to find inconsistencies, biases, and credibility issues.

How We Undermine Prosecution Witnesses:

• Demonstrating bias or motive to lie (ex-spouses, business rivals, people seeking plea deals)
• Finding inconsistencies in their statements over time
• Exposing prior criminal convictions that affect credibility
• Revealing drug or alcohol use that affects perception and memory
• Showing physical impossibility of their claimed observations
• Demonstrating they’ve testified falsely in other cases

Expert Witnesses

Complex cases often require expert testimony. We work with top experts in various fields including forensic scientists who challenge DNA, fingerprint, and blood evidence; accident reconstructionists who analyze traffic collisions; medical experts who explain injuries and medical evidence; digital forensic experts who examine computer and phone evidence; and ballistics experts who analyze firearms evidence.

Developing Affirmative Defenses

Sometimes the best defense is showing that even if you did what you’re accused of, you had a legal justification. Common affirmative defenses we pursue include self-defense or defense of others (particularly in assault and domestic violence cases), necessity (you committed a lesser crime to prevent greater harm), duress (you were forced to commit the crime under threat), entrapment (police induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise commit), accident (the act was unintentional), and alibi (you weren’t present when the crime occurred).

DUI Defense: Specialized Strategies for Fighting DUI Charges

DUI cases require specialized knowledge because they involve unique evidence like breathalyzers, blood tests, and field sobriety tests. At LibertyBell Law Group, our DUI defense lawyers have extensive training in DUI science and have successfully defended hundreds of DUI cases throughout Southern California.

Challenging Breathalyzer Results

Breathalyzers are machines, and machines make errors. We challenge breathalyzer results by examining calibration records (was the machine properly maintained?), examining the testing officer’s training and certification, investigating whether proper observation period was followed (15 minutes before testing), determining if medical conditions affected results (GERD, acid reflux, diabetes), examining whether mouth alcohol contaminated the sample, and investigating radio frequency interference from police radios.

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are notoriously unreliable. They’re designed to make people fail. We challenge FSTs by demonstrating improper administration by the officer, medical conditions that affect performance (inner ear problems, knee injuries, back problems), poor testing conditions (uneven surface, poor lighting, bad weather), nervousness affecting performance, and showing that FSTs have high error rates even for sober people.

Rising Blood Alcohol Defense

Your blood alcohol content (BAC) continues to rise for 30-90 minutes after your last drink. This means your BAC when you were driving may have been below the legal limit even if it was above the limit when tested later. This “rising blood alcohol” defense has been successful in many cases where the defendant had recently finished drinking before driving.

Domestic Violence Defense: Protecting Against False Allegations

Domestic violence cases are unique because they often involve false or exaggerated allegations made during emotional conflicts. At LibertyBell Law Group, we’ve represented hundreds of clients falsely accused of domestic violence.

Common Motivations for False Domestic Violence Accusations:

• Gaining advantage in divorce or child custody proceedings
• Revenge for infidelity or ending the relationship
• Getting the defendant removed from shared residence
• Deflecting blame for their own violence
• Mental health issues causing misperception or fabrication

Defending Mutual Combat Situations

Many domestic violence incidents involve mutual combat where both parties were physical. California law allows for defense of self-defense in these situations. We investigate to show our client was defending themselves, that the alleged victim was the primary aggressor, that injuries to the alleged victim were accidental or self-inflicted, and that our client’s actions were proportional to the threat.

Sex Crime Defense: Protecting Your Rights and Reputation

Sex crime accusations are devastating. Even without a conviction, an accusation can destroy your reputation, career, and relationships. At LibertyBell Law Group, we handle sex crime cases with the sensitivity and aggression they require.

Challenging Forensic Evidence in Sex Crime Cases

DNA evidence is often considered foolproof, but it’s not. We challenge DNA evidence by examining chain of custody (was the sample properly handled?), investigating contamination issues, demonstrating that DNA presence doesn’t prove the crime (consensual contact can leave DNA), challenging lab procedures and protocols, and using our own DNA experts to reanalyze evidence.

Delayed Reporting and Inconsistencies

Many sex crime allegations involve delayed reporting – the alleged victim waits days, weeks, months, or even years to report the incident. While there can be legitimate reasons for delayed reporting, significant delays allow us to investigate inconsistencies and challenge the reliability of the accusation.

White Collar Crime Defense: Protecting Professionals and Business Owners

White collar criminal cases are complex, often involving voluminous financial records, multiple defendants, and both state and federal charges. At LibertyBell Law Group, we represent professionals, business owners, and executives facing white collar criminal charges.

Common White Collar Crimes We Defend:

• Embezzlement – theft by employees or fiduciaries
• Securities fraud – insider trading, market manipulation
• Insurance fraud – false claims, staged accidents
• Healthcare fraud – Medicare/Medicaid fraud, billing fraud
• Tax evasion – failure to report income, false deductions
• Money laundering – concealing proceeds of criminal activity
• Identity theft – using another’s information for financial gain
• Check fraud – forgery, kiting, counterfeiting
• Credit card fraud – unauthorized use, account takeover
• Computer crimes – hacking, unauthorized access, data theft

White Collar Defense Strategies

White collar cases require meticulous analysis of financial records and complex legal issues. Our approach includes retaining forensic accountants to analyze financial evidence, demonstrating lack of criminal intent (many white collar crimes require specific intent), showing that errors were mistakes rather than crimes, challenging the government’s financial analysis, and negotiating restitution to reduce or eliminate criminal charges.

Federal Criminal Defense: Navigating Federal Court

Federal criminal charges are different from state charges in significant ways. Federal cases typically involve more serious crimes, mandatory minimum sentences, federal sentencing guidelines that limit judicial discretion, better-funded prosecution teams, and more severe penalties. At LibertyBell Law Group, our attorneys have extensive federal court experience.

Common Federal Crimes:

• Federal drug trafficking – large-scale drug operations
• Firearms offenses – illegal gun trafficking, felon in possession
• Immigration crimes – illegal reentry, alien smuggling
• Federal fraud – mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud
• RICO charges – racketeering, organized crime
• Child pornography – production, distribution, possession
• Federal tax crimes – tax evasion, filing false returns
• Terrorism-related charges

Federal Sentencing

Federal sentencing is governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, a complex point system that calculates recommended sentences based on offense level and criminal history. While the guidelines are now advisory rather than mandatory (after the Supreme Court’s Booker decision), judges still consider them heavily. We work to minimize our clients’ offense levels by challenging enhancements, demonstrating mitigating factors, and arguing for downward departures from the guidelines.

Serving Every City in Southern California

LibertyBell Law Group proudly serves clients throughout Southern California. No matter where you are, we have criminal defense lawyers near you ready to fight for your rights.

Why Location Matters: Local Knowledge in Criminal Defense

Having criminal defense lawyers near you isn’t just about convenience – it’s about having attorneys who know the local courts, prosecutors, and judges. At LibertyBell Law Group, we’ve appeared in every courthouse throughout Southern California, and that local knowledge benefits our clients.

Advantages of Local Criminal Defense Attorneys:

• We know the local prosecutors and their negotiating styles
• We understand each judge’s sentencing tendencies and legal philosophies
• We’re familiar with local jury pools and community attitudes
• We have relationships that help facilitate negotiations
• We can appear in court immediately without travel delays
• We know local resources for treatment programs and alternative sentencing

What to Expect When You Hire LibertyBell Law Group

Understanding the criminal defense process helps reduce anxiety and allows you to participate effectively in your defense. Here’s what happens when you hire us:

Step 1: Free Consultation

Your case evaluation is completely free. We’ll discuss the charges, circumstances, evidence, your criminal history, and potential defenses. We’ll explain the process, possible outcomes, and our recommended strategy. There’s no obligation – we just want you to make an informed decision.

Step 2: Immediate Action

Once hired, we act immediately. If you’re in custody, we file bail reduction motions. We begin investigating, contacting witnesses, and preserving evidence. If charges haven’t been filed yet, we contact the prosecutor to begin pre-filing intervention. Time is critical, and we don’t waste it.

Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation

We conduct our own investigation independent of law enforcement. We interview witnesses, examine physical evidence, review police reports for inconsistencies, consult with experts, and identify all possible defenses. We leave no stone unturned.

Step 4: Court Appearances

We handle all court appearances, from arraignment through trial if necessary. You’ll never face the judge alone. We’ll explain each stage of the process and ensure your rights are protected at every hearing.

Step 5: Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with prosecutors. Using the weaknesses we’ve found in their case, the strengths of your defenses, and mitigating factors, we push for dismissed charges, reduced charges, or favorable plea deals. Many cases resolve through skillful negotiation.

Step 6: Trial if Necessary

If we can’t negotiate an acceptable resolution, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who have secured not guilty verdicts in serious felony cases. We don’t fear trial – prosecutors know this, which strengthens our negotiating position.

Step 7: Post-Conviction Relief

Even after a case concludes, we continue helping. We file expungement petitions, seek early termination of probation, assist with appeals, and pursue other post-conviction relief to minimize the long-term impact of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?

Legal fees vary based on the complexity of the case, the charges, whether the case goes to trial, and other factors. At LibertyBell Law Group, we offer competitive rates and flexible payment plans. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a clear fee structure with no hidden costs. Remember: the cost of not hiring an experienced attorney (conviction, incarceration, permanent criminal record) far exceeds the cost of quality legal representation.

Should I talk to police without an attorney?

Absolutely not. Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Even innocent people should never talk to police without an attorney present. Police are trained to elicit incriminating statements, and anything you say can and will be used against you. There is no talking your way out of an arrest, but there is definitely talking your way into a conviction.

What if I’m guilty? Should I still hire an attorney?

Yes! Even if you believe you’re guilty, an attorney can make an enormous difference. We can negotiate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, probation instead of jail, dismissals through diversion programs, and expungement afterward. We can also challenge whether the prosecution can prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Never assume your case is hopeless – we’ve secured favorable outcomes in countless cases where clients thought they had no defense.

How long does a criminal case take?

It varies. Misdemeanors often resolve within 2-6 months. Felonies typically take 6-18 months. Complex cases, especially federal cases, can take years. However, speed isn’t always beneficial – we need time to investigate, negotiate, and prepare your defense properly.

Will I have to go to trial?

Most criminal cases resolve through negotiation without trial. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position. If the prosecution won’t offer an acceptable resolution, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for a not guilty verdict.

Take Action Now: Your Future Depends on It

If you’re facing criminal charges or are under investigation anywhere in Los Angeles or Southern California, every moment counts. The decisions you make right now will affect the rest of your life. Don’t face the criminal justice system alone. Don’t trust your future to an inexperienced attorney. Don’t wait until it’s too late to build a strong defense.

Conclusion: Your Best Defense Starts Here

When you search for “criminal defense lawyers near me” in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, you’re not just looking for any attorney – you’re looking for the best criminal defense representation available. You’re looking for attorneys who will fight for you, protect your rights, and give you the best possible chance at a favorable outcome.

At LibertyBell Law Group, we’ve spent years building our reputation as one of Southern California’s most trusted and effective criminal defense law firms. We’ve helped thousands of clients facing everything from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. We’ve secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, reduced charges, and alternative sentences. We’ve kept people out of prison, protected their rights, and helped them rebuild their lives.

No matter what you’re charged with, no matter where you are in Southern California, no matter how serious the situation seems, we’re here to help. We serve clients in every city from Los Angeles to San Diego, from the coast to the Inland Empire, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Your future is worth fighting for. Your freedom is worth protecting. Your rights are worth defending. Call LibertyBell Law Group now at (855) 529-7761 for your free consultation. Let us put our experience, knowledge, and dedication to work for you.

Don’t wait. Don’t face this alone. Call now.