Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles

Defending your rights in Los Angeles

Facing criminal charges can be terrifying, especially if you have no prior experience with law enforcement or the criminal justice system. Your life and liberty are on the line - it is crucial that you take the time to speak with a qualified lawyer who will prepare an aggressive defense strategy in order to protect your constitutional rights and your future. An experienced, highly skilled defense attorney may mean the difference between a prison sentence and reduced or dismissed charges. Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer Robert M. Bernstein is a highly-acclaimed litigator who has the experience and legal knowledge that you need when facing serious criminal charges. Mr. Bernstein works closely with every client throughout the entire criminal process in order to achieve optimum results for your case.

As a former prosecutor, our founding attorney understands both sides of the legal system. He knows what to look for in building a more effective defense against criminal charges of any kind, and he uses his background to anticipate the prosecuting attorney's next move. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor charge or multiple serious felony charges - you should have the best possible defense to help ensure that you are not the victim of overzealous prosecutors and overly harsh punishments and consequences. A successful case result may come down to the seemingly minor details of the case, but no opportunity will go overlooked when you work with our Los Angeles criminal defense law firm. A careful investigation may reveal an illegal search, a confession obtained without the defendant receiving the Miranda warning, an arrest made without probable cause or some other factor that could result in key evidence being dismissed and an entire case turning in the defendant's favor.

Criminal Defense: Our Areas of Practice

Our firm defends clients in the greater LA area in the face of virtually any type of criminal investigation, arrest or charge. This site includes information regarding some of our most important areas of practice in criminal law, and we welcome you to review individual pages about these topics. You can find out more about the particular offense, what you may be up against in terms of penalties, and how an attorney at our offices can help you. Just click on any of the links below to get started:

Appeals / Post Convictions
Have you been convicted of a crime? It is not too late to appeal and fight for your conviction to be overturned. With the help of our firm, you may be able to prove that "legal errors" occurred during the trial. Appeals are drastically different than a trial, and you need an experienced attorney by your side. Click here to read more about appeals / post convictions.

Arson
Criminal charges for arson are taken very seriously in the state of California, and the penalties for conviction are severe. You can even be charged with arson for helping or assisting another person in the act of arson. Click here to read more about arson.

Assault / Battery
These are violent crimes that may count as a strike on an individual's criminal record. If you have been charged with assault or battery, you must be aware of the severe penalties that are associated with first, second and third-time convictions. Even a simple misdemeanor battery can result in up to 6 months in county jail and/or hefty fines. Click here to read more about assault/battery.

Child Abuse
Being convicted of child abuse will significantly impact your reputation and your personal relationships. You may lose custody of your children, your job and other liberties as well. If you are facing charges of child abuse, take action to defend your rights and your future. Click here to read more about child abuse.

Criminal Threats
Have you been accused of making criminal threats? These charges usually come down to the actual intention of the defendant and whether the alleged victim actually believes they were in danger as a result of the threat. Click here to read more about criminal threats.

Domestic Violence
If you have been charged with domestic violence, you may be eligible for misdemeanor or felony penalties depending on the nature of your offense. Once the police have become involved in a domestic dispute, it is left to the discretion of the prosecution to determine whether to press charges. You can't afford to be without qualified legal representation during this time, so call our firm today. Click here to read more about domestic violence.

Drug Offenses
You may be able to avoid the harsh penalties that result from a drug conviction with the help of our experienced law firm. It is illegal to possess, cultivate, sell, manufacture or distribute illegal drugs or prescription drugs, and the state of California has particularly harsh penalties for those who are convicted of drug offenses. Click here to read more about drug offenses.

DUI Defense
Have you been charged with driving under the influence? You may lose your license and face criminal penalties including community service, jail time and more. A DUI conviction can seriously affect your social and work life, and you need to take action to avoid conviction. Click here to read more about DUI defense.

Federal Crimes
It is vitally important to secure the help of an experienced defense attorney if you have been accused of a federal crime. The procedures, laws and penalties involved with charges of this nature are drastically different than normal state cases, and federal prosecutors will pursue maximum sentences against you. Click here to read more about federal crimes.

Felony Defense
Felony crimes carry heavyweight consequences and penalties that will affect the rest of your life. In the state of California, felony offenses may count as strikes on a defendant's criminal record if he or she is convicted, and may lead to life imprisonment based on the severity of the charge. Click here to read more about felony defense.

Fraud Crimes
Have you been accused of a fraud crime? Whether you were charged with identity theft, internet theft, tax fraud, bank fraud, mortgage fraud or any other type of fraud, our firm can provide you with the aggressive legal defense you need. Many types of fraud are considered federal crimes and you may be under investigation by federal agencies. Click here to read more about fraud crimes.

Hate Crimes
California state law says that hate crimes are classified as traditional offenses motivated by the offender's bias against the perceived characteristics of the victim. You may have been charged with a hate crime based on your reaction to an individual's disability, gender, nationality, religion or sexual orientation. Our firm can vigorously defend your rights against these charges, so click here to read more about hate crimes.

Kidnapping
If you are convicted of kidnapping in California, you could face 3, 5, or 8 years in prison depending on the nature of your offense. A lawyer from our firm can provide you with several defenses to prove that you reasonably believed the victim consented and that "lack of intent" was present in your situation. Click here to read more about kidnapping.

Murder / Manslaughter
If you have been charged with murder or manslaughter, your life may be on the line. These charges can include involuntary manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter, first degree murder, vehicular manslaughter and misdemeanor manslaughter. You may be able to argue for self defense, mistaken identity, accidental death and more with our help. Click here to read more about murder / manslaughter.

Sex Crimes
Facing accusations of sex crimes can be a terrifying experience. You may be unfamiliar with the harsh criminal justice system and unprepared for the serious consequences that come with conviction. Let an attorney from our firm provide you with the high-quality legal defense you need. Click here to read more about sex crimes.

Shoplifting
When you are accused of shoplifting, the first step you need to take is to secure the help of a defense attorney. The majority of individuals who are charged with shoplifting are convicted because they don't have a legal advocate on their side who understands the law, so call our firm today. Click here to read more about shoplifting.

Stalking
Stalking is often associated with domestic violence, and is defined as the willful and malicious following or harassment of another person with the intention of making that person fear for their safety. You may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for stalking, and it is important to seek help from a skilled attorney. Click here to read more about stalking.

Theft Offenses
These criminal offenses include a large number of crimes that involve the taking of another person's property, money or assets without their consent or permission. Robbery, carjacking, burglary and more are all labeled as theft offenses and are heavily prosecuted in the state of California. Click here to read more about theft offenses.

Third Strike Cases
This California law states that individuals who have two prior convictions that are considered serious felony offenses will face the potential of 25 years to life in prison upon conviction of a third felony offense. Click here to read more about third strike cases.

Vehicular Manslaughter
This form of involuntary manslaughter occurs when a driver who is acting recklessly or negligently, or who is driving while intoxicated, does something to cause an accident in which another person was killed. The serious nature of these charges warrants a need for strong legal defense, and you can find just that with our firm. Click here to read more about vehicular manslaughter.

Weapons Charges
Have you been charged with a criminal offense involving a weapon? The definition of "deadly weapon" under California law is quite broad, and even a blunt object could be deemed a deadly weapon in this state. Click here to read more about weapons charges.

White Collar Crimes
If you have been charged with bribery, fraud, identity theft, insider trading or any type of white collar crime, you need to take action to protect your rights, your reputation and your future. The penalty for conviction may include heavy fines, restitution and prison sentences. Click here to learn more about white collar crimes.

Of course, nothing compares to discussing your case directly with a criminal lawyer. That is why we also recommend that you call our offices to schedule a confidential review of your case. You can get answers to your specific questions and can have your concerns addressed by a legal professional who will be able to give you honest, practical advice. You can get the guidance you need to make an informed decision about what to do and what not to do at this point, including whether to involve an attorney.

Talk to a Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer at our Firm

Our firm has extensive experience handling a wide range of criminal defense cases throughout Los Angeles and all of California. We understand that you are worried about your future, which is why we have devoted our firm to protecting the rights of those who have been accused of criminal offenses. Let our unparalleled dedication to excellence in the field of criminal defense work work for you.

Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at the firm today.