Payment PlansA Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer is a professional California law expert who defends people accused of breaking the law. Wherever you're accused of a crime, it's important to work with an attorney, but it's especially important in Los Angeles: The county features a massive trial court system, fast-moving cases, aggressive prosecution, and complex sentencing alternatives. You won't want to handle this alone.
And you don't have to. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to take your case. With over 50 years of combined legal practice and experience as former prosecutors, judges, and police officers, we know how to build strong defenses for Los Angeles residents. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, our firm is ready to help.
Don't wait and let your future slip away. Acting fast can save your freedom. Whatever charges you're facing, call us at (800) 755-5174 to speak with a criminal defense attorney today.
Reviewed by Attorney David S. Chesley, September 2026. California criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
Key Points
- A criminal case is when a government prosecutor accuses you of breaking the law.
- A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer helps defend you against criminal accusations in LA County.
- The typical process for a criminal case is arrest, arraignment, pretrial procedures, and concludes with either a trial, plea deal, or dismissal.
- The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense law firm, led by a former prosecutor, defending against every major case type.
- Certain charges, like DUIs and sex crimes, have special aspects that require expert assistance to navigate.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
Our firm offers comprehensive criminal defense services in Los Angeles. We defend against a variety of charges, including DUIs, violent crimes, drug charges, and more. There's no such thing as a "minor" criminal charge in California — it's always important to have a lawyer look at your case, no matter what category it falls into.
- Fighting DUI Charges in Los Angeles — DUI charges carry both criminal penalties and a separate DMV license suspension. Our attorneys fight both simultaneously.
- Los Angeles Theft Defense Attorney — Theft charges can hinge on property ownership and evaluations. We can challenge both in court.
- Violent Crimes Defense in Los Angeles — Violent crimes often come with a risk of a strike in Los Angeles. We will fight for the charges to be reduced or dismissed, protecting your future.
- Defense Against Los Angeles Sex Charges — Sex crime charges can come with major social stigma and sex offender registration. Our lawyers fight for your innocence and to keep you off the list.
- LA Drug Charges Lawyer — Drug charges can quickly be elevated from simple possession to trafficking. We will negotiate for reduced charges and diversionary programs.
- Domestic Violence Attorney in Los Angeles — Domestic violence charges are treated harshly by prosecutors, and a conviction can impact parental rights. Our attorneys not only defend you in court, but also fight against protective orders.
- Assault Defense in LA — The difference between a simple assault and aggravated assault charge is critical. Our lawyers know how to navigate these nuances.
- Los Angeles Murder Defense Lawyer — Murder is one of the most serious charges you can face in California. Our lawyers defend all kinds of murder charges, including first-degree, second-degree, Watson murder, and manslaughter.
- Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer — Your immigration attorney needs to help with more than just a visa application. Our attorneys will stand by you in both immigration and criminal court.
How the Criminal Court Process Works in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles criminal court process starts with an investigation and arrest, proceeds through arraignment and the pretrial process, and ends in either a plea deal or a trial. No matter what stage of the process you are in, a criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help.
- Investigation: Before an arrest, the police will conduct an investigation. This could be as simple as a traffic stop or as complex as a months-long sting operation.
- Arrest: If the state believes it has enough evidence to accuse you of a crime, they will arrest you. You may also be interviewed at this time — politely invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney.
- Arraignment/Bail: Before proceeding to trial, the prosecution is required to formally accuse you of breaking the law. This is done at an arraignment hearing, where you are normally also given a bail amount and/or conditions of release.
- Discovery and Pretrial Motions: During discovery, the state provides us with any evidence they have collected that's relevant to your case. We will review this and file pretrial motions that we believe will strengthen your case.
- Plea Negotiations: While building your defense strategy, your criminal defense attorney will negotiate with the Los Angeles County prosecutor for reduced charges and/or sentences.
- Trial: Most Los Angeles criminal cases end in a plea deal, but not all of them. If yours doesn't, your attorney will stand by your side and present your case at trial, in front of a judge and jury.
- Sentencing: At the end of the trial, if the case ends in a guilty verdict, there will be a sentencing hearing. This gives your lawyer a chance to advocate for lenient sentencing, highlighting mitigating circumstances.
- Appeals: Finally, if there were procedural violations or mistakes, you can appeal the court's decision. This gives you another chance to defend your freedom.
A lawyer can make a major difference at any stage of a Los Angeles criminal case. Whether it's preemptively defending you at a pre-trial investigative conference or researching California case law to find appeal opportunities, there's always a way your attorney can help.
Misdemeanors vs. Felonies in California
Misdemeanors are charges that are punishable by up to 364 days in jail, while felonies can be punished by longer sentences. Felonies also tend to have higher fines and more collateral consequences. In California, several offenses are considered "wobblers," meaning that the district attorney can charge them as either misdemeanors or felonies.
California Misdemeanor Key Features
- Standard misdemeanors can result in up to 6 months in jail.
- Gross or aggravated misdemeanors can result in up to 364 days in jail.
- Most fines don't go higher than $1,000, but there are exceptions.
- Normally, people accused of misdemeanors are eligible for informal probation.
- Most misdemeanor convictions can be expunged after completion of probation.
- Misdemeanor examples include:
California Felony Key Features
- Felonies can range anywhere from 1 year in jail to a life sentence, depending on the charge.
- Typically, fines are limited to $10,000, but not always.
- Many felonies have three possible sentences listed in the statute — a judge will decide which to impose.
- Probation is possible, but less likely than for misdemeanors, and is treated more formally.
- Most felonies can be expunged, but not violent, serious, or certain sex crimes.
- California uses a "three-strikes" system, where certain serious or violent crimes count as a strike.
- For a second strike conviction, the sentence is automatically doubled.
- For a third strike conviction, the sentence becomes 25 years to life imprisonment.
- Felony examples include:
Wobblers
- Wobblers are unique crimes that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
- The prosecutor typically can decide how to charge the crime.
- Defense strategies often include having your defense attorney negotiate with the Los Angeles prosecutor to lower felony charges to misdemeanors.
- Wobbler examples include:
Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Wobblers Compared
| Charge Type | Potential Jail Time | Potential Fine | Probation | Felony Strike | Gun Rights | Voting Rights | Expungement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanors | Up to 364 days | Typically up to $1,000 | Yes – Informal | No | Lost only for domestic violence or repeat brandishing convictions | Retained | Yes, except for sex crimes involving a minor. |
| Felonies | 1 year to life | Up to $10,000 or above | Yes – Formal | Yes, if a serious or violent felony. | Lost | Lost during sentence; restored upon release | Yes, except for certain violent, serious, or sex offenses. |
| Wobblers | Variable | Variable | Possible – more likely if declared misdemeanor. | Possible, if declared felony | Lost if declared felony. | Variable | Often possible – depends on details. |
Why Hire a Former Prosecutor as Your Defense Attorney
David S. Chesley, the founder of the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, is a former Los Angeles County prosecutor. That time gave him valuable insights into how the state builds its cases and where the weak points are. Combined with his over two decades of personal legal experience, he knows the ins and outs of criminal defense in Los Angeles.
When you work with our firm, you get:
- Experience: Combined, our lawyers have over 50 years of courtroom experience.
- Connections: We have relationships with the Los Angeles County prosecutor's office and in courthouses throughout the county.
- Prestige: We are professionally recognized and well-rated by former clients.
- Honesty: Our lawyers are committed to straight talk, always.
- Personalization: We don't believe in cookie-cutter defense strategies — we tailor our plan for every client.
- Availability: You can get in contact with our team 24/7 if you need help with your case.
- Affordability: We offer affordable payment plans.
If you want to learn more about how we've helped our Los Angeles criminal defense clients, check out our recent case results. If you're dealing with a charge and need help now, call us right away at (800) 755-5174.
Potential Penalties for a Criminal Conviction in Los Angeles
A criminal conviction in Los Angeles can result in jail or prison time, fines, probation, and numerous collateral consequences. Our lawyers will fight to protect you from them. Here are the impacts that different criminal convictions can have on your life in addition to jail sentences:
DUI charges can result in the loss of your license, ignition interlock device requirements, and DUI school.
Theft crime accusations can result in costly restitution to be paid to the alleged victim.
Violent crime allegations risk being counted as strikes on your record.
Sex crime accusations can put you on the sex offender registry for decades, or even your life.
Drug charges could be diverted through treatment programs, but not every charge qualifies.
Domestic violence allegations can cost you firearms rights (even for a misdemeanor), as well as result in restraining orders and family separation.
Murder charges in the first degree can result in the death penalty.
Immigrant criminal charges can become the basis for denial of entry or even deportation.
Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Los Angeles
If you've been accused of a crime in Los Angeles, you probably already know that a jail sentence and a fine are possible. But people are often unprepared for the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction:
- Parents can lose custody of their children.
- You could face the loss of your job and/or rejections on future applications.
- Landlords and government programs could deny you housing.
- You might lose professional licenses, setting back your career.
- Your education could experience setbacks, and/or institutions can deny you entry.
Effective Defenses in Los Angeles Criminal Cases
Every case is unique, and your criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles should listen to your story and consider many defensive strategies before recommending one. We've listed some of the most effective defenses in California below:
- Self-Defense/Defense of Others: You have the right to defend yourself in California, and if you were threatened, that can sometimes be a criminal defense.
- Mistaken Identity: Unfortunately, eyewitness testimony is unreliable. Your lawyer can challenge witness identifications.
- Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution fails to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your defense attorney can highlight this insufficiency.
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: When key evidence was obtained in violation of your rights, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress it.
- Lack of Intent: Some actions are legal or illegal depending on the intent behind them. One possible defense can be showcasing a lack of intent.
- Consent: If the alleged victim provided consent, that is often enough to stop a given act from being a crime.
- Alibi: One of the most powerful defenses is to prove you were elsewhere and could not have committed the supposed crime.
- Battered Spouse Syndrome: Battered spouse syndrome can provide a limited, imperfect defense in cases where the alleged offender was a victim of domestic abuse.
The right defense strategy depends on the charges you're facing and the circumstances of your case. For example:
- Self-defense is most often effective in violent crime cases.
- Consent is especially useful for sex or theft crime cases.
- Drug cases can sometimes be defended by showing you had a valid prescription.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense FAQs:
What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
A criminal defense lawyer builds defenses for clients by listening to their story, gathering evidence, and researching relevant laws. They then use this defense to negotiate with prosecutors for plea deals, or argue their client's innocence at trial.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers can charge different amounts based on the case type. Reputable law firms often offer payment plans as a way to make their services more affordable for clients.
What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in California?
In California, a misdemeanor is any criminal charge that has a maximum punishment of less than one year in jail. A felony is any charge that can be punished by one year or more of imprisonment. California law also includes many "wobbler" offenses, which can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the prosecutor's discretion.
Do I need a lawyer for my first court appearance?
It is always a good idea to have a local Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer with you, including at your first court appearance. Most people's first court appearance is at an arraignment, where your lawyer can help you understand the charges against you. Before then, they can also help you handle police interrogations.
Can a criminal charge affect my immigration status in California?
Yes, criminal charges can affect your immigration status in California. If you are convicted of an aggravated felony or crime of moral turpitude, that can be grounds for deportation, inadmissibility, and citizenship delays. Talk to a Los Angeles immigration lawyer about the potential impacts of a conviction.
What should I do if I'm arrested in Los Angeles?
If you are arrested in Los Angeles, do not talk to police, request to speak with your criminal defense attorney, and post bail if able. Remaining silent protects you from prosecution; your attorney can help guide you through the process, and posting bail helps you stay out of jail while your case is underway.
How long does a criminal case take in LA County?
A Los Angeles County criminal case can take different amounts of time depending on the charges. A simple misdemeanor can take 3-6 months, while felonies can take 6-18 months, or even longer. Evidence backlogs and busy court schedules can cause cases to take longer to resolve.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Resources:
California Law
California Penal Code
Los Angeles and California Court Resources
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Los Angeles Superior Court Criminal Division
California Courts Criminal Case Guide
Los Angeles County Courthouses We Appear In
| Courthouse | Address | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Stanley Mosk Courthouse | 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | lacourt.ca.gov |
| Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center | 210 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | lacourt.ca.gov |
| Airport Courthouse | 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 | lacourt.ca.gov |
| Van Nuys Courthouse East | 6230 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401 | lacourt.ca.gov |
| Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse (Long Beach) | 275 Magnolia Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802 | lacourt.ca.gov |
| Compton Courthouse | 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220 | lacourt.ca.gov |
| Pasadena Courthouse | 300 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91101 | lacourt.ca.gov |
| Burbank Courthouse | 300 E. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91502 | lacourt.ca.gov |
| Inglewood Courthouse | One Regent St., Inglewood, CA 90301 | lacourt.ca.gov |
| Alhambra Courthouse | 150 W. Commonwealth Ave., Alhambra, CA 91801 | lacourt.ca.gov |
Neighborhoods and Cities We Serve
Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Culver City, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Woodland Hills and the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Long Beach, Torrance, Compton, Inglewood, Whittier, Pomona, and Alhambra.
Los Angeles Offices:
Main Office:
4533 Van Nuys Boulevard
Second Floor
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(800) 755-5174
Los Angeles County Office:
1933 S Broadway Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 908-2262
Related Pages
Defend Your Case With an Experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Your freedom is at stake. Don't try to handle this alone — the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help. We advise you during interrogations, protect your rights, and defend you in court. When you call our firm, you get a team of experienced attorneys behind you.
We're available 24/7 — Call (800) 755-5174 today to speak with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.
