Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer

An Overview of Criminal Defense

The area of law known as criminal defense is an exceptionally complex and detailed one, and the decisions one makes in their criminal proceedings can literally determine their freedom, or lack thereof. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is highly advised that you contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at Martinian & Associates. Our highly trained legal team has had experience working in numerous criminal cases. We can provide you with high quality representation that is intended to maximize your chances of a favorable case outcome, one in which your charges may be dismissed entirely.

An attorney representing one in a criminal case must account for a large number of factors. Overlooking any one of them may mean the difference between a positive case resolution, and a negative one. A few of these factors include:

The prosecution's legal strategy
The prosecution's evidence, and the strength (or weakness) of that evidence
The procedures employed by law enforcement and the court, and the legal validity of those procedures
The details of the case, such as the specific crime being charged, and the criminal history of the defendant

Practice Areas: How We Could Help You

In being charged with a crime, it is unlikely that you will possess the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate your legal proceedings on your own. An attorney can provide you with the guidance necessary to get through the legal process, as well as representation in court that is designed to increase the likelihood of a successful resolution for you. Our firm has helped numerous clients with their legal needs, including skilled defense for the following:

Criminal Charges
In the face of criminal charges, it may seem that you are out of options. You may wonder where to turn. From the initial investigation through to the trial, our experienced team will be ready to fight for you. We handle both misdemeanor and felony charges for clients throughout the greater LA area. Read more about criminal charges…

Warrants
Has a warrant been issued for your arrest? You may be in danger of being taken into custody at any time. Face your warrant head on with an experienced criminal lawyer who may be able to help you avoid arrest entirely. Read more about warrants…

DUI
DUI is a crime that involves driving a motor vehicle with an unlawful blood alcohol level or while one's abilities are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. We handle all types of drunk driving cases, including felony DUI, underage DUI and cases for out of state drivers. Read more about DUI…

DMV Hearings
The administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles is an important part of any DUI case. This hearing is your chance to contest the suspension of your driver's license by the DMV. Read more about DMV hearings…

Breath & Blood Tests
A breath test or blood test will be used to determine a driver's blood alcohol concentration after an arrest for suspected DUI. Although a failed test may make it seem as though there is no hope of avoiding a conviction, there are various ways to challenge test results. Read more about breath and blood tests…

Federal Crimes
A defendant may face charges in federal court for committing a crime against the government or on federal property or for committing an offense that involves crossed state lines, such as kidnapping or drug trafficking. Read more about federal crimes…

Juvenile Crimes
When a minor is accused of committing a crime, he or she will face different legal proceedings than an adult. The juvenile court system is meant to offer minors a chance at rehabilitation, but minors will nonetheless require legal counsel to avoid harsh penalties or being tried as an adult. Read more about juvenile crimes…

Assault & Battery
Although they are two separate crimes, assault and battery may be grouped together because they may occur together in a single incident. Assault may be defined as the threat or attempt, and battery may be defined as the act of violence itself. Read more about assault and battery…

Aggravated Assault
A person who commits assault (a threat or attempt of violence upon another) with a deadly weapon or against a peace officer may face aggravated assault charges, which are significantly more serious than simple assault charges. Read more about aggravated assault…

Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges are serious for a number of reasons. A defendant may face harsh penalties if convicted, as well as face a ruined reputation and loss of custody rights. A restraining order may be filed that prohibits contact with the alleged victim. Read more about domestic violence…

Drug Crimes
A crime that involves a controlled substance (heroin, ecstasy, marijuana, Xanax, oxycodone, etc.) may be considered a drug offense. These have serious penalties, which will vary depending on the type and amount of drug as well as the nature of the crime itself. Read more about drug crimes…

Firearms and Gun Offenses
Using a gun in the commission of a crime, unlawful possession of a firearm or illegally selling a gun may all constitute weapon charges that can place a defendant at risk of facing incarceration, fines and other serious penalties. Read more about firearms and gun offenses…

Felony Charges
In California, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility. The term of imprisonment and other penalties, such as fines, will vary depending on the classification of the felony. As such, a defendant may face anywhere from one year to life in prison. The death penalty may also be imposed in some extreme cases. Read more about felony charges…

Hate Crimes
A crime committed against a person based on gender, disability, sexual orientation, political, religious beliefs or racial discrimination may be considered a hate crime. These offenses are harshly prosecuted and may be investigated by the FBI and prosecuted in federal court. Read more about hate crimes…

Kidnapping
Kidnapping charges may range in severity depending on the nature of the offense (for example, kidnapping for ransom as opposed to parental kidnapping). Federal charges may be filed against the alleged offender if he or she is accused of crossing state lines. Read more about kidnapping…

Manslaughter
A less serious form of criminal homicide than murder, manslaughter may involve the negligence or the killing of another in the heat of passion. Preplanning is typically not involved, nor is malice aforethought. Read more about manslaughter…

Murder
Murder charges are typically the most serious criminal charges that a person may face. If convicted of capital murder, a defendant may face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. These cases require aggressive defense counsel. Read more about murder…

Probation Violation
Failure to report to one's probation officer, associating with known criminals, being arrested for a new crime and failing a drug test are all examples of what may be considered probation violations. Allegations of these violations may place a probationer at risk of incarceration or an extended term of probation. Read more about probation violations…

Post Conviction Relief
Our Los Angeles criminal defense law firm provides experienced post-conviction relief for our clients in the manner of expungements to clear their criminal records and appeals to challenge wrongful convictions or sentencing. Read more about post-conviction relief…

Sex Crimes
Criminal offenses involving illegal sex acts, forced or nonconsensual sexual intercourse and similar conduct may be referred to under the umbrella term of "sex crimes". We handle all types of these for clients in Los Angeles, including molestation, sex with a minor, sexual abuse, prostitution, sexual assault, rape and lewd conduct. Read more about sex crimes…

Sex Offender Registration
When a defendant is convicted of a sex crime, the court may order lifetime registration as a sex offender. The offender will be required to register and re-register at regular intervals for life, with his or her information available in nationwide sex offender registries for others to see. Read more about sex offender registration…

Termination of Probation
If you were granted probation in lieu of part or all of your jail or prison sentence and are interested in seeing whether you can terminate probation early, call our offices to talk to a professional who can advise you on your options. Read more about the termination of probation…

Three Strikes Law
Certain serious and violent felony offenses will count as "strikes" on defendants' criminal records, leading to double the penalties for a second strike and 25 years to life in prison for a third felony conviction of any kind. Read more about the three strikes law…

Theft Crimes
Taking another's property by force, deception, threats or without their knowledge or consent may be considered the crime of theft. At our Los Angeles law firm, we handle theft crime cases related to burglary, robbery, shoplifting, carjacking, petty theft, grand theft and more. Read more about theft crimes…

Vehicular Manslaughter
When a motorist causes a fatal car accident through negligence or other wrongful conduct, this may be considered a form of involuntary manslaughter called vehicular manslaughter. This offense may be punishable by 10 years in prison and other penalties. Read more about vehicular manslaughter…

Violent Crimes
Violent criminal offenses are particularly serious in Los Angeles because of California's Three Strikes Law, which enforces harsh penalties for specific serious and violent crimes that are classified as strikes. Assault, burglary, robbery, manslaughter and domestic violence are all examples of these types of offenses. Read more about violent crimes…

White Collar Crimes
Intelligent and aggressive defense is necessary in the face of a white collar crime investigation or formal charges, and at our firm we take these cases very seriously. We handle such white collar crimes as: credit card fraud, bank fraud, embezzlement, extortion, forgery, identity theft, bribery, money laundering and tax evasion. Read more about white collar crimes…

If you have been charged with the commission of a criminal act, it is in your best interest to contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.