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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Santa Monica, CA

Our Recommended Top 19

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Santa Monica Criminal Defense Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

82Reviewed

56Curated

19Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

5777 West Century Boulevard, Suite 750, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (64)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Ian Wallach PC represents those who are facing criminal prosecution in the Santa Monica area. It protects clients from unfair treatment at the hands of prosecutors, handling cases that involve DUI, drug possession, battery, and assault. The Law Offices of Ian Wallach also accepts federal cases, including embezzlement, tax fraud, and interstate drug trafficking. Wallach is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Ian Wallach - PrincipalActive19 yrs

11845 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (23)
Avvo
5.0 (17)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2003, the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi is the law firm of criminal lawyers near Santa Monica. The firm's attorneys defend clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors, including domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI, white-collar crimes, juvenile crimes, and legal services for commercially licensed businesses for cannabis. The firm also provides legal services for cases involving personal injury, business litigation, and car accidents. Founder Arash Hashemi is a member of the State Bar of California.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Arash Hashemi - PrincipalActive22 yrs

8888 West Olympic Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (127)

Why choose this provider?

William Kroger, Attorney at Law, is a firm defending clients facing arrest or a criminal investigation. It handles all aspects of DUI offenses, from the misdemeanor of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to hit and run DUI. Representation is also offered to underage clients facing DUI charges. Attorney Kroger is fully acquainted with the California Vehicle Code 23152 (a). The firm also provides representation for most other categories of serious crime.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
william kroger - PrincipalActive27 yrs
William Kroger - PrincipalActive27 yrs

14401 Sylvan St., Suite 112, Van Nuys, CA 91401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (78)
FindLaw
5.0 (41)
Facebook
4.6 (27)

Why choose this provider?

Eisner Gorin LLP serves clients in Santa Monica and neighboring areas. It provides aggressive legal representation to individuals who have been charged with criminal offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies. Some of the cases it has handled involved reckless driving, manslaughter, robbery, and sex crimes. The law firm also caters to clients who speak Russian, Spanish, and Armenian. Its partners, Alan Eisner and Dmitry Gorin, are California State Bar-certified Criminal Law Specialists. They have more than six decades of combined courtroom trial experience.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

33 2nd Street Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

With 1,500 lawyers on staff, Cooley is an international multi-practice firm with offices in Santa Monica, Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York. Its team provides white-collar and regulatory defense, legal malpractice defense, and False Claims Act defense services. It also handles cases involving FCPA and anti-corruption investigations. Cooley represents clients against the US Departments of Justice, US Securities and Exchange Commission, Homeland Security, and the Federal Trade Commission. Five of the firm's attorneys are members of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

  • Federal Crime

818 W 7th St #960, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Andrues Poderesky is a law office serving Santa Monica. Practicing criminal defense, it represents individuals and companies from pre-indictment and charging to trial and appeal. The firm handles white-collar crime cases like embezzlement, money laundering, bribery, trade and securities violations, and extradition. It also helps clients respond to fraud allegations involving tax, immigration, healthcare, and workers' compensation. Andrues Poderesky's attorneys, which include board-certified criminal law specialists and a former federal prosecutor, work as a team to bring their varied experiences to each case.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Federal Crime

1801 Century Park East, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Kaufman Law Group is a criminal defense law firm defending clients in the Santa Monica area. Its criminal defense practice focuses solely on representing individuals accused of white-collar crimes, especially bribery, pharmaceutical fraud, embezzlement, mail fraud, and wire fraud. The firm helps secure the pretrial release of high-profile figures who have been arrested by lobbying judges to reduce their bail. Founder Gary Jay Kaufman has been admitted to practice law in all California State Courts.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Gary Kaufman - PrincipalActive44 yrs

10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (14)
Yelp
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Tabibnia Law Firm is a criminal justice attorney near Santa Monica serving local clients. This firm is equipped with the experience and knowledge to defend clients against all types of criminal accusations, regardless of the complexity or severity of the case. Its team has successfully defended clients accused of sex crimes, driving offenses, drug crimes, and domestic violence. Tabibnia Law Firm also takes special care when handling cases involving crimes against children.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Shahrooz Tabibnia - Founding PartnerActive19 yrs

401 Wilshire Blvd. 12th Floor Penthouse, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.9 (7)
Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Kravis, Graham & Zucker, LLP, is a civil rights and post-conviction law firm that caters to clients in Santa Monica. It represents currently or formerly incarcerated individuals in writ of habeas corpus proceedings, appeals, and parole and probation hearings. Its team devises and implements trial and legal arguments to obtain reversals or sentence reduction, including for serious criminal cases. Randy Kravis, one of the firm's lawyers, started his career as an appellate attorney at the U.S. Navy JAG Corps and received the Navy Commendation Medal.

  • Drug Crimes

10880 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Anousheh Akhavan, Esq. provides legal services to clients in Santa Monica and nearby areas. The firm represents individuals dealing with criminal charges, including public intoxication, theft, DUI, fraud, and domestic violence. It also attends to clients' probation violation hearings and helps people pursue early termination of probation. Sole attorney Anousheh Akhavan has been in the legal practice since 2006. She is a former Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender. She maintains an affiliation with the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

  • DWI/DUI

100 Wilshire Blvd # 700, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (2)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Overland & Overland, located in Santa Monica, provides criminal defense and civil litigation for individuals. Its team protects the rights of clients facing state and federal criminal charges, whether homicide or election fraud and represents plaintiffs and defendants in civil matters. The professionals also build defense strategies for individuals arrested for white-collar and drug crimes. Mark E. Overland, one of the firm's practitioners, has served as lead counsel in more than 200 jury trials, with 14 of them being capital murder cases. The Criminal Courts Bar Association named him Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2002.

  • STATE AND FEDERAL CRIME CRIMINAL DEFENSE
  • Civil Litigation

12121 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.6 (29)
Google
4.2 (19)
Yelp
4.5 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Alec Rose Law Office serves people in need of criminal defense in the Santa Monica area. Solo practitioner Rose represents persons accused of sexual misconduct, abuse, and assault, as well as those with domestic violence accusations, helping them file restraining orders. The firm handles aggravated assault, manslaughter, and first and second-degree murder charges. Rose has been certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in criminal law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Alec Rose - PrincipalActive31 yrs

Two California Plaza 350 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)
Justia
10.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of David Vaughn aims to offer thorough investigation and aggressive representation to clients in Santa Monica and the surrounding areas. For over 20 years, Vaughn has been focusing on being a criminal defense attorney, handling white-collar crimes in both federal and state courts. He has successfully handled tax offenses, domestic and international fraud cases, illegal import and export issues, and money laundering matters. David Vaughn has over two decades of legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Vaughn - PrincipalActive37 yrs

10100 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (7)
Avvo
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Amber Gordon, Attorney at Law is a criminal justice attorney near Santa Monica serving clients in the surrounding areas. The firm aggressively represents clients facing state and federal charges for numerous types of criminal offenses. Its team thoroughly investigates cases and gathers all relevant evidence to provide clients with the best defense at trial. Additionally, Amber Gordon, Attorney at Law defends clients in civil rights litigation and constitutional law matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Amber Gordon - PrincipalActive13 yrs

1546 North Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (2)
Google
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

With over 30 years of experience, Kaplan Marino is a white-collar criminal defense firm that represents business professionals, executives, entertainers, public figures, and individuals under investigation for white-collar crimes. The firm advocates on behalf of clients facing charges for criminal offenses, including fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, and embezzlement. It seeks dismissal of charges, full acquittals, probationary sentencing, and no-imprisonment verdicts, and it fights international extradition. Kaplan Marino also defends clients in general criminal allegations including assault and battery, domestic violence, building code violations, and vehicular offenses.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Richard Kaplan - PartnerActive37 yrs
Nina Marino - PartnerActive35 yrs

401 Wilshire Boulevard, 12th Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (18)
Facebook
5.0 (10)
Yelp
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Sharon Appelbaum guides clients in the Santa Monica metro and the surrounding locations. It represents individuals in criminal defense cases, including assault and battery, domestic violence, DUI, identity theft, parole violation, and prostitution. It also handles extortion, fraud, and lewd conduct claims. The firm provides training to attorneys on the art of trial advocacy. It has lessons about the cross and direct examinations, closing arguments, opening statements, rules of evidence for motions in limine and objections, and voir dire.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

8383 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (6)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

S. J. Harris Law is a general litigation law firm serving the people of Santa Monica and the nearby areas. The firm's primary areas of practice include criminal justice, and its team handles cases involving theft, domestic assault, drug possession and trafficking, and sexual violence. Its team gathers the case's evidence, reviews it, and presents it during trial. Founding attorney Scott Harris has been named a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Scott Harris - PrincipalActive19 yrs

8383 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 830, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (22)

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Payam Y. Poursalimi APC is a criminal defense attorney near Santa Monica serving local clients. The practice defends clients accused of involvement in criminal matters of all types. It consults with clients to gather the facts of their case and crafts a solid legal defense on their behalf to be used in court. Attorney Payam Y. Poursalimi has over 22 years of experience practicing law in California.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Payam Poursalimi - PrincipalActive26 yrs

1875 Century Park East, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Trent Copeland defends the rights of individuals accused of violating criminal laws in and around the Santa Monica area. Its lawyer advocates for those who are facing prosecution for felonies and misdemeanors, including drug possession and trafficking, credit card fraud, spousal abuse, embezzlement, healthcare fraud, and drunk driving. Trent Copeland, a criminal defense attorney in Santa Monica, has appeared on Fox News and Larry King Live as a legal analyst.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Trent Copeland - PrincipalActive36 yrs

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Law Offices of Ian Wallach, PC
5777 West Century Boulevard, Suite 750, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Law Offices of Arash Hashemi
11845 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064
William Kroger Attorney at Law
8888 West Olympic Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Eisner Gorin LLP
14401 Sylvan St., Suite 112, Van Nuys, CA 91401
Cooley
33 2nd Street Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Andrues Poderesky
818 W 7th St #960, Los Angeles, CA 90017
The Kaufman Law Group
1801 Century Park East, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Tabibnia Law Firm
10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Kravis, Graham & Zucker, LLP
401 Wilshire Blvd. 12th Floor Penthouse, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Anousheh Akhavan, Esq.
10880 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Law Offices of Overland & Overland
100 Wilshire Blvd # 700, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Alec Rose Law Office
12121 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Law Offices of David Vaughn
Two California Plaza 350 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Amber Gordon, Attorney at Law
10100 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Kaplan Marino
1546 North Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
The Law Offices of Sharon Appelbaum
401 Wilshire Boulevard, 12th Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401
S J Harris Law
8383 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Law Offices of Payam Y. Poursalimi, APC
8383 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 830, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Law Offices of Trent Copeland
1875 Century Park East, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Santa Monica, California?

    Call (310) 458-8491 for a direct dispatch from the Santa Monica Police Department.

  • What things should be considered in a criminal defense lawyer for a case in Santa Monica?

    A lawyer's professionalism, personality, and demeanor are some of the things that should be considered. The level of experience in criminal cases and the responsiveness of communication should also be checked in a lawyer before hiring one. Lastly, you also have to take into consideration the lawyer's sincerity in defending your case in Santa Monica.

  • How do you bail a person arrested and jailed in Santa Monica?

    You can post bail directly 24/7 at the jail located inside the Santa Monica Police station which is at 333 Olympic Dr. in the metro. This happens after a person is arrested and booked- that includes getting a mugshot, fingerprinting the arrestee, and recording personal information. Should you need more information, call the SMPD jail staff at (310) 458-8482.

  • If the wife of a husband arrested for spousal abuse in Santa Monica says she made a mistake when calling the police, can the charges against the husband be dropped?

    No. Only the DA can drop the charges against the husband arrested for spousal abuse in Santa Monica. It is unlikely that the DA's Office will drop charges because they prefer to file charges and then let the court decide the outcome of domestic violence cases. This is because most spousal abuse victims attempt to recant their statements when their spouses are arrested and this has led to a continuous cycle of abuse in the past.

  • Should you talk to the Santa Monica police if you are being arrested?

    Do not ever talk to the police—instead, you may just tell them that you need to contact your lawyer if you are under investigation or facing charges in Santa Monica. Never consent to any search requests from the police and whenever possible you do not need to answer when the police knock on your door without a warrant or probable cause. Lastly, keep in mind that everything you discuss with your lawyer is confidential.

  • Which crimes are common in Santa Monica?

    DUI, prostitution and solicitation, and drug possession are some of the crimes common in Santa Monica. Violent crimes such as murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, and armed robbery are also higher in the metro compared to others in the county. Property crimes also abound and these include motor vehicle theft, larceny, and burglary.