Expert Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles – Protecting Your Rights with Proven Results
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we are committed to defending individuals facing criminal charges in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience, Arash Hashemi has earned a reputation for providing aggressive and effective representation in a broad range of criminal cases, including misdemeanors, felonies, and federal offenses. We know how stressful and uncertain this process can be, which is why we stand by our clients every step of the way, ensuring their rights are protected throughout.
Our expertise spans all areas of criminal defense, from serious crimes like murder and attempted murder to charges of theft, drug offenses, and DUI. We’ve successfully had attempted murder charges dismissed, and we regularly defend clients against accusations of robbery, assault, and extortion, often getting charges dropped after thorough investigations reveal the facts in our clients’ favor. Our goal is to challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn, present strong defenses, and make sure your side of the story is fully heard.
We also have extensive experience with self-defense cases, successfully demonstrating that our clients were acting to protect themselves or others. For example, we secured the dismissal of felony assault with a deadly weapon chargesafter presenting clear evidence that supported our client’s self-defense claim. This level of dedication and detailed approach ensures that every case we handle gets the full attention it deserves.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, the consequences are serious, and you need a seasoned attorney on your side. Contact us today at(310) 448-1529 or schedule a consultation with Attorney Arash Hashemi using our secure online system. We’re here to help you understand your rights and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation.
The Basics of an Arrest in California
The arrest process begins with an initial encounter with law enforcement, whether it’s a routine stop or the result of an investigation. Once police officers determine probable cause for an arrest, they are required to follow specific legal procedures. These include informing you of your Miranda rights, which remind you of your right to remain silent and to an attorney. The arrest must be grounded in probable cause, a lower standard than proving guilt but sufficient to justify the detention. After the arrest, you’ll undergo the booking process, where your personal information, fingerprints, and photographs are taken. At this point, you are officially placed in custody.
Following booking, the focus shifts to detention and bail. A court may set bail, allowing for your release while awaiting further proceedings. Bail is determined based on the severity of the crime, your criminal history, and flight risk. Afterward, the prosecution evaluates the evidence to make a charging decision, determining whether to formally charge you with a crime. Once charges are filed, the accused attends their initial court appearance, or arraignment, where the charges are read, and the defendant enters a plea. Throughout this process, it is crucial to have legal representation to guide you through the complexities and ensure your rights are protected.
Navigating the Criminal Trial: What to Expect
If a case proceeds to trial, several constitutional protections come into play. One of the most important is the right to a speedy trial, ensuring that a defendant isn’t left in legal limbo while waiting for the case to be heard. At trial, the defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence, meaning the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to demonstrate guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Juror impartiality is key to a fair trial, with jurors required to maintain an unbiased view until all evidence is presented.
If a defendant is found guilty, they may have post-trial options, such as filing motions for a new trial or seeking other legal remedies. These motions are rare but can be crucial in certain cases, especially if legal errors occurred during the trial. Appeals are another option, offering the defendant a chance to challenge the verdict based on procedural errors or violations of rights during the trial. Appeals are heard in higher courts, and some cases may even reach the state or federal supreme courts.
Understanding Sentencing in California Criminal Cases
Once a conviction is reached—whether through a plea bargain, guilty plea, or trial—the case moves to the sentencing phase. Sentencing involves determining the appropriate punishment for the crime, which can range from fines, incarceration, probation, or community service. During the sentencing hearing, the judge will consider not only the criminal statutes and guidelines but also factors such as the defendant’s personal background, criminal history, and social circumstances. In some cases, mitigating factors can result in reduced sentences, while aggravating factors may lead to harsher penalties.
Understanding these stages and having a knowledgeable defense attorney on your side is essential for navigating the criminal process and fighting for the best possible outcome.
First-Time Misdemeanor Offenses: Avoiding Jail Through Diversion Programs
Misdemeanor charges in California might not seem as serious as felonies, but the consequences can still be significant. Sure, a misdemeanor won’t put you behind bars for years, but jail time of up to a year is still on the table, and fines can be steep. You might also be placed on probation, facing restrictions that disrupt your day-to-day life. However, what many people overlook is the lasting impact that even a minor conviction can have on your future. A criminal record doesn’t just disappear. It can follow you, affecting job prospects, housing applications, and even personal relationships for years.
Take something like DUI or petty theft. You might think these are minor infractions. In reality, even a first-time DUI offense can lead to fines, mandatory driving classes, and a suspended license. And if it happens again, the penalties increase significantly, with the potential for longer jail time and higher fines. Repeat offenses—no matter the charge—lead to harsher consequences, sometimes turning what seems like a small issue into something much more serious. It’s easy to think of a misdemeanor as “not a big deal,” but that mindset can be dangerous.
Where misdemeanors differ from felonies is in the potential flexibility of how they’re handled. In many cases, first-time offenders can avoid jail altogether by entering diversion programs or accepting negotiated plea deals. These options can result in reduced charges or even a clean slate once certain conditions are met. However, none of this happens automatically. It requires an attorney who knows how to navigate the system, who can negotiate on your behalf, and who understands the importance of minimizing the damage before it sticks. Still, if you have prior convictions, the stakes are higher. Multiple misdemeanors can quickly snowball into something much more serious, potentially resulting in felony charges. This is especially true for offenses like domestic violence or DUI, where repeat offenses are treated more harshly. The flexibility that might exist for a first-time offense can vanish entirely when you’re a repeat offender. This is why immediate, decisive action is so critical when you’re first charged.
In any case, the goal is always to minimize the impact. That means early intervention and a strong legal defense, whether it’s fighting for a case dismissal, reduced penalties, or an alternative resolution. But waiting too long or assuming a misdemeanor will just “go away” is a risk you can’t afford to take. The right defense can mean the difference between walking away with a slap on the wrist or dealing with long-lasting consequences that could have been avoided.
Common Misdemeanor Crimes We Handle
- Penal Code 240 – Assault
- Penal Code 242 – Battery
- Penal Code 243(e)(1) – Domestic Battery
- Penal Code 273.5 – Corporal Injury on a Spouse or Cohabitant
- Penal Code 314 – Indecent Exposure
- Penal Code 484(a) – Petty Theft
- Penal Code 459.5 – Shoplifting
- Penal Code 647(b) – Prostitution and Solicitation
- Penal Code 647(a) – Loitering
- Penal Code 653.23 – Pandering
- Penal Code 496 – Receiving Stolen Property
- Vehicle Code 23152 – Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Vehicle Code 23103 – Reckless Driving
- Vehicle Code 14601 – Driving on a Suspended License
- Health and Safety Code 11350 – Drug Possession
The Serious Consequences of Felony Convictions in California
Felony charges are the most serious offenses you can face under California law. These aren’t just minor bumps in the road—they can completely derail your life. A conviction could mean years in prison, enormous fines, and long-term consequences that don’t end when you’re released. Unlike misdemeanors, felonies stick with you, leaving a permanent stain on your record that can affect everything from your ability to find work to your right to vote or own a firearm.
Felonies cover a broad range of crimes, from violent offenses like murder, rape, and assault with a deadly weapon, to non-violent crimes like fraud, embezzlement, or drug trafficking. Each carries different penalties, but one thing remains constant: the stakes are always high. A conviction can result in a sentence ranging from a year in county jail to life in state prison, depending on the severity of the crime and your criminal history. California’s three strikes law adds another layer of complexity. If you’ve already been convicted of one or more serious or violent felonies, any additional felony charge could lead to a significantly harsher sentence. In fact, a third strike could mean 25 years to life in prison—even if the third felony is less severe than the previous ones. This is why defending against felony charges is so critical. A lot more is at risk than just your immediate freedom.
Not all felony charges are set in stone, though. California is unique in that it recognizes wobbler offenses—crimes that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. These include offenses like assault, theft, or certain drug charges. A skilled attorney can sometimes negotiate to have a felony reduced to a misdemeanor, which can significantly lower the penalties and long-term consequences. But this is not something that happens automatically—you need someone fighting for you, someone who understands how to leverage every aspect of your case.
Another important point: sentencing enhancements can make your situation even more complex. If a weapon was used during the commission of the crime, or if the offense was gang-related, the penalties can be increased. It’s essential to understand these factors, as they could drastically change the outcome of your case if not properly addressed.
Felony charges require a much more aggressive defense strategy than misdemeanors. Every aspect of your case needs to be examined, from how the evidence was obtained to whether your rights were violated during the arrest or investigation. The goal is always to either have the charges dismissed or reduced, but if the case goes to trial, you need a defense that’s prepared to challenge every argument the prosecution brings forward.
Common Felony Crimes We Handle
- Penal Code 211 – Robbery
- Penal Code 187 – Murder
- Penal Code 664/187 – Attempted Murder
- Penal Code 207 – Kidnapping
- Penal Code 261 – Rape
- Penal Code 245(a)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Penal Code 273.5 – Corporal Injury on a Spouse or Cohabitant
- Penal Code 487 – Grand Theft
- Penal Code 215 – Carjacking
- Penal Code 192(c) – Gross Vehicular Manslaughter
- Penal Code 288 – Lewd Acts with a Minor
- Penal Code 311.1 – Child Pornography
- Penal Code 470 – Fraud
Successful Case Outcomes for Our Clients
Attempted Murder Charges Dismissed
Our client was charged with attempted murder after an altercation where they claimed self-defense. During the preliminary hearing, the court raised concerns about whether the force used was proportional. Attorney Hashemi successfully argued the self-defense claim, resulting in the court reducing the charge to attempted voluntary manslaughter with an added gun enhancement. However, after filing a motion to challenge these charges, the court dismissed the case entirely, dropping all charges.
Outcome: Attempted murder charges dismissed
Robbery, Assault, Extortion, and Criminal Threats Charges Dismissed
Our client faced multiple serious charges, including robbery, assault with a gun, and extortion, carrying a potential sentence of over 15 years in prison. After a year-long investigation proving our client acted in self-defense, the District Attorney agreed to dismiss all charges. The case was thoroughly examined, and the evidence clearly demonstrated our client’s actions were justified, resulting in a full dismissal.
Outcome: All charges dismissed
Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon Charges Dismissed
Charged with two counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon, our client faced a sentence of up to 16 years in prison. After an in-depth investigation and successful negotiations with the District Attorney, Attorney Hashemi demonstrated that the evidence did not support the charges. The District Attorney eventually agreed to dismiss the case, sparing our client from a lengthy prison sentence and the harsh consequences of a felony conviction.
Outcome: Felony assault charges dismissed
Why Choose The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi?
When it comes to criminal defense, The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi offers over 20 years of experience in protecting clients’ rights and navigating the complexities of the California criminal justice system. Since 2003, Attorney Arash Hashemi has defended clients against serious charges, including attempted murder, robbery, and felony assault, with a proven track record of dismissals and reduced charges. His firm is built on a personalized approach, tailoring every defense to the unique circumstances of each case, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Arash is admitted to practice before all California State Courts and U.S. District Courts in California, demonstrating his extensive qualifications and expertise. As the 2024 President of the Criminal Courts Bar Association, Arash’s leadership is recognized throughout the legal community. He takes pride in providing aggressive representation, engaging in thorough investigations, and using a strategic approach that includes negotiating with prosecutors and fighting in court when necessary. With 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters, Arash Hashemi and his team are committed to providing compassionate, reliable, and dedicated service to every client.
Facing Criminal Charges? Speak with a Dedicated Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you’re under investigation or have been arrested for a crime, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we understand the fear and anxiety that comes with facing criminal charges. Our goal is to provide you with clarity, support, and an aggressive defense to protect your rights and future.
With over 20 years of experience in criminal defense, we are here to listen to your story, evaluate the specifics of your case, and offer straightforward legal advice. Whether it’s a minor offense or a serious felony, we will stand by your side every step of the way. You deserve a defense team that takes your case personally and fights for the best possible outcome.
If you’re ready to discuss your case and explore your legal options, contact us at (310) 448-1529 or schedule a consultation using our secure online system. We’re here to help you understand your rights and build a strong defense strategy.
Schedule a Consultation:
- Phone: (310) 448-1529
- Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
- Address: 11845 W Olympic Blvd #520, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with flexible scheduling options available, including weekend appointments.
Our office is located in the Westside Towers, serving clients across Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westwood. Contact us today to take the first step in defending your rights and protecting your future.
