How Pre-Filing Intervention Can Prevent Criminal Charges in Los Angeles
What Is Pre-Filing Intervention in Los Angeles?
Pre-filing intervention is a proactive legal strategy where a criminal defense attorney steps in before the District Attorney decides whether to file formal charges. In Los Angeles, this period—often referred to as the “DA review process”—can be a critical opportunity to influence the outcome of your case.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we use pre-filing intervention to communicate directly with prosecutors, present favorable evidence, and fight to prevent charges from ever being filed. If you’ve been arrested or contacted by law enforcement but haven’t yet received a court date or formal charges, you’re likely in the pre-filing stage—and time is of the essence.
By getting involved early, our goal is to stop the case before it starts, protecting your clean record, your job, and your reputation.
Why Acting Early Matters in a Criminal Case
Once charges are filed, the wheels of the criminal justice system start turning—and they’re hard to stop. But if you act quickly after an arrest or investigation, a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can intervene before charges are finalized. This early window is when the prosecution is still reviewing evidence and deciding whether the case is strong enough to pursue.
When we step in early, we can:
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Present mitigating evidence that law enforcement may have overlooked
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Highlight weaknesses in the investigation, including procedural errors
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Negotiate directly with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
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Offer alternatives such as restitution, treatment programs, or diversion
In many cases, this approach results in no charges being filed at all, or significantly reduced charges. It also shows the prosecution that you’re serious about defending yourself—and that you have experienced legal representation ready to fight on your behalf.
The bottom line: The sooner you call us, the more options you have. Don’t wait until charges are filed to build your defense.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorney Uses Pre-Filing Strategy
Attorney Hashemi takes immediate action when a client is under investigation or has been recently arrested. During the pre-filing stage, our priority is to get ahead of the prosecution and shift the outcome in your favor—before charges are filed.
Here’s how we approach pre-filing intervention in Los Angeles:
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Case Review & Strategy Development
We begin with a thorough review of the facts, police reports (if available), and any evidence you can provide. From there, we develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific situation. -
Proactive Communication with Law Enforcement & Prosecutors
We contact the District Attorney’s office or the assigned prosecutor early in the process. This allows us to open a dialogue and present information that could influence whether they pursue charges. -
Presenting Favorable Evidence
Whether it’s video surveillance, witness statements, or documents that support your side, we work to present the strongest possible defense package. Our goal is to raise reasonable doubt and show why the case may not be worth pursuing. -
Negotiating Alternatives to Charges
In some cases, we propose solutions such as restitution, counseling, or diversion programs. If the DA sees rehabilitation or resolution outside of court as appropriate, it can lead to a case dismissal or significant charge reduction. -
Legal Advocacy
When needed, we prepare written submissions—called position letters or legal memoranda—to argue why filing charges would be unjustified. We cite legal precedents, procedural issues, or weaknesses in the evidence to support dismissal.
Types of Criminal Cases That May Benefit from Pre-Filing
Pre-filing intervention is not limited to one type of offense. In fact, it can be effective in a wide range of criminal matters—especially when the case involves minimal prior history, non-violent allegations, or weak evidence. Our criminal defense attorney evaluates each case carefully to determine whether this early strategy can help you avoid formal charges and protect your future.
We often use pre-filing intervention in cases involving first-time offenders. If you have no prior record, prosecutors may be more willing to consider alternatives to filing charges. Our early involvement can help present you in the best possible light and demonstrate that a criminal case may not be necessary.
Non-violent offenses are also strong candidates for pre-filing. These include allegations such as theft, fraud, vandalism, or drug possession. In many of these cases, we can open discussions with the District Attorney’s Office about diversion programs, civil resolutions, or treatment options instead of prosecution.
Some cases involve mitigating circumstances that deserve to be heard before charges are filed. If your situation involves mental health concerns, addiction, or emotional distress, we bring these factors forward in a compelling and respectful way to humanize your case.
We also intervene in cases where restitution may resolve the issue. For example, if someone is accused of a financial crime or property damage, we may be able to resolve the matter by arranging payment to the alleged victim, which can reduce the likelihood of formal charges.
And when the case is built on shaky or insufficient evidence, we step in to point out those weaknesses. If a witness statement is unreliable, video evidence is missing, or there are procedural issues in how the arrest was handled, we make sure the prosecutor is aware—before they decide to file.
Legal Defenses That Can Prevent Charges
Sometimes the strongest move isn’t just telling the prosecutor your side of the story — it’s showing them that their case may not even hold up in court.
That’s where legal defenses come in.
In the pre-filing stage, we’re not waiting around to see what the DA decides. We’re actively looking for flaws — and when we find them, we bring them forward fast. If the police overstepped during a stop, ignored proper procedures during a search, or made an arrest without probable cause, those are serious issues. Issues that can collapse a case before it ever gets off the ground.
Evidence matters too — but so does how it’s collected. If key details are missing or if the evidence doesn’t clearly point to you, we flag it. And if they’re relying on a witness with a questionable story? We make sure that gets the attention it deserves.
Not every defense is about proving innocence. Sometimes, it’s about context. Maybe it was a misunderstanding. Maybe the facts aren’t what they first appeared to be. Or maybe your rights were violated in a way that taints the whole case. These are the arguments we raise before the DA ever files — while there’s still time to change the outcome.
In the end, the right legal defense isn’t just about court — it’s about giving the prosecutor a reason to think twice about moving forward at all.
What Prosecutors Consider Before Filing Charges
Most people assume that once you’re arrested, charges are automatic. But in Los Angeles, there’s actually a decision-making process that happens first—and that’s exactly where we step in. The District Attorney’s Office doesn’t just rubber-stamp police reports. They review the facts, consider the strength of the evidence, and weigh whether filing charges is worth it.
This is the moment when our legal team can get in front of that process. We know what prosecutors look for, and we know how to speak their language. That means we don’t just argue innocence—we present a full picture: Who you are, what really happened, and why formal charges may not be in the best interest of justice.
They look closely at the quality of the evidence. If it’s thin or inconsistent, we make sure that’s impossible to ignore. They also consider your background—your job, family, record, even your potential to benefit from help rather than punishment. If restitution can be made, if you’re willing to enroll in treatment, if there’s context they don’t yet have—we give them every reason to hold back.
The point is, the DA has discretion. And if we can shift their perspective before anything is filed, there’s a real chance to stop this thing from moving forward at all.
How We Negotiate with the DA During Pre-Filing
Negotiation isn’t just for the courtroom. In fact, some of the most important conversations happen long before a judge or jury ever gets involved — often before charges are even filed.
During the pre-filing phase, we open the door to those conversations with the District Attorney. And we don’t go in cold. We come prepared with a clear narrative, supporting documents, and legal arguments that show why filing charges isn’t the right path forward.
This isn’t a plea deal. It’s persuasion — backed by facts, strategy, and experience.
Here’s how we approach it:
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We present evidence that works in your favor. That might include surveillance footage, texts or emails, GPS data, or witness statements that weren’t included in the initial investigation.
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We identify weaknesses in the case. Inconsistencies in police reports, unreliable witnesses, lack of physical evidence — these are red flags for a prosecutor deciding whether to move forward.
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We offer alternatives. Sometimes, what the DA really wants is accountability or restitution. We might propose counseling, rehab, community service, or repayment to resolve the matter without a criminal filing.
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We humanize you. The prosecutor may only see a case number and a police report. We bring your full story — your background, your circumstances, your character — into the conversation.
Most importantly, we handle these talks with respect and professionalism. Prosecutors don’t respond well to threats or demands. They respond to compelling arguments backed by facts and a clear reason to consider another outcome.
By stepping in early and speaking directly with the people who decide whether charges are filed, we give you a real shot at stopping the case before it ever begins.
Pre-Filing vs. Formal Charges: Why Timing Is Everything
There’s a big difference between being under investigation and actually being charged with a crime — and that difference is all about timing.
Once the District Attorney files formal charges, your options narrow fast. You’re now in the system. Your court dates are set. The public record is created. And from that point on, everything becomes more reactive — instead of strategic.
But before charges are filed, the window is still open.
That’s why pre-filing intervention is so powerful. If we act during this early stage, we can influence the DA’s decision — or even prevent the case from being filed at all.
Here’s why timing matters:
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Evidence is fresh. Surveillance footage, texts, or witness statements are more likely to be preserved — and more persuasive — when gathered early.
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Prosecutors are still reviewing the case. Once charges are filed, they’re committing to a position. Before that, they’re open to new facts and arguments.
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There’s no public court record yet. If we stop charges from being filed, your name stays off the docket — no arrest record, no formal criminal case.
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You control the narrative. Early action gives us the chance to frame your side of the story before the prosecutor makes assumptions based on a police report alone.
A lot of people wait until it’s too late to hire a lawyer — thinking they’ll cross that bridge when charges come. But by then, that bridge may be burned.
If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement or believe you’re under investigation, now is the time to act. Timing isn’t just important — it’s everything.
Why Hire Our Los Angeles Pre-Filing Intervention Attorney?
Here’s what sets our firm apart during the pre-filing process:
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We act fast. Early intervention isn’t just a strategy — it’s our mindset. We move quickly to gather evidence, communicate with prosecutors, and build your defense before the case gains momentum.
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We know the system. With years of experience working in Los Angeles courts, we know how to present your case in a way that prosecutors respect and respond to.
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We treat your case like it’s personal — because it is. We take time to understand your background, your priorities, and your fears. Then we build a strategy around your specific goals.
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We don’t bluff. We advocate. We come prepared, with facts, law, and real alternatives. Prosecutors know when a defense attorney is serious — and that matters.
The reality is this: the earlier you begin the pre-filing intervention process, the more power you have to shape the outcome of your case. Our goal is simple — keep you out of court, off the record, and moving forward with your life.
Talk to a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Before Charges Are Filed
If you’ve been arrested or believe you’re under investigation in Los Angeles, the time to protect yourself is before charges are filed. Once a case is officially filed, it becomes part of the public record — and your options start to shrink fast.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we focus on early intervention for a reason: it works. Attorney Hashemi has been defending clients across Los Angeles County for over 20 years and has successfully helped many clients avoid charges entirely through strategic pre-filing action. If there’s a way to stop your case before it starts, we’ll find it — and fight for it.
When you meet with us, you won’t get vague advice or empty promises. You’ll get a clear breakdown of where your case stands, what the DA is likely to do, and exactly how we can intervene on your behalf.
Don’t wait for formal charges to appear — take control now and put experience on your side.
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