Charged with a crime in Los Angeles County? You are facing the most powerful prosecutorial machine in California — a system that processes hundreds of thousands of criminal cases every year, employs thousands of law enforcement officers and deputy district attorneys, and is built to secure convictions. Whether you are accused of DUI, drug possession, assault, domestic violence, theft, robbery, sex crimes, weapons offenses, or any other criminal charge, the consequences of a conviction in Los Angeles County can be devastating: jail or prison time, massive fines, probation, a permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, immigration consequences, and the permanent stigma of a criminal conviction that follows you for the rest of your life.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we are Spanish-speaking criminal defense attorneys dedicated to defending clients throughout Los Angeles County. We know the Los Angeles County courts, the local prosecutors, the law enforcement agencies, and the defense strategies that work in this specific jurisdiction. From the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Downtown Los Angeles to the Compton, Pasadena, Torrance, Van Nuys, Pomona, Chatsworth, Long Beach, and Lancaster courthouses — we fight for our clients at every level of the Los Angeles County criminal justice system. Call us today for a confidential consultation.
Free Confidential Consultation: (888) 315-3326 | Available 24/7 | Hablamos Español
Accused of a crime in Los Angeles County? You are entering a criminal justice system that is one of the largest and most complex in the United States. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office[1] — the largest local prosecutorial office in the nation — handles over 60,000 felony cases and more than 100,000 misdemeanor cases annually. Behind each of those case numbers is a real person whose freedom, family, livelihood, and future are on the line. You deserve a defense attorney who understands that — and who fights like it.
The stakes in Los Angeles County criminal cases are not abstract. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department[2], the county’s jail system is one of the largest in the world, housing tens of thousands of inmates on any given day across multiple facilities. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)[3] reports that California’s prison population draws heavily from Los Angeles County convictions year after year. When you are charged with a crime in this county, you are one case among tens of thousands — but your outcome depends entirely on the quality of your defense.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we handle the full spectrum of criminal defense cases in Los Angeles County, from first-time misdemeanor arrests to serious felony prosecutions. Every client receives the same commitment: aggressive, thorough, evidence-based defense from the moment of arrest through the final resolution of their case.
Charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Los Angeles County? Whether you are accused of driving under the influence, drug possession or trafficking, assault and battery, domestic violence, theft or burglary, robbery, weapons offenses, sex crimes, fraud, gang-related offenses, or any other criminal charge — the nature of your charge determines the severity of your exposure, but the quality of your defense determines your outcome. You need a criminal defense attorney who handles all of these charges, who knows every courthouse in the county, and who has the experience and knowledge to build the right defense strategy for your specific case.
Here is the scope of criminal defense representation Tu Defensor Criminalista provides throughout Los Angeles County:
Facing DUI charges in Los Angeles County? You are confronting the California Vehicle Code § 23152[4] prosecution machine in one of the most enforcement-heavy jurisdictions in California. The California Office of Traffic Safety[5] funds millions of dollars in DUI enforcement programs in Los Angeles County annually — sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and DUI task forces that are designed to maximize arrests. We challenge breathalyzer calibration, blood test chain of custody, field sobriety test administration, and the lawfulness of the underlying traffic stop in every DUI case we handle.
Accused of drug possession, possession for sale, transportation, or manufacturing in Los Angeles County? California’s drug laws under Health and Safety Code § 11350[6] through § 11379 cover a wide range of controlled substance offenses carrying penalties from misdemeanor probation to decades in state prison. Los Angeles County prosecutes drug crimes aggressively, particularly for sales and trafficking offenses, and the presence of firearms or gang enhancements can dramatically increase exposure. We evaluate Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues, challenge the sufficiency of warrant applications, contest the admissibility of evidence, and pursue diversion programs where available.
Charged with assault or battery in Los Angeles County? Penal Code § 240[7] (assault) and Penal Code § 242[8] (battery) are among the most commonly filed criminal charges in the county. Assault with a deadly weapon under Penal Code § 245, assault on a peace officer, and aggravated battery causing great bodily injury under Penal Code § 243(d) carry felony exposure including state prison time. We challenge the identification of the perpetrator, contest the use of force as lawful self-defense, and demand full disclosure of the complainant’s history and prior inconsistent statements.
Accused of domestic violence in Los Angeles County? You are facing not just criminal charges under Penal Code § 273.5[9] (corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant) or Penal Code § 243(e)(1) (domestic battery), but also potential emergency protective orders, restraining orders, loss of firearm rights, immigration consequences, and devastating effects on child custody proceedings. The Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Council[10] reports that Los Angeles County has one of the highest volumes of domestic violence-related calls in California — and local prosecutors treat these cases as high-priority prosecutions. We fight domestic violence charges at every stage, challenging the accuser’s credibility, presenting evidence of false allegations, and working to protect our clients’ family relationships and constitutional rights simultaneously.
Charged with a theft crime in Los Angeles County? You are facing criminal convictions ranging from petty theft misdemeanors under Penal Code § 484[11] to felony robbery under Penal Code § 211 with STRIKE allegations, prison sentences, massive restitution orders, and permanent criminal records branding you as a thief. Whether accused of shoplifting, grand theft auto, burglary, commercial burglary, robbery, embezzlement, receiving stolen property, or identity theft, theft convictions devastate employment prospects, professional licenses, and future opportunities. We challenge the sufficiency of identification evidence, contest surveillance footage, challenge the prosecution’s valuation of alleged stolen property, and explore every available diversion or reduction option under California law.
Accused of a sex crime in Los Angeles County? You are facing some of the most serious charges in the California criminal code — charges that carry not only lengthy prison sentences but mandatory sex offender registration under Penal Code § 290[12], restrictions on where you can live and work, and a lifetime of collateral consequences that follow registration. Whether accused of rape, sexual assault, lewd acts, child molestation, possession of child pornography, or any other sex offense, we provide aggressive, thorough defense that takes nothing for granted and challenges every element of the prosecution’s case.
Charged with a weapons offense in Los Angeles County? California has some of the strictest firearms laws in the nation. Charges under Penal Code § 29800[13] (felon in possession of a firearm), Penal Code § 25400 (carrying a concealed weapon), and Penal Code § 417 (brandishing a weapon) all carry serious criminal penalties. When gang enhancements or prior felony convictions are involved, weapons charges in Los Angeles County can result in mandatory state prison sentences. We challenge the legality of the search that produced the weapon, contest the possession element, and evaluate every available defense.
Accused of gang-related criminal activity in Los Angeles County? The Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act under Penal Code § 186.22[14] allows prosecutors to add significant sentence enhancements to virtually any felony when they allege the crime was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang. In Los Angeles County — home to hundreds of documented gangs according to the Los Angeles Police Department’s gang enforcement statistics[15] — gang enhancements are used aggressively and can add years or decades to an otherwise manageable sentence. We challenge the prosecution’s gang expert testimony, the evidence of gang membership, and the sufficiency of the gang enhancement allegation.
Accused of violating probation in Los Angeles County? You are facing probation revocation, imposition of suspended prison or jail sentences, and immediate custody — often with less constitutional protection than your original criminal trial. Whether the alleged violation involves a new arrest, a missed appointment, a failed drug test, or failure to complete required programs, probation violation proceedings in Los Angeles County can result in years of prison time for conduct that would not otherwise be criminal. We appear at probation violation hearings throughout every courthouse in the county, presenting mitigating evidence, challenging the sufficiency of the alleged violation, and fighting to keep our clients out of custody.
Juvenile Crimes Accused of a crime as a juvenile, or are you the parent of a minor facing charges in Los Angeles County? The Los Angeles County Juvenile Court[16] system handles delinquency cases under the California Welfare and Institutions Code § 602[17] with a focus on rehabilitation — but serious charges can result in detention, lengthy probation, and in some cases transfer to adult court with adult consequences. We represent juveniles facing all types of criminal charges in Los Angeles County Juvenile Court and fight to protect their futures at every stage.
Los Angeles County is not one jurisdiction — it is dozens of overlapping agencies, courts, and enforcement bodies operating across 4,751 square miles and serving over 10 million residents[18]. Understanding this system is essential to understanding how your criminal case will proceed.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office[1] is the largest local prosecution office in the United States, employing more than 1,000 deputy district attorneys. Cases are assigned to specific courthouse branches based on where the alleged offense occurred, and each courthouse branch has its own culture, practices, and prosecutorial tendencies. An attorney who appears regularly across multiple Los Angeles County courthouses understands these differences — and uses them strategically.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office For misdemeanor offenses occurring within the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office[19] handles prosecution rather than the DA’s office. Understanding which office is prosecuting your case — and tailoring your defense approach accordingly — is a critical first step.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD)[2] is one of the largest sheriff’s departments in the United States, serving unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and contracting with 42 cities for police services. LASD also operates the county jail system, which houses tens of thousands of inmates across multiple facilities including Men’s Central Jail, Twin Towers Correctional Facility, and the Century Regional Detention Facility.
Los Angeles Police Department The LAPD[15] serves the City of Los Angeles with over 9,000 sworn officers. LAPD is responsible for patrol, investigation, and arrest within city limits, and its officers testify regularly in Los Angeles Superior Court. Our attorneys know LAPD procedures, policies, and the types of evidence the department generates in criminal cases.
California Highway Patrol The California Highway Patrol (CHP)[20] enforces traffic laws on California’s freeways and highways, including the extensive freeway network throughout Los Angeles County. CHP makes a significant number of DUI arrests in Los Angeles County and is involved in cases involving major traffic collisions, pursuit incidents, and highway-related offenses.
Los Angeles Superior Court The Los Angeles Superior Court[21] is the largest unified trial court in the United States, with dozens of courthouses and divisions spread across the county. Criminal cases are assigned to courthouses based on geographic jurisdiction. Having an attorney who is familiar with the specific judges, prosecutors, and procedures at each courthouse is a significant practical advantage.
Charged with a serious or violent felony in Los Angeles County? California’s Three Strikes sentencing law under Penal Code §§ 667 and 1170.12[22] can dramatically increase your sentence — and in some cases mandate a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison — based on prior felony convictions on your record.
Under the Three Strikes Law: a second “strike” felony conviction doubles the sentence for the new offense. A third “strike” felony conviction — when the new offense is also a serious or violent felony — results in a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life. Los Angeles County prosecutors are among the most aggressive in the state in their use of strike allegations, filing strike priors in thousands of cases each year.
If you have prior felony convictions on your record and are now facing new charges in Los Angeles County, the Three Strikes implications of your case are absolutely critical to your defense strategy. In some cases, a motion to strike a prior conviction allegation under People v. Superior Court (Romero)[23] allows a judge to dismiss a strike allegation in the interest of justice. Tu Defensor Criminalista evaluates Three Strikes implications in every applicable case and pursues every available avenue to minimize our clients’ sentencing exposure.
Facing drug charges in Los Angeles County? California voters passed Proposition 36 in November 2024, significantly expanding access to drug diversion and treatment programs as alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders. The California Legislative Analyst’s Office[24] has analyzed the impact of Proposition 36 and related sentencing reforms on drug prosecutions statewide.
Under California’s drug diversion statutes and Proposition 36 provisions, eligible defendants may be able to enter treatment programs in lieu of criminal prosecution — resulting in dismissal of charges upon successful completion. Los Angeles County has its own drug court programs and diversion mechanisms operating through the Los Angeles Superior Court system. Identifying whether you qualify for diversion, which program is most appropriate for your situation, and how to navigate the diversion process in Los Angeles County are all areas where experienced defense counsel provides enormous value.
Already convicted of a crime in Los Angeles County and looking to clear your record? Under California Penal Code § 1203.4[25], individuals who have successfully completed probation for a qualifying conviction may petition the court to dismiss the conviction — commonly called an expungement. An expungement under PC § 1203.4 allows you to truthfully state on most job applications that you have not been convicted of the offense.
California also provides additional record-clearing mechanisms including: — Penal Code § 17(b)[26]: Reduction of a felony wobbler to a misdemeanor — Penal Code § 1203.42[27]: Early termination of probation — Penal Code § 4852 et seq.[28]: Certificate of Rehabilitation for qualifying felony convictions — Penal Code § 851.8[29]: Factual innocence petition to seal and destroy arrest records — Penal Code § 1000 et seq.[30]: Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) for eligible drug offenses
Tu Defensor Criminalista handles record clearing petitions throughout Los Angeles County, helping clients who have already served their sentences remove the criminal record barriers that are holding them back from employment, housing, professional licensing, and a better future.
Los Angeles County is home to one of the largest and most diverse immigrant populations in the world. If you are not a United States citizen, a criminal conviction in Los Angeles County can have consequences under federal immigration law that are just as serious — or more serious — than the criminal penalties themselves.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, certain categories of criminal convictions trigger mandatory immigration consequences including deportation, bars to lawful re-entry, and denial of naturalization and adjustment of status. These categories include:
— Aggravated felonies (which under federal immigration law include many offenses that are not “aggravated” or “felonies” under state law) — Crimes of moral turpitude — Controlled substance offenses — Firearms offenses — Crimes of domestic violence — Child abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment offenses
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we evaluate immigration consequences at the very beginning of every criminal case involving a non-citizen client. We work to achieve dispositions that minimize or eliminate immigration consequences — sometimes by negotiating alternative charges, crafting specific plea language, or pursuing pre-plea diversion programs. This analysis is not an afterthought in our practice — it is a core part of our defense strategy from day one.
The California Penal Code § 1016.3[31] requires defense attorneys to advise their clients of the potential immigration consequences of a guilty plea. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we go beyond this minimum — we conduct a thorough immigration analysis and integrate that analysis into our overall defense strategy for every non-citizen client.
Accused of a crime in Los Angeles County? You have constitutional rights that apply at every stage of your case — and protecting those rights is one of the most important things your defense attorney does. Here are the foundational constitutional protections that apply to every criminal defendant in Los Angeles County:
Fourth Amendment — Protection Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution[32] prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment is subject to suppression under the exclusionary rule — meaning it cannot be used against you at trial. Illegal traffic stops, warrantless searches of your home or vehicle, and improperly executed search warrants are all grounds for suppression motions in Los Angeles County courts.
The Fifth Amendment gives you the absolute right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement. You cannot be compelled to testify against yourself. Statements made to police without proper Miranda warnings — or after an invocation of the right to silence — may be inadmissible at trial. In Los Angeles County, where police interrogation tactics are sophisticated and well-documented, protecting your Fifth Amendment rights from the moment of arrest is critical.
Sixth Amendment — Right to Counsel and Right to a Fair Trial The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to an attorney at every critical stage of the criminal proceedings against you — from arraignment through appeal. It also guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, a jury of your peers, the right to confront witnesses against you, and the right to present evidence and witnesses in your defense.
Fourteenth Amendment — Due Process and Equal Protection The Fourteenth Amendment[33] requires that the government follow fair procedures in criminal prosecutions and prohibits arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement of the law. Due process violations — including Brady violations (prosecutors withholding exculpatory evidence under Brady v. Maryland[34]), police misconduct, and improper jury selection — can result in dismissal of charges or reversal of convictions.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, every defense strategy we build begins with a thorough analysis of whether your constitutional rights were respected at every stage of the investigation and prosecution. When they were not, we fight to enforce those rights aggressively.
Facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County? The attorney you choose can be the single most important decision you make. Here is why clients throughout Los Angeles County trust Tu Defensor Criminalista with their most important criminal cases:
📞Call or Contact Us Now — Tu Defensor Criminalista
Tu Defensor Criminalista provides aggressive criminal defense representation throughout all of Los Angeles County, including:
Los Angeles | Long Beach | Compton | Inglewood | Pasadena | Glendale | Burbank | Santa Monica | Torrance | El Monte | Pomona | Downey | West Covina | Norwalk | Hawthorne | Whittier | Alhambra | Lakewood | Bellflower | Carson | Baldwin Park | Lynwood | Redondo Beach | Paramount | Montebello | Gardena | Culver City | Palmdale | Lancaster | East Los Angeles | Huntington Park | Maywood | Bell | South Gate | Lawndale | Cerritos | Pico Rivera | La Puente | Covina | Azusa | Glendora | Claremont | Rancho Palos Verdes | Hollywood | Silver Lake | Echo Park | Koreatown | South Los Angeles | Watts | Willowbrook | San Pedro | the San Fernando Valley | the San Gabriel Valley | the South Bay | the Antelope Valley | and every city and community throughout Los Angeles County.
Facing a restraining order or protective order in Los Angeles County? These civil orders have serious criminal consequences when violated. A criminal protective order (CPO) issued as a condition of your criminal case, a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) issued through family court, or a civil harassment restraining order under Code of Civil Procedure § 527.6[35] can restrict where you live, where you work, who you contact, and how you raise your children — often based on one-sided allegations made without your presence at the initial hearing.
Violating a restraining order in Los Angeles County is a criminal offense under Penal Code § 273.6[36], carrying up to one year in county jail for a first violation and up to three years in state prison for a subsequent violation causing bodily injury. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we represent clients both in contesting the issuance of restraining orders and in defending against criminal charges for alleged violations — protecting your rights, your relationships, and your freedom throughout the process.
Public safety data highlights the importance of strong legal representation:
These figures show variations in crime levels across jurisdictions—making local expertise and strong defense vital to safeguarding your rights.
Tu Defensor Criminalista defends clients throughout Los Angeles County in cases including:
Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, you’ll receive thorough, tailored advocacy at every stage.
| Benefits | How It Protects You |
|---|---|
| Highly Trusted Legal Advocacy | Armando Josué Cespedes has earned a 5.0 Avvo rating with 34 five-star client reviews, reflecting professionalism, dedication, and excellence. |
| Bilingual Services—English & Spanish | Legal clarity is essential. We ensure you fully understand your rights and options in the language that suits you best. |
| Deep Local Insight | From Pomona to West Covina, Santa Monica to Lancaster—each LA County court operates differently. We tailor strategy to each jurisdiction’s nuances. |
| Client-Centered, Compassionate Approach | We treat every client with respect and care. Your defense is crafted with your future and peace of mind in mind. |
| Step | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Free Bilingual Consultation | Available 24/7—start protecting your rights immediately. |
| Comprehensive Case Review | We examine all evidence and truly listen to your side. |
| Strategic Defense Plan | Customized to your case—whether through dismissal, plea, or trial. |
| Court & Administrative Representation | Strong advocacy in courtrooms and DMV hearings when needed. |
| Ongoing Support & Communication | Flexible payment plans and continuous guidance from start to finish. |
We defend cases across the spectrum—from DUI and assault to drug offenses, theft, and more.
Each county jurisdiction has its own policies and personnel. Our local familiarity benefits your case—whether negotiating or going to trial.
Absolutely. We provide determined and experienced defense for both misdemeanor and felony cases.
We offer flexible payment options—quality defense shouldn’t be out of reach.
Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney — immediately and clearly. Do not answer questions, explain yourself, or try to talk your way out of the situation. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista as soon as you are permitted to make a phone call. Every statement you make to law enforcement can be used against you, and the best time to protect your rights is from the very first moment of police contact.
A misdemeanor is a less serious offense carrying up to one year in county jail. A felony is a more serious offense that can result in state prison time exceeding one year. Some offenses are “wobblers” — they can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and your prior record. Felony convictions carry more severe long-term consequences including loss of the right to possess firearms, harsher immigration consequences, and greater impact on professional licensing.
Under Penal Code §§ 667 and 1170.12, a prior serious or violent felony conviction counts as a “strike.” A second strike doubles your sentence for the new offense. A third strike — when the new offense is also serious or violent — results in a mandatory 25-years-to-life sentence. If you have prior felony convictions and face new charges in Los Angeles County, the Three Strikes implications are critical to your defense strategy.
Yes, in appropriate cases. Dismissals can result from successful suppression motions that eliminate key evidence, lack of probable cause for the arrest, prosecutorial misconduct, violation of your speedy trial rights, insufficient evidence, or completion of a diversion program. Not every case can be dismissed, but every case deserves a thorough analysis of all available grounds for dismissal.
A wobbler is an offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The decision is made by the prosecutor at the time of filing, but the court may later reduce a felony wobbler to a misdemeanor under Penal Code § 17(b) upon successful completion of probation or through a motion at sentencing. Many common charges — including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, criminal threats, and certain drug offenses — are wobblers.
Depending on the offense, a conviction can trigger deportation, bars to re-entry, and denial of naturalization under federal immigration law. Aggravated felonies, crimes of moral turpitude, drug offenses, domestic violence crimes, and firearms offenses are particularly dangerous for non-citizens. Immigration analysis should be conducted before any plea is entered. Tu Defensor Criminalista integrates immigration consequences into every non-citizen client’s defense strategy from the very beginning.
Many misdemeanor and felony convictions can be dismissed (expunged) under Penal Code § 1203.4 after successful completion of probation, as long as you did not serve time in state prison on that conviction. Expungement allows you to state on most job applications that you have not been convicted. There are also other record-clearing mechanisms available depending on your specific conviction and circumstances.
Arraignment is your first court appearance, where you are formally read the charges against you and enter an initial plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. For misdemeanors, your attorney can often appear on your behalf without you being present. For felonies, your presence is required. Bail is also addressed at arraignment. Entering a not guilty plea at arraignment is almost always the right first step — it preserves your options and gives your attorney time to review the evidence.
Informal (summary) probation — typically used for misdemeanors — does not require you to report to a probation officer. You are responsible for meeting the court-ordered conditions on your own. Formal (supervised) probation — used for most felonies — requires regular reporting to a probation officer, compliance with all probation conditions, and is subject to formal violation proceedings if conditions are not met.
Timeline varies significantly depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, the complexity of the case, court scheduling, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Simple misdemeanors may resolve in a few months. Complex felony cases — particularly those involving multiple charges, extensive discovery, or pre-trial motions — can take a year or more. Your attorney can give you a realistic timeline based on the specific facts and charges in your case.
Remember:
Don’t plead guilty without exploring defenses
Free consultation – call now
Request DMV hearing within 10 days of arrest
Don’t talk to police without attorney
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes is rated 5.0 on Avvo, with 34 five-star reviews from clients praising his dedication, professionalism, and results. Many note how his trial skills and attention to detail led to reduced charges or outright dismissals.
English English
Español de MéxicoThank you! We need your help. Would you share your experience on one of these sites?
If you have concerns you wish to address privately
