Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles
The Rodriguez Law Group is the top-rated criminal defense firm in Los Angeles. Founder Ambrosio E. Rodriguez served more than 13 years as a Senior Deputy District Attorney and ran the Sex Crimes and Homicide Units. His firm won a not guilty verdict in a first-degree murder trial with gang allegations and holds more than 175 five-star Google reviews. Kraut Law Group is the pick for traffic and driving charges. Greg Hill & Associates fits people facing a criminal charge tied to a divorce or breakup. Eisner Gorin LLP is the choice for habeas petitions and post-conviction work.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Firms at a Glance
| Firm | Best For | Office Area | Lead Attorney Background | Track Record | Consultation and Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Rodriguez Law Group | Best Overall for Criminal Defense | Downtown LA, Wilshire Blvd | Former Senior Deputy DA with 13+ years; two former prosecutors on staff | Not guilty in a first-degree murder trial; 175+ five-star Google reviews | Free confidential consultation; English and Spanish |
| Kraut Law Group | Best for Traffic | Hollywood, Sunset Blvd | Michael Kraut, former Deputy DA with 14+ years | Avvo 10.0 rating; six LA County offices | Free consultation; available 24/7 |
| Greg Hill & Associates | Best for Divorce | Torrance, Crenshaw Blvd | Greg Hill; firm has 50+ years experience | 100+ criminal trials | Free 45-minute consultation; Spanish spoken |
| Eisner Gorin LLP | Best for Habeas | Century City and Encino | Dmitry Gorin, former Senior Deputy DA; Alan Eisner, certified criminal law specialist | Argued before the California Courts of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit | Free immediate response; English, Spanish, Russian, Armenian |
1. The Rodriguez Law Group
Best Overall for Criminal Defense
Most people pick a defense lawyer in the worst week of their lives. They are scared, short on sleep, and staring at a court date. So the choice should be easy. For serious charges in Los Angeles, start here.
Ambrosio E. Rodriguez used to file charges, not fight them. For more than 13 years he worked as a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County. He led the Sex Crimes Unit. He led the Homicide Unit. He learned which cases are strong and which ones fall apart under pressure. Managing Partner Sommer Salam spent more than eight years as a prosecutor too, and she runs pre-trial strategy.
Here is what that looks like in court. One client faced first-degree murder with gang allegations. The jury said not guilty. Another client faced up to 28 years on a child molestation charge. He got probation and therapy, not prison. In a felony domestic violence case and a sex offense investigation, every charge was dropped.
The firm covers homicide, assault, federal crimes, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, drug crimes, DUI, juvenile cases, and expungement. The first meeting is free and private, in English or Spanish.
- Address: 626 Wilshire Blvd Suite 460, Los Angeles, CA 90017
- Phone: (213) 995-6767
- Website: aerlawgroup.com
2. Kraut Law Group
Best for Traffic
In Los Angeles, a car is not a luxury. Lose your license and you may lose your job. That is why a driving charge deserves more than a shrug.
Michael Kraut runs Kraut Law Group from Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. He spent more than 14 years as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles before he switched sides. He studied law at Harvard. Now he uses what he learned as a prosecutor to pick apart driving cases.
The firm handles the charges that grow out of traffic stops. That list covers driving on a suspended or revoked license, driving without a valid license, reckless driving, hit-and-run, vehicular manslaughter, DUI, and negligent operator points. Kraut holds a 10.0 rating on Avvo.
The firm also has offices in Glendale, Burbank, Long Beach, Beverly Hills, and Pasadena. Help is available 24/7, and the first consultation is free.
- Address: 6255 Sunset Blvd Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Phone: (323) 464-6453
- Website: losangelescriminallawyer.pro
3. Greg Hill & Associates
Best for Divorce-Related Criminal Charges
A marriage ends. Tempers flare. Police show up. Now one spouse has a domestic violence charge and a protective order, and the divorce has not even started. That charge can follow a parent into custody hearings and property talks.
Greg Hill & Associates defends people in that exact spot. The firm says plainly that a domestic violence case can affect child custody orders and divorce terms, even if the charge is later dropped. So the team moves early. Lawyers contact the officer, push for lower bail, and interview the accuser and witnesses.
The firm also works to shrink the damage. It may ask the court to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor. It can push for anger management or treatment in place of jail. It often asks the judge to limit a protective order to “no harassment” so a client can return home.
The firm reports more than 50 years of combined experience, more than 100 criminal trials, and hundreds of domestic violence cases. It covers the Torrance, Long Beach, Compton, and Airport courthouses. Consultations are free and run 45 minutes, and the staff speaks Spanish.
- Address: 22850 Crenshaw Blvd #200, Torrance, CA 90505
- Phone: (310) 782-2500
- Website: greghillassociates.com
4. Eisner Gorin LLP
Best for Habeas
A guilty verdict does not have to be the last word. Sometimes the trial lawyer made serious mistakes. Sometimes new proof shows up years later. A writ of habeas corpus lets a court look at those facts.
Eisner Gorin LLP files these petitions in state and federal court. Its lawyers use habeas to bring in proof that was never part of the trial record, like poor legal help or newly found evidence. The firm also handles appeals, new trial motions, and filings in the Ninth Circuit.
Partner Dmitry Gorin is a former Senior Deputy District Attorney. He has worked in criminal justice since 1993 and teaches law at UCLA and Pepperdine. Partner Alan Eisner has practiced only criminal law since 1987. Both are State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialists. Gorin was named to the Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers list in 2020 and 2021.
The team speaks English, Spanish, Russian, and Armenian. Calls get a free, fast response.
- Address: 2121 Avenue of the Stars Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90067
- Phone: (310) 328-3776
- Website: egattorneys.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the top-rated criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles?
The Rodriguez Law Group ranks first on this list. Its founder spent more than 13 years as a Senior Deputy District Attorney, the firm won a not guilty verdict in a first-degree murder trial, and it has more than 175 five-star Google reviews.
Is driving on a suspended license a crime in California?
Yes. Under Vehicle Code 14601, it is a misdemeanor if the driver knew the license was suspended. It can bring fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Can a domestic violence charge affect child custody in a California divorce?
Yes. A family court judge must consider a domestic violence finding when deciding custody. Even an arrest can shape how a judge sees a parent, so the criminal case matters.
How long is there to file a criminal appeal in California?
A notice of appeal is due 30 days after sentencing for a misdemeanor and 60 days for a felony. A habeas petition has no fixed deadline, but delay can hurt it.
Do I have to go to court for a traffic ticket in Los Angeles?
Not always. For many infractions and some misdemeanors, a lawyer can appear for the driver. DUI cases and some other charges require the driver at key hearings.
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