Criminal Cases We Handle in Los Angeles

50+ Years Of Experience Seeking Justice for the Accused

With more than 50 years of combined criminal law experience, our team knows the criminal justice system is tough. Our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, courtroom and negotiation skills to handle all California misdemeanors and felony matters.

We focus exclusively on criminal defense and our main goal is to obtain the best possible results for our clients. If you were arrested or charged with a crime, you could face serious – if not life-changing consequences. We believe everyone should have access to the best possible defense, so contact our Los Angeles office today to see if we are the right team for you.

Our Philosophy

When facing criminal charges, you may be tempted to give up and simply plead guilty or accept a plea bargain. Don't plead guilty even if you think you are guilty until you fully understand what that means.

Talk to one of our knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles criminal lawyers from Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners to discuss your legal situation. We are ready to use our decades of legal experience to go to court and aggressively fight your charges. Call our office to see what we can do for your case.

Criminal Defense Strategies: Fighting Back

• Entrapment is a defense to a crime when the government unlawfully induces a person to commit a crime. Conduct merely providing a person the opportunity to perpetuate a crime is not entrapment.

• Involuntary Acts suggests the defendant did not intend to commit a crime because his / her unlawful behavior was involuntary (e.g. reflex, sleeping, unconsciousness, intoxication).

• Mistake of Fact precludes criminal liability for the crime because the defendant made a key mistake and therefore did not have the mental state (mens rea) required for the crime.

• Mistake of Law - Ignorance of the law is generally not a defense. In order for Mistake of Law to constitute a good defense, the mistake must be one that negates the specific intent or other mental state that is an element of the crime.

• Factual Impossibility asserts the defendant intended to commit a crime but was unsuccessful because of factual impossibility. The defendant may have intended to commit murder, but cannot be guilty if the gun wasn't loaded.

Defense for Felony & Misdemeanor Charges

We zealously represent our clients facing both misdemeanors and felonies. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the punishment. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime punishable by up to no more than a year in county jail and substantial fines. Some misdemeanors involve no jail time at all. A felony is considered a serious crime punishable in state prison by sixteen (16) months or more, including life in prison. A felony conviction carries collateral consequences such as: loss of the right to possess a gun; exclusion from jury service; denial of the right to vote; loss of the right to obtain a professional license; and deportation.

Some of our practice areas include:

Drug Crimes
From simple drug possession to trafficking and sales, drug crimes carry serious penalties. Our firm represents clients across the greater Los Angeles area facing all types of drug-related offenses including marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamines, crack, and prescription drugs.

DUI
DUI, or driving under the influence, is one of the most commonly charged crimes in California. A conviction can result in county jail, license suspension, hefty fines, increased insurance costs and mandatory counseling or treatment, making it important to involve a skilled DUI lawyer as soon as possible.

Federal Crimes
Often involving federal agencies with considerable resources like the FBI, DEA and IRS, federal crimes require a particular level of defense counsel. At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, we are skilled and experienced in handling cases in federal court.

Juvenile Crimes
When a minor under the age of 18 is accused of a crime, he or she may face legal proceedings in the juvenile court system, which operates differently than state and federal courts. Our firm is experienced in protecting the rights of our youth in these matters.

Sex Crimes
Of all criminal offenses, those of a sexual nature tend to generate considerable media attention and may have lasting personal and professional consequences for the accused, not the least of which includes lifetime sex registration. In cases involving sex crimes our team stands firm in our commitment to protecting our clients' futures.

Theft Crimes
From shoplifting to grand theft auto to burglary, theft crime charges can have varying impacts on alleged offenders. The best way to approach such allegations is with a strong defense lawyer who can assert one's constitutional rights.

Driving Offenses
Though sometimes considered minor offenses, driving offenses can have serious consequences. Some driving offenses, like leaving the scene of a fatal accident, are felonies that may leave a defendant facing state prison time. We handle all types of driving offenses for drivers across Los Angeles.

Violent Crimes
Assault, robbery, manslaughter, murder – violent crimes are some of the most serious offenses a person may be accused of committing. They require the immediate involvement of a competent criminal lawyer who can help a defendant avoid maximum penalties.

White Collar Crimes
Crimes involving finances and business often fall under the category of white collar crimes. These may be charged on a state or federal level and are often highly technical in nature due to complex financial transactions and the involvement of computers. We are skilled in handling cases of this kind, from embezzlement to wire fraud and everything in between.

You can also find helpful information on our website regarding criminal investigations, appeals, expungements (clearing your criminal record) and more. Our team can provide criminal defense counsel at any stage of a case, even before formal charges have been filed, all the way through post-conviction relief. We serve Los Angeles and the surrounding areas in Southern California with pride and an unparalleled commitment to our clients' rights and interests.

We Can Help You Prepare Your Defense

After an arrest, you probably feel overwhelmed and hopeless. When you contact our firm, a member of our legal team can help you understand your legal rights and options.