Top Rated Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

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Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a serious crime, not just any defender will do. You need to know that your attorney has what it takes to preserve your freedom.

Criminal lawyer Robert M. Helfend of the Helfend Law Group has more than 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of the accused in Southern California. In that time, he has successfully defended more than 4,000 criminal cases — achieving the best possible outcome in cases ranging from major felony charges to Federal crimes and homicides.

His clients and peers know him for his deep understanding of the law, his careful attention to detail and the skillful defenses he brings to the courtroom. Rated among the top criminal law firms in California, Mr. Helfend is a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Attorney, a Lead Counsel Attorney, a SuperLawyers Rated Attorney, an Expertise.com Top Attorney and an Expert Network Distinguished Attorney. An aggressive and confident communicator, Mr. Helfend proactively works to keep his clients apprised of their rights and options, helping to put their minds at ease during this anxious time.

Nobody ever plans on winding up in a courtroom. The criminal justice system is intimidating, and it can be frightening to find yourself facing jail time. However, when you work with the Helfend Law Group, you gain the benefit of an attorney you know will protect your rights.

The Helfend Law Group is based in Los Angeles County, serving clients nationwide. Call today for your free case evaluation – 800-834-6434.

More Than 40 Years Experience On Your Side

Robert M. Helfend has defended thousands of cases: Everything from drug crimes to DUI, domestic violence, child abuse, sex offender registry cases and murders. He has cross-examined hundreds of so-called “expert witnesses,” and he is prepared to challenge any scientific evidence that prosecutors bring to court.

It’s your criminal defense attorney’s job to put his expertise to work for you, and over more than three decades in courtrooms, he has earned a reputation as an aggressive, talented and skilled criminal defense lawyer, having been recognized numerous times as one of the top defense attorneys in Los Angeles.

There are hundreds of criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles — former prosecutors and career defense attorneys, each making their own claims about guaranteed results and “not guilty” verdicts — but the proof is in the pudding. The following is partial list of results the Helfend Law Group has secured:

Attempted Murder – Client was accused of passing a firearm to his co-defendant just prior to the co-defendant shooting the victim. At the preliminary hearing, I artfully coaxed the victim to exonerate his client of his involvement in the shooting. CASE DISMISSED.
Assault With A Deadly Weapon – Client was charged with felony assault with a firearm and criminal threats, including the special enhancement of “using a firearm in the commission of the offense.” Following a five-day jury trial, my defense strategy convinced the jury to return a “not guilty” verdict in one hour.
Homicide – An eyewitness identified client as the individual responsible for shooting her boyfriend. After a five-day trial, the jury could not reach a verdict, and my client was charged with voluntary manslaughter and given credit for time served.
Criminal Threats – Client was accused of threatening to kill someone if he did not turn off his car headlights. I carefully investigated the case before turning over evidence to prosecution. On the day of the trial, the prosecution offered reduced charges of an infraction only.
Commercial Burglary – Client was charged with felony second-degree commercial burglary and spent 18 years as a fugitive. I successfully negotiated a reduced sentence for my client. Read more.

Rated One of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles

Robert M. Helfend has been honored with recognition from some of the most prestigious legal organizations in the country. He has been:

Voted a Super Lawyer in Southern California every year since 2009.
Named to Expertise.com’s 2021 list of the six best criminal defense attorneys in the Thousand Oaks area.
Named to the National Trial Lawyer Association’s Top 100 attorneys list.
Named to the prestigious SuperLawyers list in 2020.

Read his reviews on:

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Murder Defense: Shifting Approaches in Los Angeles County

Upon assuming office in December 2020, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón implemented a series of progressive reforms aimed at reducing incarceration and addressing systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system.

These policies included a moratorium on the death penalty, the elimination of cash bail for certain offenses, and significant changes to sentencing practices.

Gascón directed his office to cease the use of sentencing enhancements, such as those related to firearm use, gang affiliation, or prior convictions, arguing that these contributed to excessive incarceration and disproportionately affected marginalized communities. He also instructed prosecutors to avoid filing special circumstance allegations that could lead to life without parole or capital punishment, aligning with his broader goal of criminal justice reform.

Gascón’s reforms sparked significant debate. Supporters praised efforts to address systemic issues and reduce mass incarceration, while critics argued that the policies compromised public safety and justice for victims. The controversy surrounding these reforms contributed to a recall effort and ultimately to Gascón’s defeat in the 2024 election

New DA Nathan Hochman (2025–Present)

In 2024, voters elected Nathan Hochman as District Attorney.

Hochman has reversed the blanket ban on the death penalty – as of 2025, Los Angeles prosecutors can again seek the death penalty in especially egregious murder cases.

(Note that California still has a statewide moratorium on executions, so even if death is sought and imposed, no one is actually being executed right now. These cases instead result in life on death row.)

Hochman has also indicated a tougher stance on enhancements and special circumstances. Under Hochman, prosecutors are expected to begin using enhancements again, such as the 25-to-life firearm enhancement for using a gun causing death, or gang enhancements.

In practice, this means murder charges in LA County may now be more severe than they would have been previously.

Hochman’s office may also be less inclined to offer plea deals that reduce a murder to manslaughter, except where the evidence clearly supports it. That said, every case is different, and a smart defense strategy can sometimes persuade prosecutors even in a tougher regime.

Negotiation and plea bargains

Even with policy changes, note that most murder cases do not go to trial.

Depending on the evidence, prosecutors often engage in plea negotiations. In Los Angeles, it’s not uncommon for a defendant with a weak self-defense claim or other mitigating factors to be allowed to plead to manslaughter instead of murder.

Manslaughter (especially voluntary) carries a fixed-term sentence rather than life, which can be a huge difference in outcome. The willingness to offer such deals can vary.

Under DA Gascón, there may have been more openness to reducing charges in pursuit of rehabilitation; under DA Hochman, prosecutors might take a harder line.

Los Angeles Murder Defense Attorney - Homicide Practice Areas

If you’ve been charged with murder or are under investigation for the death of another person, it’s crucial that you have a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.

Murder cases often come with numerous legal and media-related challenges and the penalties and consequences of a conviction can be severe. With the right legal defense team, it may be possible to avoid a guilty verdict or have your case dismissed altogether.

Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend has more than four decades of experience representing clients facing some of the most serious charges, including murder.

If you’ve been accused of a homicide crime, Mr. Helfend and his team are available to talk to you today. Call 800-834-6434 for a free case evaluation.

Why trust the Helfend Law Group with your murder defense?

Murder charges are among the most serious criminal charges you can face. Many criminal law firms simply refuse to take them on, and they will often push their clients to take the "easy route" and accept a plea bargain from the state.

Every case is unique, and sometimes a plea is the right idea, but there are two main benefits to refusing a plea offer and going to trial:

Proving Your Innocence - Obviously, right? A trial allows you to fully present your case, with all the evidence and witnesses that support your innocence. Accepting a plea deal often means admitting guilt and this evidence never seeing the light of day.
Getting a Better Outcome - Plea deals are often offered to avoid the time and cost of a trial, but they don't always offer the best possible outcome. In many cases, a skilled attorney can have your charges reduced or dropped entirely by challenging the prosecution's case in court.

When it's time to go to trial, your attorney needs to be able to rise to the challenge to defend not only your freedom, but your life. Robert M. Helfend is a specialist in murder and homicide litigation. With decades of experience in the courtroom, Mr. Helfend has seen it all, and he is prepared to defend your case. By refusing to take the "easy route," Mr. Helfend ensures that each client gets the vigorous defense they deserve.

If you're facing murder charges, you need a defense attorney who is not afraid to take your case to trial.

What qualifies as murder in California?

Under California Penal Code 187, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person or with “malice aforethought,” or with knowledge and intent. Circumstances like reckless endangerment and intent to create great bodily harm can also be considered malice aforethought and lead to a murder charge. In California, murder can be charged in two ways:

First-degree murder includes murders that are premeditates as well as felony murder. Felony murder occurs when a person is killed while a serious crime is being committed.
Second-degree murder covers all other murders that don’t meet the criteria for first-degree murder.

Sentences for first-degree murder are generally more severe than for second-degree and can include 25 years to life in prison or lifetime imprisonment without parole.

What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?

Because malice aforethought, or the intent to kill, is necessary to constitute murder, the unlawful killing of another person without premeditation or malice is considered a separate offense, known as manslaughter.

Manslaughter often occurs as a result of reckless behavior or as a “crime of passion,” in an emotional outburst. Murder is considered a more serious crime and has harsher penalties. However, a manslaughter conviction can still result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Is it murder if I acted in self-defense?

In California, it is not against the law to use reasonable force for self-defense. Self-defense is one of the most widely recognized and commonly used legal defenses against murder charges.

If you killed another person while acting in your own defense, using no more than the necessary force, you are not guilty of murder under California law. Some important aspects of self-defense law in California that you should know are:

Stand your ground – In California and other “stand your ground” states, you are not required to retreat from a situation in which your life is immediately and presently endangered. The stand your ground law allows for the use of deadly force, including the use of firearms.
Castle doctrine – According to California’s Castle Doctrine, it’s within your legal rights to use deadly force against an intruder in your own home.
Flannel doctrine – If you unnecessarily used deadly force in self-defense because you honestly believed that it was reasonable and necessary, then the Flannel Doctrine may be used in your defense.
Initial aggressor – If you killed someone during a fight that you started, you can only claim self-defense if you made a good faith effort to stop the fight.
Affirmative defense – When you argue self-defense, it means that you are admitting to having committed a crime, but that you did it to protect yourself from imminent danger. Claiming self-defense is not the same as a not guilty plea.

Can murder be a federal crime?

There are certain circumstances when murder is a federal crime. Murder violates U.S. federal law when:

Someone is killed on federal property,
Someone is killed on a public aircraft or at sea,
The victim is a federal official,
It occurs during the commission of a federal crime,
A murder involves the use of the U.S. Postal Service or a federal agency,
The internet is used in the commission of murder, or
A murder occurs while crossing state lines.

While most murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the state where they occurred, federal murder is investigated by federal law enforcement and prosecuted by the U.S. federal court.

If you’re under investigation or have been charged with federal murder, it’s essential that you seek help from a criminal lawyer who specializes in federal crimes. Robert M. Helfend has represented numerous clients facing federal charges, including federal murder, and knows how to navigate the aggressive and fast-moving federal legal system in order to find the best possible results for his clients.

What is the punishment for murder in California?

If convicted of murder, the sentence depends on the charge's degree and any special circumstances or enhancements.

Second-degree murder

The base sentence is 15 years to life in state prison. This means serving 15 years before parole eligibility.

However, this can increase:

If the victim was a peace officer killed in the line of duty, and the defendant knew (or should have known), the sentence becomes 25 years to life. If the officer was intentionally killed with a deadly weapon, it can be life without parole (LWOP).
If the murder involved shooting a firearm from a vehicle with intent to cause serious harm (e.g., a drive-by shooting), the minimum is 20 years to life.

Enhancements for second-degree murder

Various sentencing enhancements can add time:

Firearm use: Personally discharging a gun causing death adds 25 years to life on top of the murder sentence.
Gang-related murder: Can add 10 years or 15-to-life.
Prior “strike” convictions: Murder is a strike. One prior strike can roughly double the sentence (e.g., 15-to-life becomes 30-to-life). Two prior strikes can lead to 25-to-life added or even LWOP.

First-degree murder

The base sentence is 25 years to life, meaning a minimum of 25 years before a parole hearing.

If special circumstances are proven, first-degree murder is punishable by life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) or death. Special circumstances include:

Multiple murders.
Murder for financial gain.
Murder to avoid arrest or witness killing.
Felony-murder (murder during certain felonies like robbery or rape, with intent to kill or reckless indifference).
Gang-related murder (to further gang activity).
Torture murder, lying-in-wait, or murder by poison.

If a special circumstance is found true, the only sentences are LWOP or death. California has a governor-imposed moratorium on executions, so a death sentence practically means an indefinite stay on death row. LWOP is a true life sentence with no parole.

Manslaughter and other homicide penalties

For comparison:

Voluntary manslaughter (heat-of-passion or imperfect self-defense): A felony with a sentence of 3, 6, or 11 years.
Involuntary manslaughter: Up to 4 years.
Vehicular manslaughter: Can range from a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) to a felony (2, 4, or 6 years, or more if DUI is involved).

Parole and “life” sentences

A sentence of "15 years to life" or "25 to life" means the person can appear before the parole board after serving the minimum term (e.g., 15 or 25 years). Parole is not guaranteed and depends on rehabilitation, remorse, and public safety risk.

California has expanded parole opportunities:

Youth offender parole: Offenders under 26 at the time of the crime may get a special parole hearing after a certain number of years (often 15, 20, or 25 years).
Elder parole: Inmates aged 50 who have served 20 years may get a parole hearing (with some exclusions).

If sentenced to life without parole (LWOP), there is no routine parole review. Release is typically only possible through legal appeal, commutation, or a change in law.

Does murder have a statute of limitations?

A criminal statute of limitations sets a time limit on how long after a crime is committed that a case can be brought to trial. In California, there is no statute of limitations for murder. That means that you can be charged with murder regardless of how long it’s been since the alleged crime occurred.

Because evidence often deteriorates or witness testimony can be less reliable or harder to obtain the more time has passed, building a strong legal defense can present some additional challenges for older crimes. Defense attorney Robert M. Helfend works with experts and specialists who can help find new evidence to build the strongest possible defense.

Call the Helfend Law Group

If you or someone you love has been charged with murder your first step should be to hire an expert criminal defense attorney who specializes in homicide.

Prosecutors work hard to build their case and secure a conviction and you need a lawyer who can aggressively fight to defend your freedom. Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend has more than 40 years of experience fighting for clients in over 4,000 criminal cases. His attention to detail, client care, and expert legal skills have earned him a reputation as one of LA’s top criminal defense attorneys and honors from distinguished professional organizations including Lead Counsel, SuperLawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 list.

By refusing to take the "easy route," Mr. Helfend ensures that each client gets the vigorous defense they deserve. If you're facing murder charges, you need a defense attorney who is not afraid to take your case to trial. Contact Robert M. Helfend today to discuss your options and start building a powerful defense - 800-834-6434.

Testimonials

“Robert M. Helfend helped me get through my legal struggles in a very reliable and thorough way when I was wrongfully charged with a DUI. Thanks to him, I have a clean record today because I was properly defended. I highly recommend Robert M, Helfend.” Molly (from Avvo.com)

“Mr. Helfend absolutely saved my bacon. After finding myself charged with fraud, I was terrified. I have never been introduced to the legal system from this side before, and it was unsettling. However, Robert was able to calm me down and help me figure out my situation. He even got the case dropped before trial! I don’t want to be in another situation where I need a criminal defense lawyer, but if I ever am, I know who I will call!” Pete (from Avvo.com)

“This man is very effective. I was charged but I never had to go to court because the case was thrown out thanks to his efforts. I was very worried because I didn’t know anyone who could confirm my location, but he was able to prove that I was innocent.” Drew (from Google)