If you're facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County, the prosecution has already started building a case against you. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office files tens of thousands of criminal cases each year, and every one of those cases is assigned to a prosecutor whose single job is to secure a conviction. Your defense needs to be just as aggressive, just as strategic, and just as prepared. At Chudnovsky Law, our criminal defense team brings more than 113 years of combined experience and over 9,000 cases handled to every client we represent. Kareem Aref, a former prosecutor who spent years handling criminal cases in the District Attorney's office, now uses that insider knowledge to defend clients across every phase of the criminal process — from arrest through trial and beyond.
Chudnovsky Law defends clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, and Santa Monica, with offices in each region. Our attorneys have tried over 100 jury trials and carry a 10.0 Superb rating on AVVO along with five-star ratings on Google across all our locations. Call (213) 212-5002 for a free, confidential case review — we'll explain your options and our fee structure during your first call.
On This Page:
- Real consequences of criminal charges
- The Prosecution Playbook Reversal
- Felony vs. misdemeanor charges
- Drug crime defense strategies
- DUI and driving offenses
- Domestic violence accusations
- Sex crime allegations
- White collar and financial crimes
- Defending in LA County courts
- Our three commitments to clients
- Frequently asked questions
What Are the Real Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Los Angeles?
A criminal conviction in Los Angeles doesn’t end when your sentence does. The collateral damage of a guilty verdict or plea can follow you for decades — destroying careers, separating families, and closing doors you didn’t even know existed. Most people fixate on jail time. The real devastation is everything else.
Consider the specifics. A felony conviction under California’s Three Strikes law (Cal. Penal Code § 667(e)) can double your sentence for a second strike and impose 25 years to life for a third. A misdemeanor domestic violence conviction triggers a federal firearms ban under the Lautenberg Amendment — permanently. A drug conviction can disqualify you from federal student loans, public housing, and dozens of professional licenses regulated by the State Bar of California, the Board of Registered Nursing, and the California Bureau of Real Estate.
For non-citizens, the stakes escalate even further. Certain criminal convictions are classified as “aggravated felonies” under federal immigration law, triggering mandatory deportation with no judicial discretion. A conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude can block naturalization or green card renewal. These aren’t hypothetical risks — immigration courts in downtown Los Angeles process these consequences daily.
Then there’s employment. California’s “ban the box” law limits when employers can ask about criminal history, but it doesn’t erase the record. Background check companies still surface convictions. Professional licensing boards — from the Medical Board of California to the California Department of Real Estate — can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses based on criminal conduct.
And the clock matters. Evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from businesses along the I-10 corridor or near the Staples Center is typically overwritten within 30 to 90 days. Witness memories degrade. The prosecution’s case only gets stronger while you wait. If you’ve been arrested or learned you’re under investigation, your window to build the strongest possible defense is right now. Call (213) 212-5002 — the consultation is free, and we’ll discuss your situation and fee arrangements during that first call.
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How Does the Prosecution Playbook Reversal Work for Your Defense?
Most criminal defense attorneys have only ever seen a case from one side of the courtroom. At Chudnovsky Law, our team includes attorneys who built prosecution cases before they started dismantling them. This isn’t a marketing line — it’s a structural advantage that shapes how we approach every single case.
We call our methodology The Prosecution Playbook Reversal, and it works because we’ve studied the prosecution’s system from the inside.
Step 1: Charging Document Deconstruction — Finding What the DA Overcharged
Prosecutors routinely overcharge. They stack counts, add enhancements, and inflate charges to create use during plea negotiations. Kareem Aref, who prosecuted criminal cases in the District Attorney’s office, recognizes these patterns immediately. Our team reverse-engineers the prosecutor’s charging strategy using experience from over 9,000 cases to identify which counts were filed for conviction and which were filed as bargaining chips. The goal is to strip away the use charges early — before they shape plea discussions.
Charging enhancements are additional allegations prosecutors attach to a base charge to increase potential penalties. For example, a gang enhancement or a “great bodily injury” enhancement can add years — sometimes decades — to a sentence, even when the underlying evidence is thin.
Step 2: Brady Material Extraction — Uncovering What the Prosecution Is Hiding
Under Brady v. Maryland, prosecutors are constitutionally required to disclose exculpatory evidence — any evidence that could help your defense. But here’s what most defendants don’t realize: Brady violations happen frequently, and they’re rarely caught by attorneys who haven’t worked inside a prosecutor’s office. Gillian Friedman, who spent 22 years as a Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, knows exactly where exculpatory evidence gets buried in case files. We don’t wait for disclosure — we go looking for it.
Step 3: Discovery File Pattern Recognition — Spotting Weaknesses the Prosecution Missed
When you’ve defended thousands of cases, you start seeing patterns. Gaps in discovery filings. Missing chain-of-custody documentation. Witness statements that contradict the police report in ways the arresting officer didn’t notice. Our attorneys have reviewed discovery files in more than 9,000 matters, and that volume creates a pattern-recognition capacity that solo practitioners simply can’t match.
Step 4: Plea Architecture vs. Trial Warfare — Controlling the Negotiation or Courtroom
Not every case should go to trial, and not every case should settle with a plea. The decision depends on the evidence, the charges, the judge, and the client’s goals. But here’s what separates a prepared defense from a reactive one: we never negotiate from weakness. Our team has tried over 100 jury trials. Prosecutors know that. When a defense attorney has real trial credentials, the DA’s office negotiates differently — because they know we’ll actually take them to court.
Step 5: Sentencing Departure Engineering — Reducing Exposure When the Outcome Is Difficult
Even in cases where a conviction is likely, the sentence isn’t predetermined. Our attorneys build mitigation narratives that target the specific factors judges actually weigh — employment history, family responsibilities, mental health treatment, community ties. Robert K. Weinberg, with more than 30 years of defense experience and over 5,000 cases behind him, has developed sentencing strategies that address these factors with the precision of someone who has spent three decades in California courtrooms.
Not sure which step applies to your situation? That’s what the free consultation is for. Call (213) 212-5002 — no commitment, no pressure. We’ll assess your case and explain what we’d do differently.
Client Reviews
“During a very difficult time, Chudnovsky Law really made the difference in our lives. A family member was being investigated for a serious felony allegation. Tsion Chudnovsky and her team were very professional and knowledgable about the Los Angeles legal system and clearly explained what we needed to do. They are excellent criminal defense attorneys! They acted fast and were instrumental in clearing up the issue for us and preventing potentially disastrous consequences. I can highly recommend Ms. Chudnovsky for anyone needing a very smart, trustworthy defense lawyer.”
NORMA
What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in California?
In California, a felony carries a potential state prison sentence of one year or more, while a misdemeanor carries a maximum of one year in county jail. But the gap between these two classifications is enormous — and a third category, called a "wobbler," can swing either direction.
A wobbler is a charge that can be filed as either a felony or a misdemeanor, at the prosecutor's discretion. Common wobblers include assault with a deadly weapon, domestic battery causing injury, and certain theft offenses. Under Cal. Penal Code § 17(b), a judge can reduce a wobbler from a felony to a misdemeanor at sentencing or even after probation is completed. This reduction can be the difference between a permanent felony record and a clean slate through expungement.
| Factor | Misdemeanor | Felony |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Incarceration | Up to 1 year in county jail | 1 year to life in state prison |
| Fines | Up to $1,000 (most offenses) | Up to $10,000 or more |
| Right to Jury Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Preliminary Hearing | No | Yes — prosecution must show probable cause |
| Voting Rights | Not affected | Suspended while incarcerated; restored upon release |
| Firearm Rights | Usually retained (exceptions for DV) | Lifetime federal firearms ban |
| Professional License Impact | Case-by-case review | Frequently triggers suspension or revocation |
| Expungement Eligibility | Generally eligible under PC 1203.4 | Eligible for some offenses; limited for serious/violent felonies |
The classification of your charge shapes everything — bail amounts, plea options, trial strategy, and long-term consequences. Getting a wobbler reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor is one of the most consequential moves a defense attorney can make, and it requires both legal knowledge and courtroom credibility with the judge.
How Do California Drug Crime Charges Work?
Drug charges in California range from simple possession — often a misdemeanor — to federal trafficking charges that carry mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years or more. The type of substance, the quantity, your prior record, and whether prosecutors allege intent to sell all determine the severity.
Simple possession is holding a controlled substance for personal use. Under Proposition 47, most simple possession charges are misdemeanors. But "possession with intent to distribute" is a completely different charge — and the line between the two often comes down to the quantity found and the presence of items like scales, baggies, or large amounts of cash.
At the federal level, drug distribution charges under 21 U.S.C. § 841 carry mandatory minimum sentences that no judge can reduce. Five grams of methamphetamine triggers a five-year federal mandatory minimum. Fifty grams triggers ten years. Federal drug conspiracy charges under 21 U.S.C. § 846 don't even require the government to prove you personally handled drugs — only that you agreed to participate in the scheme.
Our team defends drug cases at both the state and federal level. David A. Stein brings strong investigative capabilities to white collar and drug cases involving complex evidence, while Kareem Aref's prosecution background means he can anticipate exactly how the DA or U.S. Attorney will build their case. Defense strategies we pursue include challenging the legality of the search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment, attacking the chain of custody for physical evidence, and questioning whether the quantity truly supports an "intent to distribute" allegation versus personal use.
Approximately 1.5 million people are arrested for driving under the influence annually in the United States (FBI Uniform Crime Report, 2022). In Los Angeles County, DUI arrests are among the most common criminal cases processed through the Airport Courthouse, the Metropolitan Courthouse downtown, and the Long Beach Courthouse.
What Should You Know About DUI Charges in Los Angeles?
A DUI arrest in Los Angeles triggers two separate proceedings that run on different timelines: the criminal case in court and the administrative hearing with the California DMV. Missing either one can cost you your license, your freedom, or both.
On the criminal side, a standard first-offense DUI is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in county jail, fines up to $1,000 (plus penalty assessments that often push the total above $3,000), a three-month DUI school, and a six-month license suspension. A DUI with injury can be charged as a felony. A fourth DUI within ten years is automatically charged as a felony. And a DUI that results in a death can be prosecuted as vehicular manslaughter or even second-degree murder under California's Watson murder doctrine.
On the DMV side, you have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing, or your license suspension kicks in automatically. This is one of the most commonly missed deadlines in California criminal defense.
The average DUI costs the defendant between $10,000 and $25,000 when accounting for fines, legal fees, insurance increases, and other expenses (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2023).
Defense strategies for DUI cases include challenging the calibration and maintenance records of the Breathalyzer device, raising the "rising BAC" defense (your blood alcohol was still rising at the time of the stop and was below 0.08% when you were actually driving), questioning whether the officer had probable cause for the initial traffic stop, and challenging field sobriety test administration. The horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand all have specific protocols — and officers frequently deviate from them.
If you're facing a DUI charge anywhere in LA County, call us at (213) 212-5002 before that 10-day DMV deadline passes.
How Does California Handle Domestic Violence Accusations?
Domestic violence cases in Los Angeles carry unique dangers that most defendants don't understand until it's too late. California has mandatory arrest policies — if officers respond to a domestic disturbance call and believe violence occurred, someone is going to jail that night. And Los Angeles prosecutors follow no-drop prosecution policies, meaning the DA's office can pursue charges even if the alleged victim recants, refuses to cooperate, or asks for the case to be dismissed.
No-drop prosecution means the state itself is the plaintiff, not the person who called 911. The alleged victim becomes a witness — and the case proceeds whether they want it to or not.
The immediate consequences hit hard. Upon arrest, a criminal protective order is typically issued, forcing the accused out of the family home. Contact with a spouse or partner — even a text message — becomes a criminal offense. Custody arrangements can be disrupted overnight. And a conviction, even for misdemeanor domestic battery, triggers a lifetime federal firearms prohibition.
Common defense strategies include demonstrating self-defense, establishing that injuries were mutual or accidental, presenting evidence of false allegations (particularly in custody disputes), and highlighting inconsistencies between the 911 call, the police report, and later witness statements. Chudnovsky Law's team, which has defended these cases across courthouses from Santa Monica to Long Beach, understands the specific dynamics of domestic violence prosecution in LA County — including which courtrooms tend to handle these cases and how local judges approach restraining orders.
What Makes Sex Crime Allegations Different From Other Criminal Charges?
Sex crime charges carry consequences that extend far beyond prison. A conviction for most sex offenses in California requires lifetime registration as a sex offender, with residency restrictions, employment limitations, and community notification requirements that reshape every aspect of daily life. Even an accusation — before any conviction — can destroy reputations, end careers, and fracture families.
The severity ranges widely. Misdemeanor sexual battery (unwanted touching) carries up to six months in county jail. Forcible rape is a strike offense under California's Three Strikes law and carries three to eight years in state prison. Child pornography possession triggers federal mandatory minimums of five years under federal law, and distribution can result in 20 years.
But here's what most people don't know: sex crime cases are among the most defensible categories in criminal law. These cases frequently depend on testimony rather than physical evidence, and that testimony can be challenged through inconsistencies, motive analysis, forensic evidence gaps, and procedural failures in how the investigation was conducted. Romeo and Juliet exceptions exist in California for consensual activity between minors close in age. Entrapment defenses apply in internet sting operations where law enforcement initiated contact.
The key is immediate legal intervention — before you make any statements to police, before you respond to an accuser's messages, and before the investigation solidifies. Evidence preservation and early witness interviews can make the difference between an acquittal and a conviction.
How Are White Collar and Financial Crime Cases Investigated in Los Angeles?
White collar criminal investigations in Los Angeles often begin months or even years before the defendant knows they're a target. The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and the SEC conduct extensive document reviews, subpoena financial records, and interview witnesses — all before making an arrest. By the time charges are filed, the government may have built a case involving thousands of pages of evidence.
Federal wire fraud charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 carry up to 20 years in federal prison per count. RICO charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1962 carry 20 years per count plus asset forfeiture. Federal money laundering under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 adds another 20 years and doubles the amount laundered as a fine.
Asset forfeiture is the government's power to seize property it claims is connected to criminal activity — including bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and business assets — sometimes before a trial even begins.
These cases demand a defense team that understands financial document analysis, forensic accounting, and the specific way federal prosecutors construct conspiracy charges. Kareem Aref brings his prosecution experience to these matters, working alongside David A. Stein, whose investigative abilities and focus on white collar defense help our team match the government's document-by-document preparation.
What most people miss: if you receive a target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or learn that federal agents are interviewing your associates, you may still be in the pre-indictment phase — the phase where the strongest defensive interventions can happen. An attorney's presentation to the U.S. Attorney's office during this stage can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.
| Federal Charge | Statute | Max Sentence Per Count | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud | 18 U.S.C. § 1343 | 20 years | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release |
| Mail Fraud | 18 U.S.C. § 1341 | 20 years | Restitution, forfeiture |
| Money Laundering | 18 U.S.C. § 1956 | 20 years | Fine up to $500,000 or 2x amount laundered |
| RICO | 18 U.S.C. § 1962 | 20 years | Criminal forfeiture of all enterprise assets |
| Tax Evasion | 26 U.S.C. § 7201 | 5 years | Fine up to $250,000, costs of prosecution |
| Federal Conspiracy | 18 U.S.C. § 371 | 5 years | Same penalties as underlying offense in some cases |
Where Will Your Case Be Heard? Defending in Los Angeles County Courts
Los Angeles County operates the largest court system in the United States. Your case won't just be assigned to "a court" — it'll be assigned to a specific courthouse, a specific department, and a specific judge, and each one has tendencies that affect how your case unfolds.
The Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center at 210 West Temple Street handles most downtown felony cases, including major violent crimes and complex white collar prosecutions. The Airport Courthouse near LAX processes a high volume of DUI and misdemeanor cases. The Long Beach Courthouse covers the southern portion of the county. Santa Monica Courthouse handles West LA cases, including many matters involving defendants from Beverly Hills, Malibu, and the Westside.
Here's what matters that most defendants don't think about: the judge assigned to your case has more influence over the outcome than almost any other single factor. Some judges are former prosecutors with hard-line sentencing tendencies. Others are former defense attorneys who are more receptive to mitigation arguments. Some are known for granting motions to suppress evidence under the Fourth Amendment; others rarely do. Knowing these tendencies — and knowing when to file a peremptory challenge to disqualify a judge under California Code of Civil Procedure § 170.6 — is the kind of local intelligence that only comes from practicing in these courthouses regularly.
Chudnovsky Law maintains offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Long Beach, and Santa Monica. Our attorneys appear in courthouses across LA County and Orange County weekly. We don't fly in from out of town for your hearing — we know the bailiffs, the clerks, and the courtroom procedures because we're there constantly.
Key insight: In our experience defending cases across LA County courthouses, the single most impactful pre-trial motion is often the motion to suppress evidence under the Fourth Amendment. If the traffic stop, the search, or the arrest lacked proper legal justification, everything that follows — the drugs found in the car, the statements made after arrest, the identification by a witness — can be thrown out. And judges at different courthouses have very different thresholds for what constitutes a valid stop.
Arrested near the I-405 and booked at the LAPD Pacific Division? Your case will likely be heard at the Airport Courthouse. Arrested in the downtown Arts District and booked at Central Division? That's the Clara Shortridge Foltz building. Arrested in Signal Hill or Lakewood? Long Beach Courthouse. Knowing the path your case will take isn't a small detail — it's the foundation of your defense strategy.
What Happens After You Call Chudnovsky Law? Our Three Commitments
We don't make vague promises about "fighting for you." We make three specific, verifiable commitments to every criminal defense client.
Commitment 1: Same-Day Response, Attorney-Level Attention. When you call (213) 212-5002, you speak with a member of our legal team — not a call center, not a paralegal screening calls. If you call after hours, an attorney returns your call the same day or the next morning. Criminal charges don't wait for business hours, and neither do we.
Commitment 2: Transparent Fees, No Surprises. Many criminal defense cases are handled on a flat fee, so you know the total cost before you retain us. We discuss the fee structure during your first consultation — which is free and comes with no obligation. For cases that require more complex arrangements, we offer payment plans. You'll never get an invoice you weren't expecting.
Commitment 3: Your Case Gets a Team, Not Just a Lawyer. Our eight-attorney team includes former prosecutors, former DOJ Deputy Attorneys General, and defense specialists with combined experience exceeding 113 years. When your case requires it, multiple attorneys collaborate — one may handle pre-trial motions while another prepares cross-examination. This team approach, fueled by the pattern recognition that comes from handling more than 9,000 matters, is something a solo practitioner can't replicate.
Our team also serves Los Angeles's diverse communities in Spanish, French, Italian, Amharic, Hebrew, and Portuguese — because the stress of criminal charges is hard enough without a language barrier.
Can You Get a Criminal Record Expunged in California?
Expungement in California, technically called "dismissal after probation" under Cal. Penal Code § 1203.4, allows eligible defendants to withdraw their guilty plea and have the case dismissed. It doesn't erase the arrest from your record entirely, but it does change how the conviction appears on background checks and what you're legally required to disclose to most employers.
Eligibility generally requires that you've completed probation (or had it terminated early), paid all fines and restitution, and are not currently charged with or serving a sentence for another offense. Most misdemeanors and many felonies qualify. However, serious and violent felonies — including most sex offenses requiring registration — are generally ineligible.
For wobbler felonies, the path to relief often involves two steps: first reducing the felony to a misdemeanor under Cal. Penal Code § 17(b), then seeking dismissal under § 1203.4. In some cases, a judge can also dismiss charges under Cal. Penal Code § 1385 "in furtherance of justice" — a provision that gives courts discretion to dismiss enhancements or even entire charges when the interests of justice require it.
The bottom line: a conviction doesn't have to be permanent. If you have an old case on your record, a free consultation can tell you whether you're eligible for relief and what the process looks like.
How Does California's Three Strikes Law Affect Sentencing?
California's Three Strikes law, codified in Cal. Penal Code § 667(e) and Cal. Penal Code § 1170.12, imposes dramatically enhanced sentences on defendants with prior "strike" convictions. A strike is any serious or violent felony as defined by the California Penal Code — including robbery, residential burglary, certain sex offenses, and assault with a deadly weapon.
A second strike doubles the sentence for any new felony. A third strike triggers an indeterminate sentence of 25 years to life in state prison — regardless of whether the new offense is violent. Although Proposition 36 (2012) reformed the law to require that the third strike be a serious or violent felony in most cases, prosecutors can still seek the 25-to-life sentence for any third strike if the current offense involved certain aggravating factors.
If you have one or two strikes on your record, every new arrest carries exponentially higher stakes. Our attorneys evaluate whether prior strikes can be challenged on legal or factual grounds, whether the current charge qualifies for Romero motion relief (asking the judge to dismiss a prior strike "in the interests of justice"), and whether Proposition 36 resentencing applies to your situation.
How Can You Protect Your Rights During a Criminal Investigation?
If you're under investigation but haven't been charged yet, you're in the most important — and most misunderstood — phase of the criminal process. What you do right now shapes everything that follows.
The single most important thing you can do: stop talking. Your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination exists for exactly this moment. Detectives are trained to build rapport, make you comfortable, and ask questions designed to produce incriminating answers. "Coming in to clear things up" is how confessions happen — not exonerations.
Miranda rights must be read before custodial interrogation — meaning you're in police custody and being questioned. But here's the gap most people don't realize: police can ask questions during a "consensual encounter" or a "Terry stop" without reading Miranda, and anything you say during those interactions is admissible. The protection only attaches when you're in custody AND being interrogated. So the safest course is to invoke your right to silence and your right to an attorney at the first contact with law enforcement, regardless of whether Miranda has been read.
Your second priority: preserve evidence. Text messages, surveillance footage, GPS data, and witness availability all degrade with time. Our team can issue preservation letters to businesses, service providers, and third parties to ensure that evidence favorable to your defense isn't overwritten or destroyed.
13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2022, accounting for 32% of all traffic fatalities (NHTSA, 2022). In a county with the traffic volume and nightlife density of Los Angeles, DUI investigation techniques — including field sobriety tests, Breathalyzer administration, and blood draw procedures — are frequent targets for defense challenges. Errors in any of these procedures can form the basis of a suppression motion that weakens or collapses the prosecution's case.
Evidence and witness recall fade fast. The sooner you have an attorney involved, the stronger the defense we can build. Call (213) 212-5002 today — the consultation is free and confidential.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique — past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.
Chudnovsky Law has defended over 9,000 cases across Los Angeles County, Orange County, Long Beach, and Santa Monica. Our team of eight attorneys — including former prosecutors and former DOJ Deputy Attorneys General — carries five-star peer ratings on Martindale-Hubbell, a perfect 10.0 score on Justia, and recognition as Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. We've been rated among the best criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles and Orange County by Expertise and featured in The Washington Post and the American Bar Association.
Your defense starts with one call. Dial (213) 212-5002 now for a free consultation — we'll listen to your situation, explain your options, and discuss the fee structure before you make any commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Los Angeles?
The cost depends on the complexity of the charges and whether the case goes to trial. Many misdemeanor cases are handled on a flat fee so you know the total cost upfront. For felony and federal cases, we discuss the fee structure and any available payment plans during your free initial consultation. Call (213) 212-5002 for a confidential conversation about your case and our fees.
Will I go to jail if I'm convicted of a misdemeanor in Los Angeles?
A misdemeanor conviction can carry up to one year in county jail, but many first-time offenders receive probation, community service, or alternative sentencing. The specific outcome depends on the charge, your criminal history, and the judge. Our goal is to pursue reductions, dismissals, and alternative sentences where the evidence allows.
How long does a criminal case take to resolve in Los Angeles County?
Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within two to six months. Felony cases can take six months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the evidence, the number of charges, and whether the case goes to trial. Federal cases often take longer because of the extensive discovery process. We keep clients informed of every development and timeline change.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in California?
Many convictions are eligible for dismissal under Cal. Penal Code § 1203.4 after you've completed probation and met all conditions. Felony wobblers may first be reduced to misdemeanors under PC § 17(b). Serious and violent felonies are generally ineligible. We can evaluate your eligibility during a free consultation.
What should I do if police want to question me about a crime?
Exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. You are not required to answer questions beyond identifying yourself. Do not agree to "come in and talk" without legal counsel present. Anything you say — even in a casual conversation with officers — can be used against you.
What is the difference between state and federal criminal charges?
State charges are prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney in state court and governed by the California Penal Code. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in federal court and governed by federal statutes. Federal cases typically carry harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for drug and fraud offenses, and are investigated by agencies like the FBI and IRS.
Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in California?
Yes, if the charge is classified as a "wobbler" — an offense that can be filed as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Under Cal. Penal Code § 17(b), a judge can reduce a wobbler to a misdemeanor at sentencing, during probation, or after probation is completed. This reduction can dramatically change the long-term impact on your record, employment, and civil rights.
What happens at an arraignment in Los Angeles?
An arraignment is your first formal court appearance, where you hear the charges against you, receive copies of the complaint and police reports, and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge also sets bail conditions and any protective orders. For felony cases, arraignment must happen within 48 hours of arrest. Having an attorney present at arraignment is critical because the decisions made at this hearing — including bail arguments and plea entry — shape the rest of your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-offense DUI in Los Angeles?
A first-offense DUI is still a criminal charge that carries potential jail time, fines exceeding $3,000 with penalty assessments, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, and a criminal record. Beyond the court case, you have only 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing or your license is automatically suspended. An experienced attorney can challenge the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, and the chemical test results — each of which may contain errors that weaken the prosecution's case.
What is a motion to suppress evidence, and can it help my case?
A motion to suppress asks the judge to exclude evidence that was obtained through an illegal search, seizure, or interrogation. If police searched your car without probable cause, entered your home without a warrant, or questioned you in custody without reading Miranda rights, the evidence they gathered may be inadmissible. If the suppressed evidence was central to the prosecution's case, the charges may be reduced or dismissed entirely.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
Under Cal. Penal Code § 667(e), a second strike doubles the sentence for any new felony conviction. A third strike can result in 25 years to life in state prison. Strikes include serious and violent felonies like robbery, residential burglary, and certain assaults. Proposition 36 reformed the law to generally require that the third strike itself be serious or violent, but exceptions exist. If you have prior strikes, any new felony arrest carries dramatically escalated consequences.
Can Chudnovsky Law handle cases in both Los Angeles and Orange County?
Yes. We maintain offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Long Beach, and Santa Monica, and our attorneys regularly appear in courthouses throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County. Our team of eight attorneys has defended over 9,000 cases across both regions and carries five-star ratings on Google in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach.
Chudnovsky Law - Los Angeles Office
Address: 1933 S Broadway #1100, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
Contact No: (213) 212-5002
“I was arrested on a very serious charge. Fortunately, I came across Chudnovsky Law. Kareem and his team constantly reassured me they would get me the best results possible. And they delivered. Kareem was able to get my case rejected and I’m infinitely grateful to all those who helped in that dire time.”
OSCAR