Criminal Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles County, CA

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 1,300 criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Los Angeles, California. We scored each lawyer based on purely objective criteria such as: specialty certifications, distinguished fellowships, professional involvement, community leadership, speaking engagements, and other merit-based criteria.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, consider using Lawyer Legion to discover and connect with criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles County, California who are ready to help.

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Los Angeles County, CA

Jennie Stepanian, Attorney at Law

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles County, CA

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles
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Los Angeles County, CA Legal Resources
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Los Angeles County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles, California. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers in Los Angeles County, CA, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, success in high profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Los Angeles County, California. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal defense (but our list comes close).

Showing attorneys 1–15 out of 250

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Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association (LACCBA) - The Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association (LACCBA) is a prominent legal association focused on criminal defense practice within the Los Angeles County court system. Committed to advancing the skills and knowledge of its members, LACCBA offers valuable resources, educational programs, and a platform for legal professionals to collaborate and advocate for fair and effective criminal justice outcomes in Southern California.

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) - The California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) was formed in 1973 and is the country's largest statewide organization of criminal defense lawyers . The CACJ works to defend the rights and due process of the accused while providing quality continuing legal education to its members. Since strengthening its presence in the California State Capitol, CACJ provides the criminal defense bar with a more unified voice on legislative matters.

California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) - The California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) was founded in 1989. Attorneys in the CDLA promote the rights of the accused to encourage a fair criminal justice system with a focus on DUI charges. The CDLA uses its influence to advocate for legislative changes in the criminal justice system. The California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) is an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA).

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Law - In California, attorneys can become certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS). Board-certified attorneys include criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders, or prosecutors. These attorneys work within the criminal justice system at the local, state, or federal level.

Appellate Law - Attorneys who are board certified in Appellate Law by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization have demonstrated significant knowledge and experience in the areas of civil and criminal appeals. Lawyers represent people throughout the appellate law process in both state and federal appellate courts, including the California Court of Appeals, the Federal Court of Appeals, the California Supreme Court, or the United States Supreme Court.

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Los Angeles County Government and Court Resources

Los Angeles County District Attorney
Los Angeles County Public Defender
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Departments
County Counsel Los Angeles County
Federal Courts in Los Angeles County, CA

Los Angeles County District Attorney

Los Angeles County District Attorney - The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in Los Angeles County, California. It is the largest local prosecutorial office in the United States, handling a vast array of cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The office is dedicated to ensuring public safety, pursuing justice, and upholding the law. It also provides support and advocacy for crime victims and engages in various community outreach programs to prevent crime and enhance community relations.

Los Angeles County District Attorney
211 West Temple Street Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-974-3512

Los Angeles County Public Defender

Los Angeles County Public Defender - The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office provides legal defense services to individuals accused of crimes in Los Angeles County who cannot afford to hire private attorneys. It is the oldest and largest public defender's office in the United States, offering representation in a wide range of cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The office is committed to ensuring the constitutional right to effective legal representation, promoting justice, and advocating for fair treatment within the criminal justice system.

Los Angeles County Public Defender
19 West Temple Street 19-513 CSF
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-974-2811

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles - The Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (LASC), is the largest trial court in the United States. It serves the population of Los Angeles County and handles various case types. These include civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases, ensuring comprehensive judicial services. The LASC is dedicated to delivering fair and timely justice while enhancing public trust and confidence in the legal system. Additionally, the court engages in various community outreach programs to educate the public about the judicial process and their legal rights.

Los Angeles County Departments

Los Angeles County Departments - The Los Angeles County government comprises 38 departments, various agencies, and around 200 committees and commissions. Additionally, it includes over 500 political districts. These districts encompass school boards, water districts, and sanitation boards, each with distinct responsibilities and constituencies. Together, they work to provide comprehensive services and governance to the county's diverse population.

County Counsel Los Angeles County

County Counsel Los Angeles County - The Office of County Counsel provides legal representation and advice to the Board of Supervisors, County departments, and public agencies as mandated by County charter and State law. It promotes County objectives while minimizing legal risk and is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and antiracism (IDEA) to foster a culture of belonging for all.

County Counsel Los Angeles County
500 W Temple St # 648
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-974-1811

Federal Courts in Los Angeles County, CA

United States District Court - Central District of California - Active members who are in good standing of the Bar of California can apply for admission to the Bar of the United States District Court Central District of California. There are twenty-eight (28) judicial positions in the Court. It serves people in southern and central California. The United States District Court Central District of California is one of ninety-four (94) United States District Courts. Additionally, the court has original jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases that fall under federal law.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles, California

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Los Angeles County, CA

Jennie Stepanian, Attorney at Law

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles County, CA

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles

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