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Criminal Defense Lawyer · Los Angeles, CA/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA

In a city where a criminal charge can derail your life, choosing the right defense attorney is critical. Our rankings help you make an informed choice.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceManshoory Law Group
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Los Angeles-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

In Los Angeles, facing a criminal charge can have severe consequences, from hefty fines to imprisonment. The stakes are high, and the wrong attorney can worsen your situation, leading to unfavorable outcomes, including convictions that could haunt you for years.

To help you navigate this challenging landscape, we evaluated ten criminal defense lawyers based on their ratings, reviews, and track records. This list reflects the best options available, ensuring you have the information needed to choose wisely.

10criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Los Angeles
4.93average rating across the field
1.5Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Los Angeles? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Manshoory Law Group

★★★★★5.0(383 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 383 reviews, Manshoory Law Group is consistently recognized for its client-centered approach and effective representation.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Hurwitz Law Group holds a 5-star rating from 116 reviews, highlighting their dedication to providing value without compromising on quality.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

The Rodriguez Law Group

★★★★★4.9(187 reviews)

With a rating of 4.9 stars from 187 reviews, The Rodriguez Law Group is well-regarded for its experienced attorneys and commitment to fighting for clients' rights.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Manshoory Law Group
Manshoory Law Group
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
383Serious criminal defense cases
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
116Affordable yet effective defense
3
94Score
4.9★★★★★
187Challenging criminal defense cases
4
90Score
4.9★★★★★
170Aggressive courtroom defense
5
89Score
4.9★★★★★
105Personalized legal representation
6
88Score
5.0★★★★★
66Clear communication and strategy
7
87Score
4.9★★★★★
77DUI defense
8
84Score
4.7★★★★★
309Diverse case handling
9
82Score
5.0★★★★★
40Responsive legal service
10
78Score
5.0★★★★★
11Personalized legal attention
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 criminal defense lawyers.

Our evaluation process involved analyzing the Vetted Scores of ten criminal defense lawyers in the Los Angeles metro area. We considered factors such as client reviews, overall ratings, and the volume of feedback to ensure a well-rounded assessment.

No business paid for placement in our rankings, and we refresh our list monthly to reflect the most current information. This approach guarantees that you receive unbiased recommendations based on real experiences from clients.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Manshoory Law Group

★★★★★5.0(383 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 383 reviews, Manshoory Law Group is consistently recognized for its client-centered approach and effective representation. Clients praise their responsiveness and expertise in handling serious criminal charges. However, their success may come at a premium, making them less accessible for budget-conscious clients. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is serious criminal defense cases. It serves Los Angeles county, with $200 to $600 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher pricing and limited budget options.

Pros

  • Perfect rating
  • Highly responsive
  • Strong expertise in serious charges

Cons

  • Higher pricing
  • Limited budget options
Best forSerious criminal defense cases
Service areaLos Angeles county
Typical pricing$200 to $600 per hour
2
Best Value

Hurwitz Law Group, Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

★★★★★5.0(116 reviews)
95Score

Hurwitz Law Group holds a 5-star rating from 116 reviews, highlighting their dedication to providing value without compromising on quality. Clients commend their thorough case preparation and personal attention. One drawback is their smaller review base, which may leave some potential clients uncertain about their track record. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is affordable yet effective defense. It serves Los Angeles, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited high-profile cases.

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Personalized service
  • Thorough case preparation

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited high-profile cases
Best forAffordable yet effective defense
Service areaLos Angeles
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
3
Most Reviewed

The Rodriguez Law Group

★★★★★4.9(187 reviews)
94Score

With a rating of 4.9 stars from 187 reviews, The Rodriguez Law Group is well-regarded for its experienced attorneys and commitment to fighting for clients' rights. Reviewers often mention their strong communication and willingness to take on challenging cases. However, their focus on high-stakes cases may not suit clients with less severe charges.

Pros

  • Highly experienced attorneys
  • Strong communication
  • Willingness to tackle tough cases

Cons

  • Focus on serious charges
  • Potentially higher costs
Best forChallenging criminal defense cases
Service areaLos Angeles
Typical pricing$150 to $500 per hour
4

Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers

★★★★★4.9(170 reviews)
90Score

Perlman & Cohen holds a solid 4.9-star rating from 170 reviews, praised for their aggressive defense tactics and deep knowledge of criminal law. Clients appreciate their strategic approach in court. However, some reviews mention a lack of responsiveness at times, which could be a concern during critical moments. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is aggressive courtroom defense. It serves Los Angeles, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are occasional responsiveness issues and may not be budget-friendly.

Pros

  • Aggressive defense strategies
  • Deep legal knowledge
  • Strong courtroom presence

Cons

  • Occasional responsiveness issues
  • May not be budget-friendly
Best forAggressive courtroom defense
Service areaLos Angeles
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
5

Criminal Lawyer Tony M. Seyfi Los Angeles

★★★★★4.9(105 reviews)
89Score

With a rating of 4.9 stars from 105 reviews, Criminal Lawyer Tony M. Seyfi is known for his personalized approach and strong client relationships. Clients often highlight his dedication and legal knowledge. However, his smaller client base might make it harder for new clients to gauge his experience. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized legal representation. It serves Los Angeles, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller client base and limited online presence.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Strong client relationships
  • Dedicated representation

Cons

  • Smaller client base
  • Limited online presence
Best forPersonalized legal representation
Service areaLos Angeles
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
6

Kelmansky Law Criminal Defense Lawyer

★★★★★5.0(66 reviews)
88Score

Kelmansky Law has a perfect 5-star rating from 66 reviews. Clients appreciate their clear communication and effective strategies in navigating criminal cases. While their reputation is growing, the limited number of reviews may leave some potential clients hesitant about their experience. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clear communication and strategy. It serves Los Angeles, with $150 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less established.

Pros

  • Clear communication
  • Effective strategies
  • Growing reputation

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Less established
Best forClear communication and strategy
Service areaLos Angeles
Typical pricing$150 to $450 per hour
7

Chudnovsky Law - Criminal & DUI Lawyers

★★★★★4.9(77 reviews)
87Score

Chudnovsky Law has a strong reputation with a 4.9-star rating from 77 reviews. Clients commend their expertise in DUI and criminal defense cases, often noting their thoroughness and dedication. However, their focus on DUI cases may not cater to clients with other types of criminal charges. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is dUI defense. It serves Los Angeles, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are focus on DUI may limit options and smaller review base.

Pros

  • Expertise in DUI cases
  • Thorough case handling
  • Dedicated attorneys

Cons

  • Focus on DUI may limit options
  • Smaller review base
Best forDUI defense
Service areaLos Angeles
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
8

Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers

★★★★★4.7(309 reviews)
84Score

Kraut Law Group has a 4.7-star rating from 309 reviews, recognized for their extensive experience and comprehensive defense strategies. Clients appreciate their ability to handle a variety of criminal cases. However, some reviews mention a less personal touch due to their larger client base. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is diverse case handling. It serves Los Angeles, with $200 to $600 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less personal attention and higher volume of clients.

Pros

  • Extensive experience
  • Comprehensive strategies
  • Diverse case handling

Cons

  • Less personal attention
  • Higher volume of clients
Best forDiverse case handling
Service areaLos Angeles
Typical pricing$200 to $600 per hour
9

Law Offices of George I. Kita

★★★★★5.0(40 reviews)
82Score

Law Offices of George I. Kita holds a perfect 5-star rating from 40 reviews, appreciated for their responsive communication and commitment to clients. Clients often highlight their willingness to go the extra mile. However, the limited number of reviews may raise concerns about their experience in handling complex cases. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is responsive legal service. It serves Los Angeles, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and potential lack of complex case experience.

Pros

  • Responsive communication
  • Client commitment
  • Willingness to go the extra mile

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Potential lack of complex case experience
Best forResponsive legal service
Service areaLos Angeles
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour

Bobby Shamuilian has a 5-star rating from just 11 reviews. Clients appreciate his dedication and personal touch in handling cases. However, the very small number of reviews may make potential clients wary about his experience and track record. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized legal attention. It serves Los Angeles, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited reviews and unproven track record.

Pros

  • Dedicated service
  • Personal touch

Cons

  • Very limited reviews
  • Unproven track record
Best forPersonalized legal attention
Service areaLos Angeles
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles

Selecting a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are three key points to guide your decision.

Experience with your specific charge

Look for lawyers who specialize in the type of charge you face. Their familiarity with similar cases can significantly impact your defense strategy.

Client reviews and testimonials

Read through client feedback to gauge satisfaction levels. High ratings and detailed reviews can provide insight into a lawyer's effectiveness and communication style.

Availability and accessibility

Ensure the lawyer you choose is accessible for questions and updates. A responsive attorney can make a difference during stressful legal proceedings.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Los Angeles

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles varies widely based on experience and case complexity. Here are the typical pricing tiers you can expect.

Basic consultation$100 to $300 for an initial meeting to discuss your case.
Hourly rates$150 to $500 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and reputation.
Flat fees for specific cases$2,500 to $10,000 for standard criminal defense cases, varying by complexity and seriousness.
Retainer agreements$5,000 to $20,000 upfront, which covers a range of services throughout your case.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hiring a criminal defense lawyer cost in Los Angeles?

Most criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles charge between $200 to $600 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

Focus on their experience with cases similar to yours, their success rates, and client reviews, especially in Los Angeles where the legal landscape can vary.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Los Angeles residents: <Editor's Choice name>

Call Manshoory Law Group first for their proven track record and extensive reviews. If you're facing DUI charges, Hurwitz Law Group, Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney may be a better fit due to their specialized focus. For a broader range of criminal cases, consider The Rodriguez Law Group, known for their strong client advocacy.