Protecting your rights and freedom across Santa Monica
Whether your arrest happened near the Pier, along the Promenade, or anywhere else in the city, a criminal charge in Santa Monica demands a fast and strategic response. Our criminal defense lawyers in Santa Monica defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges, from DUI and drug offenses to domestic violence, assault, and theft allegations. We act early to challenge the evidence against you, expose flaws in the prosecution’s case, and pursue reduced charges or a complete dismissal whenever the facts support it.
Your Local Legal Ally in Santa Monica
Santa Monica residents and professionals trust Manshoory Law Group for reliable, hands-on legal support when it matters most. Our attorneys regularly appear at the Santa Monica courthouse and throughout the Los Angeles Superior Court system, and understand the local dynamics that can influence your case, including how area prosecutors and judges tend to handle specific types of charges. We shape every defense around your individual situation, not a generic strategy, and keep you fully informed at every stage. Whether you prefer to meet at our office or connect through a secure virtual consultation, getting started is straightforward.
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense Services in SANTA MONICA
From DUI charges to serious felonies, our Santa Monica attorneys handle the full range of criminal cases. Every matter we take on receives a focused defense strategy built around the specific facts, the charges at hand, and the outcome you need to protect.
DUI Defense
We review every detail of your stop and testing. Our goal is to protect your license and fight for reduced or dismissed charges.
Domestic Violence
We handle sensitive cases with care, working to defend your rights and minimize the impact on your life and family.
Drug Crimes
From possession to distribution, we build strong defenses that challenge weak evidence and unlawful searches.
Assault & Battery
We investigate all sides of the story and present evidence to protect you from unfair charges or penalties.
Theft & Burglary
We aim to prevent theft charges from harming your record and future employment opportunities.
Juvenile Crimes
We help families navigate the juvenile court process and focus on solutions that support rehabilitation.
Expungements
We assist with clearing past convictions to give you a fresh start and better opportunities.
White Collar Crimes
We defend clients accused of fraud, embezzlement, and other financial crimes, working to protect your reputation and future.
Why Santa Monica Clients Trust Manshoory Law Group
Santa Monica clients choose us because we combine aggressive courtroom defense with genuine personal attention. Our team brings over a decade of experience across Southern California courts, with a former prosecutor on staff who understands exactly how the other side builds its case and where it can be challenged. Every defense strategy is built around your specific case, our staff speaks multiple languages, and we are available around the clock whenever you need us. When you choose Manshoory Law, you get attorneys who stay responsive, thoroughly prepared, and focused on delivering the result you need.
24/7 availability in Santa Monica
Former prosecutor on your side
Decade of experience in SoCal courts
Multilingual team
Personalized legal strategy
What To Do if You Are Charged With a Crime in Santa Monica
Being charged with a crime in Santa Monica can be stressful and overwhelming, but taking the right steps early on is critical to protecting your rights. If you’ve been arrested or charged, here’s what you should do:
Criminal defense is our sole focus at Manshoory Law, and we’ve been practicing it across Southern California for years. As soon as you contact us, our attorneys are prepared to take action, defend your rights, and guide you through every step ahead.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: You are not obligated to answer questions from Santa Monica Police or any other law enforcement. Politely decline to speak until your attorney arrives.Stay Calm and Comply: Do not resist arrest under any circumstances. Even verbal resistance can result in additional charges on top of your existing case.Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away: Reach out to a Santa Monica criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Early legal intervention, before your arraignment at the Santa Monica courthouse, often leads to reduced charges or a dismissal.Keep Your Case Confidential: Share the details of your situation only with your attorney. Recorded jail calls and casual conversations are frequently used as evidence in Los Angeles County courts.Record the Details: Write down everything you remember about your arrest as soon as you can, including times, officer names, badge numbers, and any witnesses at the scene.Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Santa Monica
A criminal conviction in Santa Monica can follow you long after the case is closed. Misdemeanor offenses may result in county jail time, fines, probation, or mandatory community service, and they still leave a permanent mark on your record that can affect employment, housing, and professional opportunities. Felony cases carry even harsher consequences, including the possibility of state prison, substantial financial penalties, and the loss of rights such as voting, firearm ownership, or certain professional licenses.
Our attorneys stand up to the prosecution and work to minimize the penalties you face. With years of hands-on experience at the Santa Monica courthouse and across Los Angeles County courts, Manshoory Law will fight for the best possible outcome.
At Manshoory Law, we recognize the seriousness of what you’re facing. Our attorneys fight tirelessly to get charges reduced or dismissed and limit the long-term impact of a conviction. We look into every detail of your case and craft a personalized defense strategy designed to safeguard your future.
Testimonials
What our clients are saying
VISIT OUR SANTA MONICA OFFICE
Our Santa Monica office is open for convenient in-person meetings whenever you need face-to-face legal support. Prefer to connect from home? We also offer secure virtual consultations designed to fit your schedule.
FAQ
What should I do if I am arrested in Santa Monica?
Stay calm and do not resist the arrest. Exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not answer questions from Santa Monica Police or any other law enforcement without your lawyer present, as anything you say can be used against you in court. Do not make any statements or sign any documents until you have legal representation.
How quickly can a Santa Monica criminal defense attorney help me?
Time is critical after an arrest. An attorney can intervene before your arraignment at the Santa Monica courthouse, work to negotiate bail, and ensure you don’t make statements that could damage your case. Manshoory Law Group is available 24/7 because getting legal help early often leads to dramatically better outcomes, especially if you or a loved one is currently being held in custody.
What types of criminal cases do you handle in Santa Monica?
Our Santa Monica criminal defense attorneys defend clients facing a broad range of charges including DUI, domestic violence under Penal Code § 273.5, drug possession and sales, assault and battery, theft and shoplifting, juvenile offenses, expungements, and white-collar crimes. Cases from Santa Monica are processed through the Santa Monica courthouse as part of the Los Angeles Superior Court system. Our team has extensive experience with the local procedures that apply to each type of charge.
How much does a criminal defense attorney in Santa Monica cost?
Costs vary based on the complexity of your charges and how far the case goes. Manshoory Law Group offers a free case analysis so you can understand your options before making any commitment. We are transparent about fees and offer payment plans to make quality criminal defense accessible to Santa Monica residents.
Can charges be dropped or reduced in Santa Monica courts?
Yes, charges are reduced or dismissed more frequently than most people expect. Common grounds include procedural errors, unlawful searches under the Fourth Amendment, weak evidence, or credibility issues with witnesses. Under Penal Code § 17(b), many “wobbler” charges can be lowered from felonies to misdemeanors. Having a criminal defense lawyer in Santa Monica who understands how the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office approaches cases can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.
Does Manshoory Law Group serve non-English speaking clients in Santa Monica?
Yes. Santa Monica is home to a diverse population, including a large Spanish-speaking community and residents from many different cultural backgrounds. Manshoory Law Group’s multilingual team ensures that language is never a barrier to understanding your charges, rights, or defense strategy. We serve clients in multiple languages so that everyone we represent stays fully informed from start to finish.
Arrested in Santa Monica?
Contact Us Today
If you’re facing criminal charges in Santa Monica, getting legal help quickly is essential. Our team is ready to step in immediately to protect your rights and your future.