Van Nuys Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you need an aggressive and successful defense lawyer, call our firm.

If you are under investigation or facing criminal charges, it is crucial that you have the protection of an aggressive defense lawyer to protect your rights. The criminal justice system is a tough place to be caught, and if you make the wrong move, you can face heavy penalties. At Lessem & Newstat, we have an impressive court record of acquittals and dismissals, and urge you to contact us without delay. Never answer any questions in an investigation without our attorney present to protect you and your rights.

Areas of Practice

Federal Crimes The federal justice system has some of the toughest prosecutors in the country. If you are accused of a federal crime, or are under investigation for any such crime, you need to ensure you are protected by a Van Nuys criminal lawyer with extensive experience in federal court. Read more about federal crimes...

DUI State law heavily punishes those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Prior convictions of DUI will lead to enhanced penalties. If you are facing charges and want to fight back, you need to have legal representation with a proven record in defending DUI charges, either misdemeanor or felony. Read more about DUI...

Vehicular Manslaughter When law enforcement comes to the conclusion that a fatal accident was caused by criminal negligence, such as alcohol or drug intoxication, the investigation usually will stop and charges will be filed. There are often other factors that must be investigated if you are hoping to avoid conviction. Read more about vehicular manslaughter...

Misdemeanor A misdemeanor charge is often considered minor, but this is far from the truth. Many misdemeanors can lead to up to 1 year in jail per count when a tough judge is sitting on the case. Always take action to defend against these types of charges. A criminal record will affect your employment and other opportunities. Read more about a misdemeanor...

Murder If you are charged with murder or are under investigation in a murder case, you need to ensure that you are protected by the highest quality, aggressive defense lawyer. The consequences of a conviction are so severe that how your case is addressed is of critical importance. Whether a case of mistaken identity or there are other factors that must be exposed to the court in defending your case, you can have confidence that our firm knows exactly what to do. Read more about murder...

Three Strikes The Three Strikes Law has had a serious impact on the criminal justice system in California. If you are facing charges and could be affected by this law, you need immediate defense counsel that knows exactly how to navigate the system and protect you. Read more about three strikes...

Internet Crimes There are a wide range of internet crimes that can lead to charges filed either in state or federal court. These crimes are often related to fraud or sex crimes. There is a great deal that can be done to defend against criminal accusations in such cases, and our firm has the resources to call upon such as computer experts, to fight back on your behalf. Read more about internet crimes...

Drug Crimes If you are facing criminal charges involving possession, distribution, cultivation or any crime involving medical marijuana, it is important that your defense lawyer initiates your defense immediately. It is very possible that the charges could be dismissed if our firm gets involved early in the process. Read more about drug crimes...

Expungement A criminal record can have a very negative impact on your ability to get quality employment. If you have a record and you want to take action to get it sealed, we can help you with this process. Some expungements are more difficult to achieve than others, but no matter how complex the situation, we know how to move forward in this process. Read more about expungement...

Probation Violations Are you accused of violating your probation? This can be a question of a failure to pay a fine, attend mandated alcohol treatment classes, or be related to being charged with another offense while on probation. The real threat is that you will face immediate incarceration if you are picked up. Read more about probation violations...

Sex Crimes There are few more serious criminal charges than those involving sex crimes. The public at large has a natural bias in cases of accusations of sexual assault, even when the accused person is completely innocent. We know how to protect your rights and to assist you in fighting back in court. Read more about sex crimes...

Theft Crimes There are a wide range of theft crimes, both misdemeanor and felony, from shoplifting through to petty theft, grand theft, grand theft auto, robbery, burglary and others. The penalties for these crimes can be very severe, including jail or prison time, restitution, fines, or involve losing your property or possessions if it is considered that they were purchased with funds gained through a criminal enterprise. Read more about theft crimes...

Traffic Offenses Certain traffic offenses can lead to not only the loss of your legal right to drive, but jail or prison time and expensive fines. These include cases of vehicular manslaughter or hit and run. If you are facing charges in any serious traffic offense, you need to ensure you have legal representation with the skills to help you fight back in court. Read more about traffic offenses...

Violent Crimes California lawmakers have enacted laws that heavily penalize violent crimes, including assault, battery, domestic violence and others. If you are facing charges, it is important that you take action to fight to avoid a conviction. Every case is unique, and identifying and exposing the mitigating factors in your case is crucial for your defense. Read more about violent crimes...

White Collar Crimes Most white collar crimes are charged in federal court, an extremely tough system. If you are under investigation for credit card fraud, insurance fraud, identity theft, bank or mortgage fraud or other white collar crime, you need legal counsel familiar with the federal court system and with the ability to fight back effectively. Read more about white collar crimes...

Juvenile Crimes Young people that are accused of criminal acts face serious issues with regard to their future opportunities for employment, education, and even their freedom. The juvenile court system has a completely different set of rules than those that have been established for adult crimes. We believe that minors accused of criminal charges deserve a second chance and we will be focused on how to best defend them and protect their rights. Read more about juvenile crimes...

Mental Health Law There are many people who suffer from mental illness that affects their ability to make good decisions. They often get caught in the criminal justice system for some type of illegal act. When mental illness is the underlying situation, this must be addressed in court. We know that incarceration is not the solution, and will seek every possible alternative. Read more about the mental health law...

Prefile Intervention Before your charges are officially filed in court, action can be taken to fight to reduce charges or avoid them being filed at all. Our early involvement in a serious criminal charge can be crucial with regard to the actual charge filed or whether it will be dropped. Read more about prefile intervention...

Felony There are three categories of criminal charges: infractions, misdemeanors and felonies. If you or a loved one is charged with a felony offense, the penalties under state law are very severe, including more than a year in state prison. Whether the issue is a drug crime, violent crime, sex crime, or white collar crime, the quality of your defense attorney is the most crucial factor in the final outcome of your case. Read more about a felony...

Contact a Van Nuys criminal defense attorney from Lessem & Newstat to discuss your case.

We serve the areas of Burbank, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, Hidden Hills, San Fernando Valley, San Fernando, Westlake, Van Nuys, Sylmar, and Pasadena.