Check Out The Best Criminal Lawyers In Los Angeles

If you are searching for the top ten best criminal lawyers in Los Angeles, this comprehensive guide highlights the most reputable and results-driven legal professionals in the city. Los Angeles is known for its high-profile cases and complex legal landscape, which makes finding a skilled criminal defense attorney essential when facing serious charges. This list covers elite criminal lawyers who have built strong reputations for their courtroom experience, legal strategy, and ability to handle everything from white-collar crimes to drug offenses and violent felonies.

Each attorney featured in this ranking brings a unique combination of legal expertise, successful case outcomes, and recognition in California’s legal community. They are known for defending clients across both state and federal courts with a deep understanding of Los Angeles criminal law. The legal professionals on this list are not only aggressive defenders but also strategic negotiators who aim to reduce penalties or secure case dismissals whenever possible.

Whether dealing with a DUI, fraud allegation, or more serious criminal charges, these top Los Angeles criminal lawyers have consistently demonstrated a commitment to protecting the rights of their clients. This resource is designed to help anyone looking for the best criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles make an informed choice based on experience, performance, and legal credibility.

The Top Ten Best Criminal Lawyers In Los Angeles

10. Leonard Levin

Leonard Levine in Encino brings decades of trial experience to serious criminal defense. He has tried more than eighty felony jury trials involving high stakes matters such as rape robbery insurance fraud and even first degree murder. His reported acquittal rate exceeds ninety percent in trials, a testament to diligent case preparation and persuasive courtroom tactics .

Levine excels at defending educators and coaches facing allegations, but his practice extends to a broad range of criminal charges across Los Angeles County. Known for meticulous attention to evidence interviewing witnesses and cross examining prosecution experts he offers a strong presence in both state and federal courtrooms. His steady track record and reputation within the legal community make Levine a powerful choice when facing life altering allegations.

9. Melissa A. Weinberger

Melissa Weinberger has earned a reputation through her dual practice in federal and state courts, with deep expertise in DUI cases drug charges white collar crime and violent felony defense . Licensed since 2005 Weinberger is adept at pretrial litigation motions to suppress evidence and independent investigations that persuade prosecutors to drop or reduce charges.

Clients appreciate her mastery of court procedures and relationships with Los Angeles County judges and prosecutors. She co authored articles on sentencing enhancements and is active in community education providing clarity on complex legal concepts. Her ability to intervene before formal charges are filed provides significant leverage for favorable outcomes without trial. A trusted advocate for serious criminal matters in the greater Los Angeles area.

8. Nicholas Rosenberg

A former public defender Rosenberg has tried nearly every kind of misdemeanor and felony offense facing defendants in Los Angeles courts . Certified in criminal law through the California bar Rosenberg is a prominent member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and recognized among the Top 100 Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. He is especially skilled at DUI and drug offense trials gang related cases and violent crime matters.

His track record includes solid pretrial negotiation success, resulting in reduced sentences dismissals or plea bargains when appropriate. Rosenberg is also praised for clear communication and transparency about potential outcomes and costs. His balanced approach combines trial readiness with practical counsel to secure favorable resolution when possible.

7 – Mark J Werksman

Mark Werksman of Werksman Jackson & Quinn is one of the most recognized names in Los Angeles criminal defense . Admitted in 1985 he has represented clients in high profile cases including Harvey Weinstein and serious violent crime DUI and white collar matters.

A former Hollywood Reporter Top Power Lawyer he is skilled in jury trials and pretrial litigation and has secured acquittals dismissals and juvenile sentence reductions. His practice handles state and federal cases and juvenile crimes including vehicular manslaughter charges tried in adult court. Werksman is known for courtroom confidence credibility with prosecutors and judges as well as sustained client advocacy at every phase.

6. Dmitry G Gorin

Dmitry Gorin brings unique perspective from his long tenure as a senior deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County to the defense side . Founder of Eisner Gorin LLP Gorin now focuses on serious criminal charges including white collar crime fraud sex crimes gang related and major narcotics cases. He and his firm maintain State Bar certified criminal law specialists credentials.

In June 2025 Gorin received the Los Angeles Daily Journal White Collar Crime Award for handling complex federal matters with high financial stakes. Familiarity with courtroom procedures and former prosecutorial insight provides an advantage in negotiations and trial strategy. Gorin also lectures academically bridging law and communication, demonstrating depth of practice beyond litigating.

5. Allison B Margolin

Allison Margolin is a Beverly Hills based boutique criminal defense lawyer noted for her handling of cannabis related drug offenses third strike cases and regulatory compliance matters . Admitted more than two decades ago she has earned praise as one of California’s best criminal lawyers through proficiency in white collar and felony defense as well as misdemeanor charges.

Margolin authored books on jury nullification and criminal defense themes and frequently appears in media as legal correspondent. Her firm blends nuanced strategy with public awareness and client education. She is particularly skilled at protecting rights early in the process and tailoring defense plans to minimize long term consequences including license restoration or expungement.

4 – Richard Kaplan & Nina Marino (Kaplan Marino)

The team at Kaplan Marino, led by Richard Kaplan and Nina Marino, earns recognition among top Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers . Kaplan brings over three decades of litigation experience in violent felony white collar crime and DUI defense while Marino focuses on high stakes public corruption and health care fraud cases. Their combined experience includes federal appeals jury acquittals and dismissed charges in sensitive matters. Both attorneys are selected by peers in legal rankings and offer courtroom poise matched with appellate insight. They maintain close familiarity with federal and state courts across Los Angeles, offering strategic advocacy for challenging cases where reputational risk and complex evidence are central concerns.

3 – Mathew Rosengart

Mathew Rosengart is widely known for representing high profile clients in white collar criminal defense and entertainment related litigation . Regularly featured on Hollywood Reporter Power Lawyer lists and recognized by Law360 and Best Lawyers in America his work spans fraud public corruption and federal investigations.

Rosengart’s award record includes National Law Journal Trailblazer recognition and Variety power of law distinctions. His approach to criminal defense blends aggressive negotiation media savvy and courtroom acuity, especially in cases involving celebrity clients or public scrutiny. His firm handles matters in Los Angeles and New York with equal facility and is sought after for its proven ability to neutralize prosecution threats before trial.

2 – Mark Geragos

Mark Geragos heads Geragos & Geragos in Downtown Los Angeles, a seasoned criminal defense and civil litigation firm . Admitted in 1983 Geragos has represented numerous well publicized clients across criminal and civil spheres. His background includes landmark federal actions and a storied career involving high stakes trials and major settlements.

Geragos is respected for his courtroom style ability to manage media attention and longevity in varied criminal matters. With solid ties in the Los Angeles legal community and over four decades of trial experience he remains a go to lawyer for serious accusations including class actions and government enforcement defense.

1. Blair Berk (Berk Brettler)

Blair Berk of Berk Brettler in West Hollywood has been recognized as Preeminent by peers in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide to leading Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers . Berk specializes in serious criminal cases, drawing from both trial experience and local court insights.

Though fewer public references name individual case results, inclusion at Preeminent tier reflects a high level of respect among criminal defense professionals in Los Angeles. Berk’s practice covers broad matters including violent crime white collar defense and complex litigation across state and federal venues. Known among legal peers for courtroom command client trust and strategic defense execution Berk stands at the top of Los Angeles criminal defense rankings for 2025.