Zwieback, Fiset & Zalduendo’s criminal defense practice represents businesses, public officials, executives, doctors, public entities, corporate officers, and individuals. Calling on our collective 50 years of experience at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the nation’s top litigation firms, we are highly experienced and adept at navigating the overwhelming and complex challenges of being charged in a state court. We approach each matter aggressively and comprehensively to achieve the earliest and most complete victory possible.
Our attorneys have successfully defended clients in a variety of matters, including fraud, cyber-related crimes, theft, embezzlement, conflicts of interest, bribery, identity theft, assault and environmental violations.
California Criminal Defense Attorneys
Most people never expect to find themselves the target of a state criminal investigation or charged with a crime, and it is an extremely challenging, uncertain, and intimidating place to be. No matter your place in life or profession – whether you are a business owner, physician, legal professional, actor, investor, developer, entrepreneur, police officer, politician, or public official – a criminal charge or conviction has the power to vastly change your life for the worse. In addition to potential jail or prison time and steep criminal fines, you face reputational and career damage that can follow you for many years and limit your life opportunities.
Our attorneys understand the severe consequences that our clients face when responding to state criminal investigations and charges, and we work to protect their interests and those of their families throughout the criminal defense process. We take an approach that is both aggressive and deft in defending our clients in state criminal proceedings to minimize negative repercussions and work towards the best possible outcomes, including dropped charges, exonerations, winning verdicts, and negotiated plea agreements. Unlike other law firms that may specialize only in white-collar business crimes or, alternatively, in violent crimes or “low-level” offenses, our attorneys have the experience to represent clients in any state criminal proceeding they may be facing, and will work with zeal and dedication through every step of the defense process to help our clients seek a positive outcome.
Cases We Handle
We represent individuals and entities facing criminal charges from state agencies and local district attorney’s offices across a wide variety of potential criminal issues. Our expertise in providing skillful criminal defense counsel and representation includes the following practice areas, among others:
- Embezzlement
- Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Cyber Fraud
- Obstruction of Justice and Perjury
- Violent Crimes
- Theft and Property Crimes
- Bribery and Corruption
- Environmental Crimes
- Gun and Weapon Crimes
- Drunk Driving and Vehicular Crimes
- Conspiracy Crimes
- Attempted Crimes
- Solicitation
- Aiding and Abetting Crimes
Both individuals and businesses can face criminal liability in state court for the above crimes, among others, and furthermore criminal liability can be found even where another party was the alleged primary perpetrator of a crime. One should not assume that, because they had no intent to commit a crime and/or that another party took actions that appear to be criminal in nature, they are free from facing potential criminal consequences. We understand the trepidation that comes with seeking out counsel from a criminal defense attorney, particularly when the alleged or potentially alleged crime was in the context of business or professional activities, but obtaining confidential counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney at the earliest stage can vastly improve one’s opportunities to reach a positive outcome in the matter.
Past Cases
Our attorneys have successfully handled both high-profile state criminal cases and quietly negotiated terminations of criminal investigations and proceedings that never reach the public’s attention. Notable state court criminal proceedings that our attorneys have been involved in include:
- Representing a former Sheriff of Los Angeles accused of crimes relating to obstruction of justice and perjury
- Representing a former City Attorney in a high-profile L.A. District Attorney investigation into political corruption
- Representing a real estate investment firm in an L.A. District Attorney investigation into real estate fraud
- Representing a Fortune 500 client in an investigation by multiple California District Attorney’s Offices for alleged violations of California consumer protection laws
When do you Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?
There is no time to waste when facing a potential state court criminal investigation or proceeding. The decisions made and actions taken by an individual or entity in response to the beginning of a criminal proceeding are often the most critical, and it is important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect one’s interests and avoid further negative consequences.
Our attorneys often provide counsel to clients who may not yet be the target of a criminal investigation to help them navigate the minefields of a potential criminal proceeding and avoid unnecessary law enforcement actions before they happen. If you believe you may be facing potential criminal investigation or liability for your actions or proximity to criminal activity – whether it be in the context of your professional work, in service of an employer, in a vehicular situation, in relations and interactions with associates or the general public, or any other context – it is important to seek counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney before taking any further actions.
As such, before speaking with any law enforcement officer, government official, employer, administrator or other individual about a potentially criminal situation, it is in your interest to speak with an attorney to, among other things, help understand your potential liability, examine the potential evidence implicating you, and discuss approaches and strategies to limit liability and work towards a positive outcome.
Contacting an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether you have already been charged with a crime in state court, have been approached by law enforcement or an employer with questions regarding criminal activity, or are concerned about potential criminal ramifications of an action that you may have participated in or even simply been aware of, it is important to seek out experienced criminal defense counsel at the earliest possible moment to discuss your issues in a confidential environment and develop strategies and approaches to minimize your risk. The first steps one takes in responding to a potential criminal enforcement matter are often the most critical, and our attorneys have the experience and skills to counsel and defend you throughout the process to work towards an outcome that defends your freedom, financial interests, and reputation. Contact our office to speak with an experienced state court criminal defense attorney regarding your situation today
