Robert M. Helfend • Criminal defense since 1984

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

Serious charges call for an attorney who takes your case personally. Robert M. Helfend has defended people in California and federal courts for more than 40 years.

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Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend

Work directly with Robert M. Helfend

When your freedom is at stake, you should know who is standing beside you. Robert M. Helfend has been defending people accused of crimes since 1984, with more than 4,000 criminal cases behind him. When you hire his firm, he personally handles your defense.

Your attorney, from the start

Talk directly with Robert about what is happening, what is at stake and the choices ahead. He stays personally involved as your case moves forward.

Looking closely at the evidence

Robert compares witness statements with the record, looking for inconsistencies that can matter in court. He prepares cross-examination around the facts the jury needs to hear.

Experience with serious charges

Federal charges, homicide and sex crime allegations can put your future at risk. Robert brings decades of experience in California and federal courts to these demanding cases.

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Featured In

Explore Robert M. Helfend’s news and media coverage.

Honored By

Robert has earned recognition from Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers and Lead Counsel.

Case results and the defense behind them

A closer look at the evidence can change a case. These case histories show how Robert has helped clients facing serious charges. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

NOT GUILTY

Murder and firearm charges (2024)

Robert presented a self-defense case at a two-week trial. The jury returned not guilty verdicts on murder and related firearm charges.

CASE DISMISSED

Federal Conspiracy to Distribute

Careful review of wiretap evidence and work with expert witnesses helped persuade federal prosecutors to dismiss the cocaine conspiracy case before trial.

NOT GUILTY

Assault with a Firearm

Robert’s cross-examination brought inconsistencies in the accuser’s story into focus. After a five-day trial, the jury returned not guilty verdicts.

EVIDENCE SUPPRESSED

Federal Child Pornography

Robert challenged the police entry that led to the evidence. The court suppressed unlawfully obtained evidence, and his client was released from custody.

RELEASED FROM CUSTODY

Robbery with Two Prior Strikes

A challenge to a witness’s credibility helped resolve a case carrying a 25-to-life allegation. His client received a non-strike plea, 30 days of community labor and release from custody.

CASE DISMISSED

Attempted Murder

At the preliminary hearing, Robert’s questioning brought out testimony clearing his client of involvement in the shooting. The attempted murder case was dismissed.

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Criminal defense practice areas

Whether you are under investigation, have been arrested or have a court date approaching, you can talk to Robert about what to do next.

Talk to Robert about your case

Tell us briefly what is happening and about any court date or deadline. We will be in touch to discuss a free initial consultation.

The charge is only part of the story

Your side of the story matters. Robert compares witness accounts with records and prepares cross-examination around the details that can affect your defense. His case histories show how identification evidence, wiretaps and a witness’s credibility can change a case.

What do the records show? Robert compares statements with documents, physical evidence and the timeline.
How did investigators get the evidence? Searches, recordings and statements each deserve a close look.
What needs attention now? An upcoming hearing, plea offer or sentencing date may shape the next step.

Bring your questions to a direct conversation with Robert. He can discuss what the evidence means for your case and what to do next. Learn more about his approach.

Start with what you know

You do not need a complete case file or every answer before you call. Tell us what is happening, mention any deadline and have the paperwork already available to you ready.

Under investigation

If you have received a target letter or subpoena, have it ready with the agency name and any deadline. Robert can discuss the allegation and what comes next.

Arrested or due in court

We can start with your case number, charges, court date and any release paperwork. Talk with Robert about the next hearing and how he can help.

Search or device seizure

If police searched your home or took a device, have any warrant and inventory you received ready. Robert can discuss the search and the evidence involved.

Plea, trial or sentencing

If you are weighing a plea or preparing for trial or sentencing, have any written offer or charging documents ready, along with upcoming deadlines.

Preserve relevant records. If the allegation concerns unlawful sexual images, describe what was seized or alleged without forwarding, copying or uploading the images.

Hear directly from Robert M. Helfend

Get a feel for Robert’s approach before you call. Hear his perspective on jury selection and federal sentencing in his podcast appearances, or explore his media coverage.

Jury selection strategy

Federal mandatory minimums

Let’s talk about your case

Call 800-834-6434 for a free initial consultation or send a consultation request. The office can help arrange a conversation and confirm where or how you will meet: Los Angeles, Santa Monica or Malibu.

Federal defense built around the government’s evidence

An investigation, target letter or indictment can leave you with urgent questions. Robert handles federal drug, conspiracy, fraud and other complex criminal cases, and can help you understand what comes next.

He looks closely at how the government built its case. In one cocaine conspiracy matter, his review of wiretap evidence and work with expert witnesses helped secure a dismissal before trial.

Explore federal criminal defense →

Homicide defense with courtroom experience

A murder or manslaughter charge brings enormous pressure on you and your family. Robert has defended these cases in court, including a 2024 murder trial in which a self-defense argument led to not guilty verdicts on all counts.

He examines what witnesses actually saw, how their accounts fit the evidence and what the prosecution can prove. Talk with him about your circumstances and the defenses available in your case.

Explore murder and homicide defense →

A careful defense against sex crime allegations

Sex crime accusations can affect your family, work and reputation long before a case is resolved. Robert examines the allegation, the evidence and how investigators obtained it, with experience in both state and federal courts.

In one federal case, Robert’s challenge to a police entry led to evidence being suppressed and his client’s release from custody. You can talk to him about the facts of your case and the defense options they may create.

Explore sex crimes defense →

Testimonials

★★★★★

"Calm, Respectful, Incredible"

Robert was calm, respectful, and incredible. He explained the process in a way that made a stressful situation feel manageable.

Leo H. (from Google)

★★★★★

"Nice, Helpful, Perfect 10"

Great, very nice and helpful. 10/10

Bailey G. (from Google)

★★★★★

"He’s the Man"

Mr Ronald is the man! 5 stars all around

Jack A. (from Google)

★★★★★

"Quick, Professional, Knowledgeable"

Robert is an amazing attorney! He is quick, professional and knowledgeable. I felt supported and respected. One of the best attorneys I’ve worked with in LA

Amy R. (from Google)

★★★★★

"From Years to Program"

Robert represented my son in a criminal felony case out of his area. He is very responsive, professional and totally honest with you on what to expect and what he can and will do for you to get you the results you want within his legal experience and power. He knows his stuff when it comes to dealing with the law and courts. My son was looking at several years; instead, Robert got him a program offer. If you ever need to hire a great attorney that will be in your corner and have your back, be sure to hire Robert M. Helfend. You won’t regret it.

Lisa (from Avvo)

★★★★★

"Want to Win"

Robert helped me through a difficult time. He was always there on time and ready to battle for me. He got my case dismissed. If you need help, if you want to win, you better call this guy. His price is affordable and he is great to work with. Thank you Robert. You will be the one I call from now on.

Dustin M. (from Yelp)

★★★★★

"Highly Recommended Attorney"

Robert Helfend is an exceptional attorney who truly puts his clients first. You can tell he’s passionate about getting the best results for you. His legal expertise, dedication, and personalized approach make him stand out. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a trustworthy and compassionate advocate.

Sonja B. (from Google)

★★★★★

"Expertise Is Invaluable"

Robert’s expertise is invaluable. He is very professional and always stays in touch to make sure you are updated on any developments. recommended!!

Rüïz K. (from Google)

★★★★★

"No Jail Time"

I was in a very tough spot with multiple charges but Helfend resolved everything quickly and efficiently. He knows all of the judges and prosecutors in Airport courthouse and got simply unbelievable results. No jail time for multiple charges and probation violations.

Anonymous (from Avvo)

★★★★★

"Best Attorney Ever"

Best attorney ever. My family has hired him a few times and he always came through with the best outcome possible. Definitely recommend him.

Temo T. (from Yelp)

★★★★★

"Highly Recommend Robert"

Hello everyone. I had a case in the Fullerton court. I found Robert on Yelp and I spoke with him, and he dismissed my case. I definitely recommend him to you.

Mehrdad P. (from Yelp)

★★★★★

"Helped Me Out"

helped me out alot

Michael W. (from Google)

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Frequently asked questions

Will Robert M. Helfend personally handle my case?

Yes. When you hire Helfend Law Group, Robert M. Helfend personally handles your defense. Your consultation is a chance to speak with him about your situation, how he can help and what working together would involve.

Can I contact the firm before charges are filed?

Yes. You do not have to wait for charges to be filed to contact Robert. If you have received a target letter, subpoena or request for an interview, let the office know about any deadlines and have your paperwork ready.

Does Helfend handle both state and federal cases?

Yes. Robert defends people in California criminal courts and handles federal investigations and prosecutions. His work includes federal charges, homicide, sex crime allegations and a wide range of other criminal cases.

What do the published case results tell me?

The case histories show how Robert has approached real cases, including the evidence he challenged and the results achieved. Every case is different. He can discuss how the facts in your situation affect your options; past results do not guarantee an outcome.

What should I have ready for a free consultation?

Start with what you have: the charges or agency involved, your next court date or deadline, and any paperwork you have received. You do not need a complete case file to make the first call. If a device was seized, describe what happened and have any warrant paperwork ready. Do not forward or upload potentially unlawful sexual images.

Where can I meet with the firm?

The firm has offices in Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Malibu and serves clients throughout Southern California. Robert also handles major federal matters nationwide. Contact the office to arrange a conversation and confirm where or how you will meet.

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