If you have been charged with a serious crime, not just any defender will do. You need to know that your attorney has what it takes to preserve your freedom.

Criminal lawyer Robert M. Helfend has more than 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of the accused in Southern California. In that time, he has successfully defended more than 4,000 criminal cases — achieving the best possible outcome in cases ranging from major felony charges to Federal crimes and homicides.

His clients and peers know him for his deep understanding of the law, his careful attention to detail and the skillful defenses he brings to the courtroom. Rated among the top criminal law firms in California, Mr. Helfend is a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Attorney, a Lead Counsel Attorney, a SuperLawyers Rated Attorney, an Expertise.com Top Attorney and an Expert Network Distinguished Attorney. An aggressive and confident communicator, Mr. Helfend proactively works to keep his clients apprised of their rights and options, helping to put their minds at ease during this anxious time.

Nobody ever plans on winding up in a courtroom. The criminal justice system is intimidating, and it can be frightening to find yourself facing jail time. However, when you work with the Helfend Law Group, you gain the benefit of an attorney you know will protect your rights.

The Helfend Law Group is based in Los Angeles County, serving clients nationwide. Call today for your free case evaluation – 800-834-6434.

More Than 40 Years Experience On Your Side

Robert M. Helfend has defended thousands of cases: Everything from drug crimes to DUI, domestic violence, child abuse, sex offender registry cases and murders. He has cross-examined hundreds of so-called “expert witnesses,” and he is prepared to challenge any scientific evidence that prosecutors bring to court.

It’s your criminal defense attorney’s job to put his expertise to work for you, and over more than three decades in courtrooms, he has earned a reputation as an aggressive, talented and skilled criminal defense lawyer, having been recognized numerous times as one of the top defense attorneys in Los Angeles.

There are hundreds of criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles — former prosecutors and career defense attorneys, each making their own claims about guaranteed results and “not guilty” verdicts — but the proof is in the pudding. The following is partial list of results the Helfend Law Group has secured:

Attempted Murder – Client was accused of passing a firearm to his co-defendant just prior to the co-defendant shooting the victim. At the preliminary hearing, I artfully coaxed the victim to exonerate his client of his involvement in the shooting. CASE DISMISSED.
Assault With A Deadly Weapon – Client was charged with felony assault with a firearm and criminal threats, including the special enhancement of “using a firearm in the commission of the offense.” Following a five-day jury trial, my defense strategy convinced the jury to return a “not guilty” verdict in one hour.
Homicide – An eyewitness identified client as the individual responsible for shooting her boyfriend. After a five-day trial, the jury could not reach a verdict, and my client was charged with voluntary manslaughter and given credit for time served.
Criminal Threats – Client was accused of threatening to kill someone if he did not turn off his car headlights. I carefully investigated the case before turning over evidence to prosecution. On the day of the trial, the prosecution offered reduced charges of an infraction only.
Commercial Burglary – Client was charged with felony second-degree commercial burglary and spent 18 years as a fugitive. I successfully negotiated a reduced sentence for my client. Read more.

Rated One of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles

Robert M. Helfend has been honored with recognition from some of the most prestigious legal organizations in the country. He has been:

Voted a Super Lawyer in Southern California every year since 2009.
Named to Expertise.com’s 2021 list of the six best criminal defense attorneys in the Thousand Oaks area.
Named to the National Trial Lawyer Association’s Top 100 attorneys list.
Named to the prestigious SuperLawyers list in 2020.

Read his reviews on:

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Los Angeles Murder Defense Attorney - Homicide Practice Areas

If you’ve been charged with murder or are under investigation for the death of another person, it’s crucial that you have a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.

Murder cases often come with numerous legal and media-related challenges and the penalties and consequences of a conviction can be severe. With the right legal defense team, it may be possible to avoid a guilty verdict or have your case dismissed altogether.

Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend has more than four decades of experience representing clients facing some of the most serious charges, including murder.

If you’ve been accused of a homicide crime, Mr. Helfend and his team are available to talk to you today. Call 800-834-6434 for a free case evaluation.

Why trust the Helfend Law Group with your murder defense?

Murder charges are among the most serious criminal charges you can face. Many criminal law firms simply refuse to take them on, and they will often push their clients to take the "easy route" and accept a plea bargain from the state.

Every case is unique, and sometimes a plea is the right idea, but there are two main benefits to refusing a plea offer and going to trial:

Proving Your Innocence - Obviously, right? A trial allows you to fully present your case, with all the evidence and witnesses that support your innocence. Accepting a plea deal often means admitting guilt and this evidence never seeing the light of day.
Getting a Better Outcome - Plea deals are often offered to avoid the time and cost of a trial, but they don't always offer the best possible outcome. In many cases, a skilled attorney can have your charges reduced or dropped entirely by challenging the prosecution's case in court.

When it's time to go to trial, your attorney needs to be able to rise to the challenge to defend not only your freedom, but your life. Robert M. Helfend is a specialist in murder and homicide litigation. With decades of experience in the courtroom, Mr. Helfend has seen it all, and he is prepared to defend your case. By refusing to take the "easy route," Mr. Helfend ensures that each client gets the vigorous defense they deserve.

If you're facing murder charges, you need a defense attorney who is not afraid to take your case to trial.

What qualifies as murder in California?

Under California Penal Code 187, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person or with “malice aforethought,” or with knowledge and intent. Circumstances like reckless endangerment and intent to create great bodily harm can also be considered malice aforethought and lead to a murder charge. In California, murder can be charged in two ways:

First-degree murder includes murders that are premeditates as well as felony murder. Felony murder occurs when a person is killed while a serious crime is being committed.
Second-degree murder covers all other murders that don’t meet the criteria for first-degree murder.

Sentences for first-degree murder are generally more severe than for second-degree and can include 25 years to life in prison or lifetime imprisonment without parole.

What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?

Because malice aforethought, or the intent to kill, is necessary to constitute murder, the unlawful killing of another person without premeditation or malice is considered a separate offense, known as manslaughter.

Manslaughter often occurs as a result of reckless behavior or as a “crime of passion,” in an emotional outburst. Murder is considered a more serious crime and has harsher penalties. However, a manslaughter conviction can still result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Is it murder if I acted in self-defense?

In California, it is not against the law to use reasonable force for self-defense. Self-defense is one of the most widely recognized and commonly used legal defenses against murder charges.

If you killed another person while acting in your own defense, using no more than the necessary force, you are not guilty of murder under California law. Some important aspects of self-defense law in California that you should know are:

Stand your ground – In California and other “stand your ground” states, you are not required to retreat from a situation in which your life is immediately and presently endangered. The stand your ground law allows for the use of deadly force, including the use of firearms.
Castle doctrine – According to California’s Castle Doctrine, it’s within your legal rights to use deadly force against an intruder in your own home.
Flannel doctrine – If you unnecessarily used deadly force in self-defense because you honestly believed that it was reasonable and necessary, then the Flannel Doctrine may be used in your defense.
Initial aggressor – If you killed someone during a fight that you started, you can only claim self-defense if you made a good faith effort to stop the fight.
Affirmative defense – When you argue self-defense, it means that you are admitting to having committed a crime, but that you did it to protect yourself from imminent danger. Claiming self-defense is not the same as a not guilty plea.

Can murder be a federal crime?

There are certain circumstances when murder is a federal crime. Murder violates U.S. federal law when:

Someone is killed on federal property,
Someone is killed on a public aircraft or at sea,
The victim is a federal official,
It occurs during the commission of a federal crime,
A murder involves the use of the U.S. Postal Service or a federal agency,
The internet is used in the commission of murder, or
A murder occurs while crossing state lines.

While most murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the state where they occurred, federal murder is investigated by federal law enforcement and prosecuted by the U.S. federal court.

If you’re under investigation or have been charged with federal murder, it’s essential that you seek help from a criminal lawyer who specializes in federal crimes. Robert M. Helfend has represented numerous clients facing federal charges, including federal murder, and knows how to navigate the aggressive and fast-moving federal legal system in order to find the best possible results for his clients.

What is the punishment for murder in California?

The penalties for a murder conviction depend on the degree of the murder and other specific details of the cause. Who the victim is, the defendant’s criminal history, and the weapon used in the crime are some of the factors that can influence sentencing.

First-degree murder is also considered more serious than second-degree and carries harsher penalties. Generally speaking, a first-degree murder charge can result in 25 years to life in prison, life in prison without parole, or the death penalty, as well as hefty fines. A person convicted of second-degree murder may be facing 15, 20, or 25 years to life in California state prison.

Does murder have a statute of limitations?

A criminal statute of limitations sets a time limit on how long after a crime is committed that a case can be brought to trial. In California, there is no statute of limitations for murder. That means that you can be charged with murder regardless of how long it’s been since the alleged crime occurred.

Because evidence often deteriorates or witness testimony can be less reliable or harder to obtain the more time has passed, building a strong legal defense can present some additional challenges for older crimes. Defense attorney Robert M. Helfend works with experts and specialists who can help find new evidence to build the strongest possible defense.

Call the Helfend Law Group

If you or someone you love has been charged with murder your first step should be to hire an expert criminal defense attorney who specializes in homicide.

Prosecutors work hard to build their case and secure a conviction and you need a lawyer who can aggressively fight to defend your freedom. Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend has more than 40 years of experience fighting for clients in over 4,000 criminal cases. His attention to detail, client care, and expert legal skills have earned him a reputation as one of LA’s top criminal defense attorneys and honors from distinguished professional organizations including Lead Counsel, SuperLawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 list.

By refusing to take the "easy route," Mr. Helfend ensures that each client gets the vigorous defense they deserve. If you're facing murder charges, you need a defense attorney who is not afraid to take your case to trial. Contact Robert M. Helfend today to discuss your options and start building a powerful defense - 800-834-6434.

Top Rated Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

Homicide and Murder

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Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney