Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for visiting our website. We’ve collected some of our most frequently asked questions here as a resource for visitors:

  • I’d like to file a lawsuit against a person or organization. Can you help me?
  • Do you take pro bono cases?
  • I own a specific type of firearm or weapon. Can you tell me if it is legal in California?
  • I was the victim of a crime. How can I get help?
  • I’m not sure if I committed a crime. Can you help me understand my situation?

I’d like to file a lawsuit against a person or organization. Can you help me?

We cannot. Our firm only handles criminal defense cases, which is when the government believes that a person has broken the law and has issued a warrant for arrest or charged that person with a crime. People reach out to us for defense of their rights in the criminal justice system.

If you would like to file a lawsuit against someone else or if you need representation in any other areas of the law, there are resources available to you, such as:

Do you take pro bono cases?

The Law Offices of Robert M. Helfend are not currently taking any pro bono cases at this time.

Pro bono refers to legal cases that are taken free of charge by the attorney. If you are in need of no-cost or low-cost representation for a legal case, numerous organizations throughout Southern California can provide resources to help.

We urge you to investigate the sources below to find appropriate pro bono representation.

I own a specific type of firearm or weapon. Can you tell me if it is legal in California?

California’s gun laws are complex. Your gun rights can depend on specific factors like the weapon in question, your criminal history, your immigration status and the situation you plan to carry or use your weapon in.

If you have questions about specific firearms, weapons or gun laws in California, we recommend starting with this guide published by the California Department of Justice. If you have specific questions, you may contact the Cal DOJ’s Bureau of Firearms at:

  • Phone: (916) 210-2300

You can also reach out via email by using this form.

I was the victim of a crime. How can I get help?

If you were the victim of a crime, the first step to achieving justice is reporting the crime to your local authorities. You can reach the Los Angeles Police Department at:

  • Non-emergency: (877) 275-5273
  • Emergency: 911

From there, there are numerous resources available to you. We recommend:

I’m not sure if I committed a crime. Can you help me understand my situation?

If you engaged in an activity that you believe could be illegal but haven’t been contacted by police or authorities, it could be possible that you are under investigation for the crime. 

However, there is nothing you can formally do until you are contacted or otherwise receive notice that you are under investigation. Please feel free to call our office to discuss the details:

  • Toll-free: 800-834-6434