SB 1437 Vacated Conviction, 2019
SB 1437 Vacated Conviction, 2019
Successfully Litigated a Civil Harassment Restraining Order, 2019
Federal Writ of Habeas Corpus Gained Key Ruling
$2.5M Breach of Contract Claim Successfully Defended Against
Application for Commutation of Sentence Granted 2021
PC 1172.1 Conviction Integrity, 2022
SB 775 Vacated Conviction, 2022
SB 485 Resentencing, 2023
PC 1170 Resentencing, 2023
SB 775 Vacated Conviction, 2023
Parole Board Award in Favor of Client, 2023
All criminal charges dismissed 2023
Gained Successful Ruling Against Domestic Violence Restraining Order, 2023
Gain Favorable Ruling in Three Related Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, 2023
All criminal charges dismissed 2023
Successfully Litigated and Won on a Vexatious Litigant Motion, 2023
Successfully Defended Against a Civil Harassment Restraining Order, 2023
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Southern California Criminal Defense and Restraining Order Law Firm

Power Trial Lawyers is a California Criminal Defense and Criminal Appeals law firm. If you are being investigated or being accused of a crime, you need an experience California criminal defense attorney to help protect your future. When you are charged with a crime, or after you are convicted of a crime, you may face jail or prison time, serious restitution and other monetary fines, a criminal conviction record, and a RAP sheet that can impact your immediate and long-term future for employment, education, housing and immigration rights. Often, retaining the right law firm can make the biggest impact in that prospective outcome.

At Power Trial Lawyers our team of lawyers are on the forefront of legal developments. We are consistently featured as leading attorneys in Criminal Defense and Appeals in California according to multiple agencies, such as National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Justia, Lawyers of Distinction, Avvo, and more.

As California criminal defense and appellate lawyers, we represent those wrongfully convicted in:

Criminal Defense

Our team is experienced in defending a variety of criminal cases, ranging from fraud to violent crimes. Our criminal defense attorneys at Power Trial Lawyers are known for their attention to detail and the ability to work with a variety of cases, coming up with comprehensive solutions that are customized to meet each client’s needs. The cases that our criminal defense attorney team can represent include:

  • Assault
  • Domestic Violence
  • Restraining Orders and Criminal Stay Away Orders
  • DUI
  • Drug Possession
  • Gun Possession
  • Violent Crimes
  • Robbery
  • Assault With a Deadly Weapon
  • Concealed Weapon
  • Public Intoxication
  • California Enhancements Schemes
  • California Three Strike Laws

You can count on a criminal defense lawyer from Power Trial Lawyers to understand how the local court system works, including the key actors and the details concerning key administrative processes. They can also leverage their knowledge of state and local law to advise you on how to proceed with your case.

Firearm Possession

California imposes strict gun control laws, including laws against carrying a concealed firearm that is unauthorized or the open carry of firearms in public places. Any firearm-related criminal charges can result in serious penalties if you are convicted. California Penal Code Section 25400 prohibits the concealed carry of a firearm on your person or in your vehicle, and this may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. It’s essential to understand the meaning of concealed carry laws, their penalties, and potential defenses.

Assault

In California, people who have been charged with assault may be potentially dealing with life-altering penalties, such as lengthy prison sentences and large fines. Certain sex crimes, such as sexual assault, fall under the assault category. At Power Trial Lawyers, we have experience working with complex assault and criminal cases. Our attorneys can advise clients on preferable legal strategies to optimize their case outcomes.

Alcohol and Drug Crime

The criminal defense lawyers at Power Trial Lawyers, are seasoned in working with alcohol and drug-related cases, such as drunk driving cases and drug possession cases. For DUI cases, we can represent our clients at DMV hearings and in court. We work diligently to build a strong defense, combined with other legal strategies, to help them get back on the roads.

Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony drug charges, our team of criminal defense lawyers can help you navigate your case. We have dealt with charges ranging from minor possession to large-scale drug trafficking. Our attorneys use a client-centered approach to work towards positive case outcomes.

Public Intoxication

Public intoxication is not automatically illegal. However, it can become illegal if you are excessively intoxicated and unable to take care of your own safety. It’s important to not ignore the potential severity of these charges. Having the right lawyer on your side can be essential to navigating the system when accused of public intoxication.

California Criminal Appeals: Direct Appeal

Direct appeals are among the strongest and smartest legal maneuvers post-conviction. First, Power Trial Lawyers looks to determine whether you filed your Notice of Appeal timely. Failure to timely file a notice of appeal will result in an automatic loss of your appeal. Then, Power Trial Lawyers orders and prepares the record. From there, we extensively go through the record and draft and file your opening brief. The prosecutor will have an opportunity to file their response. Once Power Trial Lawyers receives the prosecutor’s brief, we then extensively review it, draft and file a reply brief. And then we prepare for oral arguments in the court of appeals. This process takes skill and tedious attention to detail. You can seek many great arguments on appeal to overturn your conviction, including the ineffective assistance of counsel, actual innocence, jury tampering issues, prosecutorial misconduct, and many more described in detail here.

California Criminal Appeals: Writ of Habeas Corpus

A Writ of Habeas Corpus is a Latin term which stands for “production of the body.” We represent defendants in bringing their Writ of Habeas Corpus if they are unjustly or wrongfully detained or incarcerated. This gives you a legal means to challenge the legal basis of your imprisonment, the duration and length of your imprisonment, or even the manner in which you are imprisoned.

We take full advantage of the fact that on Writ of Habeas Corpus, you are allowed to introduce new and additional evidence, which is among one of the most enticing items about the Writ of Habeas Corpus. With the ability to track down new evidence, new testimony, or even ineffective assistance of counsel argument, you can overturn your conviction using the Writ of Habeas Corpus. Consult with a Power Trial Lawyers lawyer to determine your likelihood of success and whether you are eligible to bring a California or Federal Writ of Habeas Corpus.

Various Post-Conviction Litigation (Penal Code 1172.6, Penal Code 1172.75)

Alternatively, California Criminal Appeals Lawyers at Power Trial Lawyers, we review your record to determine the likelihood of success in your matter. We do this in a number of ways:

  • Penal Code 1172.6 and SB 1437 is a new law that passed in California that has changed the previous definition of felony murder in California. Previously prosecutors were able to attain multiple convictions on multiple defendants, even in instance where the accused did not kill anyone. Now, under Penal Code 1172.6, you may be able to get resentenced, and get a murder, attempted murder, or manslaughter conviction vacated. As California Criminal Appeals lawyers, we have experienced success in Penal Code 1172.6 and SB 1437 Petitions.
  • Penal Code 1172.75 and SB 483 – newly enacted law that will help reduce the sentence those sentenced with now-invalid prison prior enhancements. Over the past decade, California lawmakers have made tremendous strides towards a fairer and more equitable justice system. Largely, these efforts focus on undoing the draconian sentencing enhancement laws that were passed decades prior. Power Trial Lawyers lawyers have aided numerous clients successfully through the resentencing process.
  • Commutation of Sentence – is an application filed with the Governor’s Office where we seek to have your sentence commuted. For success, you generally want to have a positive history as an inmate. Further, the Governor is willing to commute sentences where an applicant displays rehabilitation and an ability to reintegrate into society. At Power Trial Lawyers, we seek to maximize your likelihood of success by putting together a strong character package about you, striking an appeal with the Governor’s Office to enhance your chances of commutation. As a California Criminal Appeals Attorney, we always look to maximize your likelihood of success in pursuing Commutation of Sentence with the governor’s office.
Parole Board Hearings

The California Board of Parole conducts Parole Suitability Hearings for adult inmates under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The process of preparing for an upcoming Board of Parole Suitability Hearing starts well in advance. Power Trial Lawyers lawyers have successfully represented clients through the Board of Parole Suitability Hearing.

Results and Reputation of Success

Power Trial Lawyers attorneys have achieved various successes in the industry. Below is a brief highlight of recent notable successes:

Criminal Defense and Criminal Appeals
  • 2023 All Criminal Charges Dismissed (Los Angeles County)
  • 2023 Negotiated Outcome of Non-File by District Attorney (Los Angeles County)
  • 2023 Vacated Conviction (Penal Code 1172.6)
  • 2023 Freed Client on Resentencing (SB 483 and Penal Code 1172.75)
  • 2023 Successfully Represented LWOP Client Before Governor’s Office and Parole (Commutation Application and Parole Board Representation)
  • 2023 Vacated Criminal Conviction (Penal Code 1172.6)
  • 2022 Resentencing (AB2942 and Penal Code 1171.1)
  • 2022 Vacated Conviction (Penal Code 1172.6)
  • 2022 Resentencing (SB 483 and Penal Code 1172.75)
  • 2019 Expunged 5 Drug Possession Charges
  • 2019 Vacated Conviction (SB1437 and PC 1170.95)
  • 2019 Vacated Conviction (SB1437 and PC 1170.95)
Civil Litigation
  • Represented international defendants in a $2,500,000 civil dispute.
  • Successfully defended a cemetery in a complete defense verdict by way of jury trial in a claim for fraud, unjust enrichment, deceit, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and more.
  • Litigated Interests of high stakes clients in wrongful death claim.
  • In excess of $5,000,000 combined in relief for various civil settlements.
Consult With Power Trial Lawyers

When you need hard-working lawyers who can listen to your questions and concerns, Power Trial Lawyers is able to deliver every time. Dealing with the charges of a criminal case can be extremely stressful, and hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer to handle the legal processes associated with your case can offer you reassurance as you fight against your charges.

If you are seeking a California Criminal Defense and Appeals attorney. Contact Power Trial Lawyers today. You can call us for a free consultation at (213) 800-7664.

Justia Lawyer Rating
LACBA
AVVO
State Bar of California
The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40
The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 trial lawyers
Best Lawyers
Lawyers of Distinction
Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers Rising Stars
Meet the Team
Team Picture

Power Trial Lawyers is a dedicated Appellate and Post-Conviction team with a specific interest in overturning convictions, especially for those wrongfully convicted. Our criminal appellate team has deep knowledge of current laws and the rapidly changing laws and legislative trends. Our team includes lawyers, legal researchers, paralegals, staff members, and more, dedicated to handling your case promptly and efficiently.

The Power Trial Lawyers team review cases in search for the truth, our team of lawyers look for shortcomings made or may have been overlooked, and we advocate zealously for our clients.

If you or a loved one have been wrongfully convicted, or there are genuine issues regarding their conviction or sentence, reach out for a consultation with Power Trial Lawyers Let us analyze your case and help you strategize for the next steps in your case.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Matthew is the most knowledgeable lawyer. I have worked with teams of lawyers and none of them were as knowledgeable and prompt as Matthew. I trust all of my company’s legal affairs with Matthew. He makes me rest easy knowing he is on it.” Michael
★★★★★
"Matthew is the epitome of hard work and dedication, when it comes to his work. Matthew has helped me with all my contractual work needed to help me launch my start up. Matthew is honest, diligent and relentless." Carol
★★★★★
"Matthew was very responsive and caring for my case. He handled my case with efficiency and made sure to secure exactly what we wanted. He has represented my company previously and when we needed a lawyer, it was no question – we phoned Matthew!" Tony
Los Angeles Criminal Defense and Appeals Lawyer Blog
  • California Criminal Appeals Attorneys Helping Obtain Resentencing Hearings Based on New Legal Developments Note: AB 1310 is proposed legislation and…
  • Senate Bill 81 ("SB 81") is a pivotal piece of legislation that dramatically changed the landscape of California sentencing procedures. While SB 81 is…
  • If you're charged with larceny in Orange County or Los Angeles, you need to understand the high stakes involved. A conviction could upend your life,…
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