After law enforcement arrests and brings charges against you, it is in your best interest for you to hire a criminal defense attorney who can help you fight the charges while protecting you rights and your reputation. Because defending yourself against formal criminal charges is difficult, the law grants you the right to counsel, and no matter what the charges are that you are facing, you should take advantage of those rights.
Choosing the right attorney is a daunting task, though. Not knowing where to turn for help is even worse, but how will you know whether you’ve chosen the right person to represent you or not?
That is where I come in. I am Robert M. Helfend, and I have just over three decades of criminal defense experience. I understand that your freedom and your future is at stake, and I promise to use all of my experience and resources to defend you against the charges and protect your rights under California law.
To help you make your daunting decision, I let my previous record and case histories speak for themselves:
ROBBERY WITH TWO PRIOR STRIKES
Victim alleged that Mr. Helfend’s client took his money from his pocket after being knocked to the ground by Mr. Helfend’s client. Prior to the first witness taking the stand at the preliminary hearing, Mr. Helfend convinces the District Attorney that the victim is not being truthful. In lieu of 25 to life, client is offered a plea to a non-strike offense, 30 days community labor and RELEASED from custody.
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, Mr. Helfend artfully coaxes the victim to exonerate his client of his involvement in the shooting. CASE DISMISSED at preliminary hearing.
JURY TRIAL – ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM/ CRIMINAL THREAT/ FIREARM USE
Victim alleged client brandished a firearm in victim’s face while client threatening to kill the victim. My client was charged with one count of Felony Assault with a Firearm, one count of Criminal threats, and an enhancement for Brandishing a firearm. Attorney Helfend proved to the jury that the victim’s testimony contained inconsistencies, and the jury acquitted after an hour.
POSSESSION FOR SALE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
A client was under surveillance, and halted a prearranged drug sale because of suspicions. Law enforcement forced client’s stop, detained client, and found methamphetamine in the vehicle. Attorney Helfend showed inconsistencies in the arresting Deputy’s statements during pre trial hearings, and during trial, a motion to suppress evidence due to illegal arrest was filed, which led to the DA dismissing the case.
FEDERAL DRUG CRIME CHARGES
Attorney Helfend’s client was charged with arranging a methamphetamine deal and with three prior convictions was facing a potential life sentence. Attorney Helfend met with the U.S. attorney to challenge the evidence, and successfully reduced the charges to a phone charge so that instead of serving life in prison, client received nine months in a halfway house, with nine months on house arrest.
ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICER
Attorney Helfend’s client, charged with charging at a police officer with his car after a ball game. During the trial, Helfend surfaced eyewitness and police officer testimony discrepancies, and the jury acquitted.
CRIMINAL THREAT
Attorney Helfend’s client was charged with making criminal threats to someone who would not turn off car headlights. Helfend investigated, and after turning over evidence to the prosecution, the prosecution offered an infraction charge.
MURDER
Attorney Helfend’s client was identified by an eye witness who stated client murdered her boyfriend via a firearm. Jury hung on murder charges, and instead charged client with voluntary manslaughter, while giving client credit for the time already served.
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY — FEDERAL
Offers find more than 10,000 images on the computer of Attorney Helfend’s client via a search warrant. Attorney Helfend successfully convinced the court with a motion to suppress evidence that the images were obtained illegally, and the client was released.
SPOUSAL ABUSE
The wife of Attorney Helfend’s client alleged that client squeezed her arm, leaving bruises while in a rage, of which police obtained images. Jury trial resulted in not guilty verdict.
PERJURY
Attorney Helfend’s client, on probation for previous drug possession charge and four-year suspected state sentence was being tried for perjury and violation of probation. Because the jury found no violation of probation the client received no time.
POSSESSION OF WEAPON BY EX FELON
Police found a firearm after searching Attorney Helfend’s client, but Helfend argued that the search was illegal, and the charges were dismissed.
THREE STRIKES CASE
Attorney Helfend’s client was allegedly passing a crack pipe to a passenger while driving according to arresting officers, but the jury could not reach a decision and the case was dismissed.
TERRORIST THREAT
Attorney Helfend’s client threatened the victim, but because the jury trial was set immediately, Helfend was able to get the charges dismissed because of violating the client’s rights to a speedy trial.
POSSESSION FOR SALE
Attorney Helfend’s client was found in possession of 25 LSD sugar cubes and incriminating text messages. Helfend’s expert witness in regard to drug possession and sale resulted in the prosecution offering a lesser charge, possession for personal use, deferred entry of judgment, plus a dismissal.
CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE — FEDERAL
Attorney Helfend’s client indicted for conspiracy to purchase and distribute 12 kilos of cocaine. Client arrested with three co-defendants and 12 kilos of cocaine and over $100,000 cash. Government evidence claimed client heard arranging transaction, but after investigation and expert witnesses, Helfend convinced the DA to dismiss the case entirely.
While the cases and charges are complex, the fact is that The Law Offices of Robert M. Helfend will do whatever it takes to get the charge reduced, dismissed, or dropped entirely. Those that cannot be reduced, dismissed or dropped will be defended using the best strategies and legal maneuvering to result in the best potential outcome.
Keep in mind though that even though these cases did result in favorable outcomes, these statements and outcomes do not guarantee that your case will have the same or otherwise favorable outcome. These statements do not constitute a guarantee, warrantee, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.