Aggressive Ventura Criminal Defense Attorney with Proven Results
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you need an experienced attorney who will work hard to defend your rights and preserve your freedom.
Ventura criminal defense lawyer Robert M. Helfend has been aggressively fighting for his clients for more than 40 years. With more than 4,000 successful cases under his belt, he has earned his reputation as one of Ventura County’s most fearless and dedicated defense lawyers.
Mr. Helfend has represented clients facing some of the most serious charges from federal crimes to homicides and major felonies. His expert legal skills in defense cases have earned him numerous honors, including:
- A place on the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 List,
- Recognition as a SuperLawyers Rated Attorney,
- A Lead Counsel Attorney,
- An Expert Network Distinguished Attorney, and
- An Expertise.com Top Attorney.
His clients know him as dedicated and communicative attorney who works hard to keep them informed of their rights and options and put their minds at ease during a stressful time. The district attorney’s office knows him as a relentless advocate who won’t back down.
Combined with his legal experience, Robert M. Helfend’s commitment to protecting his clients’ rights and challenging the prosecution at every turn has earned him the respect of colleagues and the reputation of being a formidable opponent in the courtroom.
With his thorough knowledge of criminal law and tenacious approach, Mr. Helfend is prepared to fight for the best possible outcome in every case he takes on.
Call today for your free consultation
Regardless of your charges or circumstances, you are entitled to an aggressive legal defense. When you work with Robert M. Helfend, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you have someone on your side who knows how to navigate the criminal justice system and who will fight for you every step of the way.
Call today for your free case evaluation – 805-273-5611
Why choose Ventura criminal defense lawyer Robert M. Helfend?
There are hundreds of criminal defense attorneys offering legal representation in the Ventura area, but not all law firms are created equal.
Robert M. Helfend has been exclusively practicing as a California criminal defense attorney since 1984. Since receiving his Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University, he has successfully defended more than 4,000 criminal cases, attaining the best possible results for his clients.
His exceptional skills and knowledge of the criminal justice system have earned him recognition from some of the country’s most prestigious organizations.
In addition to recognition from professional organizations, Robert M. Helfend has received countless reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients who know him as a confident, knowledgeable, and dedicated attorney.
A proven track record of success
If you’re facing criminal charges, you need an attorney who offers more than a promise of good results.
You need an attorney with a track record that shows they have the skills and experience to help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
In his four decades practicing as a criminal defense attorney, Robert M. Helfend has successfully defended clients facing all kinds of charges including misdemeanors, felonies, violent crimes, drug crimes, and more.
Below are just a few real results from his previous clients:
- Homicide – Client was accused of homicide after being identified by an eyewitness as the person who shot her boyfriend. The jury was unable to reach a verdict and the client was charged with voluntary manslaughter and given credit for jail time served.
- Attempted Murder – Client was accused of passing a firearm to his co-defendant just prior to the co-defendant who shot the victim. Case was dismissed at the preliminary hearing after Mr. Helfend convinced the victim to exonerate the client of his involvement.
- Criminal Threats – Client was accused of threatening to kill someone if he did not turn off his car headlights. Mr. Helfend conducted a thorough investigation and brought new evidence to the prosecution who offered to reduce the charges to an infraction.
- 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.” Through an aggressive defense strategy used during the five-day trial, the jury only took one hour to come back with a “not guilty” verdict.
- Commercial Burglary – Client spent 18 years as a fugitive after being charged with felony second-degree commercial burglary. Mr. Helfend negotiated a reduced sentence.
Legal services and practice areas
A good defense attorney will fight with integrity to achieve a positive outcome, no matter the charges.
Criminal defense lawyer Robert M. Helfend specializes in legal defense for some of the most serious crimes including murder, federal crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, drug crimes and financial crimes.
Practice areas include:
- Child molestation
- Child pornography
- Cryptocurrency
- Domestic violence
- Embezzlement
- Expungements
- Federal defense
- Felony murder
- Fraud
- Identity theft
- Indecent exposure
- Insider trading
- Rape
- Sex crimes
- Soliciting a minor
- Soliciting a prostitute
- Statutory rape
- Theft crimes
- White collar crimes
Please note that, as a specialist in federal crimes, violent crimes and sex crimes, Robert M. Helfend does not provide help with traffic tickets or DUI cases. If you are seeking legal representation for a driving under the influence case, we’d recommend browsing Avvo’s database of Ventura DUI defense lawyers.
Legal defense against California murder and homicide charges
Murder is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can face, and if convicted, the sentencing is just as serious.
Many criminal attorneys are either unwilling to take on murder cases or push clients to accept a plea bargain rather than going to trail. But fighting a murder charge in court means you have a chance to prove your innocence and a possibility of receiving a better outcome than you would by taking a plea bargain.
If you’re facing murder charges, you need an attorney who has what it takes to defend your freedom and your life in court.
With Robert M. Helfend as your attorney, you can feel confident that you will have the kind of zealous, powerful defense that you deserve.
You’ll be kept informed through open, honest communication throughout your case and with 24/7 support, you’ll have the legal advice or assistance you need, anytime you need it. Contact Robert M. Helfend today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options – 805-273-5611
Below is some more information on California murder and homicide charges:
First-Degree Murder – Penal Code 189 PC
First-Degree murder is the intentional, premeditated killing of another person with “malice aforethought.” It is the most severe murder charge and can result in some of the harshest penalties.
Second-Degree Murder – Penal Code 189 PC
Murder without “malice aforethought,” or deliberate premeditation is considered less serious than first-degree murder, but is still a serious offense. A second-degree murder conviction can result in a prison sentence of 15 years to life.
Felony Murder – Penal Code Section 189 PC
If a person dies during the commission of a felony, it can lead to a felony murder charge. Oftentimes, the death in a felony murder case is accidental. Nonetheless, the person who committed the felony could be facing penalties like those for first-degree murder.
Capital Murder – Penal Code Section 189 PC
The death penalty can be issues in First-degree murder cases that are considered particularly heinous. While the death penalty is still technically legal in California, it has been on moratorium since 2019 and hasn’t been used since 2006.
Accessory to Murder – Penal Code Section 31 PC
Individuals who may have assisted, facilitated, or encouraged a murder that someone else committed can be charged with accessory to murder. Helping the perpetrator avoid arrest can also lead to criminal charges under Penal Code Section 31 PC.
Voluntary Manslaughter – Penal Code Section 192 PC
Voluntary manslaughter is a criminal offense that occurs when a person is killed as a “crime of passion,” in the heat of the moment, or when provoked. While the killing was still an intentional act, it wasn’t premeditated. Voluntary manslaughter charges, while serious, are considered less serious than murder charges.
Involuntary Manslaughter – Penal Code Section 192(b) PC
When a person dies because of another person’s reckless or negligent behavior, it can lead to involuntary manslaughter charges. While there’s no intent to kill and the death is unintentional in these cases, behaving in a manner that a reasonable person would know could lead to death is a crime that can result in prison time and fines.
Vehicular Manslaughter – Penal Code Section 192 PC
When a person’s reckless driving results in another person’s death, the driver can face charges of vehicular manslaughter. Penalties vary depending on the facts of the case, including whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
While a murder charge is serious, the law provides for a number of defenses against murder charges that every person in Ventura has a right to use.
When you hire Robert M. Helfend as your attorney, he will perform a thorough review of your case, uncover any evidence that can be used in your defense, and develop the best possible defense strategy for you.
24/7 support throughout Ventura County
Ventura criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend serves clients across Ventura County, bringing top-tier criminal defense to communities in Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Camarillo and beyond.
We handle a wide range of cases, from misdemeanors to complex felonies, including drug offenses, theft, violent crimes, and federal cases. Whether you’re facing serious charges or need guidance on navigating the criminal justice system, we are committed to delivering a strong defense tailored to your unique situation.
If you’re in Ventura County and need a dedicated advocate who knows the local landscape, reach out today. We’re here to protect your rights and fight for your freedom every step of the way.
Need help in Los Angeles County? We’ve got you covered. View our website with contact info for our law offices in the Los Angeles area.
Contact Robert M. Helfend today for a free, confidential case review
The sooner you hire a competent, experienced criminal defense attorney, the sooner you will be able to feel confident that you are doing everything you can to protect your rights, your freedom and your future.