- State court LA Superior Court Criminal Division — 38 courthouses across the county
- Federal court US District Court for the district covering Los Angeles — higher conviction rates, longer sentences than state court
- Rates $350–$650/hr
- Key fact LA's size means prosecutor and judge relationships matter significantly — attorneys who regularly appear in specific courthouses have a genuine advantage
- Local tip LA's size means prosecutor and judge relationships matter — attorneys who regularly appear in the specific courthouse handling your case have a genuine advantage
- Verify calbar.ca.gov (State Bar of California) before retaining anyone
Federal prosecution priorities have shifted significantly under the Trump administration in 2026. Immigration-related charges, drug offences, and financial crimes are seeing increased federal attention in cities including Los Angeles.
Federal cases are categorically different from state prosecution — the DOJ has substantially greater resources, and 2026 has seen expanded use of federal charges in areas previously handled at the state level. If you have received a target letter or believe you are under federal investigation, this requires immediate specialist attention separate from any state matter you may be dealing with.
Full Price Breakdown
| Level | Price Range | What This Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested / Simple | $2,550 | Both parties agree on all terms — flat fee arrangement |
| Contested (standard) | $10,800 | Disputed issues, hourly billing, licensed attorney |
| Complex / High-conflict | $31,750 | Multiple disputes, lengthy proceedings, senior counsel |
| Per case | Hourly: $250–$650/hr avg | Initial retainer typically $3,000–$8,000 — not total cost |
📍 Los Angeles vs national average: $10,800 in Los Angeles vs $8,500 national avg for Criminal Defense. Data sourced from BLS Regional Price Parities and updated quarterly.