Attorney Dossier · Los Angeles · October 2026
Five Los Angeles criminal defense firms that take felony cases, checked against the State Bar, Google and their own websites.
A felony case in Los Angeles moves on short statutory clocks, so the lawyer you call first matters. Each firm below was checked for a State Bar record, a real office, published fee terms and what Google reviewers actually describe.
0 of 5
firms here publish a felony fee or price range
10 court days
to hold the preliminary hearing after arraignment
$0
for a court-appointed public defender if you cannot afford a lawyer
Kosnett Law Firm is a paid partner of this publication and appears in the first slot. The order of the other four is not a ranking, and none of them paid to appear. Every fact below was checked against the source named beside it in October 2026. Attorney Advertising.
01
The scorecard: 5 checks, 5 firms
✓ meets the check ◐ partly or self-reported ✗ does not, or not published
Kosnett Law FirmWestside clients whose felony charge also touches a DMV case, a student record or a professional license
State Bar record checked
✓#71542 activeCriminal defense focus
◐Plus education lawFee terms published
✗Not publishedGoogle rating checked
✓4.0 / 39 Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal LawyersDowntown felony cases where the client wants a firm split between a felony partner and a misdemeanor partner
State Bar record checked
◐Not confirmedCriminal defense focus
✓Criminal onlyFee terms published
◐Payment plansGoogle rating checked
✓4.9 / 170 Law Offices of Louis J. ShapiroWhite-collar, cyber and federal felony matters handled by a solo lawyer certified in criminal law by the State Bar
Office in LA
✓Century CityState Bar record checked
✓#243756 activeCriminal defense focus
✓State and federalFee terms published
✗Not publishedGoogle rating checked
✓5.0 / 170 Sitkoff Law Group, Inc.Clients who want a former LA County prosecutor and court commissioner on a felony they hope to get reduced
State Bar record checked
✓#108634 activeCriminal defense focus
✓Criminal onlyFee terms published
✗Not publishedGoogle rating checked
✓4.7 / 15 Law Offices of Kenneth H. LewisFelony convictions that need an appeal or a writ of habeas corpus, from a lawyer licensed since 1976
State Bar record checked
✓#71672 activeCriminal defense focus
◐Plus appeals, PIFee terms published
✗Not publishedGoogle rating checked
✓4.2 / 10 02
Before you hire: what the numbers mean in a Los Angeles felony case
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0 of 5: firms here publish a felony fee or price range
All five advertise a free first consultation, and Perlman & Cohen says it offers payment plans. None prints a dollar figure for felony work, so the fee depends on the charge, priors and whether the case goes to a preliminary hearing or trial. Ask for the quote in writing and what it covers.
SOURCE · Firm websites, read October 2026
2
10 court days: to hold the preliminary hearing after arraignment
Under Penal Code 859b, a felony preliminary hearing must be held within 10 court days of arraignment or plea, and a complaint against a defendant held in custody must be dismissed if the hearing slips past that window without a personal waiver or good cause. An outer limit of 60 days applies unless the defendant waives it.
SOURCE · California Penal Code section 859b; Court of Appeal opinions applying it
3
$0: for a court-appointed public defender if you cannot afford a lawyer
A defendant who cannot afford counsel can ask the judge at arraignment to appoint the Los Angeles County Public Defender. Eligibility turns on income and the charges, and the appointment covers the case through trial. The State Bar also lists certified lawyer referral services for people who want a private lawyer.
SOURCE · California Penal Code section 987; State Bar of California public resources
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The 5 firm dossiers
01
Kosnett Law Firm
Westside clients whose felony charge also touches a DMV case, a student record or a professional license
Why it made the list
Kosnett Law Firm is a West LA firm led by James V. Kosnett, a California lawyer since 1976, and Louis V. Kosnett. Its site lists felony defense, felony DUI and second-offense DUI next to DMV hearings, record sealing, expungement and early probation termination, so one firm can handle the criminal case and what follows it. For a client looking for a felony defense attorney in Los Angeles on the Westside, the main office sits on West Olympic Boulevard, a short drive from the Airport Courthouse where most Westside felony cases are filed. It also runs Title IX and academic discipline work, which matters for students facing a charge and a campus case at once.
Proof file
- Lead attorneyJames Victor Kosnett, State Bar #71542, admitted December 22, 1976; Louis V. Kosnett also listed · State Bar of California licensee search; firm site
- Licence statusActive; no discipline shown on the profile · State Bar of California, checked October 2026
- Office11400 W Olympic Blvd #200, Los Angeles, CA 90064; satellite offices in Long Beach, Irvine, San Diego, Berkeley and San Francisco · Google; firm site footer
- Phone310-445-5900 · Firm site, Google and State Bar record agree
- Felony work listedFelony defense, felony DUI, second-offense DUI, federal criminal defense, firearms, drug charges · Firm site practice list
- Fee termsFree initial case evaluation and affordable rates stated; no price published · Firm’s own statement
- Google rating4.0 from 39 reviews · Google, checked October 2026
Your first-call script
QWhich attorney here will handle my felony case day to day, and how many felony trials has that attorney run in LA County?
QIf my case also needs a DMV hearing or record clearing later, is that part of this fee or a separate agreement?
QCan we book the first consultation for a set time with the attorney who will appear for me?
From the reviews we read
+ Negotiated outcomes+ Fast on tight deadlines~ Rushed first consultations~ Few felony-specific reviews
Clients who were happy describe Louis negotiating a better outcome than they expected and the firm moving fast on a deadline of only a few days. Two recent reviewers describe a rushed first consultation, one with a callback hours late. Most of the Google reviews describe academic or employment matters rather than felony cases.
Fit and watch-outA practical fit for a Westside client whose felony charge spills into a license, school or record problem, since those services sit under one roof. The trade-off: its 4.0 Google rating is the lowest of the five, and few of its reviews describe felony cases, so ask for recent felony experience on the first call.
02
Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers
Downtown felony cases where the client wants a firm split between a felony partner and a misdemeanor partner
Why it made the list
Perlman & Cohen is a criminal-only Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer firm on South Grand Avenue, which it describes as steps from the downtown criminal courthouse and the District Attorney’s offices. Its site splits the work between two founding partners: Daniel Perlman takes murder, other serious felonies and complex financial cases, while Matthew Cohen handles most DUI, domestic violence and misdemeanor work. The firm says it brings in investigators and outside witnesses in pathology, toxicology, digital evidence and accounting when a case calls for them, offers payment plans, and takes calls nights and weekends. It states more than 10,000 people defended, which is its own figure.
Proof file
- Lead attorneysDaniel Perlman (serious felonies, homicide, financial crimes) and Matthew Cohen (DUI, domestic violence, misdemeanors) · Firm site
- Licence statusState Bar record for Daniel Perlman not confirmed in our search; a legal directory lists California admission in 2005 · State Bar search attempted October 2026; Avvo listing
- Office355 S Grand Ave Ste 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071 · Firm site, Google
- Phone310-557-1700 · Firm site header
- Fee termsFree consultation and payment plans stated; no price published · Firm’s own statement
- Experience claimMore than 100 years combined and more than 10,000 people defended · Firm’s own figure
- Google rating4.9 from 170 reviews · Google, checked October 2026
Your first-call script
QMy case is a felony: will Daniel Perlman handle it himself, or will it move to another lawyer later?
QIf you withdraw or we part ways partway through a flat fee, what part of the fee is refunded, and is that in the agreement?
QWhich investigators or outside witnesses would my case need, and are their costs inside the fee?
From the reviews we read
+ Direct access to the attorney+ Clear explanations up front+ Fast replies~ One flat-fee dispute described
Reviewers most often name Matthew Cohen and describe direct access, replies within minutes and clear explanations before work started. One reviewer praises Daniel Perlman for being honest rather than selling false hope. One detailed negative review describes a flat fee paid in installments and a later attempt to change the agreement, which is worth raising before signing.
Fit and watch-outA good fit for a serious downtown felony where the client wants the felony partner on the case and access after hours. The trade-off: no published price, a State Bar record we could not pull this run for the felony partner, and one detailed fee complaint, so get the scope and refund terms in writing.
03
Law Offices of Louis J. Shapiro
White-collar, cyber and federal felony matters handled by a solo lawyer certified in criminal law by the State Bar
Why it made the list
Louis J. Shapiro is a solo state and federal criminal law attorney in Los Angeles working from Century Park East in Century City. His site says he is certified in criminal law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, a credential that requires a separate application and exam, and that his practice is mostly white-collar and blue-collar defense in state and federal court, with cases ranging from DUI and drug charges to cyber crime and money laundering. He also lists CARES Act fraud defense, cannabis defense and Title IX matters. He appears as a legal commentator on national television, which explains some of the name recognition.
Proof file
- Lead attorneyLouis Justin Shapiro, State Bar #243756 · State Bar of California licensee search
- Licence statusActive; admission year not shown in our check · State Bar of California, checked October 2026
- CertificationCertified in criminal law by the California Board of Legal Specialization · Attorney’s own statement
- Office1801 Century Park E, 25th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90067 · Site, Google and State Bar record agree
- Phone310-556-9671 · Site, Google and State Bar record agree
- Fee termsNot published · Attorney’s site
- Google rating5.0 from 170 reviews · Google, checked October 2026
Your first-call script
QIf my case may move from state court to federal court, do you handle both, and does the fee change?
QAs a solo practice, who covers a court date if you are in trial elsewhere?
QHow much of your current caseload is felony work in LA County Superior Court rather than federal court?
From the reviews we read
+ Honest about options+ Treats clients without judgment+ Keeps clients informed~ Referred by other lawyers
Every review we read describes the same things: Lou explaining options honestly, treating clients without judgment during a frightening case, and keeping them informed at each step. Several reviewers came by referral from another lawyer. With 170 reviews at 5.0, the base is large, but we found no negative review to weigh.
Fit and watch-outStrong fit for a financial, cyber or federal felony where a criminal law certification and federal experience matter. The trade-off: a solo practice with no published fee, so ask how coverage works when he is in another courtroom.
04
Sitkoff Law Group, Inc.
Clients who want a former LA County prosecutor and court commissioner on a felony they hope to get reduced
Why it made the list
Sitkoff Law Group is a West LA Los Angeles criminal defense attorney practice led by Stephen Sitkoff, a former senior Los Angeles prosecutor; legal directories also list him as a former Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner. The office is on West Olympic Boulevard, close to the Expo/Bundy station. Its posted case results include a felony spousal abuse arrest that prosecutors rejected and a felony lewd act charge resolved as a lesser conviction without sex offender registration, both its own accounts. Associate James Kim appears often in client reviews. The firm works across Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange Counties.
Proof file
- Lead attorneySteve David Sitkoff, State Bar #108634; associate James Kim named in reviews and testimonials · State Bar of California licensee search; Google reviews
- Licence statusActive; admission year not shown in our check (directories list 1983) · State Bar of California, checked October 2026; Martindale
- BackgroundFormer senior Los Angeles prosecutor; directories also list a past role as LA Superior Court commissioner · Firm site; legal directory listing
- Office11845 W Olympic Blvd #1000, Los Angeles, CA 90064; weekdays 8 AM to 6 PM · Firm site, Google
- Phone888-579-4844 (firm site and Google); the State Bar record lists 310-312-8055 · Firm site, Google, State Bar
- Fee termsFree consultation; no price published · Firm’s own statement
- Google rating4.7 from 15 reviews · Google, checked October 2026
Your first-call script
QWill Stephen Sitkoff appear on my felony, or will James Kim handle it?
QYour site says 39 years in one place and 42 years in another: which is current, and how much of it is defense work?
QWho is my contact for updates after I pay the retainer, and how quickly should I expect a reply?
From the reviews we read
+ Felony reduced to misdemeanor+ Clear early phone advice~ Communication after retainer~ 15 reviews, a small base
Reviewers credit the team, Steve and James by name, with turning a felony into a misdemeanor and with explaining likely outcomes during early phone calls. One reviewer says communication dropped off after the retainer was paid and a request to switch lawyers inside the firm was not granted. The Google base is small at 15 reviews.
Fit and watch-outA sensible pick for a client who values a former prosecutor’s view of how the DA will charge and negotiate a felony. The trade-off: a small review base, one complaint about communication after payment, and no published fees.
05
Law Offices of Kenneth H. Lewis
Felony convictions that need an appeal or a writ of habeas corpus, from a lawyer licensed since 1976
Why it made the list
Kenneth H. Lewis is a downtown Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer on West 5th Street who has held a California license since December 1976. His site leads with criminal appeals and writs of habeas corpus, which sets him apart from the other four: he says he argued before the California Supreme Court in People v. Leon and sat at counsel table in the U.S. Supreme Court in California v. Rooney. The practice list runs from murder and federal crimes to probation violations, plea withdrawals, mental health diversion and veterans court, plus some personal injury and small claims appeal work. Consultations are free.
Proof file
- Lead attorneyKenneth Harlan Lewis, State Bar #71672, admitted December 22, 1976 · State Bar of California licensee search
- Licence statusActive; no discipline shown on the profile · State Bar of California, checked October 2026
- Office633 W 5th St, 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 · Firm site, Google, State Bar
- Phone213-255-3011 (firm site and Google); the State Bar record lists 213-624-4904 · Firm site, Google, State Bar
- Appellate workCriminal appeals and writs of habeas corpus; states California Supreme Court argument in People v. Leon · Attorney’s own statement
- Fee termsFree consultation; no price published · Firm site
- Google rating4.2 from 10 reviews · Google, checked October 2026
Your first-call script
QIf I am already convicted, do you handle the appeal or habeas petition yourself, and on what timeline?
QWho else works on my case, and will any part of it be handed to another lawyer?
QHow many felony trials in LA County Superior Court have you handled in the last three years?
From the reviews we read
+ Prepares clients for court+ Responsive~ Some reviews are small claims appeals~ One serious federal-case complaint
Happy clients describe him as responsive, well prepared and good at readying them for court, though two of the five reviews we read concern small claims appeals rather than criminal cases. One federal criminal client describes a very poor experience with the firm and its partner. At 10 reviews, the base is the smallest here.
Fit and watch-outBest suited to a client with a felony conviction who needs appellate or post-conviction work from a long-licensed lawyer. The trade-off: the smallest Google base here, a 4.2 rating with one serious complaint, and a broad practice list that includes non-criminal work.
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Six things to settle before you hire a felony lawyer
A written fee agreement. California requires a written agreement for most fee arrangements over $1,000. It should say what the fee covers: arraignment, the preliminary hearing, motions, trial and sentencing.
Flat fee refund terms. If the fee is flat, the agreement should state in writing whether any part is refundable if the lawyer withdraws or the case ends early.
The lawyer who appears. Name the attorney who will stand up in court for you, and what happens if that attorney is unavailable on a hearing date.
Investigator and outside costs. Ask whether private investigators, lab work and outside witnesses are inside the fee or billed separately, and who approves them.
Your preliminary hearing clock. Ask whether the lawyer plans to waive the 10-court-day or 60-day preliminary hearing deadline, and why, before you agree to any waiver.
Check the State Bar profile yourself. Look up the attorney on the State Bar of California licensee search to confirm active status and any public discipline before you sign.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a felony defense lawyer cost in Los Angeles?
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None of the five firms here publishes a felony fee. All offer a free first consultation, and Perlman & Cohen says it offers payment plans. Fees depend on the charge, any priors and whether the case goes to a preliminary hearing or trial, so ask for a written quote.
How soon is the preliminary hearing in a California felony case?
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Under Penal Code 859b it must generally be held within 10 court days of arraignment or plea. If the defendant is in custody and the hearing is set later without a personal waiver or good cause, the complaint must be dismissed. An outer limit of 60 days applies unless the defendant waives it.
What if I cannot afford a felony lawyer?
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Ask the judge at your arraignment to appoint the Los Angeles County Public Defender. Eligibility depends on your income and the charges, and there is no fee for appointed counsel.
Which courthouse handles my felony case?
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It depends on where the arrest happened. Westside cases are commonly filed at the Airport Courthouse, while many downtown and central LA felonies go to the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Your paperwork lists the courthouse and date.
How do I check whether a criminal defense lawyer is licensed in California?
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Search the attorney’s name on the State Bar of California licensee search. It shows the licence number, current status and any public discipline. We checked four of the five lead attorneys here this way.
Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in California?
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Some felonies, called wobblers, can be charged or later reduced to misdemeanors. One Sitkoff Law Group reviewer describes that result. Whether it is possible depends on the charge and your record, so ask about it at the first consultation.
General information for people choosing a criminal defense lawyer, not legal advice. Check the current statute text and the State Bar profile before relying on it.