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Sherman Oaks Criminal Defense Lawyer

State and Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Aggressively Defending the Rights of Clients Across Southern California

Facing criminal charges in California is no joke. While the state is generally known as being on the cutting edge of criminal justice reform, the reason for this is that California has some incredibly strict laws on the books. If you were charged with a crime in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, you deserve to have an attorney who is ready to fight for your freedom, whatever it takes. At the Killedjian Law Corporation, Attorney Melanie Killedjian has more than two decades of personal, hands-on experience representing clients facing a wide range of charges in state and federal court. She also keeps up to date on all recent developments in California criminal and sentencing law to ensure her clients receive the representation they need to obtain the result they are looking for. Reach out to the Killedjian Law Corporation today to learn more about how we can help you protect your freedom, your future and your way of life.

Types of Cases We Handle

At the Killedjian Law Corporation, we aggressively defend the rights of individuals charged with serious crimes in state and federal courts. Some of the cases we frequently handle on behalf of our clients include:

Fighting a Criminal Case in LA County

Starting at the moment you are arrested, everything you do should be focused on preparing your defense. While most people think of criminal cases being won or lost at trial, the reality is that most cases are resolved well before a judge swears the jury in. Thus, pre-trial advocacy is critical and cannot be overlooked. At the Killedjian Law Corporation, our Sherman Oaks criminal defense lawyer aggressively starts defending you from the moment you bring us aboard your case. Below are a few of the ways that we have been successful in resolving our clients’ cases, keeping them out of jail, and minimizing the impact the case has on their lives.

Negotiation with Prosecutors

When prosecutors review a police report to determine what charges to bring, they think in terms of what they can prove; not necessarily what’s right. Often, prosecutors charge many different crimes that are very similar based on a single incident. This can greatly increase your exposure which, in turn, affects the type of plea agreement you may be willing to consider.

Melanie Killedjian has been a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles for more than 23 years. Over this time, she’s garnered the respect of prosecutors and leverages these relationships in her clients’ favor. She often has success reaching out to prosecutors in advance of a preliminary hearing, getting them to drop unnecessary or duplicative charges. This puts you in a much better position should you decide to consider a plea agreement.

Motions to Suppress

A motion to suppress is a pre-trial motion in which you ask the court to keep certain evidence out of trial. While there are many grounds for a motion to suppress, most involve a police officer violating your rights. For example, an experienced defense lawyer may be able to suppress physical evidence, such as a gun or drugs, or statements you made to detectives without the benefit of your Miranda warnings.

When a court grants your motion to suppress, the prosecution is left without important evidence it may need to prove its case. This often results in the DA extending a very reasonable plea agreement or withdrawing the case altogether. And, in the event your case still goes to trial, you will be in a much better position because the government will not be able to use the evidence against you.

Diversionary Programs

Those with no criminal record (or a minimal record) may qualify for a diversionary program. A diversionary program is designed to divert certain people out of the criminal justice system, giving them a chance to resolve their cases without a conviction ending up on their record. There are various diversionary programs available in Los Angeles County, all of which require you to comply with certain terms, much like probation. If you complete the program, you may be able to avoid a conviction altogether

When it comes to defending a criminal case in Los Angeles, an attorney needs to be able to think outside the box. Certainly, trial offers a last resort to obtain a not guilty. However, why put yourself through the stress of a trial if you can avoid it?

When Should I Hire a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney?

The best time to hire a criminal defense attorney after being arrested in Los Angeles is as soon as possible. In most cases, this is right after you are arrested; however, if you learn you are under investigation, you should want to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. While an attorney can certainly help advance your case at any stage of the process, the earlier in the process you bring a lawyer aboard your case, the better.

Are You Facing Criminal Charges in Los Angeles?

If you were recently arrested and charged with a crime in Los Angeles, reach out to the Southern California criminal defense lawyers at Killedjian Law Corporation. At Killedjian Law Corporation, we have more than 20 years of experience aggressively defending our clients’ rights in all types of cases. We understand what an arrest means for your life, your family’s life, and your future together and will do everything possible to ensure that your case has as little impact on your future as possible. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with Sherman Oaks criminal defense attorney Melanie Killedjian at the Killedjuan Law Corporation, call 818-986-0888 today. You can also connect with us through our online contact form .

Meet the Attorney
Melanie Killedjian

Melanie Killedjian is a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney and the managing partner at Killedjian Law Corporation – a criminal defense law firm. Her passion for law and justice began when an immediate family member was arrested and incarcerated when Ms. Killedjian was 20 years old. As her loved one was shuffled through the criminal justice system, she witnessed the inequities of what is undoubtedly an imperfect system. This experience prompted her to attend law school with the sole purpose of practicing criminal defense.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I was referred to Melanie by a good friend of mine with whom she assisted in the past. This friend gave me nothing but glowing reviews of her and somehow, still managed to undersell how great Melanie is. From the day I made my first call to her, to the first time meeting her face to face (which was the very next day, so I'll add she's very accessible and prompt), until the very end she made it seemingly effortless on my part. She handled everything from beginning to end. Her professionalism was very assuring, and put my worries to rest. I went in her office feeling defeated and overwhelmed, fast forward to my final hearing and I left feeling victorious and overjoyed. Melanie, thank you for all your help! The services rendered and the peace of mind she gave me cannot be matched! Louie G.
★★★★★
I cannot say how grateful my family and I are to ms. Killedjian. The case she took on was very complex and multilayered. I fired two top lawyers before trusting Ms. Killedjian with my future. She remained confident and worked diligently for almost two years. She never changed or added to her fee. She worked with my immigration attorney to make sure I would not face immigration consequences. Ms. Killedjian law expertise and belief in her client got my case dismissed. We are so thankful to Ms. Killedjian and will forever remember how hard she fought for justice!! V.Y.
★★★★★
I just want to say that Melanie came HIGHLY recommended to me and she was the BEST decision I made for my criminal case. Melanie was so helpful, informative, straight forward, kind and always did everything she said she was going to do. She always responded to me contacting her and she always used the word "we" when communicating, as if "we" were in this thing together! I am so grateful for her professionalism and her approach. She was able to get my original severe charges dropped and i was given a minor charge because of how she presented the facts and evidence at hand. Shes amazing! So, if you're reading this and need not just a good attorney but a GREAT one, contact her! You will not regret it! Thank you Melanie for everything you did and continue to do! You're a life saver! Stacey S.
★★★★★
Melanie is amazing! She was able to help me with two felony charges in two different court systems simultaneously with results that far exceeded my expectations of what I thought was even possible. She refused to settle for anything less than the best possible outcome and has given me my complete freedom back. It honestly seems like she was able to work magic! There is no doubt that she knows what she is doing and knows how to get results. I was very selective in choosing a lawyer and she was definitely the right choice. She is kind, caring, compassionate, understanding, positive and supportive in every way. It has truly been a pleasure working with her and her delightful assistant, Elen. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of an exceptional defense attorney. Bradley S.
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