Charges rejected
Felony domestic violence arrest. The prosecutor declined to file charges at the arraignment.
2022Home / Criminal Defense
Criminal defense lawyer in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles County.
Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, drug charges and restraining orders. If you or someone you love has been arrested, stay silent and call before the first court date.
Being accused of a crime is frightening, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. We will review the evidence, explain your options plainly, and build a defense aimed at the best result available: a dismissal, a reduced charge, a favorable plea, or a verdict at trial.
Felony offenses
Serious charges with state prison exposure, including strike offenses.
Misdemeanor offenses
Charges that can still mean jail, probation and a permanent record.
DUI
The criminal case in court and the separate DMV hearing on your license.
Drug & marijuana offenses
Possession, sales and cultivation charges, and diversion programs where available.
Violent, sex & white-collar crimes
Assault, domestic violence, sex offenses, theft, fraud and embezzlement.
Restraining orders
Seeking or defending against domestic violence and civil harassment orders.
After an arrest, two things matter most.Stay silent, and get a lawyer involved before your first court date. Early action can affect bail, charging decisions and your options later on.
Case results
Recent criminal defense results.
Selected outcomes from the firm’s closed matters.
Dismissed
Firearm discharge case dismissed after the client completed diversion. No conviction.
2023Dismissed
Criminal case against a commercial property owner and its company over a cannabis tenant. Dismissed as to both.
2022Dismissed
Property owner charged with building-permit violations tied to a tenant's dispensary. Case dismissed.
2025Funds returned
Cash seized in a raid aimed at a neighbor was returned to the client, who was never charged.
2023Results depend on the facts of each case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Client details are withheld for privacy.
Why three practice areas
Legal problems don't stay in one lane.
Business, real estate and criminal law look like separate worlds. In practice, our clients' problems cross between them all the time. A lawyer who sees only one piece can miss what the other pieces mean for you.
Your company is also a tenant or a landlord.
Most businesses sign a lease, and many own property. Lease disputes, personal guarantees and the purchase of a building are business decisions and real estate questions at the same time.
A property owner can be charged for a tenant's conduct.
We have defended owners charged over a tenant's cannabis operation and over permit violations, and had both cases dismissed. Those cases turned on leases and property records as much as on criminal law.
A criminal case can threaten a business.
When police seized a client's business cash in a raid aimed at his neighbor, the fix required understanding both his business and forfeiture law. The money was returned, and he was never charged.
The skills carry across all three: reading contracts and evidence closely, negotiating with the other side, and being ready for court when negotiation fails. With one firm, you explain your situation once, and the attorney already knows the rest of the picture.
Common questions
Criminal Defense questions clients ask first.
General information about California law. Every case is different, so call for advice about your situation.
I was just arrested. What should I do first?
Stay silent and ask for a lawyer. Do not explain your side to the police, and do not discuss the case on the phone from jail, since those calls are recorded. Then call a defense attorney before your first court date (the arraignment). Early representation can affect bail, what charges get filed, and your options later.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in California?
A misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail. A felony can mean a sentence in state prison or county jail of more than a year. Many California crimes are "wobblers," meaning they can be charged either way, and a felony wobbler can sometimes be reduced to a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 17(b).
After a DUI arrest, how long do I have to save my driver's license?
Ten days. A DUI creates two separate cases: the criminal case in court and an administrative case with the DMV. You or your lawyer must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of the arrest, or your license suspension takes effect automatically.
How quickly can a restraining order be issued?
A judge can grant a temporary restraining order the same day or next business day based on the paperwork alone. A full hearing is then set, usually within about three weeks, where both sides can present evidence. Whether you are asking for an order or responding to one, preparing for that hearing matters.
Client reviews
5.0 stars on Google from 46 clients.
Very grateful to Mr. Manavi for representing me against a insurance company that was trying to deny me equitable payment in the repair of my childhood home after a negligent plumber. Mr. Manavi advocated fiercely, expertly, and strategically to secure a favorable outcome.
Saman had great attention to detail when it came to my case. … Not only was he accurate in the timeline I provided for my case but he was very clear in communicating his strategy and made me feel very comfortable with my case.
He was always available when I needed him and kept me informed throughout the entire process. He explained things clearly, but was also very understanding and easy to talk to, which made a stressful situation feel a lot more manageable.
Other practice areas
Contact
Get answers in one phone call.
The first 20 minutes are free. Have any documents handy, such as a contract, lease, citation or police report, and a short description of what you hope to achieve.
Email
saman@manavilaw.com
Include a short description of your legal issue and the best number to reach you.