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Your Trusted Los Angeles Criminal Defense Team
At Stein & Markus, we bring over 75 years of combined legal expertise to defend clients facing criminal charges in California. Our team includes a former Los Angeles criminal prosecutor with 33 years of experience, offering unique insights into both sides of the legal process. We prioritize client-centered representation, providing 24/7 availability, free consultations, and multilingual support to address the complex challenges of criminal defense.Our track record includes securing 1,437 successful petitions and releasing 68 individuals through resentencing efforts. We specialize in handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to capital offenses, leveraging our deep understanding of state and federal law to protect clients' rights and futures.
Services
Criminal Defense
Drug Crimes
Federal Crimes
DUI Defense
SB-1437 Petitions
Domestic Violence
Post-Conviction Relief
Expungements
White Collar Crimes
Sex Crimes
Highlights and features
- We have over 75 years of combined experience in criminal defense
- Our team includes a former Los Angeles criminal prosecutor
- Available 24/7 for urgent legal assistance
- Successfully secured 1,437 petitions and 68 resentencing releases
- Offer free consultations and Spanish language support
What people say
Amazing work
Wouldn't trust anyone else
Proven results
24/7 availability
Former prosecutor advantage
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice combines decades of trial experience with insider prosecutorial knowledge to protect clients facing serious charges. We handle cases from initial investigation through trial, focusing on murder, assault, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. Our approach emphasizes early intervention to protect rights during police questioning and negotiations with prosecutors.
SB-1437 Petitions
We specialize in filing petitions under California's Senate Bill 1437, which limits felony murder liability. Our team has successfully secured sentence reductions for clients convicted of murder, attempted murder, and voluntary manslaughter by challenging flawed legal applications from past convictions.
Federal Crimes
Our federal defense practice addresses complex cases involving drug trafficking, RICO violations, and white-collar crimes. We challenge evidence obtained through federal investigations while leveraging relationships with experts to counter sophisticated prosecution strategies in cases requiring specialized knowledge of federal court procedures.
DUI Defense
We defend all DUI charges including first-time offenses, repeat violations, and felony DUIs involving injury or death. Our strategies challenge breathalyzer accuracy, traffic stop legality, and rising blood alcohol content theories to minimize penalties like license suspension, fines, and jail time.
Post-Conviction Relief
Our post-conviction practice focuses on expungements, record sealing, and resentencing petitions. We help clients modify or eliminate past convictions' consequences through legal processes that restore rights while addressing immigration impacts and employment barriers.
People
Andrew M. Stein
Partner
With 45 years of legal experience and approximately 300 jury trials, Andrew Stein brings extensive courtroom expertise to criminal defense cases. His career includes founding and managing criminal defense firms that have achieved numerous favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges.
Joseph A. Markus
Partner
A former Deputy District Attorney with 33 years of prosecutorial experience in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Joseph Markus offers unique insights into criminal case strategy. His background includes teaching legal professionals and authoring publications on criminal law topics.
Joseph E. Markus
Associate
Building on family legal legacy, Joseph E. Markus provides dedicated representation while benefiting from decades of collective experience within the firm. He focuses on applying modern legal strategies to traditional criminal defense practices.
Lily Valcarcel
Office Manager
Managing day-to-day operations while serving as primary client liaison, Lily ensures smooth case coordination and multilingual support for Spanish-speaking clients. Her organizational expertise contributes to efficient case management across the firm's practice areas.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a criminal arrest?
Contact Stein & Markus immediately to protect your rights. Avoid speaking to law enforcement without legal representation and document all case details for your attorney.
How does a former prosecutor help my defense?
Our former prosecutor identifies prosecution strategies and weaknesses in their case, using insider knowledge to develop more effective defense tactics during negotiations and trials.
Can DUI charges be reduced?
Yes - we challenge evidence admissibility, question breathalyzer accuracy, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options like restricted licenses.
What makes federal cases different?
Federal cases involve specialized procedures, longer sentences, and more resources from prosecution. Our experience with federal courts and agencies helps counter these challenges effectively.
How do SB-1437 petitions work?
These petitions challenge old murder convictions by proving lack of intent to kill. Our team has successfully secured sentence reductions for clients under this California law reform.
