California Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lessem & Newstat, LLP

5740 Ralston St.
Suite 300
Ventura, California 93003
USA

(800) 295-1054

www.lnlegal.com

Send an email

Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

Lessem & Newstat, LLP, a full service law firm, specializes in criminal defense and civil litigation. Our criminal defense attorneys, Jeremy Lessem, Joshua Newstat and Mark Lessem, have more than 50 years of combined experience and have effectively represented thousands of clients in matters ranging from DUIs to death penalty murder cases. Attorney Jeffrey Karpel, of counsel to Lessem & Newstat, LLP, has represented clients in a wide range of civil matters for more than 40 years.

Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara County criminal defense law firm of Lessem & Newstat, LLP, represents criminal defendants throughout California. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined criminal defense experience and a passion for protecting the rights of the accused. Whether you have simply made a mistake, or you are being falsely accused of a crime, you need full legal representation as a criminal defendant. California criminal defense lawyers Jeremy Lessem, Joshua Newstat and Mark Lessem will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively in the courtroom.

At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, we strongly believe in the philosophy that the best results are achieved when a prosecutor knows that a defense attorney is ready and willing to take your case all the way to trial. Our criminal defense lawyers have taken more than 200 cases to trial. We have established a reputation for effective trial skills. Our history of trial success not only benefits those clients who want to take their case to trial, but it also creates the best possible results in cases that get resolved before trial.

At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, we will work with you to form an effective strategy on how best to approach the defense of your case. We will keep you informed on the progress of your case and make sure you always know what we are doing and why. We work as a team with experienced investigators and experts to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case against you, and we will not stop until every possible defense has been explored.

Languages: Spanish; English;

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Elder Abuse; Federal Crimes; Immigration Offenses; Internet Crimes; Tax Crimes; Mail Fraud; Child Molestation; Kidnapping; Sexual Assault; Criminal Threats; Extortion; Joyriding; Evading the Police; Hit and Run; Mental Health Law; Misdemeanor Defense; Violent Crimes; Carjacking; Gang Related Crimes; Probation Violations/Warrants; Lewd conduct; Pimping/Pandering; Indecent Exposure; Day Care Accidents; Police Brutality/Civil Rights.

Practice Areas Description

Lessem & Newstat, LLP offers legal representation on the following areas of practice:

- Criminal Defense

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to make sure your rights are protected. An experienced criminal defense attorney is vital to achieving the best possible outcome of your case. Even though the law has certain guidelines for penalties, often the final decision about your punishment is made by a judge or jury. An effective defense strategy can make a huge difference in how the prosecutor, judge or jury views your case, your alleged role in the crime and the appropriate penalty. Criminal defense law firm of Lessem & Newstat, LLP, represents defendants in criminal cases throughout California.

* Domestic Violence

If you have been charged with domestic violence, the California criminal defense law firm of Lessem & Newstat, LLP, can help. We will evaluate the facts, including any physical evidence, to determine if the alleged attack was the result of a difficult divorce battle. If your estranged spouse claims domestic violence as a means to gain full custody of your children, you need skilled legal representation to ensure that you don’t completely lose visitation rights. Other domestic violence charges are actually the result of a physical fight in which both parties are the attackers, and this can also play a role in your defense.

* Drug Possession / Distribution

If you are caught with a controlled substance, you need the help of an experienced drug possession lawyer who is familiar with California’s drug laws and how they apply to your case. At Lessem and Newstat, LLP, we have successfully had cases dropped due to illegal searches. On numerous occasions, we have had sales cases reduced to mere drug possessions. We look at the entire picture, including your role and prior history, to present the facts in an effective manner on your behalf. Drug attorneys Jeremy Lessem, Joshua Newstat and Mark Lessem will examine all facts related to your case, such as whether search and seizures were performed legally or whether any evidence is circumstantial.

* DUI Defense

DUI lawyers Jeremy Lessem, Joshua Newstat and Mark Lessem of Lessem & Newstat, LLP have handled hundreds of drunk driving cases on behalf of clients across the state. Our firm knows that when a police officer requests that you submit to a field sobriety test or preliminary alcohol screening, you will most likely comply because you are intimidated and believe you have no other options. However, the reality is that no test is without fault, and a police officer who incorrectly performs a field test can create problems for you in the courtroom. We know how to attack the science behind your DUI arrest, and work with experienced experts and laboratories to challenge the prosecution’s evidence every step of the way.

* Elder Abuse

In California, elder abuse can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. Elder abuse includes neglect, exploitation or psychological mistreatment of anyone who is 65 or older or a dependent adult. Financial abuse, physical violence, psychological abuse and caregiver mistreatment are common elder abuse allegations. Elder abuse cases are frequently built on questionable interviews of elderly people who are unfairly influenced and manipulated during questioning. If you are accused of an elder abuse crime, we will usually interview the alleged victim in a non-coercive, neutral setting with a professional investigator hired by Lessem & Newstat, LLP, on your behalf.

* Federal Crimes

A federal crime is extremely serious. In many case, charges are filed only after federal investigators have been engaging in surveillance and stockpiling evidence against you. You need an attorney that can act quickly, recognize the issues and respond effectively with the proper legal tactics. If you are charged with a federal crime it is absolutely imperative that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through this potentially life altering situation. At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, we will do everything possible to make sure that your federal case is dealt with effectively and the best possible result is achieved.

* Felony Defense

While infractions and misdemeanors are relatively minor crimes, felonies are more serious charges and may be punished by a prison term of more than one year. If you are charged with a felony, an experienced felony defense attorney can make a difference in the penalty you receive and the impact the charge will have on your future. Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara County felony defense attorneys Jeremy Lessem, Joshua Newstat and Mark Lessem of Lessem & Newstat, LLP, have handled thousands of felony cases on behalf of clients throughout the state. Our firm knows that felony charges are serious, especially in light of California’s “three strikes” law, which allows for a life sentence for an individual convicted of any felony offense after already having been convicted of two or more serious or violent felonies.

* Hit and Run / Traffic Offenses

The failure to stop and exchange information after an automobile collision is considered a hit and run. A hit and run offense where there is only property damage is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum of six months in jail. When injuries have occurred as a result of the collision, the case can be filed as felony. In addition to hit and run cases, the attorneys at Lessem & Newstat, LLP can also assist in the defense of other traffic related offenses such as reckless driving, exhibition of speed and excessive speeding. Offenses such as these can not only potentially carry jail time, but also seriously impact your driving privileges and insurance premiums. At Lessem & Newstat, LLP our experienced attorneys with fight to help keep you out of jail and keep your driver’s license.

* Juvenile Defense

At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, we know that multiple factors can cause your child to become involved in criminal activity, and we examine each case closely to determine if there are issues that may help influence the court’s decision. Whether your child has fallen in with the wrong crowd, acted out of fear for personal safety, or faces gang activity, we ask the court to consider any mitigating factors that may have influenced your child’s actions. Our goal is to obtain a dismissal of charges against your child. If that isn’t possible, we work to get reduced or minimal penalties, such as community service instead of boot camp or home probation instead of prison time.

* Mental Health Law

One out of every four Americans suffers from mental illness. People with mental illnesses often end up incarcerated unjustly in jail and locked treatment facilities because they are vulnerable and misunderstood. At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, our mental health attorneys have helped thousands of mentally ill people stand up and fight for their rights. We believe that treatment rather than incarceration is the most effective solution for people with mental illness entangled in the criminal justice system. If we cannot get your case thrown out or obtain a not guilty verdict at trial, we will explore all alternatives to jail and prison. Some counties have a court dedicated to mentally ill offenders.

* Misdemeanor Defense

In misdemeanor cases, you do have the right to a jury trial. In many cases, your attorney may attend court without you. Whether you beat your case completely at trial, pay a fine and do community service or receive jail time is often the result of your attorney’s skill in presenting the facts of your case. At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, we do everything possible to avoid or reduce jail time whenever possible. We will try to obtain community service or drug treatment programs when appropriate. We have helped numerous clients negotiate lesser sentences for misdemeanors, and have won many jury trials for clients accused of misdemeanor offenses. We know how to present the facts in the most effective manner on our clients’ behalf.

* Murder / Violent Crimes

At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, we will look at whether the evidence is circumstantial and whether there is any real basis for claiming premeditation. We understand that often charges are filed even when people were only acting in self-defense, and when this is the case we do everything possible to show the prosecution that no crime has been committed. In addition to murder and manslaughter, there are numerous other violent crimes in California that are also punishable with extremely long prison sentences. These types of crimes include the following: Assault; Battery; Assault with a deadly weapon; Criminal threats; Kidnapping; Robbery; Arson; Carjacking; Rape/Sexual assault; Gang related crimes; Domestic violence.

* Probation Violations/Warrants

An extremely common consequence of a criminal conviction is an individual being put on probation. A failure to follow the rules of probation can be very serious, resulting in jail time on misdemeanors and prison time on felony probation violations. If you are being accused of violating your conditions of probation it is absolutely imperative that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to successfully fight probation violations. Additionally, if you have learned that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, either on a new case or as the result of a potential probation violation, it is always in your best interest to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney before taking action.

* Sex Crimes

The sex crimes lawyers at Lessem & Newstat, LLP, understand that completely innocent people can be accused of sex crimes that they did not commit. We realize that people going through divorces, child custody issues, messy break-ups and other family related turmoil will lie to the police in order to hurt their former boyfriends and husbands. We know that some people will even convince children to lie in order to punish or get back at someone they are angry with. At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, we will challenge the witnesses against you and investigate the details of the prosecution’s case. We will look for the motivations behind why someone may be lying and uncover the inconsistencies in their stories.

* Theft Offenses / Fraud

Whether charged with a misdemeanor or felony theft offense, you need the help of an experienced theft attorney who is familiar with California’s theft laws and know how they apply to your case. The Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara County theft attorneys Jeremy Lessem, Joshua Newstat and Mark Lessem of Lessem & Newstat, LLP have handled hundreds of theft related cases across the state. Our firm knows that theft-related charges often are the result of misunderstandings, where people are charged with taking property that they believed they had permission to use or didn’t know was stolen.

- Civil Litigation

On the Civil side, of counsel attorney Jeffrey Karpel has more than 40 years experience representing clients in a wide range of civil and business related matters. Whether you have been injured in an automobile accident, had your civil rights violated by a law enforcement officer or are involved in a business dispute, the lawyers at Lessem & Newstat, LLP are here to help. Our civil experience at Lessem & Newstat, LLP is wide ranging, but includes the following areas:

* Business Litigation

At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, our business litigation attorneys have the trial experience it takes to defend you or your company against unwarranted attacks or to initiate legal action to protect the interests of your officers, employees and shareholders. We are trained to solve disputes through aggressive, determined and skilled advocacy. We strive to be a firm that other lawyers call when they have taken their client's case as far as they can. As your attorneys, we will always try to find creative solutions to minimize your exposure and avoid trial if possible.

* Personal Injury

We understand how terrifying and life-changing an injury can be. Whether an injury results from unsafe driving, wet floors, dog bites or train collisions, you need to have lawyers on your side you can trust. At Lessem & Newstat, LLP, we pride ourselves on obtaining favorable results without compromising our ethical obligations to clients and the legal process. When you hire a personal injury attorney you want to have aggressive trial lawyers in your corner. We are successful trial lawyers. If insurance companies do not want to settle for maximum compensation, we will go to trial. You pay no fee unless we obtain a settlement or win a trial on your behalf.

* Police Brutality/Civil Rights

When law enforcement overstep their bounds of authority, the police brutality lawyers of Lessem & Newstat, LLP, can step in and work hard to obtain compensation for you or your loved one in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara. When the police abuse their authority and violate civil rights, we must hold them responsible for their unlawful conduct. Police officers are employed to protect us from harm, not to inflict physical punishment. The law protects all citizens including people accused or convicted of crimes from violence at the hands of the police. We represent victims of police brutality, including: Wrongful death; Wrongful shooting; Excessive Use of Tasers; Excessive Force; Police K-9 dog bites; Wrongful Imprisonment.

* Products Liability

Dangerous and defective products may include automotive defects, tires, airbags, dangerous toys, improperly designed consumer products, industrial machinery, pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices. Design defects, marketing defects, and manufacturing defects pose threats of injury to innocent consumers. Improper warnings or instructions on a product's packaging can cause injuries to the person using the product. The results of California product liability accidents may be long-lasting effects on the victim – physically, emotionally and financially.