1. Matthew G. Kaestner, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist designation
Practice Areas: Murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, domestic violence, three strikes, white-collar crime, drug manufacturing and distribution, fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, DUI, gang cases, wiretaps
Background: Attorney Matthew Kaestner is certified by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California as a Criminal Law Specialist. There are only 3 criminal law specialists with offices in Long Beach and only 46 in all of Los Angeles County (as of October 2025). Attorney Kaestner has fought criminal cases for over 35 years. His vast experience includes successfully defending clients charged with virtually every type of criminal charge from capital murder to white-collar and major drug crimes to serious misdemeanors. He has handled high publicity cases as well as those where privacy and discretion are paramount concerns. Mr. Kaestner personally handles each client’s case from arraignment through trial.
Location: Long Beach, California (serves Los Angeles County and surrounding courts)
Contact: (562) 437-0200 | https://www.lbcrimlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for immediate assistance and advice
2. Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Senior LA Prosecutor and Harvard Law School education
Practice Areas: DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, theft, lewd conduct, fraud, violent crimes
Background: Prior to opening the Kraut Law Group, Michael Kraut was a senior trial attorney with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Over a period of almost 15 years as a prosecutor, Attorney Kraut attained a success rate of over 99% in jury trials. He has lectured to law enforcement on criminal law and procedure and is called upon by national media to speak as a legal commentator. Attorney Kraut used to train law enforcement on DUI search and seizure law and has found innovative ways to suppress evidence that prosecutors want to use. He is nationally renowned as a trial attorney. The firm has an office in Long Beach at 444 West Ocean, Suite 800.
Location: 444 West Ocean, Suite 800, Long Beach, CA 90802
Contact: (562) 531-7454 | https://www.losangelescriminallawyer.pro/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24 hours
3. Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Long Beach Bar Association Lawyer of the Year recognition
Practice Areas: DUI, misdemeanors, felonies, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, assault, violent crimes
Background: Robin Perry is a Long Beach criminal defense lawyer who was honored as the Long Beach Bar Association Lawyer of the Year for 2024. For nearly 30 years, the firm has been representing clients in Long Beach and throughout Southern California. The attorneys have worked in the District Attorney’s Office and bring that experience when representing defendants. The firm will listen to all details about allegations and gather evidence like photographs, videos, and witness statements. If certain evidence is not available, they help investigate and collect it to strengthen the case. They also examine arrest circumstances for evidence of police misconduct that could get a case thrown out.
Location: 100 Oceangate, Suite 525, Long Beach, CA 90802
Contact: (562) 216-2944 | https://www.lordp.net/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Shouse Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former police officers and prosecutors on staff
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, assault, violent crimes, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, record clearing
Background: The legal team at Shouse Law Group consists of former police officers and former prosecutors in the California criminal justice system, using insider knowledge to challenge law enforcement at its own game. The firm creates attorney-client relationships throughout northern, central, and southern California. The Long Beach criminal defense attorneys represent defendants accused of felony, misdemeanor, and infraction charges throughout Los Angeles County. The firm also specializes in record clearing, helping clients with expungement and other post-conviction relief. DUI arrests do not always lead to convictions; the firm identifies police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers, and crime lab errors to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Location: 1 World Trade Center, Suite 822, Long Beach, CA 90831
Contact: (562) 633-8155 | https://www.shouselaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Winfield Law
Focus Area: Aggressive criminal defense for difficult legal situations
Practice Areas: DUI, violent crimes, felonies, drug crimes, property crimes, theft, burglary, robbery, larceny, motor vehicle theft
Background: Winfield Law is an experienced, aggressive, and motivated Long Beach criminal defense law firm that represents clients facing the most difficult legal situations. The firm has the drive, commitment, and perspective to help achieve favorable case outcomes. Whether clients are charged with DUI, violent crimes, felonies, or drug crimes, Winfield Law defends the right to the presumption of innocence. The attorneys understand the California criminal justice system and the processes that flow from arrest to potential sentencing. The firm helps clients anticipate and prepare for what is to come, providing legal support, honest answers to questions, wise advice, and fierce representation.
Location: Long Beach, California
Contact: (310) 742-8949 | https://www.losangelescriminaldefenselawyer.org/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California does not use a traditional felony classification system. Instead, each offense has its own specific penalty range:
Straight Felonies: Crimes that can only be charged as felonies, such as murder, rape, and kidnapping. Penalties vary widely based on the specific offense.
Wobblers: Offenses that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at the prosecutor’s discretion, such as assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft, and domestic violence with injury. The decision depends on circumstances and criminal history.
Determinate Sentencing: Most California felonies have a “triad” sentencing structure with low, middle, and high terms (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 years). Judges select within this range based on aggravating and mitigating factors.
Indeterminate Sentencing: Serious violent felonies may carry indeterminate sentences such as 15 years to life or 25 years to life.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include petty theft, simple assault, and trespassing.
Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 364 days in county jail and higher fines. Examples include DUI (first offense), domestic battery, and violation of protective order.
Infractions: Not criminal offenses. Punishable only by fine, no jail time. Examples include most traffic violations and minor municipal code violations.
Record Clearing Options
California offers multiple paths to record clearing:
Expungement (PC 1203.4): Available for most misdemeanor and felony convictions after completing probation. The conviction is dismissed but still visible on background checks (employer must ignore it for most purposes).
Proposition 47 Relief: Certain drug and theft felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors and then expunged.
Proposition 64 Relief: Marijuana-related convictions can be reduced, dismissed, or sealed depending on the offense.
Certificate of Rehabilitation: Available for certain felons who have demonstrated rehabilitation. Can lead to a gubernatorial pardon.
Automatic Record Sealing (SB 731): Effective July 2023, California automatically seals arrest and conviction records for eligible offenses after completion of sentence and waiting period (typically 4 years for felonies).
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 96 hours to 6 months jail, $390-$1,000 fine plus assessments, 6-month license suspension, 3-month DUI school, and 3-5 years probation. California has an implied consent law; refusal results in 1-year license suspension (first offense). Fourth DUI within 10 years is a felony. DUI with injury can be charged as a felony even for first offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Long Beach Courthouse and other Los Angeles County courthouses?
The Long Beach Courthouse, located at 415 West Ocean Boulevard (Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse), handles criminal cases arising within its geographic jurisdiction, which includes Long Beach, Signal Hill, and surrounding areas. Each courthouse in Los Angeles County has its own judges, prosecutors, and local practices that can affect case outcomes. The Long Beach courthouse handles misdemeanors from start to finish and conducts preliminary hearings for felonies. Serious felonies may be transferred to the downtown Los Angeles courthouse for trial. Having a Long Beach criminal defense attorney familiar with the local judges, prosecutors, and court customs provides a significant advantage. They know how specific judges rule on motions, which prosecutors are more likely to negotiate, and what local diversion programs are available.
What is California’s Three Strikes Law and how does it affect sentencing?
California’s Three Strikes Law (Penal Code 667) enhances sentences for defendants with prior serious or violent felony convictions (“strikes”). With one prior strike, the sentence for any new felony is doubled. With two prior strikes, a third felony conviction (if it is a serious or violent felony) results in 25 years to life in prison. Proposition 36 (2012) modified the law so that the third strike must be a serious or violent felony to trigger the 25-to-life sentence (previously, any felony triggered the life sentence). Defendants serving life sentences under the old law for non-violent third strikes may petition for resentencing. Serious felonies include residential burglary, robbery, and certain assault offenses. Violent felonies include murder, rape, and assault with intent to commit rape. A Long Beach criminal defense attorney can determine if you have prior strikes and develop strategies to avoid strike enhancements.
What is Prop 47 and how can it help me in Long Beach?
Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified certain non-violent drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Eligible offenses include: simple drug possession (Health & Safety Code 11350, 11357, 11377), shoplifting under $950 (Penal Code 459.5), grand theft under $950 (Penal Code 490.2), receiving stolen property under $950, forgery under $950, and writing bad checks under $950. If you have a prior felony conviction for an eligible offense, you can petition to have it reduced to a misdemeanor and then expunged. If you are currently serving a felony sentence for an eligible offense, you can petition for resentencing. Prop 47 relief can restore gun rights (for misdemeanors), improve employment prospects, and clear your record. A Long Beach criminal defense attorney can determine if your prior conviction qualifies and file the necessary petitions.
What happens if I am arrested for DUI in Long Beach?
After a DUI arrest in Long Beach, you face two separate proceedings: DMV administrative proceedings and criminal court proceedings. For the DMV, you have only 10 days from arrest to request a hearing to contest the automatic license suspension. If you do not request a hearing, your license is automatically suspended after 30 days. For the criminal case, you will be arraigned at the Long Beach Courthouse, typically within 48 hours if in custody or within a few weeks if released. At arraignment, you enter a plea. The case then proceeds through pretrial conferences, motions (such as motions to suppress evidence from illegal stops), and potentially trial. A Long Beach DUI attorney can handle both the DMV hearing and criminal case, challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath/blood test results, and other evidence.
Can I get my felony reduced to a misdemeanor in California?
Yes, California allows certain felonies to be reduced to misdemeanors under Penal Code 17(b). Eligible felonies are “wobblers” (offenses that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors). Reduction can occur at sentencing if you receive probation instead of prison, or after completing probation if you petition the court. Proposition 47 also allows reduction of certain drug and theft felonies to misdemeanors even if they were not originally wobblers. Benefits of reduction include: restoring gun rights (felons cannot possess firearms), avoiding felony stigma on job applications, potentially sealing the record, and avoiding immigration consequences for some offenses. Straight felonies (offenses that can only be charged as felonies, like murder or rape) cannot be reduced. A Long Beach criminal defense attorney can determine if your felony is eligible for reduction and file the necessary motion.