Facing Criminal Charges in the South Bay?
Okabe & Haushalter defends clients against state and federal criminal charges across the South Bay and greater Los Angeles area. Free, confidential consultation.
- Founding partners both began their careers in prosecution and public defense
- State & federal — licensed to practice in both court systems
- Free, confidential consultation
- Separate civil practice — also represents crime victims seeking compensation
How We Can Help
From a DUI to a federal white collar investigation, every case turns on its own facts and evidence — a free, confidential consultation is the fastest way to find out where your case stands.
Federal Criminal Defense
Federal cases are investigated by agencies with more resources than most local police departments, carry sentencing guidelines, and often involve charges built over months or years before an arrest.
Learn more →White Collar Crime
Embezzlement, fraud, racketeering, and computer crime cases are built almost entirely on documents and digital records — the evidence takes time to understand before it can be challenged.
Learn more →Sex Crimes Defense
Sex crime allegations carry some of the most severe consequences in California criminal law, including the possibility of mandatory sex offender registration — a lifelong collateral consequence separate from any sentence.
Learn more →Child Pornography Defense
These charges can be brought under state or federal law, each with different elements and sentencing exposure, and frequently involve complex digital forensic evidence that requires independent technical review.
Learn more →DUI Defense
A California DUI arrest triggers two separate proceedings — a criminal case and a DMV administrative hearing — with its own strict 10-day deadline that is easy to miss.
Learn more →Domestic Violence Defense
California domestic violence cases frequently proceed even without the alleged victim’s cooperation, and often come bundled with a separate restraining order proceeding.
Learn more →Assault & Battery
Assault and battery are legally distinct charges in California — assault does not require physical contact, while battery does.
Learn more →Weapons Charges
California has some of the most detailed firearm and weapons regulations in the country, and a weapons charge can carry both state and, in some cases, separate federal exposure.
Learn more →Juvenile Defense
California juvenile court operates under a different framework than adult criminal court, with its own terminology, confidentiality protections, and, for the most serious cases, the possibility of transfer to adult court.
Learn more →Victim Representation
A distinct civil practice — representing people harmed by criminal conduct in seeking monetary compensation, independent of whether a criminal case is ever filed or how it turns out.
Learn more →Understanding Criminal Defense
Why a Crime Victim Can Win a Civil Case Even Without a Criminal Conviction
Civil and criminal cases use different standards of proof — which is why a civil claim can succeed even when a criminal case doesn’t end in conviction.
Read article →How Proposition 57 Changed Whether a Minor Can Be Tried as an Adult in California
A 2016 ballot measure ended prosecutors’ ability to send certain juvenile cases straight to adult court without judicial review.
Read article →Why a Domestic Violence Case Can Continue Even If the Alleged Victim Doesn’t Want to Press Charges
California prosecutors, not alleged victims, control whether a domestic violence case proceeds — a distinction that surprises a lot of people.
Read article →Common Questions
What's the difference between a state and a federal criminal charge?
State charges are prosecuted by a county district attorney’s office under California law and heard in state court. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office under federal law, investigated by federal agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, and others), and heard in U.S. District Court. Federal cases generally involve more extensive pre-charge investigation, follow the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and in some categories of offense (including firearms and certain fraud and child exploitation charges) can carry mandatory minimum sentences that don’t exist at the state level for comparable conduct.
View this answer on its own page →What happens during a free consultation?
We’ll discuss the facts of your situation — what you’ve been charged with or are being investigated for, where the case currently stands, and what evidence exists so far. We’ll explain the realistic range of outcomes and what a defense strategy might look like. Consultations are confidential, and there’s no obligation to retain the firm afterward.
View this answer on its own page →Should I talk to the police or investigators before getting a lawyer?
Generally, no — you have a constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment not to answer questions, and anything you say can be used against you later, even if you believe you’re explaining your side of the story or clearing up a misunderstanding. It’s almost always better to have an attorney present for, or handle, any communication with investigators or prosecutors before you speak.
View this answer on its own page →How are attorney fees structured for a criminal defense case?
Criminal defense fees vary significantly by case type, complexity, and whether the matter is likely to resolve short of trial or proceed to trial — unlike a personal injury case, criminal defense is not typically handled on a contingency basis. Fee structure and cost are discussed directly and specifically during your consultation, in writing, before you retain the firm.
View this answer on its own page →Facing Charges? Get a Free, Confidential Consultation.
Free, confidential consultation. Case fees vary by matter type and are discussed directly — ask for the specifics in writing.
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