The earliest days shape the case — bail is argued in minutes and the preliminary hearing happens once. Talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney now; the first conversation is free and confidential.
The early weeks matter most
The first conversation is free, confidential, and with Aaron — not an intake service. You will leave it knowing what you are facing, what happens next, and the flat fee in writing.
What you’re facing
These are the things people actually say on the first call. Each has an answer, and none of them require you to have decided anything yet.
Bail is argued, not accepted. The bail hearing is prepared like the hearing it is — with ties to the community, employment and every factor the court is required to weigh, put on the record.
A deadline on an offer is a negotiating position, not a court order. No disposition is discussed until the discovery has been read and the charging decision has been tested against the actual evidence.
Licensing boards and immigration consequences are assessed before any plea is discussed — so the disposition is weighed for what it does to your record, not only for the sentence attached to it.
Why this firm
The lawyers you speak to on the phone are the lawyers who stand up in court. There is no intake centre between you and your representation, and no unknown associate you have never met.
The first conversation is with Aaron. Four people work your file and you will know all of them by name — the same team from the first call through to resolution.
No family law, no personal injury, no side practice. Over fifteen years spent in Los Angeles County courtrooms on criminal matters and nothing else.
You know the number and the plan at the start. The strategy is agreed with you rather than presented to you, and nothing is agreed on your behalf without your say-so.
The line is answered 24/7, and written case reviews are answered within one business hour between 8am and 10pm, seven days a week.
If you call today
From the first call to the last hearing you always know what is happening, why, and exactly where you stand.
Send the case review or call the line. The team who will argue your case is the team you speak to — not an intake service.
The charge is assessed, your exposure explained plainly and every option set out — including the ones that need no lawyer at all.
Reports, body-cam, priors and procedure read in full. Strategy and a flat fee confirmed in writing before anything is filed.
Motions, negotiation or trial — whichever the record supports. Nothing is agreed on your behalf without your say-so first.
In their own words
“Attorney McAllister goes above and beyond. It is clear he is very passionate about his work and getting justice and the most favorable outcome for his clients. I have hired him personally and referred him to family and friends.”
Al — hired attorney
Avvo review · March 2025
“Attorney McAllister exudes Professionalism and I felt as though I knew him personally starting on Day One. He listened intently and came up with a strategy to move forward and address our case.”
Hired attorney
Avvo review · November 2024
“Not only did he take me under his wing IMMEDIATELY and without hesitation after hearing my situation, he didn’t judge me, he was quick, and was the 1st attorney out of dozens whom I called, that didn’t interrupt me nor put me on the backburner.”
Christian — hired attorney
Avvo review · November 2021
“You can tell Aaron cares about his clients and will fight tooth and nail to get the best result. He explores every avenue in a defense looking for motions to file. I’m an attorney myself, Los Angeles native, and if any of my family members need help, I would trust them in Aaron’s hands.”
Givelle Lamano — criminal defense lawyer
Peer endorsement · Avvo
This testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Reviews excerpted from the firm’s public Avvo profile; the peer endorsement is by a fellow attorney, as published on Avvo.
Why now
What is preserved, challenged and put on the record in the early stages is what the rest of the case is built from — the earlier the call, the more there is to work with.
Common questions
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel, and using them is not evidence of anything. What you do not say cannot be misquoted in a report.
Preserve evidence before it disappears, appear at the bail hearing prepared, test the charging decision against the discovery, and deal with investigators so you do not have to.
Flat and fixed in writing after the case review, before anything is filed. You know the number and the plan at the start.
The arraignment is where the charges are formally read and a plea is entered. It is also the first opportunity to address bail and custody status, which is why going in prepared matters.
Yes. Release without charges is not the end — the prosecutor can still file within the statute of limitations. The pre-filing window is often the most valuable time to present the defense view.
Whatever you have: the citation or booking paperwork, the report number, any court date already given to you, and your own written account of what happened while it is still fresh.
Want the full picture? See all California criminal defense practice areas ↗