Criminal Law Unfiltered

Sex Crime Defense in California: What to Know When You’re Accused

Episode Summary:In this episode of Criminal Law Unfiltered, veteran defense attorney Robert Helfend breaks down what happens in the first few days after someone is accused of a sex crime in California. With over 40 years of criminal defense experience, he explains what families need to know, why staying silent is crucial, and how early legal action can protect the accused from serious mistakes. Robert also discusses how investigators build cases, the emotional toll of sex crime allegations, and why hiring a private attorney early can make a major difference in the outcome.
Key Timestamps Summary:00:00 – Overview of what happens after a sex crime accusation and why early action matters.01:00 – Why you should never contact the victim or make statements before speaking to an attorney.02:30 – How law enforcement gathers evidence and uses recorded calls to get admissions.04:00 – Unlike other criminal cases, these often rely on one person’s word—making them legally and emotionally complex.05:30 – How attorneys evaluate motive, inconsistencies, and multiple interviews by detectives.07:30 – Why most cases lose public attention over time and why lawyers avoid public statements.08:30 – How judges set conditions like GPS monitoring and criminal protective orders.10:00 – Why avoiding communication with the victim is essential to prevent bail violations.12:30 – How defense attorneys stay objective and focused despite emotional case details.14:30 – The role of forensic experts and long timelines before trial in sex crime cases.16:00 – Understanding the challenges of cross-examination and credibility issues.17:30 – The benefits of early legal representation compared to waiting for a public defender.
About the Show:Criminal Law Unfiltered explores real-world criminal defense insights from seasoned attorney Robert Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group. With decades of courtroom experience, he breaks down complex legal issues, from federal charges to sex crime allegations, helping listeners understand their rights and how the system really works.

Mandatory Minimums: Why Federal Sentences Can Be So Harsh

Episode Summary
In this episode of Criminal Law Unfiltered, defense attorney Robert M. Helfend explains the complexities of mandatory minimum sentences in federal court. He breaks down how these laws remove judicial discretion, why prosecutors hold the power to determine sentencing exposure, and what options exist for clients facing mandatory terms. With more than 40 years of experience handling serious state and federal cases, Robert sheds light on sentencing guidelines, the “safety valve” provision, cooperation agreements, and the strategies that can help reduce prison time in the federal system.
Key Timestamps
01:15 – What are mandatory minimum sentences and who sets them?04:30 – Why judges cannot go below mandatory minimums06:20 – Federal sentencing guidelines and how they interact with mandatory minimums08:45 – The “safety valve” provision and when it applies11:15 – Cooperation with prosecutors and sentence reductions14:30 – Risks and stigma of cooperating in federal cases18:20 – Why professionalism and credibility matter when negotiating with prosecutors22:00 – Options for clients starting a mandatory minimum sentence23:15 – Advocating for reform and eliminating mandatory minimums
About the Show:
Criminal Law Unfiltered is hosted by Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group. With decades of courtroom experience in serious state and federal cases, Robert provides unfiltered insights into how the justice system really works. Each episode sheds light on the realities of criminal defense, separating TV fiction from the truth inside the courtroom.
Resources:
Learn more about Robert M. M. Helfend and schedule a free consultation: robertmhelfend.com

Federal Investigations & Grand Juries Explained: What It Means If You’re Under Federal Investigation

Episode Summary:
In this episode, criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend explains the realities of federal investigations and grand juries. With over 40 years of experience defending clients in state and federal courts, Robert breaks down what it means to receive a target letter, why legal counsel is essential if federal agents contact you, and how grand jury proceedings differ from jury trials. He also clarifies the role of public defenders, the risks of ignoring federal inquiries, and the steps defendants can take to protect themselves during high-stakes investigations.
Key Timestamps:
00:01:00 – What Does It Mean to Be Under Federal Investigation?00:03:00 – What Is a Target Letter?00:05:00 – Can You Be Investigated Without Knowing It?00:08:00 – How Do Grand Juries Work in Federal Cases?00:12:00 – Subpoenas and Witness Rights Before a Grand Jury00:15:00 – The Role of Public Defenders in Federal Cases00:17:00 – Best Advice if Contacted by Federal Agents
About the Show:
Criminal Law Unfiltered is hosted by Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group. With decades of courtroom experience in serious state and federal cases, Robert provides unfiltered insights into how the justice system really works. Each episode sheds light on the realities of criminal defense, separating TV fiction from the truth inside the courtroom.
Resources:
Learn more about Robert M. M. Helfend and schedule a free consultation: robertmhelfend.com

Plea Bargains Explained: How Criminal Case Negotiations Work

Episode Summary: 
In this episode, Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group and a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney with over 40 years of experience, explains the ins and outs of plea bargains. Robert breaks down how plea deals are initiated, when judges get involved, what role prior convictions play, and the risks defendants face when choosing between trial and negotiation. With thousands of clients defended and extensive experience in both state and federal courts, Robert shares how plea negotiations can shape the outcome of a case and why strategy is critical at every step.
Key Timestamps:
00:01:00 – What is a Plea Deal?00:05:00 – Who Initiates Plea Discussions?00:07:00 – Negotiating Serious Cases00:10:00 – Risks of Rejecting a Plea Deal00:12:00 – Prior Convictions and Plea Offers00:15:00 – Can Judges Reject Plea Agreements?00:17:00 – The Role of Justice in Plea Negotiations
About the Show:
Criminal Law Unfiltered is hosted by Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group. With decades of courtroom experience in serious state and federal cases, Robert provides unfiltered insights into how the justice system really works. Each episode sheds light on the realities of criminal defense, separating TV fiction from the truth inside the courtroom.
 
Learn more about Robert M. Helfend and schedule a free consultation: robertmhelfend.com

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take?

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Robert M. M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group and a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 40 years of experience, explains the timeline of criminal cases. From arraignment to trial, Robert provides insight into the key stages that impact how long a case can take in both state and federal courts. He shares strategies for managing court schedules, navigating discovery, and using time to a defendant’s advantage, offering listeners a clear understanding of what to expect during the criminal justice process.
Key Timestamps:
00:01:00 – Factors Affecting Case Duration00:03:00 – Stages in a State Criminal Case00:05:00 – Differences Between State and Federal Cases00:10:00 – Federal Guidelines and Probation Reports00:13:00 – Court Backlogs and Strategic Timing00:15:00 – Importance of Discovery00:18:00 – Pros and Cons of Case Timing00:20:00 – Managing Client Expectations
About the Show:
Criminal Law Unfiltered is hosted by Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group. With decades of courtroom experience in serious state and federal cases, Robert provides unfiltered insights into how the justice system really works. Each episode sheds light on the realities of criminal defense, separating TV fiction from the truth inside the courtroom.
Resources:
Schedule a free consultation with Robert M. M. Helfend and the Helfend Law Group: robertmhelfenm.com

Federal Sentencing Guidelines Explained: How They Work and What Impacts Your Sentence

Episode Summary:
Criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend explains the federal sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimums, downward departures, and the strategic role of cooperation with federal authorities. Drawing on over 40 years of experience defending clients across the U.S., Helfend provides essential guidance for anyone facing federal charges.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction01:45 – How Guidelines Work05:00 – Probation Officer Interview07:30 – Mandatory Minimums10:00 – Cooperation With the Government (5K1 Motions)15:00 – Government Evaluation of Cooperation18:30 – Conclusion & Advice
About the Show:
Criminal Law Unfiltered is hosted by Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group. With decades of courtroom experience in serious state and federal cases, Robert provides unfiltered insights into how the justice system really works. Each episode sheds light on the realities of criminal defense, separating TV fiction from the truth inside the courtroom.

Federal vs. State Criminal Charges: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Episode Summary:
In this episode, criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group, discusses the critical differences between federal and state criminal charges and why understanding these distinctions can significantly impact the outcome of a case. With over 40 years of experience and more than 4,000 clients defended, Helfend explains how charges are filed, what types of cases go federal, and the strategic steps individuals should take if contacted by federal authorities.
Key Takeaways / Timestamped Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction to Federal vs. State Charges02:00 – Types of Cases in Federal Court04:30 – How Federal Investigations Begin08:30 – Target Letters and Federal Notifications10:30 – Actions to Take When Contacted by Federal Authorities14:00 – Conclusion and Key Advice
Episode Description:Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, and understanding whether your case falls under state or federal jurisdiction is crucial. In this episode, Robert M. Helfend, a Los Angeles-based criminal defense attorney with over four decades of experience, breaks down the differences between state and federal charges. He explores how cases are initiated, which offenses typically escalate to federal court, and the importance of strategic legal guidance when approached by federal agencies like the FBI or DEA. Listeners will gain practical insights into navigating investigations, potential penalties, and how to protect their rights with expert legal representation.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about Robert Helfend and Helfend Law Group: roberthelfend.com

How Social Media Can Wreck Your Criminal Defense

Episode Summary
In this episode of Criminal Law Unfiltered, Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend explores how social media can make or break a criminal case. With more than 40 years of experience defending clients against charges ranging from federal indictments to murder and sex crimes, Robert shares real-world insights into how online activity is increasingly used as evidence in court.
He explains how deleted posts, private messages, browsing history, and even being tagged in photos can be used by prosecutors to build a case. From human trafficking investigations to high-profile criminal trials, Robert provides practical advice on how defendants and their families should handle social media when under investigation or facing charges.
Key Timestamps
0:41 – 2:53 | How law enforcement uses phones and social media in investigations3:15 – 5:16 | Why texting or searching about crimes can be devastating evidence5:16 – 7:51 | How deleted posts, private messages, and browsing history are still used in court9:10 – 12:29 | The impact of tagging and third-party posts on criminal defense13:20 – 15:27 | Why clients and families should stay offline during pending cases15:30 – 16:53 | Robert’s advice on why social media silence is the best defense strategy

Murder Charges in Real Life: What TV Gets Wrong About Criminal Defense

Episode Summary:In the debut episode of Criminal Law Unfiltered, veteran Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend shares his insights from more than 40 years of courtroom experience and over 4,000 criminal cases handled. Robert discusses what murder defense looks like in real life compared to the dramatized versions on television. The conversation covers jury selection strategies, the difference between truth and evidence, timelines of murder trials, and the real role of forensic evidence like DNA. Robert also explains why most criminal cases don’t go to trial, what defendants and families should do when facing homicide charges, and why staying silent is critical.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction to Criminal Law Unfiltered with Robert Helfend01:05 – Robert Helfend’s background and career in criminal defense since 198403:15 – Why he chose criminal law and the importance of thinking on your feet05:10 – Winning a murder case with all 12 jurors and the importance of evidence vs. truth09:25 – Jury selection strategies and understanding juror biases13:50 – What TV gets wrong about murder trials compared to real life17:40 – The real timeline of a murder case (often 2–3 years, not one hour like on TV)22:15 – The impact of social media and text messages on modern criminal cases27:45 – The role of forensic evidence and when DNA really matters32:20 – Why most criminal cases settle instead of going to trial36:10 – Options for mitigation: reducing felonies, mental health diversion, and avoiding jail40:05 – What families should do first if a loved one is arrested for homicide44:30 – Closing thoughts and preview of future episodes
About the Show:Criminal Law Unfiltered is hosted by Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group. With decades of courtroom experience in serious state and federal cases, Robert provides unfiltered insights into how the justice system really works. Each episode sheds light on the realities of criminal defense, separating TV fiction from the truth inside the courtroom.