Hooman Kazemi
About Hooman
Biography
Hooman Kazemi serves as a Deputy Public Defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, where he is currently a Trainer. He trains newly hired lawyers in advanced trial advocacy and substantive principles and mentors them through their first trials. Previously he defended clients through Jury Trial against all types of felony charges filed by the prosecutor's office. Mr. Kazemi has tried nearly 75 cases to judges and juries at the felony, juvenile, and misdemeaner level, achieving exceptional results. In recognition of his outstanding trial record, Mr. Kazemi was named 2010 California Trial Lawyer of the Year by the state-wide criminal defense bar assocation The Private Defenders.
Mr. Kazemi is also a Faculty Lecturer with the University of Southern California, a position he has held since 2007. He is the Assistant Program Director of the Dornsife Trial Advocacy Program and co-teaches "Trial Advocacy: Theory and Practice".
Mr. Kazemi earned his law degree from Loyola Law School. At Loyola, he was a member of the nationally ranked Byrne Trial Advocacy team and participated in the Williams Civil Rights Litigation Clinic. He earned First Honors in Franchise Law, Trial Advocacy, and Advanced Trial Advocacy. Mr. Kazemi earned his undergraduate degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California, where he was a member of the undergraduate trial advocacy team and recipient of the Freeman Foundation Explore East Asia scholarship and Alumni Achievement Award.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
19 years | 2,000 cases
400 cases
300 cases
200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
100 %
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 18 years
State: California
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office
210 W. Temple St., 19th Fl, Los Angeles, CA, 90012
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Hooman Kazemi's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
9 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Rich | July 05, 2010 | Criminal Defense
A True Expert in the Craft and Art of Law
With the increasing complexity of often contradictory laws, it takes brilliance and very significant ingenuity to keep our legal system both fair and sensible. Hooman Kazemi is both brilliant and extremely skilled. In my case, he was able to change the charge against me from one that was unfair, to...
Hooman Kazemi's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. It's obvious that Attorney Kazemi has a commitment to helping out the greater community by giving insightful answers here on AVVO."
"Hooman is a leader in the criminal defense community. As a public defender and professor of trial advocacy skills, he works tirelessly to perfect his craft and is admired by his peers as one of the best we have. I highly recommend this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Awesome trial attorney with proven results."
"How do you best describe the most efficient, knowledgeable and humble public defender that is dedicated to the legal profession: Hooman Kazemi. Whenever I hear people putting down public defenders, I simply think of the lucky clients that get to use the services of Hooman Kazemi. Bright, talented, passionate, kind and persuasive are only a few characteristics that come to mind. He is a lawyer's lawyer. That says it all. Nothing but good reviews for this fine lawyer."
"Hooman debunks every myth one could have about a public defender. He's first and foremost a superb trial lawyer, and his results are off the charts. He "walks" people on a routine basis. His knowledge of juvenile criminal defense puts him among the top 2 or 3 lawyers in all of Southern California in that field alone. I am proud and lucky to call Hooman a colleague and friend."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Kazemi is thorough, detailed, smart, and has an incredible trial track record. The reasons that so many of his cases result in incredible offers is that -- absent an immensely attractive offer -- Mr. Kazemi is eager to try the case, and won the large majority of his trials while seated at the LAX court. His clients are truly fortunate."
"I am familiar with Mr. Kazemi's work through a professional association of which we are both members. His knowledgeable, opinion are often sought by other attorneys. Mr. Kazemi works hard to ensure his clients are well informed and well represented in court. Any client is lucky to have him represent them, and I couldn't recommend him more strongly."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Hooman is a fantastic up and comer. He is a rising star. If I needed a defense attorney, he would no doubt be on my dream team of lawyers. Hooman is one of the hardest workers I have had the honor to observe. What an asset to his clients. He has an excellent grasp of complicated legal concepts, he aggressively challenges authority in an effective manner, he is NOT a 'potted plant,' and he knows what to take on and when. He already has an excellent win record and I expect Hooman will soon be one of the best lawyers in the State."
"Mr. Kazemi is a rising star with a success rate that is nothing short of miraculous. He is highly recommended."
"Hooman Kazemi is an extremely dedicated attorney who works tirelessly in his representation of clients. He refuses to take shortcuts and takes whatever steps, and time, are necessary to provide the most complete defense possible. I would trust him to represent me, which is why I feel comfortable referring any of my clients to him."
"Mr. Kazemi is an aggressive, effective lawyer who goes the extra mile for his clients. Recommended highly."
"Hooman is very professional, ethical, and zealously represents his clients. A person in need of representation in a criminal matter could not be in better hands. I endorse this lawyer's work. BTW, while Hooman is not one to brag, he just got an acquittal the other day on a very difficult theft case. I thought he'd be lucky to get a hung jury based on the facts. He proved me wrong and his client could not be happier."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Kazemi works tirelessly to represent his client's rights. He is a skilled and gifted advocate and a well-respected member of the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is experienced, meticulous, and through in his work. I highy recommend Hooman as I know he will do the best job anyone can do for his client."
"Mr. Kazemi is a very thorough, competent, and skillful criminal defense attorney, and I would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone."
"Mr. Kazemi is a credit to the Los Angeles Public Defender. He is dedicated to the defense of his clients and treats them with compassion and diginity."
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Experience
Honors
2011
Excellence Award, The Private Defenders of California
2010
California Trial Lawyer of the Year, The Private Defenders of California
2007
Top Honors - Advanced Trial Advocacy, Loyola Law School
2006
Top Honors - Trial Advocacy, Loyola Law School
2006
Top Honors - Franchise Law, Loyola Law School
N/A
Alumni Achievement Award, University of Southern California
Work Experience
2008 - Present
Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office
2007 - Present
Faculty Lecturer, University of Southern California
2006 - 2007
Summer Associate, Gilbert, Kelly, Crowley & Jennett LLP
2006 - 2006
Law Clerk, Law Office of Bradley Brook
Associations
2012 - Present
The Private Defenders of CaliforniaMember, Board of Directors
2008 - Present
The Private Defenders of CaliforniaMember - Faculty of Law
2004 - Present
Iranian American Bar AssociationMember
2015 - 2017
LA County Public Defender's AssociationMember, Board of Directors
2015 - 2018
Iranian-American Lawyers AssociationMember, Board of Directors
2007 - 2008
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Acquittal
Felonies dismissed, time-served to misdemeanors
Jury Acquittal
Acquitted by Court
D.A. Fitness Motion Withdrawn and 9-months Camp
6-months Camp for a Sealable Offense
Case Dismissed by Judge Upon Payment of Restitution
DUI Charges Dismissed
Case dismissed for violation of statutory speedy trial rights
Acquitted by Jury of All Charges
Case dismissed for constitutional violation
Case Dismissed on Trial Date
Case Dismissed in the Interests of Justice
Dismissal
Plea to Infraction and Dismissal of All Other Charges
Acquitted of all Charges
Count 1 reset for trial after hung jury and Count 2 acquitted by judge
County Jail Time
Marijuana DUI Charges Dismissed
Plea bargain to PC415 Disturbing the Peace Infraction
Acquitted of All Charges
Probation Terminated Early and Expungement Granted
Case Dismisssed
Deadly Weapon Charges Dismissed
Case Dismisssed
Full Acquittal of All Charges
Marijuana DUI Charges Dismissed (DUI Checkpoint)
Domestic Battery and Criminal Threats Charges Dismissed, No DV Classes
Domestic Violence and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Case Dismissed at Jury Trial
Deadly Weapons Case Dismissed
Weapons Charges Plead to Infraction, No Jail
Restraining Order/Trespass Case Dismissed
Early Termination of Probation and Expungement
Criminal Threats/Witness Intimidation Dismissed
Criminal Threats/Bomb Threat Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Infraction on Drug and Syringe Possession Case
Not Guilty at Jury Trial: Grand Theft
Rental Car Theft: Restitution for Dismissal
Prostitution Charges Dismissed for "John"
Assault with Deadly Weapon Charges Dismissed
Checkpoint MJ and Alcohol DUI Charges Dismissed
Counterfeit DVD's Case Dismissed
Negotiated NO Lifetime Sex Offender Registration
Fake ID Case Dismissed
False ID and Minor in Possession Case Dismissed
Driving on DUI Suspended License Dismissed
Driving on a Suspended License Charge Dismissed
Misdemeanor Charges Dismissed, Plea to Infraction
Theft and Embezzlement Charges Dismissed
Unlicensed Erotic Massage Charges Dismissed
$26000 in Theft/Embezzlement Pled to Misdemeanor
Fake Name Charges Dismissed
.10/.10 DUI Charges Dismissed, Speed Ex Plea
Case Dismissed
Prostitution Charges Dismissed
Battery with Serious Injury Case Dismissed
Grand Theft charges dismissed
Case Dismissed, No Felony Probation Violation
Acquitted: Not Guilty Verdicts at Trial
Vandalism and Vehicle Tampering Case Dismissed
Drug Case Dismissed in the Interests of Justice
DUI with Accident: Charges Dismissed
Case Dismissed on Jury Trial date
Domestic Violence and ADW Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed, Plea to Infraction (Ticket)
Case Dismissed After Hung Jury on All Counts
All Criminal Charges Expunged
Deadly Weapon Charges Dismissed for Infraction
2nd DUI and Hit/Run = Regional Center Dismissal
Charges Dismissed for 12 Hours Anger Counseling
Underage Liquor Sales Case reduced to Infraction
Knife Charges Againt Grandmother = Infraction
Client with 2 DUIs Settled for 48hrs Jail
Underage Alcohol Possession Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed in the Interests of Justice
Case Dismissed in the Interests of Justice
Drug Paraphernalia Case Dismissed
Petty Theft and Embezzlement: Case Dismissed
Weapons Case Dismissed for $200 Court Costs
Case Dismissed on Trial Date
Negotiated One Year Diversion to get Dismissal
Weapons Charge Reduced to Disturbing the Peace
Probation Terminated Early and Case Expunged
Trial resulting in Hung Jury 7-5 for Acquittal
Case Dismissed for 100 Hours Community Service
Felony Theft Charges Dismissed - Plea to Trespass
Not Guilty Verdict on All Counts
Early Termination of Probation and Expungement
Battery Plea Bargained to Trespass
Case Dismissed in the Interests of Justice
Favorable Result: DUI Reduced to Speed Exhibition
DUI Set for Trial, Plea Deal to Speed Exhibition
Set for Trial, settled for Tinted Windows citation
DUI dismissed, Plea to Driving w/o a License
Drug and Deadly Weapons Case Dismissed
Hung Jury 10-2 for Acquittal. Case dismissed
Case Dismissed by Civil Compromise
Battery/False Imprisonment Charges Dismissed
Domestic Violence Plea Bargained to Trespass
Dismissal Upon Completion of 26 NA classes
Shoplifting Case Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict on All Charges at Jury Trial
Case Dismissed
Suppression Motion Granted and Case Dismissed
DUI Plea Bargained to Drunk in Public
Case Dismissed Upon Filing of Suppression Motion
Driving on a Suspended License Case Dismissed
Third Time DUI Case Dismissed
Driving on a Suspended License Case Dismissed
Driving on a Suspended License Case Dismissed
Motion to Dismiss Granted, Case Dismissed
DUI+Accident & Child Endangerment Case Dismissed
DUI Case Dismissed
Third-Time DUI Dismissed on Defense Motion
DUI Case Dismissed
Driving on a Suspended License Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed on Defense Motion
Felony Drug Case Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
DUI Case Dismissed
Not Guilty and Hung Jury at Trial
Petty Theft Charges: Diversion
Vehicle Theft Case Dismissed
Assaut with Deadly Weapon/Road Rage Dismissed
Education
2007
Law
2004
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2015
Tactical Considerations at Preliminary Hearing
2013
2013
2011
The Impact of Immigration Status on the Decisions of the Criminal Defendant
2010
Immigration Consequences and Criminal Law Litigation: The Defense Perspective
2010
2010
Publications
2010
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides