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Karen Lynn Goldstein
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About Karen
Biography
Persistent. Passionate. Principled.
Ms. Goldstein is an experienced trial lawyer who has been practicing in criminal defense since 2003. She is thrilled to be honored as the 2020 Recipient of Trial Attorney of the Year by the Criminal Courts Bar Association. Her practice is dedicated equally to defending state and federal criminal cases. Over the past fifteen years, she had gained extensive experience in representing clients accused of all types of crimes ranging from murder, child molestation, and white collar offenses, to gang-related crimes, rape, child pornography, and RICO cases. She has also developed a strong reputation in the community for fighting the most challenging of sex crimes cases and remaining undaunted in the face of overwhelming odds.
- violent cimes
- sex crimes
- federal crimes
- white collar crimes
- tax offenses
- drug crimes
- DUI
- theft, fraud, embezzlement
- domestic violence
- internet offenses
Ms. Goldstein is currently a member of the Central Justice Act (CJA) conflict panel for the Central District of California and the Indigent Criminal Defense Appointment (ICDA) panel for Los Angeles County where she represents indigent clients in federal and state court. She graduated cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center and maga cum laude from Georgetown University.
Ms. Goldstein is a member of the State Bar of California and the Bar Association of the District of Columbia. She has been admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of California, as well as the Federal District Courts for the Central, Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of California.
Ms. Goldstein speaks, reads, and writes French fluently and is conversational in Spanish.
Recipient of Trial Attorney of the Year 2020, Jerry Giesler Memorial Award by Criminal Courts Bar Association (CCBA) in Los Angeles. Persistent, Passionate, Principled Criminal Defense. All State & Federal Crimes.
My firm focuses its practice in sex crimes, violent crimes, and federal crimes. I fight to win.
Tirelessly Fights Back Against the Federal Government to win your freedom.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
23 years
Federal Crime
50%
23 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2014 2013 2011
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 5 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 22 years
State: California
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 19 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Karen online.
Karen Lynn Goldstein's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 27 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Stephanie | July 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Karen Goldstein is effective!
After spending money with other attorneys who knew nothing Karen was efficient, effective, and wanted to help. My brother was fighting life and thanks to Karen we are counting down for him to come home. She is worth the time & money!! Thank you so much Karen!
Posted by Wesam | February 19, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
If you’re looking for someone who knows their stuff and actually cares about their clients, I highly recommend her.
Karen Goldstein was incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional when I consulted with her about my son’s federal case. Even though we ultimately needed an attorney in a different district, I was really impressed with how much she knew and how much she genuinely seemed to care. She took ...
Posted by anonymous | March 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Saved My Life
I had one of the worst cases. Once hired, she came in immediately and took care of everything. I should have gone to jail for a long time. I don't know how she did it, but I didn't go to jail. Like I said in the title... saved my life.
Posted by anonymous | February 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend
Karen Goldstein is an exceptional attorney who provided me with top-notch representation in my federal criminal matter. I was charged with two counts of conspiracy for bribery and manufacturing of marijuana. I had retained two previous attorneys when the case first started. They did little for me, ...
Posted by anonymous | February 9, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Stop your search - Karen is the Lawyer to use
I recently had the opportunity to Hire Karen to defend me in a white-collar crime case. I consulted with several attorneys, but Karen's expertise was immediately evident during our initial meeting, leading me to hire her on the spot. Karen led me through a complex legal journey, handling each step w...
Karen Lynn Goldstein's Lawyer Endorsements
"Karen is one of the most intelligent, hardworking, and professional attorneys working in Los Angeles. She is extremely detail-oriented and truly cares about her clients. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."
"A highly skilled, experienced and effective attorney. Karen is a detail-oriented and relentless advocate who cares about her clients and the results she achieves. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Karen is one of the sharpest, most intelligent attorneys in the legal community. Karen is the paradigm of beauty and brains, and she has over TEN years of experience in criminal defense. She is tough as nails and gets consistent miracles for her clients. Her clients are extremely lucky to have her. I wholeheartedly endorse Karen."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Karen is a great criminal defense attorney! I recommend her highly! =)"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Karen and I were co-counsel on a large and complicated federal case. I was extremely impressed with Karen's knowledge of the law, her ability to understand and absorb the facts and her written and oral advocacy. She is an excellent, ethical lawyer and I wholeheartedly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Karen Goldstein as a higly capable and dedicated criminal defense attorney and in particular recommend her for Federal as well as cases involving allegations of sex offenses, two areas in which she has distinguished herself."
"Karen is dedicated attorney who works hard for her clients. She is a true advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Karen is tenacious, aggressive, and a masterful writer and litigant. She cares deeply for her clients and achieves phenomenal results. Her clients are lucky to have her by their side."
"I endorse this lawyer. Her skill in representing clients, her comprehensive legal knowledge, and her attention to detail are unsurpassed."
"I endorse this lawyer with complete confidence. Karen is simply amazing. She is phenomenal in court as a litigator and a relentless motion writer, which is a scarce commodity. Karen knows the law, knows the procedure and knows how to handle herself in a courtroom. We have worked on serious felony cases together and I was thoroughly impressed. With Karen there is never a stone left unturned."
"I have had a chance to watch Karen in action and she brings a high level of professionalism and experience to the courtroom."
"Karen Goldstein has earned a reputation as being one of LA's most successful criminal defense attorneys. Her educational background and extensive trial court experience enable her to be a zealous advocate for her clients. Karen's knowledge of the law is unparalleled by the competition."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Trial Attorney of the Year, Jerry Giesler Memorial Award, Criminal Courts Bar Association Los Angeles
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer in Criminal Defense, Southern California, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star in Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star in Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star in Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star in Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney under 40 in California, National Academy of Defense Attorneys
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Rising Star in Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers
2013
Top 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers under 40 in CA, American Society of Legal Advocates
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyers Rising Star 2012, Super Lawyers Magazine
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2003
Cum Laude, Georgetown University Law Center
1999
Magna Cum Laude, Georgetown University
1999
Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa
Work Experience
2013 - Present
CJA Conflict Federal Panel Attorney, United States Central District of California
2008 - Present
Partner, White Goldstein
2006 - Present
Criminal Defense Partner, Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein
2006 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorney, Indigent Criminal Defense Appointment Panel (ICDA)
Associations
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)Sustaining Attorney Member
2011 - Present
Association of Federal Defense AttorneysAttorney Member
2009 - Present
DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2000 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Danny Masterson BA487932 (First Trial)
Hung Jury in favor of Acquittal on All Counts
People v. Michael Fenton MA056050
Acquittal on all charges after jury trial
People v. Mirna Marin
Acquittal after jury trial
Education
2003
Georgetown University Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
Georgetown University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Defending the Unthinkable Zealous Advocacy in Sex efense Cases
Wielding Experts as a Sword: “Out-Experting” the Prosecution
2017
Defending Drug Crimes
Dismantling the Death Star: Mitigation & Litigation in RICO Drug Case
2014
Indigent Criminal Defense Appointment Panel Winter Seminar
Sex Crimes Defense
2014
Fiddler Institute of Criminal Justice
Sex Crimes Defense
2012
Money 101 with Bob McCormick
DUI Laws in California
Publications
2014
Strategies for Defending Sex Crimes
The Modern Day Scarlet Letter: Defending People Accused of Sex Crimes
2013
Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers Forum
The Uncertain Future of Federal Child Pornography Sentencing
2003
Georgetown Journal of Gender and the Law
Assisted Reproductive Technology
Languages
French
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I was caught stealing from Macy's (about 65$ worth) and the police were called. It is my first offense what is going to happen?
04 Feb 2011
Q&A
I was detained for shoplifting, the LP took my information and released me with no police involvement. Will charges be filed?
26 Jan 2011
Q&A
WalMart Petty theft
17 Nov 2010