R.J. Manuelian

PRO

R.J. Manuelian

also known as Raffi John Manuelian

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Los Angeles, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

633 West 5th Street, #5710, Los Angeles, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About R.J.

Biography

Exclusive Criminal Defense Practice for Over 20 Years. Main office headquartered in Los Angeles with satellite offices in Boston and Washington D.C.

Over 20 years experience, 75 jury trials, 800+ preliminary hearings, many dismissals and Not Guilty verdicts all across the United States State and Federal Courts. Defending those who made bad mistakes or who need a second chance since 2000.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

R.J. Manuelian is a criminal defense attorney, a speaker, legal expert, consultant and legal commentator for all major media outlets. R.J. Manuelian was voted by his peers as a Rising Star between 2007 to 2011 by Southern California Super Lawyers, 2013 Superlawyer, Top 100 Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers and recently nominated as 2014 and 2015 Superlawyer. RJ's office is headquartered at the US Bank Tower in downtown Los Angeles with satellite offices in Boston and Washington D.C.

24 years | 10,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 18 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2007

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 23 years

State: California

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 25 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Manuelian Law Firm

633 West 5th Street, #5710, Los Angeles, CA, 90071

manuelianlawfirm.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find R.J. online.

R.J. Manuelian's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

5 star (23)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Robert | December 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

RJ Manuelian (A True Professional and the Best Lawyer for You)

RJ is awesome and he is a great lawyer. I gave him 5 stars but I wish I could give him 10. He made me feel at ease knowing he had everything handled and is very personable and his services were amazing. Super efficient and couldn’t ask for a better professional to help me out. Would recommend 1000/10... times. A true professional.

Posted by RH | September 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Best man for the Job

RJ is not only a great attorney, he’s a great friend. I trusted him with the biggest case of my life knowing he’d get the truth out, and he did. RJ went above and beyond more times than once, always gave clear feedback, and always followed through on his promises. The biggest takeaway’s from my time ...spent with RJ is he does a great job, he’s a great human, has an awesome family, and he always wants to do the right thing.

Posted by Sam | September 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best decision I ever made

Mr. Manuelian help me out a lot. from looking at a 16 years state prison sentence to a two years diversion agreement. I been giving a second chance in life. I will not waste it. I’m so glad I hired him to handle the mistake I made. I promise I’ll be good from now on, sir.

Posted by HOPE | December 11, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

BEST OF THE WORLD LAWYER ON EARTH

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Attorney RJ, who has been an exceptional advocate, an understanding advisor, and an incredible source of support during one of the most challenging times in my mothers life. she almost suicidal that time. but Attorney RJ, is not only the best lawyer in town, ...but also someone who goes above and beyond to connect with clients on a personal level, no matter their background or culture. He, explained every step of the process to her with clarity and patience, ensuring that she understood what was happening and what options were available. His ability to communicate with care and compassion made her feel valued, heard, and respected. Thanks to Attorney RJ, she was able to navigate the situation, regain control of my mother's life, she begin rebuilding her future. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for his hard work and dedication. Attorney RJ, truly has a gift for helping people, and I am forever thankful for the role he played in getting to my mother's life back on track. If you are seeking a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares for their clients. Thank you so much we became closer as ever. thank you for saving her life. Sincerely, Hope Navidad

Posted by Liz | March 23, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Ever !

The Best lawyer I have ever hired ! To the point , honest ! Fights like hell to get what is right ! Thanks for helping my family when we needed it ! Thank u !

See All Client Reviews

R.J. Manuelian's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse R.J.
Nate Kelly headshot
Nate Kelly

Criminal defense lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I consider RJ Manuelian to be a mentor. We have worked together on several matters, and each and every time he has impressed me with his knowledge and strategy. I endorse this lawyer."

Alex Ozols headshot
Alex Ozols

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I think the best way to describe RJ Manuelian is he is one of the passionate lawyers I have ever met. This guy will literally fight for you until death, he does absolutely everything he can for his clients and is a great litigator as well. I would recommend this lawyer to anyone!"

Michael Moshe Levin headshot
Michael Levin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known Raffi for over ten years. We met working at the same office for another lawyer. We each went on to develop our own criminal practices. Raffi knows his stuff, is refined, steadfast and a strong litigator. I highly endorse him."

Tatiana Kadetskaya headshot
Tatiana Kadetskaya

Unknown lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent attorney. Highly recommended."

Randy Stuart Kravis headshot
Randy Kravis

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Raffi Manuelian is as dedicated as they come to his clients. Unlike some defense attorneys who are interested in generating as many clients as they can and bringing in legal fees to the greatest extent possible, Mr. Manuelian brings a refreshing level of devotion to each and every client. I know this from having worked with Mr. Manuelian on several cases. He is a knowledged, talented, and dedicated attorney and I strongly endorse him."

View All Endorsements
Anthony David Scott headshot
Anthony Scott

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael Harry Artan headshot
Michael Artan

Criminal defense lawyer

Alex Ozols headshot
Alex Ozols

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Moshe Levin headshot
Michael Levin

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert F Demeter headshot
Robert Demeter

Estate planning lawyer

Randy Stuart Kravis headshot
Randy Kravis

Appeals lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyer

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2009

Rising Star Magazine, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2002 - Present

Trial Attorney, Manuelian Law Firm

Associations

2009 - Present

NAACP

Member

2009 - Present

National Association for Equal Justice In America

Member

2003 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Officer

2002 - Present

Armenian Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

State Bar of California

Officer

2000 - Present

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Officer

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Deon Dirks - Assault on a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest

Case Dismissed After Criminal Trial- $7 Million Federal Civil Rights Verdict

People v. Crystal Lozano - Murder in the 1st Degree

All Charges Dismissed

People v. Najee Hasan - Domestic Violence

Not Guilty on All Counts

In Re H.P. and A.P. - Robbery, Kidnapping, Assault

Not Guilty All Counts

People v. Eric Hoxey and Shatwan Smith - Possession of a Controlled Substance For Sale

Case Dismissed Before Jury Verdict - $650,000 Settlement

People v. Gerardo Cazarez and Manuel Moreno - Assault With a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer

Not Guilty On All Counts For Both Clients - $4.5 Million Federal Civil Rights Verdict

People v. Cazares and Moreno

Not Guitly

People v. Saul Jinez - Assault With Deadly Weapon, Terrorist Threats

Not Guilty on All Counts

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Massachusetts School of Law at Andover

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus

Master of Science

1993

St. John's University

BS - Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2012

NAEJA Community Conference

Victims of Racial Profiling

2011

NAEJA - Legal Process From Arrest to Trial

Understanding the Criminal Justice System

2009

Knowing Your Rights

Rights of Citizens Against Police Use of Excessive Force

2009

Community Relations

Los Angeles Sherriff's Department Relationship With the Community in Compton

Languages

Armenian

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution