Shaun Khojayan

PRO

Shaun Khojayan

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 27 years

Federal crime Lawyer at Los Angeles, CA
Practice Areas: Federal Crime, Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime, Sex Crime

515 S. Flower St., 19th Floor, Los Angeles, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Shaun

Biography

TOP RATED LOS ANGELES SUPER LAWYER in Federal Criminal Defense. 25 years experience. Excellent Results and Reviews. Wins and dismissals.

TOP RATED LOS ANGELES SUPER LAWYER. Successful, Experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney. Excellent Results and Reviews.

TOP RATED LOS ANGELES SUPER LAWYER in Federal Criminal Defense. Excellent Results and Reviews. Wins and dismissals.

TOP RATED LOS ANGELES SUPER LAWYER. Successful, Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Excellent Results and Reviews.

VOTED AS SUPER LAWYER. Successful, Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Excellent Results in Federal and State Court.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Federal Crime 40%

Federal and State trials and successful negotiations. I defend all federal crimes including money laundering, wire fraud, drug conspiracy, distribution, real estate fraud, tax evasion, embezzlement, medicare fraud, extortion, bribery, mortgage fraud, immigration fraud and all other federal crimes. I handle forfeiture cases as well. Call me for a free consultation.

28 years | 1,000 cases

40%
Criminal Defense 20%

We handle violent crimes, homicide and other state crimes. We will associate with the correct investigators and experts. We work to get the best possible results including wins, dismissals and lower sentences. Hablamos Espanol.

28 years

20%
Sex Crime 20%

I defend those accused of Sex Crimes, Pornography, Possession and Distribution accusations. I have the right experts to analyze the evidence, win the case or greatly reduce the charges.

28 years

20%
White Collar Crime 20%

I defend people accused of White Collar crimes including Real Estate Fraud, Health Care Fraud, Money Laundering, Structuring and other Financial Crimes. We have associations with the right experts, accountants, and forensics team to develop the best defense to the charges.

28 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2014

Licenses

Licensed in California for 27 years

State: California

Acquired: 1998

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Shaun Khojayan & Associates PLC

515 S. Flower St., 19th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071

skcriminaldefense.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Shaun online.

Shaun Khojayan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

39 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Compassion

Posted by LIU | February 13, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent Attorney! Highly Recommended!

Looking back now, I still feel how fortunate I am -- just when the case was at its most critical point, when I was most lost and helpless, and even on the verge of losing hope, I happened to meet Lawyer Shaun. Looking back on the entire course of the case today, I am absolutely certain that entrustin...g him with handling my case was the most correct and wise choice I have ever made in my life, without a doubt. As a Chinese person, I have long been accustomed to communicating in Chinese. At first, I secretly worried that the language barrier would affect the communication about the case and prevent me from clearly expressing my demands. But after actually getting along with Lawyer Shaun, all my worries vanished into thin air. He was extremely patient; noticing that I was a little unfamiliar with communicating in English, he took the initiative to slow down his speech, speaking every word clearly and gently. Even when I repeatedly asked questions about things I didn't understand, he never showed the slightest impatience, always responding carefully and explaining patiently. What moved me even more was his sense of responsibility. He responded to daily emails almost instantly, never leaving me waiting anxiously for a long time with his thoughtfulness and promptness. Furthermore, his translator had extremely solid and professional skills. Whether it was the obscure professional terms related to the case, or the subtle, complex, and even hard-to-express demands in my heart, he could accurately capture and perfectly convey them. I never had to say an extra word or worry about a single thing, making me feel an unprecedented sense of peace of mind and security while handling the case in a foreign land. It was precisely this extreme patience, strong sense of responsibility, and excellent professional ability that enabled Lawyer Shaun to use his professional knowledge to help us achieve the best possible outcome. I will always keep this kindness in my heart, and I am willing to do my best to recommend such a reliable, warm-hearted and professional lawyer to everyone in need.

Posted by EDA | January 04, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

One of the best legal minds in his field!

Shaun was a GODSEND. My case involved multiple counts of fraud AND possession of cocaine which was affecting my immigration/citizenship status. He crafted a brilliant strategy of separating them into two different motions resulting in both cases being vacated. Shaun showed my wife and I nothing but ...compassion and kindness throughout the process. I am now at peace without this "sword" no longer hanging over my head all thanks to him.

Posted by Shannon | January 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

The law offices of Shaun Khojayan and associates.

Throughout my entire case Shaun Khojayan was consistently available to discuss any questions I had, fears, doubts, and always gave knowledgeable advice. He has extensive knowledge of the federal crimes justice system. At the beginning of my case I was very confused and Mr. Khojayan patiently and kind...ly went over all my options. Originally I was facing a 10 year mandatory minimum Shaun Khojayan fought hard to keep me out of custody, at the time of sentencing I received probation. I strongly recommend the law offices of Shaun Khojayan and associates. Today I have my freedom thanks to his hard work and dedication. Thank you Mr. Khojayan

Posted by Annette Gray Vernon | July 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Attorney

In my search to find an attorney to help with an unfortunate situation that my son was facing, I contacted Mr. Khojayan's office after I had contacted and spoken to over a dozen criminal defense attorneys. The person that answered the phone for Mr. Khojayan's Law Firm was very warm, kind hearted an...d concerned. I explained a few details of my sons situation, she said that she would pass it on to Mr. Khojayan. While I was on the phone talking to another attorney trying to determine who to hire, Mr. Khojayan called me back. He was very empathetic as I gave high level details. While on the phone, he asked me for my sons information and looked him up. He asked me to please give him a few minutes to read the summary report. Mr. Khojayan called me back and we discussed my sons situation. He told me to think about everything that he and I discussed and discuss it with my family. Out of all the attorneys that I spoke to no one asks me for my sons information to actually read the report. The attorneys that I spoke to would only ask how much is the bail and then tell me how much it would cost to represent my son or they would ask me to tell them about the charges. So, naturally I was impressed that Mr. Khojayan's approach was much different and he seemed to be more driven by details of the case and whether or not he should represent my son and whether or not we wanted him to represent my son than how much money it could net him. This impressed me so much that on behalf of my son, I hired Mr. Khojayan. Throughout my sons ordeal, Mr. Khojayan was very supportive and extremely responsive. He contacted me via email, text, phone and because I'm in another state met with other family members. He immediately went to the jail to speak to my son, he hired an investigator and he went to bat for my son with the DA. Mr. Khojayan and his staff were very accessible any time, day or night. As this was an extremely trying time for us as a family, it was as if Mr. Khojayan and his staff were our family too and going through this horrible nightmare with us! Ultimately, Mr. Khojayan actually got my son's felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor pending his completion of requirements and probation. Mr. Khojayan represented my son well and still continues to represent him today. Our family recommends Mr. Khojayan to anyone that my find themselves in a very unfortunate, sad and troubling situation where they are being accused of a crime.

Posted by anonymous | April 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Highly Intelligent and Top Notch

Shaun Khojayan and his team have been life savers. I have been faced with the most stressful 16 months of my life dealing with a felony case against me. My case is beyond complicated and complex. I had 2 previous attorneys working on it, but the universe and my gut instinct told me I needed a TOP... notch attorney to really dissect my case and figure it out . After not getting the answers I needed from my previous attorneys I found Shuan, during our consultation he spent two hours with me discussing the case, before I ever even hired him. he honestly answered more of my answers in two hours then anyone did in the 16 months and I have been dealing with this . I knew then Shaun and his team where who I needed by my side during these bumpy roads in my life. trust me I had called over 20 criminal defense attorneys and was not happy with the answers I was getting until I came across Shuan. no one seemed to understand how complicated my situation was with this case. Shsun and his team are so intelligent they were finally able to figure out my case and what we needed to do to try to move forward in a positive direction . I highly reccomend Shuan and Aleen Balabanian to anyone out there facing charges against them . between the two of them they are a wonderful team that have made my stress levels subside and who I feel genuinely do care about their clients . I feel very blessed to have been led in the direction of this team to help me . Thank You

See All Client Reviews

Shaun Khojayan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Shaun
Ricky Aljabi headshot
Ricky Aljabi

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Shaun on several matters and can honestly say that he is one of the top attorneys I have seen. His knowledge, skill, and expertise sets him apart from the rest. Shaun pays attention to all the details and is passionate about the work he does for his clients. Additionally, Shaun maintains a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to providing excellent service. I definitely endorse Shaun as being a great attorney in all respects."

Anthony Michael Solis headshot
Anthony Solis

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Shaun Khojayan is an aggressive and experienced lawyer with excellent trial skills. I had the pleasure of working with Shaun in two very serious federal criminal drug cases. He is always well prepared and clients appreciate his dogged defense and excellent judgment. One of his clients looking at a 10 year mandatory minimum prison sentence took Shaun's advice to go to trial. That client walked out of court fully acquitted of all charges. He saved his client's life. I would not hesitate to recommend Shaun to anyone looking for an experienced and tireless defender."

Mark Chambers headshot
Mark Chambers

Federal crime lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Attorney Khojayan and I have worked together for my years in Federal District Court in San Diego and Los Angeles. He has an accomplished ability to be an effective advocate for his clients in both Federal Courts. Mark A. Chambers Attorney at Law"

Christian M Ham headshot
Christian Ham

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Shaun is a great trial attorney and true advocate. I endorse this lawyer."

Faryar Farmani headshot
Faryar Farmani

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Having worked on several matters with Shaun, I found him to be extremely sharp. Shaun is capable of recognizing and dissecting complex legal and factual issues, and coming with the best strategy to help his clients no matter how challenging the task. He always puts the client's interest ahead of his while seeking to maintain a balance with the ever so challenging criminal justice system. His demeanor and temperament in court and with opposing counsel are exceptional and noteworthy. I am proud to have worked along side Shaun and have learned lots from him."

Richard Wynn headshot
Richard Wynn

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I had the privilege of working with Shaun Khojayan on several criminal matters. I quickly became impress with his knowledge, understanding of the law and the ability to maneuver around them. Shaun is well respected by the prosecutors, judges, deputies, and fellow lawyers . Shaun knows how to win and he truly listen to his clients."

Brian Allen Newman headshot
Brian Newman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Shaun Khojayan is an excellent criminal defense attorney. He always brings to the table professionalism, preparation & ability. I highly recommend Shaun as a Criminal Defense attorney."

Gregory Nicolaysen headshot
Gregory Nicolaysen

Federal crime lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Shaun Khojayan is an outstanding federal criminal defense attorney, highly respected by colleagues, prosecutors and judges. I have had the pleasure of working together with Shaun on several federal criminal cases and have observed his excellent courtroom skills, as well as his top-notch written briefs. I strongly recommend Shaun to anyone who is seeking representation on a federal criminal matter."

Richard Wayne Raynor headshot
Richard Raynor

Federal crime lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Shaun Khojayan is well respected by his colleagues. Federal prosecutors know that that when Mr. Khojayan is defending a case their job just became much more difficult. Mr. Khojayan has a reputation for successfully and aggressively litigating issues by filing motions and going to trial."

William Domnarski headshot
William Domnarski

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Shaun on two cases in which we represented co-defendants. One case went to trial and the other involved a hotly contested motion to suppress. I was at times stunned by his level of expertise and by his composed demeanor. I've only seen one or two other lawyers in all my years of practice who have a better manner with juries, judges, and opposing counsel. Shaun is as effective as they come, and I say this as a lawyer who has also studied and written about lawyers and judges in books and articles."

Anthony Edward Colombo Jr headshot
Anthony Colombo

Litigation lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Shaun is a brilliant trial lawyer. He's an aggressive advocate that maintains the respect of his adversaries and judges alike. When I have trial strategy questions to address, I often rely upon Shuan for sound and accurate advice."

View All Endorsements
Mark Chambers headshot
Mark Chambers

Federal crime lawyer

Faryar Farmani headshot
Faryar Farmani

Appeals lawyer

Richard Wynn headshot
Richard Wynn

Criminal defense lawyer

Gregory Nicolaysen headshot
Gregory Nicolaysen

Federal crime lawyer

Ricky Aljabi headshot
Ricky Aljabi

Business lawyer

Richard Wayne Raynor headshot
Richard Raynor

Federal crime lawyer

Brian Allen Newman headshot
Brian Newman

Criminal defense lawyer

Ilona Antonyan headshot
Ilona Antonyan

Family lawyer

Anthony Edward Colombo Jr headshot
Anthony Colombo

Criminal defense lawyer

Anthony Michael Solis headshot
Anthony Solis

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers

2016

A+, Better Business Bureau

2015

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers

1998

Graduated with Honors, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

1997

Telfeyan Academic Scholarship, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

1997

Managing Editor of Law Review 1997-1998, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

1996

Law Review, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

1996

Academic Achievement Scholarship, Verne Adrian and Anabel McGeorge

Work Experience

2004 - Present

Trial Attorney/Owner, Law Offices of Shaun Khojayan & Associates PLC

2002 - 2004

Associate, Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach

1998 - 2002

Trial Attorney, Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.

1997 - 1998

Legal Intern, Sacramento Public Defender's Office

1996 - 1996

Legal Intern, Private Law Firm

1995 - 1996

Legal Intern, California Dept. Of Corporations

1993 - 1994

Clerk, Orange County Public Defender

1992 - 1993

Clerk, Santa Barbara County District Attorney

Associations

2021 - Present

U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas

Admitted to Practice

2017 - Present

United States Supreme Court

Admitted to Practice

2012 - Present

Association of Federal Defense Attorneys

Lecturer/Member

2011 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Attorney Member

2010 - Present

U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California

Admitted to Practice

2007 - Present

Criminal Justice Act Attorney for the Central District of California

Attorney Member

2002 - Present

United States District Court for the Northern District of California

Admitted to Practice

2002 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California

Admitted to Practice

2000 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Lifetime Member

1998 - Present

United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit

Admitted to Practice

1998 - Present

Martindale-Hubbell

Member

1998 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of California

Admitted to Practice

2004 - 2008

Consumer Attorneys of San Diego

Attorney Member

2004 - 2008

American Association for Justice

Attorney Member

2004 - 2007

Criminal Justice Act Attorney for the Southern District of California

Attorney Member

2001 - 2001

National Criminal Defense College

Attorney Member

1998 - 2013

Armenian Bar Association

Attorney Member

Sample of Legal Cases

DEFENDANT, ORIGINALLY OFFERED 20 YEARS IN PRISON, IS SENTENCED TO JUST OVER 3 YEARS FOR CONSPIRING TO LAUNDER $36,033,940.79

Sentenced to 40 months instead of the 240 months that the AUSA originally proposed.

In Matter of J.W.

Avoided revocation of license. Only probation imposed.

People v. Garibay

Dismissal

United States v. Navarro

Not Guilty

Gonzales v. Arrow Financial Services

Verdict of $225,000 plus attorneys' fees of $750,000

Untied States v. Molina-Tarazon

Reversed

United States v. Gonzalez-Torres

Reversed

United States v. Ibarra-Aguire

Not Guilty

United States v. Wendy G.

Reversed

United States v. Zaremba

Not Guilty

United States v. Quintero

Not Guilty

United States v. Ford

Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1998

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

University of California, Irvine

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1994

University of California - Irvine

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

Annual Training Seminar for Central District of California Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

Federal Bench Trials with Special Findings

2014

Association of Federal Defense Attorneys

Upcoming Ninth Circuit Criminal Law Update

2013

Association of Federal Defense Attorneys Key Developments in Ninth Circuit case law

2008

FOX Morning News OJ Simpson Robbery Trial

2008

American Inns of Court

"Dos" and "Don'ts" for Effective Jury Selection

2000

Criminal Justice Attorney Conference

Successful Plea Agreements and their Possible Consequences in Federal Court

Publications

2024

American Bar Association White Collar Crime Committee Federal Criminal Non Jury Trials with Specific Findings

2008

Pacific Law Journal Alumni Recognition

2007

Daily Transcript Young Attorneys

2001

Defending a Federal Criminal Case Discovery (Federal Criminal)

Languages

Spanish

Armenian

English

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