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James Allen Goldstein
About James
Biography
Trial Lawyer Of The Year in 2012 with 40 Years of Experience. Top “AV Rated” Criminal Attorney.
On April 28th, 2012, the Los Angeles Criminial Courts Bar Association will award James A. Goldstein the prestigious "Jerry Giesler Award", as their Trial Lawyer of the Year. Over the past two years, Jim has secured not guilty verdicts in 4 of the 6 serious murder and attempted murder cases he tried. Two of these cases included multiple defendant jail house murders. In another murder case, Jim sought to exclude his client's confiession given the improper and coercive interrogation tactics used by LAPD detectives. The judge agreed and the case was dismissed.
Jim has represented the rights of the accused since 1974. The son of a cabdriver, Jim learned the value of hard work early on. Following an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corp., Jim attended Southwestern School of Law while also working as a high school teacher at Belmont High School. Jim graduated in the top 10% of his class and thereafter worked for a prominent criminal trial attorney before establishing his own firm. After more than 37 years of practice, Jim’s strong work ethic has never faltered. Jim is not afraid to put in the work necessary to win and welcomes the most challenging criminal matters. Jim averages 6-8 trials per year and his case results speak to this passion and dedication.
An “AV Rated” attorney, Jim has represented clients in the state and federal courts in California, Hawaii, Maryland, Louisiana and New Mexico. Jim tries between 6-8 serious felonies to verdict each year with a tremendous success rate. In 2009, Jim tried 7 life cases to verdict. Jim has handled numerous other high profile murder and drug related matters. Jim has tried more than 250 cases to verdict, including more than 70 murders to verdict. Jim has tried 4 death penalty cases, saving the life of his client in each matter. Jim has also handled more than 100 criminal appeals with numerous published opinions. Early in his career, Jim served as an adjunct law professor.
In the recent case of People v. Lewis Harden, the Los Angeles District Attorney charged Jim’s client with carrying out a murder for hire involving the beating death of an elderly couple as they slept in their own home. Although the co-defendant in the case was sentenced to death, Jim’s convinced the jury to spare the life of his client. Jim has saved the life of each client he has represented in a capital murder case.
In another recent case, Jim obtained a not guilty verdict for a client charged with assaulting a Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy while incarcerated in County Jail. Most recently, Jim obtained a not guilty verdict in the beating death of an inmate that occurred at the Los Angeles County jail.
im and Michael work closely together to prepare for trial and often work as co-counsel. They enjoy a reputation as ethical, aggressive and compassionate attorneys. Given their strong working relationship, their clients benefit from more than 48 years of combined experience and knowledge of the local courts, Judges and prosecutors.
Jim is an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Criminal Court Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association and San Fernando Valley Bar Association.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
51 years | 5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 51 years
State: California
Acquired: 1974
No misconduct found
Location
Goldstein Law Group
300 E. Esplanade Drive, 9th Floor, Oxnard, CA, 93036
Goldstein Law Group
1645 Vine Street, Suite# 809, Los Angeles, CA, 90028
Goldstein Law Group
15260 Ventura Blvd #1810, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403
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James Allen Goldstein's Reviews
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Michael | September 14, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mr. Goldstein got my human trafficking case dismissed
I was charged with Human Trafficking code 236.1 which carries a prison sentence of 12-15 years. I was referred and highly recommended to Mr. Goldstein as one of the best criminal defense attorneys. I met and set down with him and explained to him the charges that were pending against me. I decided to...
Posted by SA | June 15, 2015
Mr. Goldstein got me probation instead of state prison time
Mr. Goldstien is a great attorney i got raided in a marijuana grow house with a 1000 plants. He got me probation instead of state prison time. I just recently got 4 felony probation violation regarding more cultivation charges the judge wanted to give me my state time. He was able to reinstate my pro...
James Allen Goldstein's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Mr. Goldstein. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Quality representation and exceptional attentiveness to clients. One of the absolute best for DUIs."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"James is an experienced, highly respected attorney who always represents his clients with the utmost of skill,knowledge and understanding.i can readily endorse him without hesitation or reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jim is an excellent attorney who I consider a good friend as well. I have known him for decades, and his work and knowledge in criminal defense enables him to get good results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"A very insightful and articulate attorney. James is a great lawyer to have on your side when you need the very best defense. I endorse him."
"When you, or a loved one, finds yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney, it is important to retain an experienced, knowledgeable and competent attorney. Mr. Goldstein is recognized in the legal community as all three."
"This lawyer does a great job with the community. I endorse this lawyer"
"endorse attorney James Goldstein. James is a dedicated professional who has a track record of success. James is well respected by his colleagues in the legal field. I highly recommend James!!!!"
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A top-notch attorney, highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly respected member of the legal community."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"Mr. Goldstein is an excellent attorney who always puts his clients' needs first. I endorse Mr. Goldstein."
"Aggressive representation. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse attorney James Goldstein. Donates his time posting thoughtful and accurate legal answers on Avvo to help individuals asking for advice. An asset to our legal profession. His clients are in excellent hands."
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Experience
Honors
2012
Jerry Giesler Award, Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association
2012
Premier Attorney, American Academy of Trial Attorneys
2009
AV® Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
AV® Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
AV® Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1974 - Present
Partner, Goldstein Law Group
Associations
1974 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
1974 - Present
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Los Angeles Superior Court - Not guilty verdicts in attempted murder case
Not Guilty
Not Guilty Verdict on Murder Charge
Not Guilty
Education
N/A
Southwestern University School of Law
N/A
California State University
Speaking Engagements
2010
Criminal Defense MCLE
Defending Medical Marijuana Cases
Publications
2011
San Fernando Valley Bar Association
Defending Criminal Cases
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
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02 Jan 2017
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What does "RECALLED BY GRAND JURY INDICTMENT" mean?
19 Dec 2016
Q&A
Past due date for trial by written declaration
14 Nov 2016