Redondo Beach

Criminal Defense Attorney in Redondo Beach

Trial-Ready Defense for High-Stakes Criminal Cases

Founding attorney Lisa Houlé brings prosecutorial insight to people facing investigations, allegations, arrests, and criminal charges. She draws on 15 years as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney and more than 25 years of litigation experience to develop a focused defense for each client of Houlé Law.

We represent clients in Redondo Beach and throughout the South Bay, focusing on high-stakes and reputation-sensitive cases. Our clients include police officers, deputy sheriffs, and prosecutors who need discreet representation that accounts for the effects an allegation can have on their professional standing and personal freedom.

Speak directly with our criminal defense attorney about the investigation or charges you face. Call (424) 667-6455 to request a confidential consultation.

Criminal Defense Services for Redondo Beach Clients

Our services include Sex Crimes, domestic violence matters, law enforcement defense, Sex Crimes Consulting, and pre-filing intervention in sexual offense investigations.

Defense Against Sexual Offense Allegations

These allegations require careful attention to the evidence, the prosecution’s theory, and consequences beyond the courtroom. We handle matters involving sexual assault, sexual battery, rape, lewd and lascivious acts, indecent exposure, and public sexual indecency.

We also represent clients accused of failing to register as a sex offender or violating other registration statutes. Because the potential consequences depend on the alleged offense, circumstances, and final disposition, we evaluate registration issues as part of the broader case.

Domestic Violence Defense
We defend clients facing domestic violence allegations that may affect family relationships, employment, or professional licensing. Our approach begins with the specific facts, available evidence, and procedural posture rather than assumptions based on the allegation alone.

Law Enforcement Defense
We regularly defend police officers, deputy sheriffs, and prosecutors in sensitive proceedings. Our prosecutorial background provides practical insight into charging analysis, witness evaluation, and the courtroom decisions that can shape a case.

Sex Crimes Consulting
We provide focused legal analysis informed by experience on both sides of the courtroom. Contact us to discuss whether consulting or direct criminal defense representation fits your circumstances.

What Happens Before Charges & After an Arrest

Criminal defense can begin before a prosecutor files a formal complaint. In sexual offense matters, we provide pre-filing intervention during the investigative or charging stage. Depending on the evidence and the prosecuting authority’s review, early intervention can influence whether charges are filed.

Clients work directly with Lisa Houlé during this process and at every later stage if charges follow. That continuity allows us to account for what occurred during the investigation, what information was presented before filing, and how the prosecution’s position develops.

Release & Arraignment

An arraignment is the first formal court appearance, when the charges are stated and a plea is entered. Most people suspected of nonviolent misdemeanor offenses without special circumstances are released at arraignment at the judge’s discretion. A person who remains in custody generally appears in court within 24 hours of arrest, although timing can depend on court availability and legally permitted exceptions.

Misdemeanor Trial Deadlines

A defendant in an out-of-custody misdemeanor proceeding generally must be brought to trial within 45 days after arraignment or entry of a plea unless that right is waived. A time waiver permits the proceeding to continue beyond the statutory period. Whether to waive time depends on considerations such as the evidence, necessary investigation, motion practice, and preparation.

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The Experience You Need. The Attention You Deserve.

Here's What Sets Houlé Law Apart

When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, you need proven expertise, personalized strategy, and the confidence of having a former top prosecutor in your corner. Houlé Law offers all this and more. Call (424) 667-6455 today and get started with our dedicated team.

Former Prosecutor Advantage

With over 15 years as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, Lisa Houlé knows exactly how the other side thinks, using that knowledge to help you.
Trusted by Law Enforcement

We are one of the few firms regularly called on to defend police officers, deputy sheriffs, and prosecutors in high-stakes, sensitive matters.
Sex Crimes & Domestic Violence Focus

We focus on high-stakes sex crime and domestic violence cases, and we're often called on to provide consulting for fellow defense attorneys.
Trial-Ready, Personalized Defense

Every case is prepared as if it’s going to trial. You work directly with Lisa Houlé, receiving focused, honest, and meticulous defense tailored to you.

Where Redondo Beach Criminal Cases Are Handled

Cases arising in Redondo Beach are generally handled by the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Southwest District, at the Torrance Courthouse. The filing agency and courtroom assignment depend in part on whether the allegation is charged as a felony or misdemeanor.

Felony Cases
Felony charges arising in Redondo Beach are generally filed and prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Torrance Branch. Arraignments are heard in the Southwest District, where the court addresses the formal charges, plea, release conditions, and future hearing dates.

Misdemeanor Cases
The Redondo Beach City Prosecutor’s Office prosecutes misdemeanor violations of state law and city ordinances that occur within the city. Its complaints are filed in the Superior Court’s Southwest District. The path of a misdemeanor proceeding can vary based on custody status, the alleged conduct, and court scheduling.

Juvenile Cases
Proceedings involving juvenile suspects follow a separate process and are generally heard at one of the county’s designated juvenile courthouses. They use different terminology and procedures from adult cases, making the assigned venue and filing documents important to understanding what happens next.

Discuss Your Case in a Confidential Consultation

Contact us to request a confidential consultation about an investigation, allegation, or charge. Virtual consultations allow Redondo Beach clients to discuss their circumstances directly with our founding attorney without an in-person meeting.

We can review the procedural stage, identify immediate legal issues, and explain how our services apply. The contact form also allows you to reach us with information about your situation.

Call (424) 667-6455 to request a confidential consultation with our criminal defense lawyer serving Redondo Beach.

California Sex Offender Registration Tiers

California Penal Code 290 establishes a three-tier sex offender registration system. Registration isn’t an automatic consequence of every allegation, and the applicable tier depends on factors that include the offense of conviction and circumstances defined by law.

The statutory minimum registration periods are:

Tier 1: A minimum registration period of 10 years.
Tier 2: A minimum registration period of 20 years.
Tier 3: Lifetime registration may be required depending on the offense and circumstances.

An allegation alone doesn’t determine the final consequence. The filed charge, case resolution, qualifying offense, and statutory classification can affect whether registration applies and which tier governs. We consider these potential consequences when evaluating the defense in a sexual offense case.

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Your Case is Our Cause

Serious Charges Demand Serious Experience

Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (424) 667-6455 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

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