team-member

Raffi Manuelian

Los Angeles, CA

Licensed for 21 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

R.J. Manuelian is a criminal defense attorney, a speaker, legal expert, consultant and legal commentator for all major media outlets including FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, HLN, NBC, CBS, ABC and has covered highprofile cases such as: Linsday Lohan, Senator John Edwards, Dr. Conrad Murray (death of Michael Jackson trial), Casey Anthony, Former IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Amanda Knox, Penn State Coach Jerry Sandusky, Drew Peterson, Colorado Mass School Shooter John Holmes, Fort Hood Military trial of NidalMalik Hasan, Irish Mob Boss James "Whitey" Bulger, OJ Simpson, Jodi Arias, George Zimmerman, Justin Bieber, Patriots Star Aaron Hernandez, Boston Bomber Dzhohkar Tsarnaev, Eddie Ray Routh (American Sniper Trial), Robert Durst, Marion "Suge" Knight, Bill Cosby and many others. RJ was voted by his peers as a Rising Star between (2007 to 2011) by Southern California Super Lawyers, Superlawyer (2013-Present), Top 100 Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers (2013-Present). His office is headquartered at the OUE Tower (formerly US Bank Tower) in downtown Los Angeles with satellite offices in Boston and Washington D.C.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Language

English

Contact

Manuelian Law Firm633 West 5th Street, #5710Los Angeles, CA, 90071

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Nara
December 30, 2020

Raffi J Manuelian in law is like Fisher or Kasparov in chess. Keen mind, brilliant strategist, extremely intelligent and knowledgeable, he thrives on challenges and complexities. Meantime, RJ is a genuine and honest person. He fights tirelessly to get the best possible outcome without accepting questionable deals. Raffi is responsive and always answers phones calls. He is friendly and approachable which is surprising quality for his high caliber. He is passionate, energetic, assertive and well connected. We hired Raffi, as he outshined other lawyers in selection process. The case gets postponed because of the covid and other complications, but his enthusiasm and willingness to fight and win doesn't diminish. We greatly appreciate his true professionalism, hard work and good heart. My family endorses and recommends this great lawyer.

anonymous
January 16, 2018

I was involved in a rape case back in 2014 and since it was my first time getting arrested I gave up my right to remain silent. I initially hired one of the attorney's that came through the flood of attorney's in the mail once I was bailed out. From what I later found out he completely screwed me over. I hired R.J Manuelian a few months prior to my trial after my first attorney was a complete idiot and dug my own grave at the preliminary hearing. My first attorney was going to charge 3x of Mr. Manuelian's fee to go to trial and I would have probably gone to prison. Luckily R.J saved the day getting me a last minute 3 month sentence deal in jail as opposed to the potential 5 year maximum I would have received if I would have been convicted. If I would have hired R.J at the beginning stages of my case I am 99.9% certain that the whole case would have been dismissed. He is a very well oriented individual who knows how to speak and represent himself and his clients. He is a fighter who does what you tell him to do and won't sugar coat anything. He is brutally honest with you to give you a realistic view of what may and may not happen. Word of advice to anyone, do your research and don't make a quick uninformed decision when hiring an attorney. As my friend quoted when I was in search for an attorney "I'd rather be broke than in jail".

anonymous
January 23, 2016

I was surprised when RJ was able to dismiss my welfare fraud case as I was suppose to receive a felony or misdemeanor like others. He was there by my side answering all possible questions. He is very knowledgeable in criminal justice especially welfare fraud. I highly recommend him as his prices are reasonable and his professionalism is top notch.

Gustavo
October 27, 2015

I recently had a case where I was being accused of stealing from my employer. It was probably one of the most difficult times of my life where no one would believe that I was innocent. I had nothing to do with this incident but there was two individuals pointing fingers towards me and claiming they had identified me as the suspect. I decided to hire R.J. Manuelian the very first time I met with him because he convinced me that he was well qualified and had the experience and knowledge needed to defend me in a very difficult case. I made the right decision hiring R.J. Manuelian he was very dedicated and aggressive towards my case that lasted over a year. During this long period of time it was very frustrating that no one would believe me that I was innocent. R.J. worked with an excellent detective "James Gollaz" who they continued investigating my case and were able to get the actual person who had committed this crime. After a very hard process of investigation and finding the truth R.J Manuelian got my case dismissed just a couple days before going to trial at the Pomona Court. I was very pleased with all the hard work and dedication that he fought for me to the last min for one of the most valuable things we have in life.. Freedom.. Thanks to him and his staff they were able to proof that I was innocent.

anonymous
December 3, 2014

Mr. Manuelian saved me so much headache. He was hired a WEEK PRIOR to my trial. The days leading up to the trial, he spent so much time with me, even over the weekend as we were pressed for time. I received a Not Guilty verdict. Just know, you pay for what you get. Had I hired Mr. Manuelian in the first place, I would have saved money, time, and headache. I decided to go with a low cost attorney. It did not serve me well in the end. Good luck to you.

Gary
September 24, 2012

RJ was hired to represent my family member in a DUI vehicular manslaughter case. While there was no denying the wrong in the matter , RJ spent considerable time and effort in helping the prosecution understand the circumstances which led to this very unfortunate event. In summary a 7 year sentence was reduced to under 6 months . There is no denying that if we chose another attorney or the public defender the outcome may have been bleak for us. When an issue like ours arose , the entire family was affected . RJ doesn't limit his fight for just his client, he embraces the whole family and finds a way to a fair resolution. We can't thank you enough for what you did RJ .

Duvall
May 23, 2012

Manuelian is an overall exceptional person to meet. When he came in contact with my case he knew first hand that he was going to get the job done. He gathers as much information as possible to assure that your justice is served. I went on a 4 month run with him in and out of court and each visit was filled with progression that eventually lead to me being no guilty on all charges.

jimmy
May 17, 2012

I was investigated for Rape. I had consensual sex with a girl who changed her story about our consent when her father found out she slept with me. I was very worried about getting arrested and searched the internet for a lawyer. I interviewed 7 lawyers and found RJ to be the best player for my team. The other lawyers quoted me much higher fees and weren't as honest with me as RJ was. He tells you the honest truth (he calls "brutal honesty") and makes you feel like he's someone you trust with your life. I did and he got my case dismissed. I listened to him and followed his strategy and he actually did it! I was even surprised how fast he got my case dismissed despite all the horrible allegations made against me.

anonymous
January 31, 2012

Raffi is simply an outstanding criminal defense attorney. He helped my family through the most difficult time in our lives and ultimately achieved the outcome we desired. From our initial meeting, he was thorough and honest. I had met with 6 other attorneys before Raffi, and I immediately knew that Raffi would do the best job in representing me. Raffi was dedicated to my case and gave it the time and energy it deserved. He was always available to meet in person to discuss my case or strategize over the phone. Raffi has great legal instincts. He has an excellent knowledge of the legal process and how to navigate through the process. Raffi was aggressive and ethical on my case. He is respected by judges and prosecutors. Thanks to Raffi, my family can get back to our lives. I would recommend Raffi in a heartbeat to anyone who is seeking the best legal representation they can find.

Kevin
June 15, 2010

Raffi Manuelian responded quickly to my very first phone call with knowledge about my case, that alone was impressive. Through out the entire process Raffi Manuelian and his staff kept me well informed and were entirely responsive to any and all questions I had.

Nara
December 30, 2020

Raffi J Manuelian in law is like Fisher or Kasparov in chess. Keen mind, brilliant strategist, extremely intelligent and knowledgeable, he thrives on challenges and complexities. Meantime, RJ is a genuine and honest person. He fights tirelessly to get the best possible outcome without accepting questionable deals. Raffi is responsive and always answers phones calls. He is friendly and approachable which is surprising quality for his high caliber. He is passionate, energetic, assertive and well connected. We hired Raffi, as he outshined other lawyers in selection process. The case gets postponed because of the covid and other complications, but his enthusiasm and willingness to fight and win doesn't diminish. We greatly appreciate his true professionalism, hard work and good heart. My family endorses and recommends this great lawyer.

anonymous
January 16, 2018

I was involved in a rape case back in 2014 and since it was my first time getting arrested I gave up my right to remain silent. I initially hired one of the attorney's that came through the flood of attorney's in the mail once I was bailed out. From what I later found out he completely screwed me over. I hired R.J Manuelian a few months prior to my trial after my first attorney was a complete idiot and dug my own grave at the preliminary hearing. My first attorney was going to charge 3x of Mr. Manuelian's fee to go to trial and I would have probably gone to prison. Luckily R.J saved the day getting me a last minute 3 month sentence deal in jail as opposed to the potential 5 year maximum I would have received if I would have been convicted. If I would have hired R.J at the beginning stages of my case I am 99.9% certain that the whole case would have been dismissed. He is a very well oriented individual who knows how to speak and represent himself and his clients. He is a fighter who does what you tell him to do and won't sugar coat anything. He is brutally honest with you to give you a realistic view of what may and may not happen. Word of advice to anyone, do your research and don't make a quick uninformed decision when hiring an attorney. As my friend quoted when I was in search for an attorney "I'd rather be broke than in jail".

anonymous
January 23, 2016

I was surprised when RJ was able to dismiss my welfare fraud case as I was suppose to receive a felony or misdemeanor like others. He was there by my side answering all possible questions. He is very knowledgeable in criminal justice especially welfare fraud. I highly recommend him as his prices are reasonable and his professionalism is top notch.

Gustavo
October 27, 2015

I recently had a case where I was being accused of stealing from my employer. It was probably one of the most difficult times of my life where no one would believe that I was innocent. I had nothing to do with this incident but there was two individuals pointing fingers towards me and claiming they had identified me as the suspect. I decided to hire R.J. Manuelian the very first time I met with him because he convinced me that he was well qualified and had the experience and knowledge needed to defend me in a very difficult case. I made the right decision hiring R.J. Manuelian he was very dedicated and aggressive towards my case that lasted over a year. During this long period of time it was very frustrating that no one would believe me that I was innocent. R.J. worked with an excellent detective "James Gollaz" who they continued investigating my case and were able to get the actual person who had committed this crime. After a very hard process of investigation and finding the truth R.J Manuelian got my case dismissed just a couple days before going to trial at the Pomona Court. I was very pleased with all the hard work and dedication that he fought for me to the last min for one of the most valuable things we have in life.. Freedom.. Thanks to him and his staff they were able to proof that I was innocent.

anonymous
December 3, 2014

Mr. Manuelian saved me so much headache. He was hired a WEEK PRIOR to my trial. The days leading up to the trial, he spent so much time with me, even over the weekend as we were pressed for time. I received a Not Guilty verdict. Just know, you pay for what you get. Had I hired Mr. Manuelian in the first place, I would have saved money, time, and headache. I decided to go with a low cost attorney. It did not serve me well in the end. Good luck to you.

Gary
September 24, 2012

RJ was hired to represent my family member in a DUI vehicular manslaughter case. While there was no denying the wrong in the matter , RJ spent considerable time and effort in helping the prosecution understand the circumstances which led to this very unfortunate event. In summary a 7 year sentence was reduced to under 6 months . There is no denying that if we chose another attorney or the public defender the outcome may have been bleak for us. When an issue like ours arose , the entire family was affected . RJ doesn't limit his fight for just his client, he embraces the whole family and finds a way to a fair resolution. We can't thank you enough for what you did RJ .

Duvall
May 23, 2012

Manuelian is an overall exceptional person to meet. When he came in contact with my case he knew first hand that he was going to get the job done. He gathers as much information as possible to assure that your justice is served. I went on a 4 month run with him in and out of court and each visit was filled with progression that eventually lead to me being no guilty on all charges.

jimmy
May 17, 2012

I was investigated for Rape. I had consensual sex with a girl who changed her story about our consent when her father found out she slept with me. I was very worried about getting arrested and searched the internet for a lawyer. I interviewed 7 lawyers and found RJ to be the best player for my team. The other lawyers quoted me much higher fees and weren't as honest with me as RJ was. He tells you the honest truth (he calls "brutal honesty") and makes you feel like he's someone you trust with your life. I did and he got my case dismissed. I listened to him and followed his strategy and he actually did it! I was even surprised how fast he got my case dismissed despite all the horrible allegations made against me.

anonymous
January 31, 2012

Raffi is simply an outstanding criminal defense attorney. He helped my family through the most difficult time in our lives and ultimately achieved the outcome we desired. From our initial meeting, he was thorough and honest. I had met with 6 other attorneys before Raffi, and I immediately knew that Raffi would do the best job in representing me. Raffi was dedicated to my case and gave it the time and energy it deserved. He was always available to meet in person to discuss my case or strategize over the phone. Raffi has great legal instincts. He has an excellent knowledge of the legal process and how to navigate through the process. Raffi was aggressive and ethical on my case. He is respected by judges and prosecutors. Thanks to Raffi, my family can get back to our lives. I would recommend Raffi in a heartbeat to anyone who is seeking the best legal representation they can find.

Kevin
June 15, 2010

Raffi Manuelian responded quickly to my very first phone call with knowledge about my case, that alone was impressive. Through out the entire process Raffi Manuelian and his staff kept me well informed and were entirely responsive to any and all questions I had.