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Gassia Apkarian
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Gassia Apkarian
Apkarian & Zalewski, APC
918 E. Santa Ana Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (949) 433-2072 | Fax: (714) 550-8003
http://www.a2zcriminaldefenseattorneys.com
Committed To Your Defense
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I always prefer to get a case from its inception, which means even before the District Attorney's Office has actually filed charges. Very frequently people know that criminal charges might be filed against them because of an incident that has occurred or an investigator has called them with questions. Don't wait until there is an actual filing against you. Contact us immediately so we can begin our own investigation and work and sometimes we can help resolve the situation thus avoiding actual prosecution.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Military Crimes (UCMJ)
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
CA, Oct 2000
Bar Number: 170378
Other Court Admissions
All California State and Federal Courts.
Association Memberships
California Bar Association, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Public Defenders Association, and Orange County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on criminal defense.
Example Cases
1) Represented a truck driver charged with driving under the influence of methamphetamine who lost control of his truck killing a prominent doctor and injuring several other people. Through careful negotiation and preparation, a probationary sentence was granted. Ultimately the charges were reduced to a misdemeanor and then dismissed.
2) Represented an 18 year old charged with numerous strikes such as criminal threats, gang activities and assault. After trying the case to a jury, the client was found guilty of only a misdemeanor allowing him to stay out of custody and free of felony strike charges.
3) Represented a young lady on a second DUI with a probation violation on a first. Both cases involved driving under the influence of prescription medication. Was able to get her charges reduced to a wet reckless and negotiate home confinement, allowing her to keep her job and stay out of custody.
4) Represented a client for a DUI with a blood alcohol of .18, which also caused him to be in violation of parole. After trying the case to a jury twice, hung the case and ultimately got his DUI dismissed, which also saved him from a parole violation.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
La Verne School of Law
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1992
Honors:
Moot Court Honors
Focus and Accomplishments:
Graduated from law school in 1992, became an actual member of the California Bar Association in 1994 because I had left the U.S. and was working overseas. In 1994 I returned to take my oath and become a member of the Bar.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of California
City:
Irvine
State:
CA
Year:
1988
Focus and Accomplishments:
Political Science
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Everything from a simple misdemeanor to felonies including capital murder cases.
Gassia Apkarian and Philip Zalewski, after having practiced criminal defense for a combined 30 years, decided to form a boutique defense firm in November of 2007. The purpose for this new defense team and firm was to shift focus from working a large number of criminal cases to a select few where the attention and focus is on the client and personal approach. The firm understands that there is no such thing a simple criminal case. Every individual facing criminal charges undergoes a life changing experience and the firm believes in helping the client at all levels throughout its representation and defense of the clients' rights.
Previous Employment Summary
Senior trial attorneys with the Orange County Public Defender's Office.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
The more a client understands the system and the charges with the options available to him/her, the easier it is for the attorney to communicate with the client. Regardless of whether the client has educated himself/herself, we strongly believe in providing information and communicating with the client to bring them along every step of the way during our representation. After all, this is about them and the consequences of criminal prosecution to their lives and loved ones.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We welcome reviewing documents prepared by clients and ask for their review of the documents that we prepare on their behalf. No one know the case better than the client and it is imperative that our clients stay involved throughout our representation and participate in their case through our preparation of documents and motions.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We are always willing to assist them but with a strong caveat: we can give them all the guidance in the world but unless they know the system and the law, prosecution will take advantage of them and therefore, they should ultimately seek legal representation.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer so I could better understand my rights, as well as those of others. More importantly, once I realized the tools of diplomacy, negotiations and advocacy, and how I can use them to my advantage, representing the underdog and winning became a personal challenge.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Immediately after law school, instead of practicing law, I joined a lobbying firm in Washington, DC and had the opportunity to interact with members of the U.S. Congress, State Department, the Executive Branch as well as diplomats and world leaders. I worked as special assistant to an Ambassador, worked in the public relations field and worked for a foreign government in political campaigns. I had the opportunity to write multi-million dollar grants and negotiate and see them implemented to assist those needy in war torn regions such as refugees. I spent 8 years traveling the world and working with various political leaders. This all prepared me to have a better understanding how to assist those who do not necessarily have a voice in the various systems.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose criminal defense for my practice because it is the most interesting and exciting type of law. It provides immediate results and satisfaction for me and my clients. However, most importantly, those who are incarcerated or are facing criminal charges are often disrespected, overlooked and frowned upon. I disagree with this generalization that society has imparted upon us. I don't believe any of us have the right to judge each other. Life is full of surprises and circumstances that place people under hardship. I believe regardless of your place or standing in society, everyone deserves the same respect, as well as equal and superior representation in a court of law. All persons are considered to be equal before the law; however, this can only be upheld if the lawyers live up to the required standards. I believe it is my job to defend and protect the rights of my clients without judging and with zealous advocacy and commitment to their case.
What do you like best about your career?
Being a criminal defense lawyer means I face a new challenge every single day. I look forward to trying to figure out how to best approach a new case and the various avenues to win.
Tell us about your law firm:
My firm consists of me and my partner, Philip Zalewski. We are each other's backups. We both meet with clients and we both have the same philosophy of trying to do everything possible to help our clients. Philip comes with vast trial experience. With his engineering background, he is well known for handling capital cases that involve complicated DNA evidence. He is extremely well respected in the legal circles for his excellent knowledge of the law and for his commitment to his clients.
What are your strengths and style?
Behind every case is an individual whose life is deeply affected due to criminal prosecution. Every one of our cases has a face. Our strength lies in our individual and personal approach together with our long experience in criminal defense and our knowledge of the law.
Personal Interests:
My personal interests involve reading and traveling during my spare time. Since I used to work in the political/legislative field, foreign affairs remains of prime interest to me and the plight of those suffering under oppressive regimes and those fighting for self-determination and independence.
Office Manager/Assistant
Elyse Singh
Fax
(714) 550-8003
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For emergency after hours, please call (949) 433-2072 or (562) 884-7044.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We do not have fixed price services or fees. We take into consideration the type of criminal charges involved, the extent of the work involved, and the financial circumstances of the client. We do offer a discount to those who come to us from Nolo.
Hourly Rates
Each case is different. We discuss the case as well as our prices with our clients and work with them on fees and payments.
Free Initial Consultation?
The first consultation is always free and it usually lasts anywhere from half an hour to an hour.
Typical Retainer
We do not offer standard/typical retainers. Since each case is different, we discuss our retainers with our clients to fit their needs and extent of our representation.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
