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Leonard Garber

Leonard Garber

Garber and Garber, A Professional Law Corporation
3550 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1122
Los Angeles, CA 90010

Phone: (213) 480-0817  |  Fax: (213) 480-0677
http://www.garberlawfirm.com/HomePage.shtml

Contact Leonard Garber

Experienced, Intelligent and Aggressive Representation

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

I don't have a preference; I'm experienced enough to represent any of the subcategories that are involved.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • False Identification
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Probation
  • Probation
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
Firearms & Weapons
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Bank Fraud
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Insurance Claims
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Abduction
  • Child Abuse
  • Child Pornography
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Legal Topic

Family Law

Preferred New Clients

I don't have a preference; I'm experienced enough to represent any of the subcategories that are involved.

Sub-Categories

Family Law
  • Restraining Orders
Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sexual Abuse
Children
  • Child Support
  • Custody
  • Paternity
  • Visitation
Couples
  • Living Together/Cohabitation
  • Marriage
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Legal Topic

Divorce

Preferred New Clients

I don't have a preference; I'm experienced enough to represent any of the subcategories that are involved.

Sub-Categories

Divorce
  • Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
  • Annulment

Bar Admissions

CA, Jun 1972
Bar Number: 52396

Specialty Certifications

I have been certified in Criminal Law by the California Board of Legal Specialization since 1977.

Other Court Admissions

All Federal and State Courts of California

Association Memberships

State Bar of California, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association - Family Law Section

Continuing Education

I attend an average of fifteen hours a year in criminal law and fourteen hours a year in family law to fulfill my continuing education requirements.

Papers and Publications

None, but I was a member of a panel discussing ones rights in a court as a public service in January, 2005. It was a part of a continuing law series.

Example Cases

In 2006, I tried a criminal case and represented an individual who made a statement that he drew a gun that went off and killed a minister. In the jury trial, we asked for and got a voluntary manslaughter verdict despite the District Attorney asking for 1st Degree Murder.

In family law, I represented a male who ended up getting 50/50 custody of his children. This was after a strenuous analysis and many court visits.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

University of California at Los Angeles School of Law

City:

Los Angeles

State:

CA

Year:

1971

Focus and Accomplishments:

Law clerk for various law firms

 

Degree:

B.A.

School:

University of California at Los Angeles

City:

Los Angeles

State:

CA

Year:

1968

Focus and Accomplishments:

Political Science

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

Founded in 1951 by my father, Albert Garber, the law firm of Garber & Garber, P.L.C. is now managed by me, since my father's retirement in 2004. I have been with the firm since 1971, bringing over three decades of family law and criminal defense representation to benefit our clients.

Effective and Intelligent Criminal Defense - We are tactical criminal defense lawyers who have been aggressively protecting our clients against criminal charges since 1971. We know the most effective and proven strategies to minimize the damaging consequences when you are facing serious felony or misdemeanor charges such as for violent crimes, sex crimes, drug charges, homicide and murder, white-collar crime, domestic violence, assault and battery, juvenile offenses, and more.

Considerate and Experienced Family Law Representation - We also practice in all matters related to family law and divorce, including the complex issues of community property valuation and division, spousal support, child custody and visitation, child support, domestic violence, modifications and contempt orders. From our 34 years in family law representation, we know that these issues are emotionally charged and require a knowledgeable, calculating and considerate family law attorney on your side.

Previous Employment Summary

I previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Los Angeles, where I learned how to intelligently but fairly work the system in a defendant's favor.

Activities and Awards

In the past, I have been a judge pro tem in Los Angeles County, and I used to teach criminal law and civil procedure at a night law school.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I think it's important for a client to understand the basic issues that he or she is facing. Sometimes, a client can get that by reviewing various books that will help him or her understand what the situation is in court.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes, because I think that a client should supply the attorney with as much factual information; as well as situation information as possible so that I, as his attorney can, be fully prepared to understand not only what he wants but to figure out the best strategy to get what my client wants.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

In criminal cases, the answer is no because of the fact that a person's liberty is at stake and it has been my experience that an individual is usually well overmatched when facing a District Attorney.

In family law, I would be willing to help someone but only to a limited extent depending on what the issues are.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I went to court with my father who was a superb criminal lawyer, and I thought what he was doing was magnificent. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and be a trial attorney.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I took classes in a wide variety of subjects in college including a number of graduate classes in psychology. Also, after college, I continued to take courses in continuing education that dealt not only with the relevant legal issues but also in issues dealing with the psychology of settlements, negotiations and trial tactics.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I like dealing with individuals and helping the individual solve complicated personal problems which present a great deal of stress in their lives. Family and criminal law give me the opportunity to help those individuals.

What do you like best about your career?

In criminal law, I like the challenge of fighting against the odds and overcoming the advantages the prosecution has and figuring out the best solution to aid my client in getting out the troubles that they have fallen into.

In family law, I like helping an individual in a time of great stress to get on with their life and to be able to move forward, settling down, maintaining relationships with their children and absolving any financial arrangements.

Tell us about your law firm:

I have an assistant who has been with me for a number of years, who, when there is a crisis, is intelligent enough to contact me and/or make appropriate calls to handle the situation until I get there.

What are your strengths and style?

I am a superb tactician, and I'm good at analyzing what needs to be done in a particular case both on a legal and on a psychological level. I'm passionate about the work I'm doing, but I'm also practical about the needs of my client.

My style is to represent my client in a practical and ethical manner, but if it becomes necessary, to go toe-to-toe to fight for my client as hard as I can.

Personal Interests:

Gardening, poker, football, collecting wine, I'm a gourmet cook, and I enjoy traveling with my family (I have three sons).

Office Manager/Assistant

Diana

Fax

(213) 480-0677

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

Spanish (Staff)

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

In most criminal cases, there is a fixed rate fee depending on the seriousness of the charges against the person and the number of charges against that individual.

In family law there is no fixed rate fee (everything based on hourly rate billed in tenths of an hour for services rendered).

Hourly Rates

The hourly rate (if someone wanted me for criminal law and for all family law cases) is between $280 and $340 per hour. This depends on the complexity of the case and the issues involved.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, I offer a free initial consultation for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Typical Retainer

In criminal law, the typical minimum retainer for a misdemeanor would be approximately $2,200. In felony cases, it would be $4,800, but the complexity of the case and number of the charges involved will increase the retainer.

In family law, the typical retainer would be a minimum of $2,800 for legal fees plus $500 for costs including the filing fee.

Understanding Fees

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