Episode Summary: In this episode, Robert M. M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group and a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 40 years of experience, explains the timeline of criminal cases. From arraignment to trial, Robert provides insight into the key stages that impact how long a case can take in both state and federal courts. He shares strategies for managing court schedules, navigating discovery, and using time to a defendant’s advantage, offering listeners a clear understanding of what to expect during the criminal justice process. Key Timestamps: 00:01:00 – Factors Affecting Case Duration00:03:00 – Stages in a State Criminal Case00:05:00 – Differences Between State and Federal Cases00:10:00 – Federal Guidelines and Probation Reports00:13:00 – Court Backlogs and Strategic Timing00:15:00 – Importance of Discovery00:18:00 – Pros and Cons of Case Timing00:20:00 – Managing Client Expectations About the Show: Criminal Law Unfiltered is hosted by Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group. With decades of courtroom experience in serious state and federal cases, Robert provides unfiltered insights into how the justice system really works. Each episode sheds light on the realities of criminal defense, separating TV fiction from the truth inside the courtroom. Resources: Schedule a free consultation with Robert M. M. Helfend and the Helfend Law Group: robertmhelfenm.com

Criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend explains the federal sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimums, downward departures, and the strategic role of cooperation with federal authorities. Drawing on over 40 years of experience defending clients across the U.S., Helfend provides essential guidance for anyone facing federal charges.

In this episode, criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group, discusses the critical differences between federal and state criminal charges and why understanding these distinctions can significantly impact the outcome of a case. With over 40 years of experience and more than 4,000 clients defended, Helfend explains how charges are filed, what types of cases go federal, and the strategic steps individuals should take if contacted by federal authorities.

In this episode of Criminal Law Unfiltered, Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend explores how social media can make or break a criminal case. With more than 40 years of experience defending clients against charges ranging from federal indictments to murder and sex crimes, Robert shares real-world insights into how online activity is increasingly used as evidence in court.

Episode Summary:In the debut episode of Criminal Law Unfiltered, veteran Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend shares his insights from more than 40 years of courtroom experience and over 4,000 criminal cases handled. Robert discusses what murder defense looks like in real life compared to the dramatized versions on television. The conversation covers jury selection strategies, the difference between truth and evidence, timelines of murder trials, and the real role of forensic evidence like DNA. Robert also explains why most criminal cases don’t go to trial, what defendants and families should do when facing homicide charges, and why staying silent is critical. Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction to Criminal Law Unfiltered with Robert Helfend01:05 – Robert Helfend’s background and career in criminal defense since 198403:15 – Why he chose criminal law and the importance of thinking on your feet05:10 – Winning a murder case with all 12 jurors and the importance of evidence vs. truth09:25 – Jury selection strategies and understanding juror biases13:50 – What TV gets wrong about murder trials compared to real life17:40 – The real timeline of a murder case (often 2–3 years, not one hour like on TV)22:15 – The impact of social media and text messages on modern criminal cases27:45 – The role of forensic evidence and when DNA really matters32:20 – Why most criminal cases settle instead of going to trial36:10 – Options for mitigation: reducing felonies, mental health diversion, and avoiding jail40:05 – What families should do first if a loved one is arrested for homicide44:30 – Closing thoughts and preview of future episodes About the Show:Criminal Law Unfiltered is hosted by Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend, founder of Helfend Law Group. With decades of courtroom experience in serious state and federal cases, Robert provides unfiltered insights into how the justice system really works. Each episode sheds light on the realities of criminal defense, separating TV fiction from the truth inside the courtroom.