(424) 901-3131

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Law Firm

Mariya Melkonyan and her team are skilled and experienced Los Angeles Criminal defense attorney based in Glendale, California. With 27 years of combined prosecutorial experience as Deputy District Attorneys, a deep knowledge of criminal law, and impeccable felony and misdemeanor jury trial records, Ms. Melkonyan and her team are passionate about fighting for their clients. They are skilled at anticipating and interpreting the prosecution’s case.

Thanks to managing attorney Mariya Melkonyan’s diverse experience, she has a wide range of criminal practice areas, including serious and violent felonies, white-collar crimes, weapons offenses, sex crimes, domestic violence crimes, homicide, juvenile crimes, theft, and property crimes.

If you need powerful criminal defense attorneys with the knowledge and experience to take on even the most complex cases, contact the Law Offices of Mariya Melkonyan to arrange your free consultation today.

Book A Free Consultation

Fill out the form below to request a call back and a free initial consultation.

    Criminal Defense Practice Areas

    Violent Crime Lawyer

    If you have been arrested or charged with serious or violent crimes in California, you will need the support of a skilled law firm. It is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney like Mariya Melkonyan as soon as possible to help you navigate the legal system and defend your rights in court.

    Learn more

    Expungement

    The consequences of a criminal conviction are more serious than most people realize. A misdemeanor or felony conviction can limit your opportunities in life. It is important to know that many crimes can be expunged if you meet certain qualifications of your conviction.

    Learn more

    Felony Case Defense

    Hire the right California criminal defense attorney for your case. The serious and complex nature of felony crimes puts your future at stake with the outcome of your case. Mariya Melkonyan understands the felony legal process, and her previous experience as a Deputy District Attorney gives her the knowledge and skills to take on your case.

    Learn more

    Juvenile Crimes

    If you’ve been arrested as an adult, you know how scary it can be. In California, children under the age of 18 are prosecuted in a separate justice system. The juvenile court system in California offers minors more lenient punishments than time in prison. This is why you need The Law Offices of Mariya Melkonyan on your corner.

    Learn more
    View all

    Mariya Melkonyan

    Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

    With 13 years of experience as a Deputy District Attorney, and having Jury Trial experience ranging from all kinds of minor misdemeanors to serious and violent felonies, including DUI, hit and run, theft, narcotics, domestic violence, assaults, burglaries, robberies, child molestations, rape, and Homicide (attempted murder and murder) cases to verdict, Ms. Melkonyan’s felony jury trial record is exceptional.

    Her experience in effective examinations of experts of different fields, such as Medical Professionals of various areas, Toxicology, DRE, DNA, Forensic Pathology, Child Sexual Accommodation Syndrome, Involuntary Confession, and many more, gives her the ability to attack the prosecution with in-depth knowledge. Her vast experience with the DA’s office has given her the tools to fight for you.

    Read More

    Frequently Asked Questions

    During your free initial consultation, your attorney will discuss the facts of your case, getting a clear overview of your situation. Your attorney will then explain the process, letting you know what will be expected of you and the support and services they will offer.

    Your attorney will then guide you on how to proceed and begin collecting potential witness details to support your case and evidence for preservation, proper representation, and preparation. Finally, they will explain our fees, take you through our retainer form, and answer any queries you have.

    To give your attorney a clear view of your case, you must provide them with as many details and as much evidence about your case as possible. This may include documentation, videos, audio files, witness names, time logs on any information related to the case for review. The more details and evidence you can provide, the better case your attorney can build right from the start.

    Some clients are concerned about revealing too much to a lawyer in an initial consultation, but your meetings with an attorney are confidential and protected by client/attorney privilege.

    After your initial consultation, we’ll be able to determine a retainer fee and discuss payment options. In most cases, the retainer feee payments are divided into two parts; the first is typically payable upfront.

    There are various options for paying your retainer fee, including cash, check, or card.

    There is no one-size-fits-all cost for an attorney to defend your criminal case. The fee depends on the charges against you and the details of your specific case. As a rule, open misdemeanor cases tend to be charged at a lower fee than open felony cases. Post-conviction legal services, such as expungement of criminal records, are usually even less expensive.

    The final fee depends on the complexity of your case. During your consultation, the attorney will discuss the fees with you. The more details you can give about your case, the more accurate expectations your attorney can set.

    My Experience

    Deputy District Attorney

    District Attorney's office
    Aug 2008 - Aug 2021

    Legal Intern

    San Diego City Attorney's Office
    Jan 2008 - May 2008

    Legal Intern

    California Attorney General's office
    May 2007 - Sep 2007

    I've argued criminal appeals on behalf of the AG's office in three different California Districts, and one of my cases resulted in a published opinion.

    Mariya Melkonyan Interview With Fox11 News #trevorbauer

    Mariya Melkonyan, former Deputy District Attorney discusses strategy on Trevor Bauer's accuser case with Phil Shuman from Fox11 News.

    watch video

    Criminal Defense Related News & Articles

    Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney - Mariya Melkonyan

    California SB 731
    05th Sep , 2023

    California SB 731 Explained: How to Seal Your Criminal Records

    Category: California Read More
    Child abuse charges
    05th Jul , 2023

    California Child Abuse Charges, Consequences & Defense Strategies

    Category: California Read More
    degrees of homicide in California - laws and defense strategies
    22nd May , 2023

    Understanding Degrees of Homicide: California Laws, Punishments, and Defenses

    Category: California Read More
    Felony plea bargain deals in California
    11th May , 2023

    California Laws on Felony Plea Bargaining and What You Need To Know

    Category: California Read More
    road rage convictions in california
    04th Mar , 2023

    Overview of Road Rage Convictions in Los Angeles

    Category: California Read More
    Felony DUI Cases in California
    13th Jan , 2023

    Is DUI a Felony in California?

    Category: California Read More
    View all blogs

    Testimonials

    My name is Michael Anthony Garcia I was incarcerated in Riverside County on charges of attempted murder, gun charges, mayhem, and other very serious charges. She is very intelligent and knows the best decisions to make even in very stressful situation. She helped me and basically gave me a second chance at life going to trial on all counts facing 40 years with a Life enhancement. I got found NOT GUILTY on ALL COUNTS on October 10th 2022! I've never felt so blessed meeting someone like Ms.Melkonyan if you're reading this trying to look for help call her immediately. She's a veteran not a rookie! Thank you and God bless everyone who may see this!

    Michael A. Garcia
    Ontario, CA | Case # RIF2200294

    If you need a reliable attorney who will get you the best results, go with Mariya Melkonyan. She is the go to criminal attorney. Very knowledgeable and experienced. If there is any chance at all to fight your case, then she is the attorney to handle it. I would trust her with any matter. I'm a forever client!

    Mariam M

    Through my case I consulted with multiple attorneys, but I am so glad I chose Ms. Melkonyan. Her level of experience sows through her work and I am extremely happy with the results. Her expertise and knowledge are incredible, I highly recommend her.

    Elena N

    I can't express enough how grateful I am, first and foremost. From the first day in court til the present Mariya Melkonyan has been in my corner. Always available to talk, text, email, always informative explaining my options, confident when I wasn't, and I was such a mess With 7 open cases I collected over 3 years and I called the night before preliminary hearing. After speaking with her not only did she resolve my case with minimal jail time she helped me find treatment, to help me rather then punish me. I never felt like I was just another case. Hiring the right attorney is scary. Mariya is ambitious , smart, organized, and determined to get the job done. I could never say enough good things to express how fortunate I was to be her client.

    D N

    Mariya and David are the best in the class! So professional and knowledgeable. Confident and professional! Always available, she helped me with my criminal case and guess what... case has not been filed either! I don't have any words to explain how i feel and grateful. I am lucky to have her as a counsel. Thanks to God and my good friend to refer her to me. Thank you Mariya! Thank you David!

    ARMAN A

    I've been in the practice for over 20 years and I have not come across anyone who is as dedicated and passionate about the law as Mariya Melkonyan. Aside from her passion and dedication, her track record speaks volumes. However, what is absent from the record is the journey that goes into each of her cases. Mariya is not your average advocate, she is extremely thoughtful in her presentation, meticulous in her strategy, and most importantly, unrelenting in her advocacy. Any client that is fortunate to her representation should expect an armory by his or her side. When you are dealing with the Criminal Justice system, you want an arsenal and that is what you bring to the table when she is beside you in the Courtroom. So often you hear defendants feel frustrated because their counsel simply wants to reach a plea deal, and if you want such an attorney then you will have no trouble finding one because they are a dime a dozen like white pearls in an ocean. However, if you are looking for someone truly and genuinely rare, Mariya is the black pearl amongst criminal defense attorneys.

    KHACH AKHKASHIAN
    ATTORNEY AT LAW

    I’ve worked with Mariya Melkonyan at the District Attorney’s Office for over thirteen years. I have seen her develop from a Misdemeanor Trial Prosecutor to a major crimes Trial Prosecutor handling cases such as Kidnappings, Robberies, Attempted Murders, and Murders. Mariya rose quickly up the ranks in the Office and joined the Elite SACA (Sexual Assault/Child Abuse) Unit where she handled the most serious of offenses prosecuting Sexual Assault Cases involving Children as well as homicides. Mariya has a distinguished career with extensive jury trials with an undefeated felony record and has been awarded and recognized by the District Attorney’s Office as one of the top Trial Attorneys in the County. Ms. Melkonyan possesses expertise in the field of Criminal Law, case negotiations, local and state Court Rules and procedures, talents that most attorneys do not understand. Rest assured, Ms. Melkonyan has a better understanding of the law and more jury trial experience to secure the best outcome for you and your family.

    DAVID CHIANELLO
    Deputy District Attorney