Federal criminal defense · Results when it matters most.
When the Government Builds a Case, Your Defense Starts Now.
When a federal investigation or serious charge threatens your freedom, reputation, and family, the right moves early can change everything. George G. Mgdesyan defends clients in federal and California courts with strategy, discretion, and resolve.
- California licensed since 2003
- Federal & California criminal defense
- Trial-tested advocacy
- Direct attorney involvement
Time is evidence
The first moves can change the case.
In a federal or serious matter, the government often has a head start measured in months. Each stage below is a chance to protect your rights - and the earlier counsel is involved, the more can be done.
- 01
Contact from agents
A knock at the door or a call. What you say now can shape everything.
- 02
Subpoena or search warrant
Demands for records, devices, or testimony - with real deadlines.
- 03
Target / subject exposure
A letter or signal that you are in the government's sights.
- 04
Charging decision
Whether - and what - to charge. The last window to influence it.
- 05
Detention / arraignment
First appearance, the charges, and the fight for release.
- 06
Discovery & motions
Testing the evidence and moving to suppress and dismiss.
- 07
Trial or resolution
A case built to be tried - or resolved from preparation.
- 08
Sentencing strategy
Advocacy under the Guidelines and the § 3553(a) factors.
The Defense Command System
A strategic, relentless defense from start to finish.
Every serious case is run through the same disciplined system - six stages built to take control early and fight to the end.
Stabilize
Control the first 48 hours and stop the bleeding.
- Protect your right to remain silent
- Preserve documents, devices, and evidence
- Open a line to the government through counsel
Investigate
Learn the case before the government finishes building it.
- Independent fact investigation
- Map the government's theory and witnesses
- Identify exposure and leverage early
Attack
Test every piece of the government's case.
- Motions to suppress unlawful evidence
- Challenge the indictment and the charges
- Press weaknesses in the proof
Negotiate
Bargain from preparation, never from pressure.
- Pre-charge and pretrial advocacy
- Scrutinize every term of any agreement
- Protect against hidden sentencing exposure
Try
Build each case to be won in front of a jury.
- Trial-tested courtroom advocacy
- Cross-examination of cooperating witnesses
- A clear, persuasive defense narrative
Mitigate
Fight for the most favorable outcome at sentencing.
- Advocacy under the Guidelines and § 3553(a)
- Mitigation packages that tell your story
- Post-conviction and appellate options
Meet your attorney
George G. Mgdesyan
A serious case calls for direct attorney involvement from the start. George personally leads the defense - weighing exposure, protecting your rights, and building strategy before the government’s narrative hardens.
“The defense should begin before the prosecution controls the narrative.”
California-licensed since 2003
Active member of the State Bar of California.
Direct attorney involvement
You work with George - not a generic intake desk.
Federal & state defense
Investigations, indictments, fraud, and serious felonies.
Trial-tested advocacy
Cases built for the courtroom, not just a quick resolution.
Proof, not promises
Serious cases. Real outcomes.
A record built in the courtroom, alongside recognition from independent legal organizations.
High-profile public-corruption trial
Secured an acquittal for a Bell, California city councilman following a closely watched public-corruption trial.
View case resultsSuper Lawyers - Rising Stars
Selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
Listed under criminal defense by America's Top 100.
State Bar of California
Active license in good standing, admitted in 2003.
Prior results and recognitions do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.
Practice Areas
Federal & state criminal defense practice areas
Representation concentrated in federal and high-stakes criminal matters across California.
If the government is already moving
What to do before you say anything.
The first hours matter. A few careful decisions now can protect your rights - and your options - later.
Before you speak to investigators
- Don't guess, speculate, or explain casually to investigators.
- Don't destroy, edit, hide, or “organize” documents or devices.
- Don't contact witnesses, co-workers, or co-defendants about the case.
- Don't agree to an interview before speaking with counsel.
What counsel can do right now
- Determine whether you're a witness, a subject, or a target.
- Manage all contact with agents and prosecutors.
- Respond to subpoenas and protect privileged material.
- Build a strategy before any charging decision is made.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
General information for people facing a federal or serious criminal matter. It is not legal advice.
Stay calm and do not guess, speculate, or explain casually. Ask for the agent's card, say you want to speak with a lawyer first, and call counsel before you respond.
Request a confidential case review
Your Next Move Matters. Make It With Counsel.
Tell the firm what you’re facing and George’s office will follow up to discuss your options. Keep details general until representation is confirmed.
- Confidential consultation
- Direct attorney involvement
- Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
George G. Mgdesyan
Mgdesyan Law Firm · 4529 Sherman Oaks Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not include confidential or privileged details until representation is confirmed in writing.
Confidential Case Review
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