Criminal Defense & Investigations
Every person accused of a crime has the right to a vigorous defense. Barrientos PC provides that defense while also emphasizing the humanity of every client—no matter what charges they face. As a former Deputy Federal Public Defender in Los Angeles, founder Alejandro Barrientos has experience defending a variety of federal charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, sex offenses, drug offenses, and gun offenses.
Barrientos PC also provides representations in investigations with potential criminal implications, including professional licensing body investigations, and college, university, and other school disciplinary and Title IX proceedings.
Read below for more information about Barrientos PC's approach to criminal defense.
Smart, Aggressive defense
A smart defense. Different cases require different strategies. In some cases, a client's compelling personal story can move a prosecutor to offer diversion or another favorable resolution. In other cases, law enforcement's sloppy work may create opportunities to suppress illegally obtained evidence, or move a jury to find a defendant not guilty. Whatever the case, Barrientos PC quickly identifies the defense's strongest points and then relentlessly focuses on those points to get the best possible resolution.
An aggressive defense. Barrientos PC does not shy away when a case requires the defense to confront law enforcement's negligence or misconduct. Founder Alejandro Barrientos has litigated motions to dismiss for selective prosecution, enforce plea agreements when the prosecution has not kept its promises, dismiss based on law enforcement's unreasonable delay in bringing charges, and suppress based on law enforcement's misleading statements to judges.
Reversal of 20-year prison sentence and conviction on appeal
An appellate court reversed burglary conviction and 20-year prison sentence because the trial judge wrongfully instructed the jury on accomplice liability at trial, and allowed the prosecution to admit irrelevant evidence of what prosecutors incorrectly characterized as "burglary tools."
Not guilty of felon in possession of a firearm &
Judgment of Acquittal on eleven counts of first degree assault
Judgment of acquittal was granted on more than ten first degree assault charges stemming from a drive by shooting. The judge had no choice but to grant the defense's motion for judgment of acquittal on the assault charges because the defense had successfully moved to exclude the prosecution's ballistics expert who would have testified that bullet casings found at the the scene of a drive by shooting were fired from a handgun allegedly found in the client's possession.
dismissal of federal supervised release petition based on client's manslaughter conviction in state court
Client was convicted of manslaughter in state court while serving a term of federal supervised release. After client completed a lengthy state prison sentence, the U.S. Probation Office tried to send client to federal prison for the same conduct because it violated the terms of his federal supervised release. But J. Alejandro Barrientos convinced the U.S. Probation Office, the prosecutor, and ultimately the judge that the federal court lacked jurisdiction and therefore could not further punish the client.
federal compassionate release results in years off of prison sentence
Client was sentenced to 100 months in prison in 2021 while represented by prior counsel. In 2024, client moved pro se for compassionate release. J. Alejandro Barrientos then appeared for the client and negotiated with the prosecution. The prosecution ultimately agreed to a joint recommendation with the defense that compassionate release be granted, which the Court accepted.
Results
SCHOOL INVESTIGATION RESULTS in no finding of sexual harassment
Student was accused by a school employee of sexual harassment and the school retained an outside law firm to investigate the allegation. Representing the student, Barrientos PC secured a finding of no sexual harassment.
DEFEnding against the most serious charges
Fraud
- Wire Fraud
- Tax Fraud
- Securities Fraud
- Bank Fraud
- Mail Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Conspiracy to Commit Fraud
Sex Offenses
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Distribution of Child Pornography
- Production of Child Pornography
Drugs
- Drug Possession
- Drug Distribution
- Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs
- Distribution of Drugs Resulting in Death
Assault & Murder
- Simple Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assault with a Firearm
- Assault on a Peace Officer
- Battery
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
Guns
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Illegal sale of a firearm
- Unlicensed sale of a firearm
- Straw Purchases
- Transfer of Firearm to Prohibited Person
- Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Drug Offense
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Theft, Burglary, & Robbery
- Robbery
- Hobbs Act Robbery
- Burglary
- Theft
- Aggravated Identity Theft
- Carjacking
Title ix & other school investigations
Serious consequences
Allegations of student misconduct at universities, community colleges, and even high schools or middle schools may have serious consequences. Such allegations often involve alleged sexual harassment, sexual assault, academic dishonesty, or drug use. They may result in expulsions, suspension, or other discipline that may jeopardize a students ability to obtain future employment or admission to advanced degree programs, such as medical school or law school. They may involve parallel criminal investigations by law enforcement or civil lawsuits against a student.
Disciplinary hearings & appeals
Students facing suspension, expulsion, or other serious discipline should understand what is at stake before appearing at a disciplinary hearing. Barrientos PC helps students evaluate the allegations and evidence, prepare written submissions and testimony, identify procedural deficiencies, and present their defense effectively. Early preparation can be critical in a school disciplinary matters, which often involve short timelines to prepare and present defenses. Barrientos PC represents students throughout the process—from the initial notice of allegations and investigation through interviews, hearings, sanctions, and administrative appeals.
Results
Barrientos PC has successfully represented students in disciplinary proceedings, including securing findings of no wrongdoing and reducing punishments imposed prior to Barrientos PC's representation.