With over 25 years of criminal defense litigation experience, Robert F. Landheer, Attorney at Law, represents clients throughout Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, and San Luis Obispo County.  A Specialist in Criminal Law as certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization, Mr. Landheer has the experience and expertise to handle a wide variety of criminal defense matters, including:

Felonies

We have considerable experience as Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyers defending numerous clients in cases involving serious criminal charges and significant potential penalties, including such crimes as:

• fraud
• assaults and batteries
• gang offenses, juvenile cases
• domestic violence
• murders and homicides

You want to make sure you have the right criminal law firm in Santa Barbara to represent your case.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are generally less serious than felonies, but a misdemeanor conviction can still result in serious consequences.  Misdemeanor convictions appear on your permanent record and can impact your ability to find future employment.  Our firm has handled a variety of misdemeanors, such as drug cases, sex offenses, and driving under the influence (DUI) cases. 

Immigration Consequences of Prior Convictions

Few people consider the potential immigration consequences of having a criminal conviction.  Generally, non-U.S. citizens with prior criminal convictions face the risk of possibly being deported or denied re-entry into the country.  Reducing or vacating these prior convictions can help you avoid these obstacles.

Drug Offenses

Offenses such as possessing, selling, transporting, or manufacturing drugs can result in serious penalties, including prison time, high fines, and probation or parole.  Whether the state or federal government is prosecuting your drug case, we have the experience to ensure your rights are protected.

Medical Marijuana Defense

California allows individuals with serious illnesses to cultivate and use marijuana without facing criminal prosecution, so long as their physician recommends that they use marijuana for medical purposes.  We regularly safeguarded the rights of individuals who use marijuana to treat health problems and have been wrongfully accused of criminal charges.

DUI/DWI/Driving Offenses

California's laws against DUIs are strict, and carry significant consequences.  Drunk driving or driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the facts of the case and the person's prior criminal history.  We also represent clients facing driving offense charges, such as driving on a suspended license, at administrative DMV hearings.

Sex Offenses

Sex offenses such as rapes, sexual assaults, and prostitution are extremely serious because a conviction can result in the loss of one's reputation, having to register as a sex offender, and jail time.  Our extensive experience in criminal law matters can help mitigate these consequences and protect your constitutional rights.

Appeals & Writs

We have a proven track record for successfully overturning prior judgments for our clients, and have an in-depth understanding of how and when to file the various appeals and writs on their behalf.

Death Penalty Representation

We have represented defendants in multiple death penalty cases, including serious, high-profile murder cases.  For information on the history of and dire consequences at play in matters of this kind, please see the "Death is Different" article.

For an experienced, knowledgeable attorney who has been defending constitutional rights since 1981, contact Robert F. Landheer, Attorney at Law, for a free initial consultation.  We are available 24 hours a day.