Joseph Abrams

Joseph Abrams graduated from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles in 1997, and passed the California bar examination that same year. Mr. Abrams graduated near the top of his class, was the recipient of the prestigious American Jurisprudence Book Award in Federal Courts, and was chosen Best Writer in the Moot Court Honors Program Intramural Competition.

Prior to starting his own law practice, Mr. Abrams spent a career working for the federal judiciary as a sentencing specialist and presentence supervisor. Mr. Abrams has experience and knowledge in all areas of federal criminal practice, with significant expertise in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, federal sentencing statutory and case law, and sentence mitigation.

When Mr. Abrams is not busy helping make things right for his clients, you can find him walking local trails with his Border Collie “Jammer,” or studying Italian language and culture.

Criminal Law

Drug Crimes, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes

White Collar Crime

Securities Law

Stockbroker & Investment Fraud

• Federal Criminal Defense

• Skype
• Zoom
• Microsoft Teams

• Free Consultation
  Joseph Abrams provides a free consultation to provide prospective clients with a direct and honest assessment of their case and answer their questions and concerns
• Credit Cards Accepted
  Law Office of Joseph Abrams accepts cash, checks, all major credit cards, and most online payment apps
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Joseph Abrams charges by the hour and requires a retainer fee. His hourly rate is among the most competitive in the market, and the retainer fee is fully refundable for unbilled work.

California

State Bar of California

ID Number: 190485

Since 1997

9th Circuit

U.S. District Court, Central District of California

U.S. District Court, Southern District of California

Owner

Law Office of Joseph Abrams

Current

Federal Sentencing Specialist/Presentence Supervisor

United States District Court, Central District of California

1998 - 2020

Southwestern Law School

J.D. (1997)

1994 - 1997

Honors: Joseph Abrams graduated from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles in 1997, and passed the California bar examination that same year. Mr. Abrams graduated near the top of his class, was the recipient of the prestigious American Jurisprudence Book Award in Federal Courts, and was chosen Best Writer in the Moot Court Honors Program Intramural Competition.

California State University - Fullerton

B.A. (1986)

1982 - 1986

Honors: Deans Honor List

American Jurisprudence Book Award in Federal Courts

Bankcroft Whitney

Best Writer

Moot Court Honors Program Intramural Competition

The State Bar of California  # 190485

Member

Current

Federal Bar Association

Member

Current

California Lawyer's Association

Member

Current

Orange County Bar Association

Member

Current

The “First Step Act” One Year Later: How Has It Changed Federal Sentencing?

Federal Criminal Defense Blog & Resources for Southern California

December 1, 2020

Making a Federal Case Out of It: The Federalization of Common Law Crimes

Federal Criminal Defense Blog & Resources for Southern California

November 1, 2020

The Enduring Importance of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Federal Criminal Defense Blog & Resources for Southern California

October 1, 2020

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Q. Can I go to jail if someone is stabbed in self-defense.

13 January 2021

A: Self-defense, if established, is an affirmative defense and you would not be guilty of a crime. However, whether or not there was self-defense is fact specific. Based on the facts described in your question, there seems to be an opportunity to try to establish self-defense; however, ultimately, it will depend on the facts that can be established and the quality and credibility of any evidence such as eye witnesses and physical evidence.

Q. What is considered aiding abetting or accessory?

12 January 2021

A: Based on the limited facts presented in the question, this is highly unlikely to meet the definition of aiding and abetting or accessory. There must be some knowledge and/or voluntary participation in the crime. If the sister's only "involvement" is seeing the boy take the guns, and the sister further has no "knowledge" of his intent to harm someone, she cannot said to have aided and abetted the crime or have been an accessory to the crime.