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Joseph Abrams

Joseph Abrams

Federal Criminal Defense and Federal Sentencing Advocacy Law Firm
  • Criminal Law, White Collar Crime, Tax Law
  • California
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Biography

From his federal criminal defense and sentence mitigation law firm in Orange, California, attorney Joseph Abrams provides unmatched legal representation and results to clients in Orange County and throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and El Centro who are under investigation for, charged with, or awaiting sentencing on any type of federal criminal offense.

With extensive knowledge and experience in all areas of federal criminal practice, including expert knowledge of the federal sentencing guidelines and federal sentencing advocacy, Mr. Abrams achieves notable success in obtaining favorable results for his clients' serious and pressing legal challenges.

Prior to starting his own law practice, Mr. Abrams spent his legal career with the federal judiciary as a sentencing specialist and presentence supervisor and served as an exclusive sentencing liaison to sitting federal district court judges in the Central District of California.

During his career, Mr. Abrams worked on more than 1,000 federal criminal cases, covering virtually every type of offense. Mr. Abrams developed expert knowledge of the federal sentencing guidelines and federal sentencing advocacy.

After retiring from the federal judiciary, Mr. Abrams founded the Law Office of Joseph Abrams to use the knowledge and skills he developed over more than two decades to help ordinary people who find themselves in the serious situation of being the target of a federal investigation or charged with a federal crime to achieve the best outcome possible in their cases.

Mr. Abrams graduated from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. He is a member of the Federal Bar Association, California Lawyers Association, and Orange County Bar Association. Mr. Abrams is admitted to all California federal and state trial and appellate courts including the United States District Court for the Central, Southern, Norther, and Eastern Districts of California.

Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Drug Crimes, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
White Collar Crime
Tax Law
Criminal Tax Litigation
Additional Practice Areas
  • Federal Criminal Defense
  • Federal Sentencing Advocacy
  • Cyber Crimes
  • Computer Crimes
  • Child Pornography Offenses
  • Immigration Violations
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    To help the client make an informed decision, Mr. Abrams offers a free consultation to provide prospective clients with a direct and honest assessment of their case and answer all their questions and concerns.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
    For convenience of payment, Law Office of Joseph Abrams accepts cash, checks, bank transfers, and all major credit cards.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Law Office of Joseph Abrams offers convenient flat fee retainer agreements to meet the needs of their clients. Pricing is based on the nature and complexity of the case. Law Office of Joseph Abrams also offers sliding scale fees in some circumstances to better assist lower-income clients. Ask if you qualify.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
State Bar of California
ID Number: 190485
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9th Circuit
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U.S. District Court, Central District of California
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
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U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Italian: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Owner
Law Office of Joseph Abrams
Current
Mr. Abrams founded the Law Office of Joseph Abrams to use the knowledge and skills he developed over more than two decades working for the federal judiciary to help ordinary people who find themselves in the serious situation of being the target of a federal investigation or charged with a federal crime to achieve the best outcome possible in their cases. Law Office of Joseph Abrams provides unmatched legal representation and results to clients in Orange County and throughout Southern California who are under investigation for, charged with, or awaiting sentencing on any type of federal criminal offense. As a recognized lawyer with more than 25 years of legal experience, Mr. Abrams promises to aggressively defend your rights and liberties at all turns as he works hard to achieve the best outcome possible for your case.
Federal Sentencing Specialist/Presentence Supervisor
United States District Court, Central District of California
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Prior to starting his own law practice, Mr. Abrams spent his legal career with the federal judiciary as a sentencing specialist and presentence supervisor, and served as an exclusive sentencing liaison to sitting federal district court judges in the Central District of California. During his career, Mr. Abrams worked on more than 1,000 federal criminal cases, covering virtually every type of offense. Over the course of his career, Mr. Abrams developed expert knowledge of the federal sentencing guidelines and federal sentencing advocacy. Mr. Abrams gained recognition within the judiciary, and among the defense bar, as a federal sentencing guidelines expert and a trusted source for matters involving federal sentencing.
Education
Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. (1997) | Criminal Law
Top 10% Class Rank; Moot Court Honors Program
Southwestern University School of Law Logo
California State University - Fullerton
B.A. (1986) | Business and Finance
Dean's Honor List
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Awards
Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Anaheim
Expertise.com
Client Champion - GOLD
Martindale-Hubbell
Peer Rated for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability
Martindale-Hubbell
10.0 Superb Rating
Avvo
American Jurisprudence Book Award in Federal Courts
Bankcroft Whitney
Best Writer
Moot Court Honors Program Intramural Competition
Professional Associations
Federal Bar Association
Member
Current
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California Lawyers Association
Member
Current
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Orange County Bar Association
Member
Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
The Formidable Challenges of Fighting Extradition from the United States
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California
The Evolution of Federal Sentencing Practice During the Era of the Sentencing Guidelines
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California
Making Sense of the January 6 Sentences
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California
The Irretrievably Broken “Career Offender” Guideline
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California
The Federal Grand Jury Explained
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California
Compassionate Release In The Era of COVID-19 The First Step Act of 201
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - 2020. This article looks at the requirements for compassionate release in federal cases and examines data from the year 2020.
Why Sentence Disparity In Federal Non-Production Child Pornography Cases Continues To Increase
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - This article looks at recent sentencing outcomes in federal non-production cases, and discusses the primary factors that cause sentence disparity.
Surviving Federal RICO Charges
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - This article breaks down the basic elements of a RICO charge, and suggests how they can be effectively challenged.
Understanding “Grouping” Rules Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - This article looks at the key points for federal criminal defense lawyers and defendants to understand to properly apply the grouping rules under the guidelines.
Sentencing Advocacy in Federal White Collar Criminal Cases
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - This article discusses the most important factors that federal criminal defense attorneys should focus on to obtain the most favorable results in white collar cases.
The Art of the Federal Plea Bargain
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California -This article discusses what both defendants and defense attorneys most need to know about federal plea bargains.
The Bill of Rights: What Do They Say About Criminal Justice?
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - This article looks at the four Amendments in the Bill of Rights that speak directly to the protections afforded all criminal defendants.
Understanding “Relevant Conduct” Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - This article looks at the key points of relevant conduct that are most crucial for federal criminal defense lawyers and defendants to understand.
The “First Step Act” One Year Later: How Has It Changed Federal Sentencing?
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - This article looks at the impact one year later of the First Step Act's five provisions specifically relating to sentencing.
Making a Federal Case Out of It: The Federalization of Common Law Crimes
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - This article looks at how the exponential growth in the number of federal criminal statutes has changed, or not changed, the criminal justice system.
The Enduring Importance of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Federal Criminal Defense Resources for Orange County and all of Southern California - This article takes a brief look at the history of the guidelines, from their enactment through their application today.
Speaking Engagements
Understanding The Federal Criminal Sentencing Process, United States Sentencing Commission National Seminar, New Orleans, LA
Websites & Blogs
Website
Law Office of Joseph Abrams
Blog
Law Office of Joseph Abrams Blog
Blog
Joseph Abrams Answers FAQ About Federal Criminal Law
Videos
In this introduction video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams introduces himself and talks about the work they do at the Law Office of Joseph Abrams. Get To Know Joseph Abrams

In this introduction video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams introduces himself and talks about the work they do at the Law Office of Joseph Abrams.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains why federal crimes are considered more serious than state crimes. Are Federal Crimes More Serious Than State Crimes?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains why federal crimes are considered more serious than state crimes.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains how a federal inmate can be granted compassionate release. Can A Federal Inmate Be Granted Compassionate Release?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains how a federal inmate can be granted compassionate release.

In this first video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the credibility of the defense attorney as an important aspect of sentencing advocacy in federal criminal cases. Federal Sentencing Advocacy, Part 1: The Credibility of the Defense Attorney

In this first video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the credibility of the defense attorney as an important aspect of sentencing advocacy in federal criminal cases.

In this second video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the defendant's remorse and acceptance of responsibility for the offense as another important aspect... Federal Sentencing Advocacy, Part 2: The Defendant's Remorse and Acceptance of Responsibility

In this second video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the defendant's remorse and acceptance of responsibility for the offense as another important aspect...

In this final video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses psychological evaluation reports and character letters as other important aspects of sentencing advocacy in... Federal Sentencing Advocacy, Part 3: Psychological Evaluation Reports and Character Letters

In this final video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses psychological evaluation reports and character letters as other important aspects of sentencing advocacy in...

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses how the Bill of Rights afford protections to all criminal defendants. How Do The Bill Of Rights Protect Criminal Defendants?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses how the Bill of Rights afford protections to all criminal defendants.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains the factors that are considered in designating where federal inmates serve their sentences. How Does The Federal Bureau Of Prisons Designate Defendants For Service Of Their Sentence?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains the factors that are considered in designating where federal inmates serve their sentences.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains how bail is determined in federal criminal cases. How Is Bail Determined In Federal Criminal Cases?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains how bail is determined in federal criminal cases.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains why if you are charged in federal court, it is important that you hire an attorney with federal court experience. If I'm Charged In Federal Court, Does It Make A Difference Which Attorney I Hire?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains why if you are charged in federal court, it is important that you hire an attorney with federal court experience.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains how a convicted federal drug defendant can avoid receiving the statutorily required minimum sentence. If I'm Convicted Of A Federal Drug Crime, Can I Receive A Sentence Below The Statutory Minimum?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains how a convicted federal drug defendant can avoid receiving the statutorily required minimum sentence.

In this first video of a two-part series about federal extradition cases, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the issue of bail in extradition cases. Is It Possible To Be Granted Bail Pending A Federal Extradition Hearing?

In this first video of a two-part series about federal extradition cases, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the issue of bail in extradition cases.

In this first video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the investigation and pretrial phases of the federal criminal process. The Federal Criminal Process Part I: The Investigation and Pretrial Phases

In this first video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the investigation and pretrial phases of the federal criminal process.

In this second video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the trial phase of the federal criminal process. The Federal Criminal Process Part II: The Trial Phase

In this second video of a series of three, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the trial phase of the federal criminal process.

In this final video of a three-part series, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the sentencing phase of the federal criminal process. The Federal Criminal Process Part III: The Sentencing Phase

In this final video of a three-part series, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams discusses the sentencing phase of the federal criminal process.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains what to expect during a federal probation presentence interview, and the importance of the interview. What Happens During A Federal Probation Presentence Interview?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains what to expect during a federal probation presentence interview, and the importance of the interview.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains what witness immunity is and how it works in criminal cases. What Is Witness Immunity? And How Does It Work?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains what witness immunity is and how it works in criminal cases.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains what you should do if you know you are being investigated for a federal offense. What Should I Do If I Am Being Investigated By Federal Authorities?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney Joseph Abrams explains what you should do if you know you are being investigated for a federal offense.

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney explains why the penalties for drug offenses are more severe in federal court. Why Are Penalties For Drug Offense So Much More Severe In Federal Court Than State Court?

In this video, federal criminal defense attorney explains why the penalties for drug offenses are more severe in federal court.

Legal Answers
88 Questions Answered
Q. I charged my partner with domestic violence but it was a first time offense where authorities were called.
A: The DCFS and District Attorney investigations are separate matters with different objectives. It's difficult to assess how dropped charges may affect the DCFS investigation - it's heavily dependent on the specific facts of the case.

- Law Office of Joseph Abrams, Anaheim, CA 92806
Q. U.S. District Court Violation Notice - "36 CFR § 4.22" - "Unsafe operation". What are my options?
A: This is basically a federal traffic citation, most likely an infraction. Like other traffic citations, it could impact your DMV record and insurance costs. It's very unlikely to have any effect on employment or immigration. You can contest the citation if you believe there is a basis for doing so, or you can pay the fine and be done with it.

- Law Office of Joseph Abrams, Anaheim, CA
Q. i was arrested and charged with felon with fire arm but it was ilegal search can they search just without consent help
A: If you've been charged, you should immediately consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney or ask the court to appoint you a public defender, and then discuss the case with your attorney as to what you should do.

- Law Office of Joseph Abrams, Anaheim, CA
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Contact & Map
Law Office of Joseph Abrams
900 W. 17th Street
Suite E
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Telephone: (714) 883-9822
Monday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 8 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Notice: 24-Hour Answering and Message Service with Prompt Callback by the Attorney