Michael E. Kraut
Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Los Angeles, California
Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers
Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI, White Collar Crimes; view more
Licensed in California since: 1993
Education: Harvard Law School
Call today:
323-435-2124
Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers
6255 Sunset BoulevardSuite 1520
Los Angeles, CA 90028 Visit website
The managing attorney at Kraut Law Group, located in Los Angeles, California, Michael E. Kraut represents individuals facing a broad range of criminal matters. His practice focuses on criminal defense, DUI and DWI offenses, and white collar crimes. Drawing on decades of legal experience, he provides strategic representation to clients navigating complex criminal proceedings, from investigation through trial and resolution.
Mr. Kraut is widely recognized for his extensive background in criminal law, having served for more than 14 years as a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles before transitioning to private practice. His experience as a former prosecutor gives him valuable insight into the criminal justice system, enabling him to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and develop effective defenses tailored to each client's circumstances.
Committed to clear communication and thorough preparation, Mr. Kraut works closely with clients to ensure they understand the legal process, their rights and the options available to them. He recognizes that criminal charges can have lasting personal and professional consequences and strives to provide practical guidance and steadfast advocacy throughout every stage of a case. Whether resolving matters through negotiation or litigating in court, he remains focused on protecting his clients' interests and pursuing favorable outcomes.
Mr. Kraut completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University before earning his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He was admitted to practice law in California in 1993 and has since built a distinguished career representing clients in criminal matters throughout the state.
An active member of the legal community, Mr. Kraut belongs to several professional organizations. He is a member of the National Criminal Defense College, The State Bar of California, the Beverly Hills Bar Association and the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense: White CollarFocus areas
Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Criminal Law - Federal, DUI/DWI, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Sex Offenses, Theft, White Collar Crime
- 60% Criminal Defense
- 20% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 20% Criminal Defense: White Collar
First Admitted: 1993, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.losangelescriminallawyer.pro/michael-e-kraut-man...
Bar / Professional Activity
- Admitted to the State Bar of California, 1993. License Number: 167623, 1993
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Beverly Hills Bar Association
- National Criminal Defense College
- Admitted to the State Bar of Texas, 2025. License Number: 24054869, 2005
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- In the case of People v. Come Chantrel out of the Van Nuys Courthouse, client had been held to answer on charges of felony assault and battery causing Great Bodily Injury when Michael Kraut took the case over after preliminary hearing. The Court agreed to reduce the felony to a misdemeanor and the client was placed on a one year informal diversion, which resulted in a dismissal without ever being convicted., 2024
- In the matter of People v. Tian Liu, our client was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and child abuse in the West Covina Courthouse. He was accused of driving his car at another person while his children were in the car. Because the alleged deadly weapon was his vehicle, he would lose his driver's license for life if convicted. We were able to get the client an informal diversion in which he did not have to plea to any offense and the case was dismissed after six months., 2025
- In the matter of People v. Niloufar Banished in the Los Angeles Airport Courthouse, our client was charged with 16 felony counts of grand theft against the grandson of a celebrity. Following a daylong preliminary hearing, the Court dismissed all 16 counts., 2024
- In the matters of People v. Elsa Sheikhpour and People v. Maliheh Sheikhpour in the Los Angles Airport Courthouse, the clients were sisters charged with felony grand theft. At preliminary hearing, we were able to get the judge to reduce the felony to misdemeanors for each client following preliminary hearing, both clients were granted diversion. The charges were dismissed upon successful completion of diversion without there ever being a conviction., 2025
Representative Clients
- Represented 22-year-old defendant charged with four counts of murder in the matter of People of the State of California v. Fraser Bohm involving the death of four Pepperdine students, a case that made national headlines., 2023
- Represents Puddle of Mudd lead singer Wes Scantlin who was facing multiple different cases throughout Los Angeles county, including felony drug charges and domestic violence, in cases that have attracted national media attention. Mr. Kraut was able to have the domestic violence charges dismissed entirety and client was granted a diversion which will result in the dismissal of charges., 2025
- Represents Los Angeles Police Department officer accused of unemployment insurance fraud in the matter of People of the State of California v. Peter Mastrocinque, a case that has received significant media attention., 2026
- Represents defendant charged in $22 million fraud involving the Los Angeles Unified School District in the matter of People v. Gautham Sampath, a case garnering significant media attention both in Los Angeles and throughout the county., 2026
Pro bono / Community Service
- Heavily involved in the Alliance for Housing and Healing, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that offers housing assistance, food and other services to those living with HIV/AIDS. Co-sponsoring the annual Best in Drag fundraiser, 2025
Educational Background
- Cornell University, B.S. Natural Resources (1988), 1984-1988
Honors
- Selected to Super Lawyers: 2027
Office location for Michael E. Kraut
6255 Sunset Boulevard
Suite 1520
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-435-2124
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2027