Chernis Law Group - Santa Monica, CA

Aggressive Criminal Defense and Corporate Counsel in Santa Monica

When legal disputes, regulatory crackdowns, or criminal investigations threaten your freedom and business livelihood, seasoned representation in the courtroom is non-negotiable. Chernis Law Group P.C. provides aggressive, strategic advocacy to businesses, corporate directors, and private individuals across Santa Monica, Greater Los Angeles, and Southern California. Founded by Fordham University School of Law graduate Michael S. Chernis, who began his career litigating complex commercial matters at large national firms, the boutique offers sophisticated courtroom experience with responsive personal attention. Whether an individual needs a lawyer urgently due to an ongoing government investigation or a business owner needs to consult a lawyer regarding complex commercial regulations, the firm delivers commanding legal solutions.

Federal and State Criminal Defense Representation

Facing criminal allegations can permanently upend your personal reputation and future prospects. As accomplished criminal defense lawyers and drug crime defense lawyers, the firm defends clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, from initial investigatory inquiries to grand jury subpoenas, jury trials, and appellate proceedings. Primary defense capabilities include:

• Federal white-collar defense against allegations of corporate fraud, money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
• Defending licensed commercial operators, dispensary owners, and cultivators against alleged violations of California and federal drug regulations.
• Intervening early during pre-arrest investigative stages to persuade prosecutors to drop or reduce potential charges.
• Defending clients against asset forfeiture actions and regulatory enforcement proceedings launched by governmental task forces.

Comprehensive Cannabis Business Law and Regulatory Licensing

As one of Southern California's longest-serving cannabis practitioners, Michael Chernis possesses deep insight into the intricacies of local municipal zoning, Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) regulations, and commercial compliance. Operating as experienced business and real estate lawyers and business formation lawyers, the team counsels stakeholders across the entire supply chain:

• Assisting dispensaries, delivery operations, extraction labs, and cultivation facilities in securing municipal permits and state annual licenses.
• Real property commercial leasing, green-zone due diligence, and landlord-tenant compliance in commercial cannabis properties.
• Structuring business models for CBD, industrial hemp, and cannabinoid wellness products.
• Drafting partnership agreements, joint venture terms, investor capitalization documents, and standard operating protocols.

Section 280E IRS Tax Audit Defense and Financial Controversy

Internal Revenue Code Section 280E disallows ordinary business expense deductions for businesses trafficking in federally controlled substances, imposing punitive tax burdens on state-legal businesses. Serving as knowledgeable tax lawyers, Chernis Law Group defends cannabis enterprises in complex Internal Revenue Service audits, California Franchise Tax Board investigations, and state sales tax examinations. The firm creates viable bookkeeping structures, challenges unreasonable audit assessments, and negotiates administrative settlements to ensure business continuity.

High-Stakes Business Litigation and Contract Disputes

As commercial industries mature, partnership breakups, investor disputes, and vendor disagreements become inevitable. Working as tenacious business litigation lawyers, contract lawyers, and employment and labor lawyers, the practice resolves contentious disputes involving breach of contract, shareholder disputes, trade secret claims, and wrongful termination accusations. If your enterprise is preparing to hire an attorney or wishes to find a lawyer who excels both in boardrooms and courtrooms, Chernis Law Group P.C. provides the tactical prowess required to achieve a decisive victory.