Former prosecutor · Doug Sherrod
Manhattan Beach Criminal Defense Attorney
Representation for Manhattan Beach residents and visitors facing criminal allegations. Serving the city from our nearby Redondo Beach office.
Defense for Manhattan Beach residents and visitors
A citation or arrest in Manhattan Beach can follow you home even if you live elsewhere. Sherrod Defense represents people facing local criminal allegations and helps organize the practical questions: whether a complaint has been filed, where the hearing is set and what evidence should be preserved now.
If you are visiting the South Bay or must travel for work, raise that issue early. Do not assume leaving California ends the case or that a lawyer can excuse every personal appearance. Doug can review the actual charge and court instructions before advising you about attendance.
Manhattan Beach police and filing decisions
Manhattan Beach Police Department investigates local incidents. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s published jurisdiction guidance places Manhattan Beach within its misdemeanor jurisdiction and identifies the District Attorney as the county’s felony prosecutor. Check the complaint for the office handling your matter, particularly if a city-code allegation is involved.
The defense should distinguish the officer’s account from independent evidence. In a traffic case, that may include recordings and testing records. In a confrontation or property case, it may include a business’s surveillance, a transaction record or a witness who left before officers arrived. Tell counsel where potentially relevant evidence exists before routine retention periods become a problem.
Torrance Courthouse: check the notice first
For a Manhattan Beach matter assigned to the Torrance Courthouse, go to 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503. Verify the department and date from your own paperwork. A police citation, custody document and later court notice may provide different information as a matter progresses; bring all of them to counsel.
Before booking travel or changing work commitments, confirm whether personal attendance is required. Allow time for security screening and keep track of subsequent court dates. If you learn about a missed appearance or possible warrant, seek advice promptly rather than relying on an informal online search.
Criminal charges we handle for Manhattan Beach clients
DUI defense examines the stop, chemical testing and the separate DMV licensing process. Domestic violence defense addresses the relationship, alleged conduct, recordings and protective orders.
Drug crimes defense examines possession, knowledge, search issues and any allegation of intent to sell. Assault and battery defense focuses on identification, the sequence of events, injuries and possible self-defense.
Theft and shoplifting defense evaluates intent, ownership, valuation and prior-conviction allegations. The charge on a citation may differ from the charge later filed; bring both documents if you have them.
Protecting your position beyond the first hearing
A criminal allegation may affect a professional license, a job application or travel plans. These concerns do not change the prosecution’s burden, but they matter when evaluating options. Tell Doug about them before a plea or other decision; a resolution that sounds simple may have consequences requiring separate advice.
Doug Sherrod’s former-prosecutor background informs his examination of the government’s evidence and proposed resolution. His office in neighboring Redondo Beach offers a South Bay base for consultation and preparation. He does not need a Manhattan Beach office to represent a Manhattan Beach defendant, and the firm does not claim one.
Manhattan Beach defense questions
Should I explain my side to the investigator? Consult counsel before deciding whether to give an interview. A lawyer can review the request and help you make an informed choice without guessing what evidence police already have.
What if the allegation involves alcohol and a confrontation? The driving issue and an assault or battery allegation may require different evidence and defenses. Save the timeline and available records; do not assume resolving one allegation resolves the others.
Speak with Doug Sherrod
Sherrod Defense is based at 116 S Catalina Ave, Suite 113, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Call (310) 279-5113 or request a free initial consultation. Have your citation, release paperwork, court notices and any protective orders available.
Doug Sherrod is a former Los Angeles County prosecutor. That experience informs his analysis of proof, witness credibility and charging decisions. Representation begins with the facts of your case and a discussion of realistic options.
Criminal defense throughout the South Bay
Find local information for Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. Each city page explains the local prosecution setting and practical next steps.
Explore DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, assault and battery and theft defense, or return to our criminal defense overview.
Official sources and further reading
Torrance Courthouse · District Attorney jurisdiction
Local information checked September 21, 2026. Court assignments and procedures can change; follow the notices and orders in your own case.