When the police and prosecution work to build a case against you, our team works harder to build your defense.
Attorney Giovanni Bartoletti
Giovanni “Gio” Bartoletti
Founder & Lead Attorney
Gio has worked at every level of the criminal justice system. In Italy, he served as a police lieutenant leading units of up to 40 officers in high-pressure assignments. In Los Angeles, he prosecuted cases at the Criminal Justice Center, including with the Gun Violence Prevention Section of the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. Today, he is a defense attorney trusted by clients across Southern California.
Gio’s mission is twofold: to provide the strongest defense possible, and to keep clients and families informed every step of the way. Criminal cases often involve hard choices, and Gio ensures his clients never face them in the dark.
Background Highlights
Experience
- Criminal Defense Attorney, successfully representing clients in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino
- Deputy District Attorney, Los Angeles County
- Deputy City Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
- Lieutenant, Arma dei Carabinieri (One of Italy’s three national law-enforcement agencies)
Education
- University of Southern California School of Law, Master’s in Law (LL.M)
- University of Bologna School of Law, Bachelor’s in Law (LLB)
Investigator Hudson Bales
Hudson Bales
Private Investigator
When a case requires an independent investigation, we rely on Hudson Bales, founder of H.L. Bales Investigations. A licensed private investigator, Hudson brings decades of real-world law enforcement and military experience. His expertise in use-of-force scenarios has made him a respected expert witness — including testifying in defense of a client charged with attempted murder.
Background Highlights
Experience
- Riverside County Sheriff’s Office
- 19 years of service, retired with the rank of corporal, assignments included 6 years as a sniper with the SWAT team
- Achieved “Advanced” P.O.S.T. (Police Officer Standards & Training) Certification
- Received Six Critical Incident Awards, the Medal of Courage, and the Medal of Merit
- U.S. Marines Corps
- 20 years of service, retired with the rank of gunnery sergeant
- Assignments included deployments in various roles in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East
- Awarded Meritorious Achievement Medal
Education
- B.A. in Business Management