Meet Ronald D. Hedding, Esq., the founding member of the Hedding Law Firm and one of Southern California’s most seasoned and respected criminal defense attorneys. Mr. Hedding has an extensive, well-rounded legal background in Criminal Law. He has worked for the District Attorney’s Office, for a Superior Court Judge (as his research attorney), and as the guiding force behind the Hedding Law Firm. His multi faceted experience sets him apart and puts him in an elite group of the best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Southern California.
After founding the Hedding Law Firm, Mr. Hedding committed himself to defending clients with unmatched dedication, professionalism, and strategic insight. His work has taken him across the country, representing individuals whose reputations, livelihoods, and freedom are on the line. Known for his extraordinary ability to both fiercely litigate before a jury and skillfully negotiate with prosecutors, Mr. Hedding combines courtroom tenacity with sharp decision making, knowing exactly when to fight and when to resolve a case strategically.
Throughout his career, Mr. Hedding has served as lead counsel in numerous high-profile criminal cases in Los Angeles County and at the federal level. He has received acclaim in Newspapers, on the Radio, and in National Publications. The key to Mr. Hedding’s success, whether the case involves a DUI or a Murder Charge, lies in his understanding of the Criminal Justice System and his commitment to informing clients of their best legal options so they can make the most informed decision in protecting their rights.
“My talents lie in my ability to negotiate and argue cases before the prosecutor, a judge, or a jury,” he reflects. “They always say in life that you should do what you’re passionate about and what you’re best at—and criminal defense aligns perfectly with my skills.”
Key Differentiators
Mr. Hedding has defended over 10,000 cases and has participated in over 250 jury trials. He believes the key skills that separate the best criminal defense attorneys from others is their ability to argue the facts in the most effective way possible for the client and to have the skill to know when to fight and went to negotiate, and of course have an experience well-rounded background to help the client make the best decision because it will definitely mean the difference between incarceration and freedom.
“In the over three decades that I’ve been practicing criminal defense, the landscape has changed many times, and the pendulum has swung in different directions, depending on the political climate and what prosecutors and judges choose to target when they deal with specific crimes,” he says. “That’s why it’s crucial for your criminal defense attorney to know what it takes to move the ball down the court in defending you and getting you the best possible result.”
Navigating Challenges
Mr. Hedding explains that one of the biggest obstacles in criminal defense is dealing with the district attorney’s office, an operation that often functions like a large, well-resourced corporation. For attorneys who lack experience, this can be intimidating and difficult to manage. That is precisely why having a seasoned advocate is essential.
“That’s why it’s crucial to have someone with over 30 years of experience who’s been in the trenches and fought cases from a criminal defense standpoint,” he states. “The prosecutors and police have all the resources, and typically, the judges are behind them when they deal with their cases.”
According to Mr. Hedding, a skilled criminal defense attorney must anticipate challenges, navigate complex legal and procedural barriers, and strategically identify pathways to the best possible outcome. The ability to “see daylight on the other end,” as he describes it, is what ensures clients get real solutions.
Managing Scrutiny
According to Mr. Hedding, high-profile cases come with heightened pressure and heightened opposition. “When a case draws significant attention, the District Attorney is going to put their best prosecutors on it,” he explains. Navigating this level of scrutiny requires experience, strategic judgment, and clear-headed decision-making.
He also emphasizes the fact that effective defense work is always rooted in common sense and an honest assessment of the facts. “It’s always going to boil down to what the right thing to do is, what evidence they have against your client, and what moves you’re going to make as a criminal defense attorney to achieve the best result,” he says.
Whether that means taking the case to a jury trial or negotiating a well-crafted, favorable resolution, the mission remains the same: securing the best possible outcome for the client.
Emerging Tech and Its Impact
Mr. Hedding believes technology has undeniably transformed criminal defense, both for better and for worse. Nowadays, law enforcement agencies can access cell phone mapping, highly sophisticated DNA testing, and an ever expanding network of street and traffic cameras capable of capturing criminal activity, identifying suspects, and tracking license plates in ways that were impossible a few decades back.
At the same time, Mr. Hedding notes that advancements such as body-worn cameras have become powerful tools for the defense. “In many cases, body cam footage has helped defendants by exposing the truth and countering statements from officers who were not being accurate,” he explains. This technology has not only shifted the outcomes of individual cases but also prevented unjust charges from being filed in the first place—because of video proof showing what really happened.
“I always rely on human judgment over technology because a seasoned criminal defense lawyer has been down the road that a client is about to take and has had success,” he explains. “Whereas I have seen many clients misapply information on the Internet and put themselves in a worse position, there’s nothing better than the insight that a criminal defense attorney who is battle-tested and has gone through what it takes to win can lend to someone charged with a crime facing the loss of their liberty.”
Picture of the Future
Mr. Hedding hopes his legacy extends far beyond the courtroom. He wants to be remembered not only as a fierce advocate, but as a mentor—someone who helped clients rebuild their lives, not just resolve their cases.
“Many people are lost and not sure what direction to take,” he reflects. “I do everything I can to put them on the right path, give them insight, offer guidance, and help them envision a better future for themselves.”
For Mr. Hedding, true success lies not just in dismissed charges or favorable verdicts, but in seeing clients reclaim their confidence, make better choices, and pursue the life they were meant to live.
