Alan Jackson
“Because of my experience as a former Los Angeles District Attorney, I understand criminal cases from every angle.”
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About
Alan Jackson is one of the country’s most sought-after criminal defense attorneys. A former prosecutor and Assistant Head Deputy for the Major Crimes Division at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Alan tried some of California’s most consequential criminal cases, including prosecuting the murder case against music legend, Phil Spector. Because of that experience, Alan understands criminal cases from every angle. He has tried more than 85 cases to jury verdict with a career success rate of 96 percent, and he was named one of California’s Top 100 Lawyers in 2009. Alan specializes in high-stakes criminal cases that demand the absolute best.
Alan recently won the exoneration of a high-profile Venice Beach hotel owner accused of murder. The case garnered national attention because of the rising tensions between the homeless population and the surrounding businesses. In a stunning turn of events, Alan won his client’s freedom not at trial, but at the preliminary hearing, an almost unheard of feat.
Just a few months before, Alan was called upon by a foreign royal family to represent an heir who was accused of rape and other sex crimes. After an exhaustive investigation by Alan and his trial team, he presented his findings to the District Attorney’s office which rejected all criminal charges.
Alan is also in high demand as a legal analyst who regularly makes guest appearances on national news programs discussing the latest issues in criminal law. Alan’s client list includes Hollywood actors, NBA stars and other professional athletes, billionaire investors, corporate CEOs and foreign royal family members. Alan is in constantly called upon to lead his trial team in “must win” criminal cases.
Alan is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served honorably as a jet engine mechanic. He is also an adjunct professor of law at Pepperdine University Law School and Loyola Law School.
Featured
Hollywood’s Troubleshooters: Top 35 Lawyers for Death, Divorce and Other Disasters
Photo by FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES
The veteran attorney based in Los Angeles is the rare litigator who has a track record of winning cases as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer. After convincing Massachusetts prosecutors to drop a sexual assault case against Kevin Spacey in 2019, Jackson joined another high-profile case as one of Harvey Weinstein’s defense attorneys for his ongoing trial in L.A. He also has represented Ansel Elgort and, years ago as an L.A. County deputy district attorney, won the conviction of music producer Phil Spector in the closely watched murder case
Who is on Karen Read’s defense team?
By Jeremy C. Fox and John R. Ellement Globe Staff, July 25, 2023
Photo: JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF
“I got into this business to right wrongs and there was no way I was going to walk away from this case.”
Photo: JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF
Judge in Karen Read case refuses to step down, hears arguments on gag order
By Jeremy C. Fox and John R. Ellement Globe Staff, July 25, 2023, 5:14 p.m.
Kevin Spacey granted bail for sake of career, family and dog
By Fiona Hamilton, Thursday June 16 2022, 3.00pm, The Times
The Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey has returned to Britain to clear his name and “strenuously denies” any sexual wrongdoing, his lawyer said today.
Kevin Spacey and his attorney Alan Jackson
Here’s what you need to know about Kevin Spacey’s lawyer, Alan Jackson
By Sarah Wu, Globe Correspondent, July 9, 2019, 12:20 p.m.
Photo: JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Jackson’s courtroom skills were on display Monday in a Nantucket hearing, where he aggressively defended Hollywood star Kevin Spacey, who has been accused of sexual assault. The bearded, sharply dressed lawyer could soon notch another victory — the case against Spacey appears to be in jeopardy.
- Karen Read, Alan Jackson & Elizabeth Little of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP arrive at the courthouse
- July 25, 2023 - The Boston Globe
Judge Beverly J. Cannone refused to recuse herself from the upcoming murder trial of Karen Read, saying she does not know and has not had dealings with anyone involved in the case, despite defense attorneys’ claims. Read More - May 24, 2023 - WCVB
Karen Read says she's 'fighting for the truth' in death of boyfriend, Boston Officer John O'Keefe Read More - May 24, 2023 - CBS News
Karen Read denies killing Boston police officer John O'Keefe, says 'we know who did it' Read More - May 24, 2023 - Court TV
Judge denies Karen Read’s request to question witnesses about cellphones Read More - May 24, 2023 - Boston.com
Karen Read says she’s ‘fighting for the truth’ as judge rejects attempt to question witnesses on cellphone evidence Read More - April 20, 2023 - MyNewsLA.com
Case Dismissed Against Man Charged With Eagle Rock Fire Read More - August 8, 2022 - Los Angeles Times
Grand jury investigating L.A. County Sheriff’s Department handling of deputy who knelt on inmate’s head Read More - March 28, 2022 - Los Angeles Times
LAPD was right not to investigate Will Smith for ‘slap heard around the world,’ experts say Read More - April 7, 2020 - Los Angeles Times
Attorney general reviewing court ruling to dismiss megachurch leader's abuse case Read More - April 7, 2020 - New York Times
The case against Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo, was dismissed. Read More - April 7, 2020 - BBC
Alan Jackson represented Naason Joaquin Garcia, a leader of a Mexico-based Megachurch, accused of sex-abuse crimes. Read more - April 7, 2020 - Washington Post
In a case that garnered international attention, Alan Jackson represented a revered Megachurch leader accused of sex crimes. Read more - September 23, 2019 - U.S. News
Alan Jackson and his legal team appear in court for Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo. Read More - July 17, 2019 - Daily Mail
A$AP Rocky's Congressman Urges Us State Department to Do More to Get Rapper Released from Swedish Jail Read More - July 17, 2019 - USA Today
Kevin Spacey Criminal Groping Case Dropped by Prosecutors Due to Accuser's 'Unavailability' Read More - July 17, 2019 - CBS News
Criminal Charges against Actor Kevin Spacey Have Been Dropped in Nantucket Trial Read More - July 17, 2019 - Boston Magazine
Prosecutors Drop Kevin Spacey Nantucket Assault Case Read More - July 17, 2019 - Vanity Fair
Kevin Spacey’s Criminal Case Has Been Dismissed Read More - July 17, 2019 - Washington Post
Prosecutors Drop Criminal Case against Kevin Spacey Read More - July 17, 2019 - Reuters
Prosecutors Drop Sex Assault Case against Actor Kevin Spacey Read More - July 17, 2019 - Los Angeles Times
Kevin Spacey Charges: Prosecutors Drop Groping Case Read More - July 17, 2019 - NPR
Prosecutors Drop Criminal Charges Against Actor Kevin Spacey In Sexual Assault Case Read More - July 17, 2019 - Huffpost
Kevin Spacey Groping Case Dropped By Massachusetts Prosecutors Read More - July 17, 2019 - NBC News
Massachusetts Prosecutors Drop Sex Assault Case against Actor Kevin Spacey Read More - July 17, 2019 - ABC News
Sex Assault Charge Dropped against Actor Kevin Spacey Read More - July 17, 2019 - CBS Boston
Prosecution Drops Groping Case Against Kevin Spacey In Nantucket Read More - July 17, 2019 - CNN
Charge against Kevin Spacey Dropped after Alleged Victim Pleads the 5th Read More - July 17, 2019 - NY Times
Prosecutors Drop Sexual Assault Case Against Kevin Spacey Read More - July 17, 2019 - CNBC
Prosecutors Drop Groping Case against Actor Kevin Spacey after Accuser Becomes Unavailable Read More - July 9, 2019 - The Boston Globe
The Boston Globe profiled attorney Alan Jackson in a recent article. Read more to see some highlights of Mr. Jackson's career, including his work in the defense of Kevin Spacey. Read More - July 8, 2019 - ABC News
Kevin Spacey's accuser pleaded his Fifth Amendment right partway through questioning by Alan Jackson. Mr. Jackson asked for an immediate dismissal of the felony sexual assault charges brought upon Mr. Spacey. Read More - July 5, 2019 - The New York Times
Justin Gimelstob, former ATP Player Council president, is being represented by Alan Jackson following a charge of felony battery. His relationship with current president Novak Djokovic and other players has been causing contention at this year's Wimbledon tournament. Read More - June 10, 2019 - Daily Mail
A British billionaire, known for involvement in successful retail chains such as TopShop, has recruited Alan Jackson as his defense attorney against allegations of groping a Pilates instructor in 2016 and 2018. Read More - June 5, 2019 - The Sun
British businessman Sir Philip Green has hired Alan Jackson to represent him in the US after being charged with assaulting an Arizona woman. Mr. Green "denies any inappropriate misconduct." Read More - June 3, 2019 - Boston Herald
At a pretrial hearing, Alan Jackson argued that state attorneys have hidden evidence in the groping case against his client, Kevin Spacey. Mr. Jackson has requested to obtain the defendant's cell phone, in order to access allegedly deleted text messages. Read More - June 3, 2019 - Wall Street Journal
Alan Jackson's client, Kevin Spacey, made an appearance at a pretrial hearing in Nantucket, Massachusetts. The actor has pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecent assault and battery from an incident that occurred at a bar in 2016. Read More - March 4, 2019 - USA Today
Attorney Alan Jackson is representing Kevin Spacey, who is accused of sexually assaulting a busboy in 2016. Mr. Jackson was recently granted expanded access to the accuser's cellphone data concerning Mr. Spacey for the time period following the alleged assault. Read More
Recent
Case Results
- Alan Jackson recently defended a 22-year-old Bakersfield man accused of first degree murder in the 2015 stabbing death of his brother. Alan and his team took over the case on the eve of trial, and announced ready in 90 days. Notwithstanding the short time for preparation, Alan’s team undertook an exhaustive investigation, which revealed that the tragic death was in self-defense. During the trial, Alan’s vigorous and relentless cross-examination of the prosecution’s two main witnesses established that they were actually complicit in viciously attacking Alan’s client, which attack led to the decedent’s death. That revelation resulted in both prosecution witnesses invoking their 5th Amendment privilege against self-incrimination on the stand, refusing to answer further questions. The prosecution’s case quickly crumbled and the DA dismissed the murder charges. Alan’s client, previously facing life in prison, walked out of court with probation with no time in jail. Case over.
- Alan Jackson and Elizabeth Little recently took over the defense of a young speech therapist who, under prior counsel’s representation, had been ordered by a court to pay a staggering $1,066,708.64 in restitution to the victim of a DUI hit-and-run collision, who falsely claimed debilitating injuries to his neck and back. Based on information uncovered through an exhaustive and thorough investigation, Alan and Elizabeth presented evidence that established that the complaining witness grossly exaggerated his claims of injury and wage loss, prompting the court to vacate its original order and set a new restitution hearing. At that hearing, Alan undertook a withering multiple-day cross-examination of the complaining witness, which damaged the witness’s credibility so thoroughly that the court rejected his testimony entirely. The result was that the court ordered Alan and Elizabeth’s client to pay a mere $4,770, saving her more than $1 million.
- Alan Jackson’s client, a commercial real estate owner with extensive holdings, was criminally charged by the Los Angeles City Attorney for multiple violations of city municipal codes based on tenant medical marijuana dispensary’s alleged violations of city regulations. Based on a complaint filed by the City Attorney, Alan’s client faced more than a year in jail and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Alan and his team aggressively fought the charges, and following extensive legal and factual evaluation, exposed significant legal problems with the City Attorney’s case. After meeting with Alan and being presented with his arguments, the City Attorney dismissed all charges against his client. Proceedings terminated.
- Alan Jackson recently fought for and won his client’s freedom after being falsely accused of murder. Following a month-long preliminary hearing, Alan Jackson’s client, Venice Beach hotel owner, was exonerated when a superior court judge dismissed all charges against him. The nightmare for Alan’s client, a prominent Venice community leader, came to an end after Alan and broke down the government’s key witnesses on cross-examination and then he and his team presented their own witnesses to counter the false allegations. Alan and his trial team are also noted for their recent representation of a Saudi Arabian prince, who last summer was fully exonerated of rape charges.
- Alan Jackson recently defended an NBA player facing serious domestic violence accusations. As a result of Alan's early, vigorous and tenacious representation (including a thorough independent investigation), Alan was able to convince the prosecutor to reject criminal charges against his client. Case closed.
- A foreign royal family member was arrested by LAPD in September 2015 and accused of sexual assault at his Beverly Hills area mansion. From the beginning Alan's client maintained his innocence. Alan conducted an extensive investigation and presented his findings to the District Attorney's office. It was only through Alan's diligence, perseverance and relentless pursuit of the truth did the District Attorney's office ultimately conclude that criminal charges were inappropriate, clearing his client's name.
- Successful registered nurse (R.N.) specializing in dermal filler procedures, (such as Botox, Restylane, et al.) charged with four felony counts in a very high-profile case, including battery with serious bodily injury and practicing medicine without a license. She was facing a maximum of 14 years in state prison. Following Alan Jackson's presentation at the preliminary hearing the battery and bodily injury charges were thrown out. Alan then won a reduction of the remaining charges to misdemeanors, with his client receiving probation and no jail time.
- Former police officer was accused of battery. Notwithstanding that the incident was caught on videotape, Alan Jackson secured a dismissal of all charges in favor of an infraction with no jail time and no fine.
- Alan Jackson recently represented the high profile 23-year-old son of a Middle Eastern Sheikh, accused of assault, kidnapping and torture. After Alan conducted an exhaustive investigation lasting more than four months his client was completely exonerated and all charges were dismissed. And, in a highly unusual ruling, the presiding judge made a factual finding of innocence for Alan's client. Additionally, and in a surprising twist, Alan's preparation and presentation of the case led to the arrest of the complaining witness and her two attorneys on charges of extortion and bribery. All three are currently awaiting trial.
Awards &
Memberships
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Criminal Courts Bar Association
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Education
Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, California | J.D. - 1994
University of Texas | B.A. - 1991
Bar Admissions
- California, 1994
