Los Angeles Criminal Defense Blog

How Does the Exclusionary Rule Affect State and Federal Drug Charges in Los Angeles?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on October 30, 2025

Handcuffs placed beside scattered pills, blister packs, cash, and a pill bottle, symbolizing exclusionary rule LA drug charges. The image highlights fruit of poisonous tree doctrine, California evidence suppression, federal drug case defense LA, LA drug raid legal rights, Miranda, and search & seizure LA issues in criminal defense.

Under the exclusionary rule, courts must throw out evidence gathered through unconstitutional means. Whether you’re facing charges in California state court or under federal drug laws, improper search & seizure can fundamentally weaken the prosecution’s case.

Posted in: Drug Crimes

What’s the Difference Between Being Arrested and Being Indicted in Los Angeles?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on October 22, 2025

Judge’s gavel rests on a block beside metal handcuffs, symbolizing arrested vs indicted in criminal cases. The image reflects LA indictment process, arrest procedure California, grand jury indictment, criminal charges LA, preliminary hearing CA, and the criminal justice timeline.

If you’re facing criminal charges in California, the legal process can feel overwhelming. The terms “arrest” and “indictment” are not interchangeable. Instead, they refer to distinct processes in a criminal justice timeline, each with different legal standards, procedures, and rights.

Posted in: Criminal Law

The Pros and Cons of Accepting a Plea Agreement in Los Angeles

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on October 14, 2025

Close-up of a fountain pen signing a legal document, symbolizing plea agreement pros cons LA. The image highlights Los Angeles plea bargaining, plea deal risks benefits, California sentencing alternatives, felony vs misdemeanor plea LA, criminal defense strategy LA, and plea negotiation tactics.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, prosecutors may offer you a plea agreement that reduces charges or sentences in exchange for a guilty or no-contest plea. But is that the right decision for you?

Posted in: Criminal Law

Can Police Search Your Phone Without a Warrant in Los Angeles?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on October 4, 2025

Police officer in uniform holds a smartphone while wearing a tactical vest, symbolizing police search phone without warrant LA. The image reflects cell phone search warrant California, privacy rights LA, Riley v. California application, digital searches police, LA Fourth Amendment issues, and phone search exclusions.

From photos and personal messages to banking apps and location history, your phone paints an intimate portrait of your life. That’s why in most cases police need to get a warrant to search your phone, even after an arrest.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Assault Charges in California: Understanding Degrees and Penalties

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on September 22, 2025

Close-up of a person in handcuffs with hands behind their back, wearing a grey sweater and dark pants, symbolizing arrest, criminal charges, and the need for legal defense representation

Whether it’s a simple misunderstanding or a serious confrontation, being accused of assault can jeopardize your future, freedom, and reputation.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Legal Defense Strategies for Complex Criminal Cases in California

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on September 15, 2025

Rear view of man in casual clothing with hands cuffed behind his back, highlighting the seriousness of criminal charges and the importance of strong legal defense strategies

When it comes to navigating California’s criminal justice system, facing a complex criminal charge demands far more than a standard approach. Whether the case involves white-collar crime, violent felony charges, or allegations that attract public scrutiny, the outcome often hinges on the precision of the defense strategy.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

The Impact of Criminal Records on Employment in California

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on September 12, 2025

Close-up of a criminal background check request form with reading glasses resting on top, representing the impact of criminal records on employment opportunities and legal rights.

Having a criminal record can create significant barriers to employment. In California, the stigma and personal consequences of a conviction can be substantial.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Enters the Pretrial Phase in Fraser Bohm Trial

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on September 12, 2025

Alan Jackson, Fraser Bohm, and Jacqueline Sparagna seated in the courtroom.

Alan Jackson and his Los Angeles-based criminal defense team at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP have entered the pretrial phase of proceedings in the trial of Fraser Bohm, the man charged in connection with a fatal car accident on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu in October 2023. Along with Mr. Jackson, Bohm is also being represented by Jacqueline Sparagna.

Posted in: Firm News

Understanding Bail and Pretrial Release Options in California

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on September 7, 2025

Close-up of judge’s gavel and golden scales of justice on desk, with attorney reviewing legal documents in the background, symbolizing court proceedings, bail hearings, and pretrial release decisions

For anyone arrested in California, one of the first concerns is securing release from custody. Understanding the bail process and available pretrial release options is critical to safeguarding your freedom and preparing a strong defense.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Murder Charges in California: Legal Definitions and Defense Approaches

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on August 29, 2025

Arrested man in handcuffs with handcuffed hands behind back in prison

In California, a murder charge can carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The legal process is complex, and the stakes are high.

Posted in: Violent Crime

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