Los Angeles Criminal Defense Blog
Understanding Bail and Pretrial Release Options in California
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.
Murder Charges in California: Legal Definitions and Defense Approaches
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.
Navigating Robbery Charges in Los Angeles: Legal Defenses and Strategies
Being charged with robbery in Los Angeles is a serious matter. Robbery is considered a violent felony in California, carrying the possibility of state prison, a strike under the Three Strikes Law, and lifelong consequences.
The Role of Pitchess Motions in California Assault Cases
When a person is accused of assault and the arresting officer’s version of events is the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case, the defendant’s ability to challenge that credibility can be critical. This is where a Pitchess motion in California becomes an essential part of the defense playbook.
Defending Against White-Collar Crime Charges in Federal Court
When federal investigators target you for a financial crime, the stakes could hardly be higher. White-collar crime defense at the federal level is complex, fast-moving, and often based on months or years of surveillance and data collection by agencies like the FBI, IRS, SEC, or DOJ.
Alan Jackson Featured in Vanity Fair After Successful Karen Read Verdict
The July 7, 2025, edition of Vanity Fair features a striking profile of Alan Jackson, partner at the Los Angeles-based firm Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, highlighting his extraordinary leadership in defending Karen Read. The article, “We Brought to Light Some Very Uncomfortable Realities,” by Julie Miller, explores Jackson’s unwavering belief in Read’s innocence, his surgical courtroom strategy, and the wider implications of a case that shook the Massachusetts justice system. From the start, Jackson was “supremely confident” the jury would not convict Read of the serious charges she faced: second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while under the influence, and leaving…
Karen Read Acquitted in Second Trial!
On June 18, 2025, a jury in Norfolk County delivered a landmark verdict. Karen Read was found not guilty on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
Defending Against Money Laundering Charges: California Penal Code §186.10
Allegations of money laundering in California are among the most serious financial crime charges an individual or business can face. These cases are aggressively prosecuted by both state and federal authorities, and they also come with significant legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
Digital Evidence in White-Collar Crime Cases: How Prosecutors Use Your Data
In today’s high-tech world, white-collar crime investigations rarely rely on paperwork and phone calls alone. Increasingly, digital evidence forms the backbone of state and federal prosecutions. From emails and cloud storage to server logs and file metadata, prosecutors are using digital trails to build complex cases.
High-Profile Criminal Cases in Los Angeles: Lessons from the Menendez Brothers’ Parole Hearing
Few criminal trials have captivated public attention like that of Lyle and Erik Menendez. The Menendez brothers, convicted in 1996 for the murder of their parents in Beverly Hills, have been serving life sentences without the possibility of parole—until recently.
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Previous Testimonial Next Testimonial- “Alan Jackson is hands down the best attorney we have worked with. Extremely professional, well liked in the court system and respected amongst all legal professionals. Took our calls at any given time and made himself available all the time.” - S.F. From Google Reviews
- “Perpetually impressed by the professionalism, thoroughness, follow through, and expertise that Mark Werksman, his fellow partners, and associates / admin staff all produce whenever I interact with them, professionally.” - Dru S.
- “Kelly is a brainiac. She's a certified criminal law appellate specialist - a rare achievement and qualification- and she fits into a very unique niche in criminal law. Her primary role at her firm (one of, if not THE best criminal defense firm in los angeles) is research and writer...” - Joseph W.
- “Having Alan Jackson as my lead attorney on 3 separate cases (one felony, and two misdemeanors) was the best decision of my life. I was facing 6-8 years in prison, and he was able to have all three charges dismissed. He's got the skills, connections, and the charisma to aid anyone in any situation...” - Anonymous