Los Angeles Criminal Defense Blog

Is It a Crime to Use Public Equipment, Staff, or Funds for a Private Purpose?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on July 15, 2026

Judge's gavel and scales of justice representing public corruption investigations, misuse of government resources, ethics violations, and white collar criminal defense.

Public employees and government officials may have access to vehicles, office equipment, facilities, personnel, and taxpayer-funded resources as part of their jobs. While these resources are intended to help serve the public, some people assume they can occasionally be used for personal or charitable purposes without consequences.

Posted in: White-Collar Crime

In Trouble for Buying Someone a Gun? The Hidden Dangers of Straw Purchasing in Los Angeles

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on July 6, 2026

Judge's gavel, handgun, and ammunition representing criminal firearm charges, alleged straw purchasing, and gun crime defense under California and federal law.

People may assume that buying a gun for someone else is simply a way of doing them a favor. Perhaps a spouse cannot make it to the gun store, a family member wants to use your discount, or a friend asks you to purchase a firearm because you have more experience with firearms.

Posted in: Criminal Law

What to Do When Child Protective Services (CPS) Comes to Your Home in Los Angeles

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on June 30, 2026

Supportive psychologist with clipboard listening to little child during therapy session. Preschool girl feeling at ease in therapist's office sharing her thoughts and concerns

Few experiences are more frightening for a parent than hearing a knock at the door and discovering Child Protective Services wants to investigate your family. In this situation, it’s important to remain calm and contact a lawyer right away. The Los Angeles child abuse defense lawyers at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP represent parents, guardians, and caregivers accused of abuse, neglect, and related criminal offenses throughout California. Our attorneys understand how CPS conducts investigations, and we know how quickly baseless allegations can escalate into criminal charges or family court proceedings.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

What to Do If Your College’s Title IX Investigation Is Biased or Unfair

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on June 15, 2026

A judge’s gavel and scales of justice in the foreground, representing legal proceedings, fairness, and the importance of due process in high-stakes investigations.

For college and university students who have been accused of sexual misconduct, a Title IX investigation is a high-stakes ordeal that can quickly become one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.

Posted in: Title IX

How Social Media and Text Messages Are Used in LA Sex Trafficking Cases

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on May 30, 2026

A person holding a smartphone while wearing handcuffs, illustrating how digital devices and communications can become central evidence in Los Angeles sex trafficking cases and criminal investigations.

Every text message, Instagram direct message, or Snapchat photo leaves a permanent footprint. Police officers use these digital trails to build and pursue criminal charges. If you find yourself under investigation, detectives will scrutinize your entire online history. Our Los Angeles human trafficking defense lawyers at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP know how to safeguard your constitutional rights.

Posted in: Cybercrime

Los Angeles Sex Trafficking Cases: Can the Charges Be Challenged?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on May 15, 2026

A judge’s gavel and a pair of handcuffs on a wooden surface, symbolizing the serious criminal charges and legal consequences involved in Los Angeles sex trafficking cases and the importance of a strong legal defense.

Getting hit with a sex trafficking accusation is a nightmare that can instantly destroy a reputation. Law enforcement agencies in Southern California aggressively target these crimes, pouring massive resources into specialized task forces. Prosecutors treat these allegations harshly, often seeking maximum penalties before closely examining the evidence. If you are under investigation or facing charges, our Los Angeles human trafficking defense attorneys at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP can help protect your future.

Posted in: Sex Crime

Pedestrian Fatalities and Vehicular Manslaughter in Los Angeles: What Drivers Need to Know

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on April 30, 2026

People’s legs walking across a marked crosswalk on a city street, illustrating pedestrian traffic and legal risks in Los Angeles pedestrian accident and vehicular manslaughter cases.

A fatal pedestrian crash in Los Angeles can quickly become a criminal investigation. A review of driving speed, visibility, who had the right of way, possible impairment or distraction, road conditions, witness accounts, and video must take place before deciding which charges or claims may follow.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Can You Still Be Charged After Immunity? A Los Angeles Defense Lawyer Explains

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on April 15, 2026

Close-up of a judge’s gavel and scales of justice on a desk beside a laptop, representing federal grand jury proceedings, immunity agreements, and criminal defense strategy in Los Angeles.

If you are called to testify before a federal grand jury in Los Angeles and hear the word “immunity,” you may assume you cannot be charged. That assumption can be dangerous. Immunity often means prosecutors cannot use your testimony, or evidence they discover because of that testimony, against you. It does not always mean the case is over. In situations where immunity is on the table, the accused stands to benefit from experienced legal counsel. Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP represents witnesses, subjects, and targets in Los Angeles federal criminal investigations.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Can DNA Evidence Alone Convict Someone of Murder in Los Angeles?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on March 30, 2026

Close-up of forensic evidence including a magnifying glass, labeled evidence bag, fingerprint brush, and markers used in a criminal investigation scene.

DNA evidence has become one of the most powerful tools in modern criminal prosecutions. In homicide cases across Los Angeles, prosecutors often rely heavily on forensic testing to link a suspect to a crime scene. But a critical question remains: can DNA evidence alone secure a conviction, or is more evidence required under California law?

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Money Laundering Charges and Asset Forfeiture in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on March 15, 2026

Close-up of a judge’s gavel resting on stacked cash representing money laundering charges and asset forfeiture in Los Angeles criminal cases.

Money laundering is aggressively prosecuted in California. In many cases, the government moves to seize assets, freeze accounts, and disrupt financial activity long before a case reaches trial. If you are facing asset forfeiture, you are dealing with two legal battles at once: defending against criminal accusations and protecting what you own.

Posted in: White-Collar Crime

Contact Us

“We can handle any criminal case.
Anywhere. Anytime.”

What Our Clients Say

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