Los Angeles Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles?

Whether you were arrested for possession, sales, transportation, or manufacturing of controlled substances, the consequences of drug charges can be devastating. A conviction may result in incarceration, steep fines, loss of employment, and long-term damage to your reputation.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we provide strong, strategic defense to individuals facing state and federal drug crime charges. With decades of combined experience and a reputation for results in Los Angeles courtrooms, our firm is equipped to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome in your case. When your freedom is on the line, you need more than just representation — you need a team of proven litigators who understand how to fight and win.

Why Choose Us Over Other Drug Crime Lawyers in Los Angeles?

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in defending against drug charges. We understand how these cases are built and how to expose weak evidence, unlawful searches, and prosecutorial overreach.

• Founded in 1994: Over three decades of criminal defense experience handling complex, high-stakes cases throughout California.
• Alan Jackson: Former Assistant Head Deputy of the Major Crimes Division, L.A. County District Attorney’s Office
• Mark Werksman: Former Deputy District Attorney and Assistant United States Attorney with unmatched insight into prosecutorial tactics.
• Kelly Quinn: Certified Appellate Specialist with extensive post-conviction expertise in appeals, writs, and complex legal motions.
• AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell: Reflecting the highest possible standards of legal skill and professional ethics.
• Multiple attorneys listed by Super Lawyers: The rating agency recognizes leading attorneys based on peer reviews and independent research.
• Trial-ready approach: We prepare every case as if it will go to trial because that’s how we secure leverage and results.
• High-profile representation: We’ve defended celebrities, executives, and professionals with discretion, focus, and proven outcomes.
• State and federal court experience: We handle cases across all levels of jurisdiction, including federal indictments and cross-border investigations.

Don't Face Drug Charges Alone

Put a proven legal team on your side. Call (213) 688-0460 today.

Drug Charges in California

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

This offense involves having objects used to consume or prepare illegal drugs, such as pipes, syringes, or other instruments commonly associated with controlled substance use. While typically charged as a misdemeanor, a conviction can still carry fines and probation, and may affect future legal outcomes.

Use of a Controlled Substance

This charge applies when a person is found to have used or is under the influence of a controlled substance, such as methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine. It is usually a misdemeanor and may result in jail time or court-ordered drug treatment programs.

Sale of a Controlled Substance

Selling, furnishing, administering, or giving away a controlled substance is a felony under California law. The penalties increase with the type and amount of drug involved, and sentencing can be enhanced if the offense occurred near a school or involved prior convictions.

Possession of a Controlled Substance

This charge refers to having a usable amount of a controlled substance for personal use. Many simple possession cases are now prosecuted as misdemeanors under California law, though certain drugs or prior convictions may elevate the charge to a felony.

Transportation of a Controlled Substance

Transporting a controlled substance for any distance, on foot, in a vehicle, or by other means, can lead to felony charges, even if there was no intent to sell. Prosecutors only need to prove that the substance was moved and that it was knowingly carried.

Transportation with Intent to Sell a Controlled Substance

When law enforcement believes the transportation was for purposes of distribution, the offense becomes more serious. Evidence such as large quantities, packaging materials, cash, or scales can be used to allege intent to sell, which carries enhanced penalties compared to simple transportation.

Sale of a Controlled Substance to a Minor

Selling or offering to sell drugs to anyone under 18 is considered an aggravated felony and carries severe consequences. This offense can result in significant prison time, particularly if the defendant is an adult and the transaction occurred near a school, park, or other designated area.

Law Enforcement Is Building a Case.

You need a defense team already in motion: Call (213) 688-0460.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes?

Drug crime penalties can range from diversion programs and probation to long-term prison sentences. The severity of the punishment depends on several key factors, including:

• The type of drug involved (e.g., heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, prescription medications)
• The quantity in possession
• Whether the charge involves personal use, sales, or trafficking
• Your criminal history
• Whether the case is prosecuted in state or federal court

The stakes in these cases are high, and even a first-time offense can carry life-altering consequences.

Misdemeanor Possession

In California, many cases of possession for personal use are charged as misdemeanors, especially for first-time offenders . These offenses may result in:

• Up to 1 year in county jail
• Fines of up to $1,000
• Probation, drug counseling, or participation in diversion programs

Certain offenses may be eligible for pretrial diversion or deferred entry of judgment under Penal Code § 1000, which can allow for dismissal after successful completion of treatment.

Felony Drug Sales or Trafficking

Possession with intent to sell, actual sale, or transportation of a controlled substance can be charged as a felony. Penalties for these offenses may include:

• 2 to 9 years in California state prison, depending on the statute and circumstances
• Substantial fines, often up to $20,000
• Formal probation with strict terms
• Enhancements for prior drug convictions or gang affiliation

Unlike personal possession charges, these offenses are not eligible for diversion and may result in a permanent felony record.

Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

If you’re arrested with a large quantity of drugs or cross state lines, your case may be prosecuted in federal court, where sentencing is much more severe. Common federal charges include:

• Conspiracy to distribute under 21 U.S.C. § 846
• Possession with intent to distribute under 21 U.S.C. § 841

Federal sentencing guidelines impose mandatory minimums based on the type and weight of the substance. For example:

• 5 years minimum for 100 grams of heroin or 500 grams of cocaine
• 10 years minimum for 1 kilogram of heroin or 5 kilograms of cocaine

These sentences can increase dramatically for repeat offenders, those in leadership roles, or cases involving weapons or minors.

Additional Penalties and Consequences

Beyond incarceration and fines, drug crime convictions may lead to:

• Asset forfeiture: Authorities may seize cash, vehicles, or property tied to alleged drug activity
• Probation or parole: Including random drug testing, travel restrictions, and regular check-ins
• Mandatory drug treatment: As a condition of probation or sentencing
• Loss of driving privileges: Particularly in cases involving DUI or drug transportation
• Restrictive release conditions: Including electronic monitoring or house arrest

Aggravating Factors That May Lead to Longer Sentences

Certain circumstances can trigger enhanced penalties under both state and federal law, such as:

• Drug activity near schools, playgrounds, or youth centers
• Use or involvement of minors in drug sales or transportation
• Possession of firearms during a drug offense
• Repeat or habitual offender status
• Involvement in organized drug trafficking operations

These enhancements can double or triple potential prison terms, make you ineligible for probation, and increase fines significantly.

Reasons to Contact a Los Angeles Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Right Away

The decisions you make in the early hours and days after an arrest can have a lasting impact on the outcome of your case. Involving a defense attorney immediately gives you the best chance to protect your rights and limit the damage before it escalates.

Protecting Your Rights

Law enforcement officers may try to question you or search your property without fully explaining your rights. Even casual conversations can be used against you later in court.

Preventing Escalation of Charges

What begins as a misdemeanor possession charge can quickly escalate to a felony if law enforcement alleges intent to sell or distribution. Early involvement from a defense attorney can lead to pre-filing negotiations with prosecutors, potentially preventing charges from being filed at all or limiting the severity of the accusations.

Preserving Evidence

Text messages, call logs, surveillance footage, and witness testimony can be critical to your defense, but this evidence doesn’t last forever. A proactive legal team can act quickly to send preservation letters, retrieve data, and secure documentation that may prove your innocence or weaken the prosecution's case.

Staying Ahead of the Prosecution

Prosecutors begin building their case the moment an investigation starts. Our firm immediately begins reviewing the facts, scrutinizing law enforcement conduct, and developing a customized defense strategy while evidence is fresh and leverage is still possible.

Legal Defenses Against Drug Crime Allegations

In cases involving drug charges in Los Angeles, several effective legal defense strategies can be pursued to protect the rights of the accused and challenge the prosecution’s case:

1. Lack of evidence: If the prosecution fails to present sufficient evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, arguing for lack of evidence can result in acquittal. This involves scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence, witnesses, and arguments to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies that cast doubt on the case’s validity.
2. Fourth Amendment violations: Challenging the legality of law enforcement actions under the Fourth Amendment is a powerful defense strategy. If it’s proven that authorities conducted an unlawful search or seizure without probable cause, this can result in the suppression of any evidence obtained through such means. By contesting the validity of the search and seizure, including scrutinizing the legitimacy of search warrants and identifying any violations of established protocols, it becomes possible to render the evidence inadmissible in court.
3. Miranda rights violations: Failure by law enforcement to adequately inform the defendant of their Miranda rights during interrogation can lead to the exclusion of any statements made in court. By challenging the admissibility of such statements, particularly those acquired through coercion, duress, or without the requisite Miranda warnings, it is possible to weaken the prosecution’s case.
4. Entrapment: Contending that the defendant was manipulated or coerced by law enforcement into committing the crime, actions they wouldn’t have undertaken otherwise, can constitute a viable defense against drug charges. By illustrating how law enforcement’s actions induced or persuaded the defendant to participate in the unlawful conduct, thus establishing a case of entrapment, it becomes possible to seek dismissal or acquittal of the charges.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Extremely professional, poised, tenacious, and outright brilliant! -T Glaspie (5-Star Google Review)

Mr. Jackson is an extraordinarily phenomenal defense attorney! Extremely professional, poised, tenacious, and outright brilliant! Watching him litigate is a sight to see!

I would trust them with my life -JoAnn G. (5-Star Yelp Review)

They're amazing [with] integrity [and] accessibility. They truly saved the life of someone I know. I recommend them beyond all. I would trust them with my life.

Case Results

Acquittal in federal case alleging drug trafficking conspiracy

On April 23, 2020, Werksman, Jackson & Quinn partner Caleb Mason obtained an acquittal for our client, a private charter pilot, on all charges in a federal criminal trial on drug trafficking charges in the US District Court in Lexington, Kentucky. Our firm represented a private jet charter pilot who was charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Kentucky after one of his former charter clients was caught smuggling drugs on a private plane in Lexington, Kentucky. Our client had nothing to do with that flight, but the government charged him, and the owner of the charter company he flew for, on conspiracy charges, claiming that all of this charter client's prior flights had been drug flights, and the pilot and company owner must have known about it. A second pilot, and a business associate of the drug smuggler were also charged. The government claimed that the defendants were part of a massive multi-year conspiracy to smuggle huge quantities of drugs around the country using private planes. The trial lasted seven weeks, continuing all through the coronavirus lockdown, with more than 50 witnesses. The jury deliberated for eight days, and then acquitted our client of all charges. He is now free to return home to his wife and young daughter.

Federal drug money laundering charges reduced to a misdemeanor

Mark Werksman’s client was a Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time.

Speak With a Trusted Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

Being convicted of a drug crime in Los Angeles can have lasting consequences on your life, especially if you are convicted as a felon. Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP fights for our to protect our clients’ freedom.

If you or a loved one are facing drug crime charges, you need a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to have your back. Call (213) 688-0460 to learn more today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m arrested for a drug crime in Los Angeles?

Stay calm, do not resist, and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer any questions without an attorney present. Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP immediately at (213) 688-0460 so we can step in and begin protecting your rights from the start.

Can I be charged with a felony for simple drug possession?

In many cases, simple possession is charged as a misdemeanor, especially for first-time offenders. However, possession of certain substances. such as heroin or cocaine, or possession with aggravating factors, can result in felony charges. If intent to sell is alleged, it may elevate the charge regardless of quantity.

How is “intent to sell” determined in California drug cases?

Prosecutors often rely on circumstantial evidence to prove intent to sell, including the quantity of drugs, how they were packaged, possession of cash or scales, and any prior history.

Can my case be dismissed if the police violated my rights?

Yes. If law enforcement conducted an illegal search, lacked probable cause, or failed to properly advise you of your rights, we can file motions to suppress the evidence. Without that evidence, the prosecution’s case may fall apart, leading to dismissal or favorable plea negotiations.

Are drug diversion or treatment programs available in California?

In some cases, yes. First-time, non-violent offenders may be eligible for diversion programs under California Penal Code § 1000 or Prop 36. Successful completion can result in charges being dropped.

What’s the difference between state and federal drug charges?

State charges are prosecuted by the District Attorney in Los Angeles County and typically involve smaller-scale offenses. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and they usually involve interstate drug trafficking, large quantities, or organized distribution.

Will a drug conviction affect my immigration status?

Yes. A drug conviction can have serious immigration consequences, including deportation, denial of re-entry, and loss of eligibility for citizenship or green card status. Non-citizens must act quickly to secure legal defense, and our team has experience protecting immigration-sensitive clients.

Meet Our Los Angeles Drug Crime Defense Attorneys

Mark Werksman

Mark Werksman is the founding partner of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and one of California’s most respected and accomplished criminal defense attorneys. With nearly 40 years of experience in both state and federal courts, Mr. Werksman has built a formidable reputation for handling the toughest and most high-profile criminal cases with skill, strategy, and discretion. Before establishing the firm in 1994, Mr. Werksman served as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County and later as an Assistant United States Attorney, where he prosecuted major federal crimes.

Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson is a nationally recognized criminal trial attorney and a founding partner of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. With more than 25 years of legal experience and a reputation built in some of California’s most closely watched courtrooms, Mr. Jackson is known for his sharp litigation skills, commanding presence, and ability to navigate complex, high-profile criminal cases.

Kelly Quinn

Kelly Quinn is a partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and one of California’s few attorneys certified by the State Bar as a Specialist in Appellate Law. With a career dedicated to defending individuals after conviction, she brings deep knowledge, precision, and strategic insight to some of the most complex and high-stakes criminal cases in the state.

Additional Information

• The Connection Between Drug Crimes and Mental Health
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Challenging Drug Crime Charges
• How Drug Quantities Affect Your Charges
• Synthetic Cannabis: Still a Schedule I Drug