Los Angeles Grand Jury Investigation Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Grand Jury Investigation Lawyer in Los Angeles?

Facing a grand jury investigation is one of the most serious high-stakes legal challenges a person can encounter. If you've received a subpoena, or if you believe you may be under investigation, it is critical to contact an experienced criminal defense team immediately.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we represent individuals and organizations that are under investigation by state or federal grand juries in Los Angeles. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who know exactly how these proceedings work and how to protect your rights at every stage.

Why Choose Us Over Other Los Angeles Grand Jury Investigation Attorneys?

Grand jury proceedings can lead to criminal charges with devastating consequences. Whether you are a witness, a target, or someone caught in the crosshairs of a complex criminal investigation, your future may be at risk.

Here’s what sets us apart from other law firms in Los Angeles:

• Decades of High-Level Criminal Defense Experience – Representing clients in some of the most complex and high-profile cases in California
• Former Prosecutors on Staff – Including top former Deputy District Attorneys and federal prosecutors
• Recognized Leaders in Criminal Law – Multiple attorneys selected to Super Lawyers and named among the best in white-collar defense
• Strategic, Trial-Tested Litigators – We prepare every case for courtroom scrutiny, even if resolution happens behind closed doors
• Trusted by Celebrities, CEOs, and Public Figures – Known for discretion, strength, and results
• AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell – A distinction based on the highest ethical and legal standards
• Relentless Legal Advocates – We build aggressive, creative strategies to protect your future and minimize risk

The Government Has Already Started Building Its Case

It’s time to start building your defense. Call a Los Angeles criminal attorney at (213) 688-0460 to learn more today.

How to Respond to a Grand Jury Subpoena

Subpoenas are legal demands to produce documents, records, or testimony. If you receive one:

• Do not destroy or alter any requested material.
• Do not attempt to handle it yourself.
• Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP will evaluate whether the subpoena is legally enforceable, negotiate its scope, and protect your rights throughout the process.

What Is a Grand Jury?

A grand jury is a group of citizens empaneled by the government to review evidence and determine whether there is probable cause to bring criminal charges. Grand juries do not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, they decide whether formal charges known as indictments should be issued based on the evidence presented by prosecutors.

Grand juries operate in secret and without a judge present. The accused has no right to present evidence, call witnesses, or cross-examine the government’s witnesses. This one-sided nature makes the process especially dangerous for targets and unrepresented witnesses.

How a California Grand Jury Works

In California, grand juries are used both for criminal indictments and civil investigations of public officials. For criminal matters:

• The District Attorney or Attorney General presents evidence to the grand jury.
• The grand jury can subpoena documents, compel testimony, and review confidential material.
• The grand jury consists of 23 people and needs 12 votes to issue an indictment.
• The process is confidential, and the subject of the investigation is not notified until an indictment is issued or a subpoena is served.

How a Federal Grand Jury Works

Federal grand juries are even more common and often more far-reaching than a state grand jury. Here’s how they work:

• Federal grand juries typically consist of 16 to 23 jurors and require a majority to indict.
• Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office lead the investigation.
• Federal grand juries can last months or even years, especially in white-collar or multi-defendant cases.
• Subpoenas may be issued for documents, records, or personal testimony.

Rules of Evidence

Grand jury proceedings follow different rules than trials:

• Prosecutors may introduce evidence that would not be admissible in court.
• Hearsay is often allowed.
• There is no obligation to present exculpatory evidence unless required by law.

Due to the unusual rules of evidence, a grand jury may not hear your side of the story. That’s why it’s so important that your attorney engages with prosecutors early to protect your interests.

Defendants' Rights

Understanding the limits and scope of your rights is crucial for avoiding criminal exposure. You don’t have a right to be present during grand jury proceedings against you, and you don’t have a right to present your side of the story unless you're invited to testify. And even then, your lawyer cannot be in the room.

However, you do have the following rights:

• The right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment
• The right to counsel before and after testifying
• The right to challenge subpoenas in some circumstances

Fifth Amendment Rights

Your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination is one of your most powerful protections. If you are called before a grand jury, you may invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions that could expose you to criminal liability.

In some cases, prosecutors may offer immunity in exchange for testimony. This is a high-risk area where you should never proceed without legal counsel. The wrong decision could put you in legal jeopardy, even if you think you have nothing to hide.

Have You Been Subpoenaed by a Grand Jury?

You don’t have to go in blind. Call (213) 688-0460 and start working with some of the most successful criminal defense lawyers in the country.

Negotiations

Our experience working on both sides of the courtroom gives us a powerful advantage in negotiating favorable outcomes for our clients before charges are even filed. Our attorneys can often negotiate with prosecutors to:

• Limit the scope of the investigation
• Avoid formal charges through early resolution
• Explore the possibility of immunity agreements
• Arrange plea negotiations if appropriate

How an Attorney Can Help

Grand jury investigations are not straightforward. They often involve multiple parties, massive volumes of records, parallel investigations, and unclear targets. The secrecy surrounding these proceedings adds to the challenge, as does the fact that you may not know how much prosecutors already know.

These cases require attorneys with deep experience, strong strategic instincts, and the ability to interpret limited information accurately. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we bring that experience to every case we handle.

Here’s what we can do if you are asked to testify or provide documents:

• Review all materials you may be asked to turn over.
• Explain exactly what to expect inside the grand jury room.
• Prepare you for various types of questions that may arise.
• Conduct mock questioning sessions to prevent surprises.
• Cleary inform you when to invoke your Fifth Amendment rights.

Case Results

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP convinces a US Attorney to decline prosecution.

Mark Werksman represented a Los Angeles securities trader and hedge fund manager facing federal prosecution for securities fraud. If indicted, he would have been stripped of his securities licenses, and if convicted, he would have done five years in a federal prison. Mark convinced the Unites States Attorney's office to decline prosecution.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP obtains acquittal in federal case alleging drug trafficking conspiracy

On April 23, 2020, Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP 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.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Highly recommend!!! -Anonymous (5-Star Avvo Review)

Best attorney to help with my case! He will fight for you all the way. I trusted him with my case and his team to assist me. Will go above and beyond to win and defend you. Highly recommend!!!

An extraordinarily phenomenal defense attorney-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!

Speak With an Experienced Grand Jury Investigation Attorney in Los Angeles

If you have received a grand jury subpoena or believe you may be under investigation in Los Angeles, the time to act is now. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP we know how to handle the pressure. We know how prosecutors think. And we know how to protect you.

Call our Los Angeles federal crime attorneys at (213) 688-0460 to get the ball rolling on your legal strategy today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grand jury investigation?

A grand jury investigation is a secret legal process where prosecutors present evidence to a panel of citizens to determine whether there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime. It does not determine guilt or innocence.

What should I do if I receive a grand jury subpoena?

Do not respond on your own. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. A subpoena may require testimony, documents, or both, and your response can carry serious legal consequences if not handled properly.

Am I being accused of a crime if I’m subpoenaed?

Not necessarily. You could be a witness, a subject, or a target. A qualified attorney can determine your status and protect you from potential legal exposure.

Can I have my lawyer with me during grand jury testimony?

No. You are not allowed to have your lawyer in the room while testifying before a grand jury. However, your attorney can wait just outside and you may step out to consult with them between questions.

What if I want to assert my Fifth Amendment rights?

You absolutely can, and in many cases, you should. Your attorney will help you understand when and how to invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid self-incrimination.

Can I challenge a grand jury subpoena?

In some cases, yes. Your attorney can evaluate the subpoena’s scope and purpose and may challenge it if it is overly broad, irrelevant, or violates your rights.

What happens if I refuse to testify before a grand jury?

Refusing to testify without asserting a valid legal privilege could lead to contempt charges. An experienced attorney can help you respond appropriately and legally.

What kind of evidence is allowed in a grand jury?

Grand juries can consider evidence that wouldn’t be allowed at trial, including hearsay. Prosecutors are not required to present evidence that favors the subject or target of the investigation.

Can I be charged with a crime after testifying?

Yes. If you are a target or become one during the investigation, your statements may be used against you. That’s why you should never testify without legal preparation and guidance.

Why should I hire Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP for a grand jury matter?

Our attorneys include former high-level prosecutors who understand grand jury procedures inside and out. We are known for protecting high-profile clients and delivering a strategic, trial-ready defense from the very first step.

Meet Our Attorneys

Mark Werksman

Mark Werksman is one of California’s most respected criminal defense attorneys and a founding partner of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. With a career spanning more than three decades, Mr. Werksman has built a reputation for taking on and winning some of the most complex, high-profile, and high-stakes criminal cases in the country. Before founding the firm, Mr. Werksman served as both a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County and an Assistant United States Attorney for the Central District of California.

Mr. Werksman is a fierce and strategic advocate for clients facing charges ranging from white-collar crimes and public corruption to homicide, sexual assault, and other serious felonies. His clients include public figures, professionals, executives, and individuals under investigation by state or federal authorities. Whether defending in trial or negotiating discreet resolutions, Mr. Werksman brings exceptional skill, discretion, and focus to every matter.

Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. With decades of experience in high-stakes litigation, Mr. Jackson is known for his strategic courtroom skills, media-tested poise, and ability to deliver results in the most complex and high-profile criminal cases. Before entering private practice, Mr. Jackson served as a Senior Prosecutor and Assistant Head Deputy of the Major Crimes Division at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Today, Mr. Jackson represents a wide range of clients, from celebrities and executives to public officials and everyday individuals, facing serious criminal charges in both state and federal court. He is a trusted advocate in cases involving white-collar crime, violent offenses, grand jury investigations, and public corruption. Clients turn to Alan Jackson for his direct approach, steady guidance, and relentless commitment to securing the best possible outcome, no matter how high the stakes.

Kelly Quinn

Kelly Quinn is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney and certified specialist in writs and appeals. As a partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, she plays a pivotal role in the firm’s post-conviction and appellate practice, bringing sharp legal analysis and persuasive written advocacy to some of the most complex and challenging cases in California. Ms. Quinn is widely respected for her deep understanding of constitutional law, criminal procedure, and the appellate process.

Ms. Quinn’s work focuses on overturning wrongful convictions, reducing sentences, and protecting clients’ rights at the highest levels of the judicial system. She has handled appeals and writs in both state and federal courts, often navigating cases with complicated legal issues and high public scrutiny. Her ability to dissect trial records, craft compelling legal arguments, and challenge flawed convictions has made her an essential resource for clients seeking relief after conviction.

Additional Information

• How Grand Jury Subpoenas Work in Federal Investigations
• How Does a Grand Jury Work?