State Crime Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles

Choose a Top Defense Team in Los Angeles

The State of California has a wide range of regulatory agencies with enforcement powers, ranging from the California Highway Patrol to the Department of Justice. Running afoul of these agencies can be complicated, and state charges can be much harder to fight in court than local charges.

No one understands how the state courts work better than former prosecutors, and at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we have veteran state prosecutors among our partners and associates. We have worked within the state system and we know what it takes to beat these charges in court.

If you or a loved one is facing state charges here in Los Angeles, don’t hesitate to contact us at (213) 688-0460 to learn more.

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The California Department of Justice

Many different state agencies have the ability to arrest and charge citizens with a crime. This starts with the California Department of Justice, which serves as a statewide law enforcement agency and a legal department in the California executive branch under the California Attorney General. They are responsible for overseeing complex criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions, as well as providing other legal services around the state.

The prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement agents who work for the Department of Justice are among the best in the country. You need quality representation if you find yourself under suspicion of a state crime. The Division of Law Enforcement at the DOJ has nearly 500 agents with diverse areas of expertise. This includes members of the California Bureau of Firearms, charged with investigating gun-related crimes, and the California Bureau of Gambling Control. There is also a forensic branch, and agents who specialize in particular crimes, such as financial fraud and sex crimes.

The following is a partial list of crimes that might be investigated and charged by the state DOJ:

• Money laundering
• Internet crimes against children
• Rape
• Violent or repeat offenders
• Extortion
• Public corruption
• False imprisonment
• Terrorism
• Fraud
• Homicide

California is the largest state by population in the U.S., so it should be no surprise our state government extends far beyond the Department of Justice.

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Other California State Agencies

Even non-California residents are familiar with California Highway Patrol, thanks to the movie and television show. This law enforcement agency is primarily charged with overseeing the state’s network of highways, but other duties include protecting state buildings, such as the Capitol, protecting state officials like the Secret Service does for the President, and assisting other agencies in investigations. The department is the largest state police agency in the country, with more than 7,500 sworn officers.

Other state agencies with law enforcement powers include the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which oversees the state’s prison system, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California State Parks peace officer program, the Department of Insurance, and the California Health and Human Services Agency.

Finally, the University of California and its various campuses each have a police department, and their officers have the power to make arrests. Even if you are not a student, you could find yourself arrested if you are on campus property or commit a crime against a student at the university.

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Examples of Successful Case Results

Some of the cases Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP has handled with success include:

• Public officials charged with public corruption offenses
• Medical professionals accused of fraud, battery and conspiracy
• Sports stars facing domestic violence charges
• Police officer facing battery charges
• Real estate broker charged with fraud, grand theft, identity theft and forgery
• Hotel owner facing murder charges
• Prominent photographer arrested after covering Nancy Reagan funeral.
• Former Los Angeles City Council Aide accused of embezzlement and corruption
• UCLA football player accused of sexual assault.
• Registered Nurse charged with battery with serious bodily injury
• Juvenile client suspected of distribution of child pornography
• Israeli national facing life in prison for global conspiracy to import drugs
• Securities trader and hedge fund manager accused of securities fraud
• Saudi Prince faced felony charges in sexual assault
• Fashion model accused of domestic violence
• USC football player charged with carjacking and robberies

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Start Your Defense Right Away

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we offer free evaluations to every potential client. The sooner you come in and meet with our team of Southern California lawyers, the faster we can get started mounting a credible defense on your behalf. Call us today at (213) 688-0460 to schedule a free consultation.

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Additional Information

• How Is Jurisdiction Determined Between State, Local, and Federal Governments?
• What Are the Punishments for Attempting a Crime in CA?
• What You Should Do Immediately After an Arrest
• What Is the California Realignment Program?

Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460
Fax: (213) 624-1942