1. Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP
Practice Focus: Federal and state criminal defense, white-collar crimes, RICO violations, sex crimes, violent felonies, and appeals
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, white-collar crimes, securities fraud, RICO violations, murder, sex offenses, drug trafficking, DUI/DWI, assault, money laundering, extradition defense, and corporate investigations
Legal Services: Trial defense, pre-indictment advocacy, grand jury representation, federal court representation, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, appeals, writs, and post-conviction relief
Background: The firm was founded in 1994 and is led by partners Mark Werksman (California Bar No. 120767), Alan Jackson (California Bar No. 173647), and Kelly Quinn. Mark Werksman is a former Deputy District Attorney and former Assistant United States Attorney who has practiced criminal law since 1986. He earned his J.D. from USC Law Center in 1985 and his B.A. from Yale University in 1981. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected by Super Lawyers in white-collar criminal defense from 2005 to 2026. Alan Jackson is a former Assistant Head Deputy of the Major Crimes Division at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted the Phil Spector case. He has tried more than 85 cases to jury verdict with a 96% success rate and was named one of California’s Top 100 Lawyers. Most recently, he served as lead counsel in the Karen Read case, securing a not guilty verdict on murder and manslaughter charges in 2025.
Location: 888 W 6th Street, Floor 4, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Contact: (213) 688-0460 | https://werksmanjackson.com
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
2. Eisner Gorin LLP
Practice Focus: Federal criminal defense, white-collar crimes, drug offenses, health care fraud, internet crimes, and sex offenses
Case Types Handled: Wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, health care fraud, tax fraud, federal drug crimes, securities fraud, conspiracy, RICO charges, kidnapping, child pornography, and identity theft
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, pre-indictment negotiations, grand jury defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, and appeals
Background: The firm focuses on federal criminal defense in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and federal courts throughout the country. The attorneys have experience handling complex federal investigations and trials. The practice emphasizes early intervention during the investigation phase to potentially prevent charges from being filed or to negotiate favorable resolutions before indictment.
Location: 1875 Century Park East, Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Contact: (310) 328-3776 | https://www.egattorneys.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Hedding Law Firm
Practice Focus: State and federal criminal defense, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, violent crimes, drug offenses, and sex crimes
Case Types Handled: Murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, domestic battery, corporal injury to spouse, criminal threats, child abuse, elder abuse, stalking, DUI, hit and run, vehicular manslaughter, drug possession, drug sales, weapons charges, and sex offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, motion practice, DMV hearings, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, probation violation defense, and expungement
Background: The firm is led by attorneys with experience from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. This prosecutorial background provides insight into how criminal cases are investigated and charged. The attorneys handle cases in California state courts throughout Los Angeles County and in federal courts. The firm emphasizes personalized attention to each case and works to gather mitigating evidence to present clients in the most favorable light.
Location: 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2525, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Contact: (310) 276-4445 | https://www.la-criminaldefense.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
4. Gurovich Berk
Practice Focus: State and federal criminal defense, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, fraud, and sex crimes
Case Types Handled: Drug trafficking, drug possession, assault, robbery, homicide, identity theft, embezzlement, wire fraud, securities fraud, DUI, domestic violence, sex offenses, and federal drug crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, and appeals
Background: The firm is led by Dmitry Gurovich and represents clients in both California state courts and federal courts throughout the country. The attorneys handle cases ranging from DUI charges to complex federal prosecutions for fraud and drug trafficking. The practice focuses on developing individualized defense strategies for each case and maintaining communication with clients throughout the legal process.
Location: 1801 Century Park East, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Contact: (213) 268-6602 | https://crimlawla.com
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation available
5. Spolin Law P.C.
Practice Focus: Federal crimes, state criminal defense, appeals, post-conviction relief, and wrongful conviction cases
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, drug offenses, fraud, murder, sex offenses, white-collar crimes, weapons charges, violent felonies, and post-conviction matters
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, appeals, habeas corpus petitions, motion practice, plea negotiations, resentencing, and wrongful conviction investigation
Background: The firm is led by Aaron Spolin, a former assistant district attorney with experience handling complex cases from fraud to murder. Prior to becoming a prosecutor, he drafted legal opinions while working for a federal judge in a federal district court. The firm handles cases in both New York and California and maintains a particular focus on appeals and post-conviction relief. The attorneys have experience with federal sentencing guidelines and work to achieve the most favorable outcomes under federal law.
Location: 9454 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 820, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Contact: (310) 817-4700 | https://www.spolinlaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in California
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the California Bar Examination, which is administered twice yearly. Applicants must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). California requires completion of a J.D. from an ABA-accredited, California-accredited, or unaccredited law school, or completion of law office study. Moral character review is conducted by the Committee of Bar Examiners.
Public Defender System: Each California county maintains a public defender office. The Los Angeles County Public Defender is one of the largest in the nation. Eligibility is determined based on income and assets, generally following federal poverty guidelines. When the public defender has a conflict, cases are assigned to alternate public defender offices or panel attorneys.
Specialty Certifications: The State Bar of California certifies specialists in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law through its Board of Legal Specialization. Certification requires substantial experience, continuing education, passing a written examination, and favorable evaluations from judges and attorneys.
Attorney Advertising Rules: California Rules of Professional Conduct 7.1 through 7.5 govern advertising. Communications must not be false or misleading. Testimonials are permitted with appropriate disclaimers. Lawyer referral services must be certified by the State Bar.
Attorney-Client Privilege: California Evidence Code Sections 950-962 protect confidential communications between attorney and client for purposes of legal representation. The privilege belongs to the client and survives death. Exceptions include the crime-fraud exception and breach of duty claims between attorney and client.
Mandatory CLE Requirements: California attorneys must complete 25 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) every three years, including 4 hours of legal ethics, 1 hour of competence issues, and 1 hour of elimination of bias.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Under Penal Code Section 1382, felony trials must commence within 60 days of arraignment on the information or indictment. Misdemeanor trials must commence within 30 days if the defendant is in custody, or 45 days if released. Time waivers are common and extend these limits.
Bail and Pretrial Release: California eliminated cash bail for many offenses through reforms, though Proposition 25 to replace cash bail was rejected by voters in 2020. Judges set bail using county bail schedules and may modify amounts based on public safety risk and flight risk. Own recognizance release is available for eligible defendants. Proposition 47 reduced certain property and drug offenses to misdemeanors, affecting bail eligibility.
Felony Classification System: California does not use a lettered or numbered felony classification system. Instead, each offense has a specified sentence range in the Penal Code. Felonies are generally punishable by state prison (felonies) or county jail (under Realignment for certain non-violent, non-serious, non-sex offenses). Wobblers may be charged as felonies or misdemeanors at prosecutorial discretion.
Death Penalty Status: California retains the death penalty for specified crimes, though Governor Newsom issued an executive moratorium on executions in 2019 that remains in effect. Death penalty cases require special qualifications for both prosecutors and defense attorneys.
Expungement Eligibility: Under Penal Code Section 1203.4, defendants who completed probation may petition to withdraw their plea and have the case dismissed. As of July 2024, many cases are automatically sealed upon completion of probation or dismissal. Those sentenced to state prison may qualify under PC 1203.41 or 1203.42. Expungement is not available for serious felonies, violent felonies, or sex offenses requiring registration.
Habitual Offender Laws: California’s Three Strikes Law (Penal Code Section 667) imposes enhanced sentences for defendants with prior serious or violent felony convictions. A second strike doubles the sentence for the current offense. A third strike for a serious or violent felony mandates 25 years to life. Proposition 36 (2012) reformed the law to require the third strike to be a serious or violent felony for the mandatory life sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the arraignment process in Los Angeles Superior Court?
Arraignment in Los Angeles Superior Court is the defendant’s first appearance before a judge after charges are filed. The court informs the defendant of the charges, advises of constitutional rights including the right to counsel, and takes a plea. If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court appoints the public defender or alternate counsel. Bail is addressed at this hearing, and the court may modify the scheduled amount based on the defendant’s ties to the community, criminal history, and flight risk. Felony arraignments occur in the criminal courts building at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, while misdemeanor arraignments occur at various branch courts throughout the county. Future court dates are set, including preliminary hearing dates for felonies.
How does California’s Proposition 47 affect criminal cases?
Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified certain nonviolent property and drug offenses from felonies or wobblers to misdemeanors. Shoplifting under $950, grand theft under $950, receiving stolen property under $950, forgery under $950, writing bad checks under $950, and personal use drug possession are now misdemeanors. Defendants previously convicted of these offenses as felonies may petition for resentencing and redesignation. This affects bail eligibility, sentencing exposure, and collateral consequences. Law enforcement and prosecutors have noted increased challenges in prosecuting organized retail theft due to the higher threshold.
What diversion programs are available in Los Angeles County?
Los Angeles County offers several diversion programs as alternatives to prosecution or incarceration. Proposition 36 treatment programs provide drug treatment instead of incarceration for eligible drug possession offenders. Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) under Penal Code 1000 allows dismissal upon completion of drug education and treatment. Mental Health Diversion under PC 1001.36 provides treatment for defendants whose mental illness contributed to the offense. Veteran’s Treatment Court offers structured programs for military veterans. The Los Angeles City Attorney operates the Neighborhood Justice Program for eligible misdemeanor offenders. Military Diversion under PC 1001.80 provides treatment for veterans and service members. Successful completion typically results in dismissal of charges.
What is the process for expungement in California?
Under Penal Code Section 1203.4, expungement allows eligible defendants to withdraw their plea and have the case dismissed. You must have completed probation, including all fines, restitution, and conditions. You cannot be currently charged with another offense or serving a sentence. For wobbler offenses, you may first petition under PC 17(b) to reduce the felony to a misdemeanor. File the petition with the court that handled your case. As of July 2024, many cases are automatically sealed upon successful completion of probation, reducing the need for formal petitions. The court fee is $60 for misdemeanors and $120 for felonies. Expungement releases you from penalties and disabilities of the conviction, allowing you to truthfully state on most private employment applications that you have not been convicted. However, expunged convictions remain visible to law enforcement, may be used as priors, and must be disclosed for certain professional licenses and public employment.
What are the penalties for felony DUI in California?
Felony DUI under Vehicle Code Section 23153 applies when DUI causes injury to another person. Penalties include 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, with additional consecutive years for each person injured (1 year for each additional victim). A strike may be imposed if great bodily injury is caused. Fines range from $390 to $5,000 plus penalty assessments. License suspension lasts 1 to 5 years. Habitual Traffic Offender status applies for 3 years. Fourth-time DUI within 10 years is automatically charged as a felony regardless of injury, carrying 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison. DUI causing death may be charged as vehicular manslaughter or second-degree murder (Watson murder) depending on circumstances. An ignition interlock device is required upon license reinstatement. Restitution to victims is mandatory.