1. Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP
Focus Area: High-profile criminal defense and federal crimes
Practice Areas: White-Collar Crimes, Federal Crimes, Sex Crimes, Title IX Defense, Violent Crimes, DUI, Drug Crimes, Writs and Appeals
Background: Established in 1994, the firm is led by partners Mark Werksman, Alan Jackson, Kelly Quinn, and Caleb Mason. Alan Jackson served as Assistant Head Deputy in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Division and prosecuted the landmark Phil Spector case. He has tried over 85 cases to jury verdict with a 96% success rate and has been named one of California’s Top 100 Lawyers. Kelly Quinn is a certified criminal law appellate specialist. The firm has represented celebrities, CEOs, professional athletes, and foreign royals.
Location: 888 West Sixth Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Contact: (213) 688-0460 | https://www.werksmanjackson.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available; contact firm for fee structure
2. Eisner Gorin LLP
Focus Area: Criminal defense with certified specialists in criminal law
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Domestic Violence, Federal Crimes, Theft Crimes, White-Collar Crimes, Violent Crimes
Background: Partners Alan Eisner and Dmitry Gorin are both State Bar of California Certified Criminal Law Specialists, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of California attorneys. The firm holds a Martindale-Hubbell “Preeminent” rating and has been recognized among the top 5% by peer reviews. Both partners bring extensive experience handling complex criminal matters throughout Los Angeles County.
Location: 16000 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1000, Encino, CA 91436 (Encino office) and 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90067 (Los Angeles office)
Contact: (818) 781-1570 (Encino) | (310) 328-3776 (Los Angeles) | https://www.egattorneys.com
Consultation: Free consultation available; 24/7 availability
3. The Rodriguez Law Group
Focus Area: State and federal criminal defense with prosecutorial experience
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes, Theft Crimes, Federal Crimes, Domestic Violence, White-Collar Crimes
Background: Founder Ambrosio Rodriguez served as a Senior Deputy District Attorney for 13 years before transitioning to criminal defense, where he has practiced for over 20 years. His prosecutorial experience provides insight into how cases are built and evaluated by the district attorney’s office. The firm handles both state and federal cases throughout Southern California.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Contact: (213) 995-6767 | https://www.lacriminaldefenseattorney.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers
Focus Area: Criminal and DUI defense with former prosecutor leadership
Practice Areas: DUI Defense, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Theft Crimes, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes, White-Collar Crimes, Federal Crimes
Background: Led by Michael Kraut, a Harvard Law School graduate who served as a Deputy District Attorney for 14 years. During his time as a prosecutor, he achieved a 99% felony jury trial success rate. His experience on both sides of criminal proceedings allows him to anticipate prosecution strategies and develop effective defense approaches.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Contact: (323) 464-6453 | https://www.losangelescriminallawyergroup.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. The Justice Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense across Southern California
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft Crimes, Domestic Violence, Federal Crimes
Background: The firm has over 15 years of experience defending clients against criminal charges throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. The attorneys handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies and work to achieve favorable outcomes through negotiation or trial.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Contact: (310) 914-2444 | https://www.thejusticefirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in California
California criminal law distinguishes between infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, with a unique category called “wobbler” offenses that can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies.
Felony Classifications:
Unlike some states, California does not formally classify felonies into lettered categories (A, B, C, etc.). Instead, each felony offense has specific sentencing guidelines defined by statute. Felonies in California can carry sentences ranging from 16 months to life imprisonment or even the death penalty for capital offenses. The severity of punishment depends on the specific crime, prior criminal history, and any applicable sentence enhancements.
Wobbler Offenses:
California recognizes “wobbler” crimes that prosecutors can charge as either felonies or misdemeanors based on the circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history. Examples include assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and grand theft. If initially charged as a felony, a wobbler can potentially be reduced to a misdemeanor at sentencing or through a later petition.
Misdemeanor Classifications:
Misdemeanors in California carry maximum penalties of up to one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000. Standard misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in jail, while “gross” or aggravated misdemeanors can result in up to one year.
Record Clearing and the Clean Slate Act:
California provides multiple pathways to clear criminal records. Under Penal Code Section 1203.4, individuals who successfully complete probation can petition to have their conviction dismissed, allowing them to legally state they have not been convicted of the offense in most circumstances. Senate Bill 731 (SB 731), effective October 2024, significantly expanded automatic record sealing. Under the law, misdemeanor convictions are automatically sealed one year after case completion, and non-serious, non-violent, non-sexual felony convictions are automatically sealed four years after the completion of the sentence. Serious felonies, violent felonies, and offenses requiring sex offender registration are not eligible for automatic sealing. The California Department of Justice conducts monthly reviews of criminal records to identify those eligible for automatic relief.
Three Strikes Law:
California maintains a Three Strikes Law that imposes significantly enhanced sentences for repeat offenders convicted of serious or violent felonies. A second strike doubles the prison sentence, while a third strike can result in 25 years to life imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a “wobbler” offense in California and how does it affect my case?
A: A wobbler is a criminal offense that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor at the prosecutor’s discretion. Factors influencing this decision include the circumstances of the alleged crime, the strength of the evidence, and the defendant’s criminal history. If charged as a felony, you may be able to have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor at sentencing, upon successful completion of felony probation, or through a later petition under Penal Code Section 17(b). This reduction can significantly impact your rights, including the restoration of firearm ownership eligibility.
Q: How does California’s automatic record sealing work under SB 731?
A: As of October 2024, the California Department of Justice conducts monthly reviews of criminal records to identify individuals eligible for automatic conviction relief. Misdemeanor convictions are automatically sealed one year after completion of the sentence, while eligible felony convictions are sealed four years after completion. You do not need to file a petition for automatic relief. However, serious felonies, violent felonies, and offenses requiring sex offender registration are excluded. If you believe your record should have been sealed but was not, you can contact the Department of Justice or petition the court for relief.
Q: Can I get my felony conviction expunged in California if I served time in state prison?
A: California does not offer true expungement, but dismissal relief is available. Previously, individuals who served time in state prison were generally not eligible for dismissal under Penal Code Section 1203.4. However, SB 731 and SB 1260 expanded relief options. Now, individuals who completed state prison sentences for non-serious, non-violent, non-sexual felonies may have their records automatically sealed four years after completing their sentence, provided they have not committed new offenses. For felonies not eligible for automatic relief, you may petition the court for sealing two years after release.
Q: What are the consequences of a Three Strikes conviction in California?
A: California’s Three Strikes Law imposes escalating penalties for repeat offenders convicted of serious or violent felonies. A second “strike” conviction doubles the standard prison sentence. A third strike conviction can result in a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, even if the third offense is a non-violent felony. Proposition 36 (2012) modified the law to require that the third strike be a serious or violent felony in most cases, and allows some inmates sentenced under the previous version to petition for resentencing.
Q: Do sealed or dismissed records in California affect professional licensing applications?
A: Even after a conviction is sealed or dismissed in California, certain professional licensing boards may still access and consider the record. State licensing agencies for professions such as law, medicine, teaching, and real estate maintain access to sealed records for background check purposes. You may be required to disclose dismissed convictions on applications for public office or positions with law enforcement agencies. However, most private employers cannot access sealed records, and you can legally answer “no” when asked if you have been convicted of a crime on standard employment applications.