Mark Werksman

California

Werksman Jackson Quinn LLP
888 West Sixth Street, 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
United States

Tel: (213) 688-0460

Email: mwerksman@werksmanjackson.com
Web: www.werksmanjackson.com

Criminal Defense Attorney Mark J. Werksman is a former Deputy District Attorney and former Assistant United States Attorney who has been practicing criminal law since 1986.

Mark has successfully represented numerous high-profile individuals from all walks of life, including the entertainment industry and professional sports, as well as leaders in the business community and major multi-national corporations. When faced with potential criminal consequences, whether in the investigation stage or if charges have already been brought, the “go-to” attorney is Mark Werksman.

Honors and Awards

  • Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell (the highest possible rating for ethical standards and legal ability)
  • Selected by Super Lawyers in the field of White Collar Criminal Defense, 2005–2017

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • State Bar of California, Executive Committee, Criminal Law Section, 1991–1994
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Bar Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 1985
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 1993
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 1997
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, 1999
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, 2010
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, 2010
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1985

Juvenile Camp Disposition

Mark Werksman and Jacqueline worked together in defending a 17-year-old involved in a fatal car accident in West Los Angeles. Despite public pressure on the District Attorney’s Office to try him as an adult for gross vehicular manslaughter, Mark and Jacqueline successfully kept the matter in juvenile court. The client admitted the juvenile petition, leading to a hotly contested disposition hearing. He was ultimately sentenced to only 9 months in juvenile camp.

Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges

Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29-year-old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and faced felony child molestation charges, with a significant prison sentence at stake. At the preliminary hearing, Mark convinced the court to dismiss all charges entirely.

Not Guilty on All Counts for Corruption Charge

A longtime Los Angeles lobbyist and former City Council aide, along with his wife, were accused of corruption in a scheme to help an elected official siphon public funds. After a difficult trial and over two days of jury deliberation, Mark’s client was found not guilty on all counts.

Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge

A Wilmington man was accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through laptop computer sales. Mark had the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles and negotiated a reduction of the charges. The client received probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.

No Conviction for Hacking U.S. Government Computers

A Burbank man was accused of hacking into sensitive U.S. Government agency computers and faced serious federal felony charges. Mark negotiated a pre-filing diversion agreement, ensuring no conviction or criminal record for the client.

No Prosecution for Securities Fraud Charges

A Los Angeles securities trader and hedge fund manager was under federal investigation for securities fraud. If indicted, he would have lost his licenses and faced up to five years in federal prison. Mark persuaded the U.S. Attorney’s Office to decline prosecution. Case closed.

DUI
The penalties for a charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in the state of California can be severe. Because of the strict state laws and the range of possible consequences, it’s important that you work with an experienced legal team that is skilled at handling any type of DUI case.

Drug Crimes
Our society looks down on those charged with drug crimes. A drug-related arrest could lose you your friends, your family, your job, and your reputation. A felony offense may even lose you the chance to raise your children. There is nothing worse than having what you love taken from you.

Federal Crimes
Compared to crimes prosecuted in state courts, there are significant differences when handling a federal crime. Federal crimes can be complex, challenging, and lead to harsher penalties, which is why it’s necessary you work with lawyers who have extensive knowledge of the federal court system. We can help fight your case in federal court and give you the necessary legal guidance.

Sex Crimes
There are unique circumstances to every sex crime. In some cases, the accusations are outright falsehoods, but in all situations, both parties involved often have to deal with lifelong consequences. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn, LLP, we are committed to making sure that everyone is treated fairly within the law. We are dedicated to ensuring you get the representation that everyone is entitled to in a court of law.

State Crimes
Every state has their own unique laws related to different types of criminal cases. Additionally, there can be a fair amount of confusion regarding the differences between how a case is prosecuted in state court compared to federal court. Thanks to the experienced former state court prosecutors on our team, there’s no one better equipped to handle your criminal defense in state court than Werksman Jackson & Quinn, LLP.

Title IX
Werksman Jackson & Quinn has been on the front lines of this fight for close to a decade. It is encouraging to see that years of hard work fighting for due process and justice are starting to be noticed by the power brokers in our country. For too long those accused of Title IX misconduct have had to struggle for justice under a draconian and unjust framework. Though this step is significant, we believe it is only the first step and we will continue our pledge to never back down in our efforts to defend all those accused of Title IX infractions.

Violent Crimes
Getting accused of a violent crime can upend your life. With your future and your freedom on the line, it’s critical to not waste a second in fighting your case. Our legal team of experienced Los Angeles violent crime attorneys can help you and make sure your legal rights are protected. Getting accused of a violent crime can upend your life. With your future and your freedom on the line, it’s critical to not waste a second in fighting your case. Our legal team of experienced Los Angeles violent crime attorneys can help you and make sure your legal rights are protected.

White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes encompass a wide range of potential charges, and each one can result in severe consequences to your freedom, your finances, and your professional reputation. With the complex nature of most white-collar crimes, it’s necessary to work with a seasoned Los Angeles white collar crime attorney who can help. Contact our team at Werksman Jackson & Quinn, LLP, to get started.

Writs and Appeals
If you’ve received a guilty verdict in your trial, you still have options. Once your trial ends, a knowledgeable Los Angeles appeals attorney can help you work towards overturning a faulty legal conviction and fight for your freedom.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is a powerhouse Los Angeles criminal defense law firm known for securing successful outcomes in the most high-profile and challenging cases. Since 1994, the firm has provided elite representation to individuals facing serious state and federal charges—earning recognition from top-tier media outlets and legal authorities alike.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is sought out by clients nationwide, including prominent professionals and public figures, who trust the firm’s discretion, legal acumen, and trial-ready strategies. Each client benefits from a full-team approach, receiving dedicated support from a roster of attorneys respected by prosecutors, judges, and peers throughout the legal community.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP focuses exclusively on criminal defense, ensuring deep insight into all aspects of criminal law. The firm handles a full spectrum of cases, including white-collar crimes, violent crimes, sex offenses, federal indictments, drug charges, DUI, Title IX matters, and appellate litigation. Known for acting fast and thinking strategically, the attorneys work to uncover early opportunities that can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP delivers more than legal defense—it provides value through meticulous preparation, creative solutions, and fearless advocacy. Clients do not get rushed resolutions or one-size-fits-all strategies; instead, they receive personalized representation focused on the most favorable resolution possible.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is headquartered in downtown Los Angeles and available for consultation immediately when criminal allegations surface. With a track record that commands respect and results that speak for themselves, the firm remains at the forefront of criminal defense in California and beyond.

‘Perpetually impressed by the professionalism, thoroughness, follow through, and expertise that Mark Werksman, his fellow partners, and associates / admin staff all produce whenever I interact with them’
Chambers & Partners