Navigating Legal Challenges After an Airport Arrest in Los Angeles

Airports are high-security zones bustling with activity, tight schedules, and thousands of travelers every day. With such high traffic and strict regulations, arrests at airports, particularly at major hubs like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), are not uncommon. Whether it’s for possession of a prohibited item, drug charges, outstanding warrants, or misunderstandings during TSA screenings, airport arrests can be a deeply stressful and life-altering experience.

At Perlman & Cohen, leading Los Angeles criminal defense law firm, we understand the complexities surrounding airport arrests and the intense pressure individuals face when detained in such high-profile locations. Our team of experienced attorneys are well-versed in handling a wide range of airport-related offenses, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights, minimizing the impact on your record, and guiding you through every step of the legal process.

Common Reasons for Airport Arrests

LAX is a frequent site of various types of arrests, many of which stem from routine security procedures and customs enforcement. Common causes include:

• Possession of Prohibited or Illegal Items: Firearms, knives, brass knuckles, and even some medications can result in arrest if they are not declared or properly stored.
  
• Drug Offenses: Travelers caught with illegal substances such as marijuana (despite being legal in California, it is not legal federally or in many other jurisdictions), prescription drugs without a prescription, or drug paraphernalia may face arrest.
  
• Outstanding Warrants: A simple ID check or TSA scan can reveal an outstanding warrant from a previous, perhaps forgotten, offense, resulting in immediate detention.
  
• Disorderly Conduct: Altercations with airport staff, verbal threats, or intoxicated behavior can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
  
• Immigration or Customs Violations: Travelers returning from international trips may face arrest for undeclared items, visa issues, or other customs violations.
  

What Happens After an Airport Arrest?

Being arrested at an airport like LAX can be overwhelming, especially given the presence of federal agencies like the TSA, CBP (Customs and Border Protection), and the LAPD or airport police. Here’s what you can typically expect:

1. Detention and Questioning: You may be held in an airport holding area and questioned by airport police or federal agents.
   
2. Transportation to Jail: If charges are serious, you may be transferred to a local jail, such as the LAPD Pacific Division or the LA County Jail.
   
3. Bail and Arraignment: You may be offered bail, followed by an arraignment where charges are formally presented in court.
   

This process can disrupt your travel plans, work obligations, and personal life—and in some cases, may lead to long-term legal consequences.

How Perlman & Cohen Can Help

When facing an airport arrest, timing and strategy are critical. Perlman & Cohen brings decades of combined experience in defending clients against all types of criminal charges, including those stemming from airport incidents. Here’s how we can support you:

1. Immediate Legal Representation

Our attorneys are available 24/7 to take emergency calls. If you or a loved one is arrested at LAX, contacting us immediately allows us to begin working on your behalf right away. We can:

• Contact law enforcement to determine the charges.
  
• Advocate for your release or reasonable bail.
  
• Protect you during questioning or interrogation.
  

2. Expert Navigation of Airport and Federal Jurisdictions

Because airport arrests often involve federal authorities or occur on federal property, they can fall under federal jurisdiction. Perlman & Cohen has experience handling both state and federal cases, ensuring that no matter the complexity of the jurisdiction, we can provide the strongest defense.

Our attorneys have extensive familiarity with procedures and personnel at the Los Angeles International Airport, and we maintain relationships with prosecutors and judges throughout LA County. This enables us to pursue the most favorable options for resolution from the very beginning.

3. Case Evaluation and Defense Strategy

Every case is unique. We will conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to your arrest, reviewing:

• Surveillance footage
  
• Witness statements
  
• TSA or police reports
  
• The legality of the search and seizure
  
• Chain of custody for any alleged evidence
  

From there, we build a customized defense strategy tailored to the specific charges and your background. Whether that means challenging probable cause, suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence, or negotiating a reduced plea, we bring aggressive and informed advocacy to every case.

4. Mitigating Consequences

In many cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges, secure a diversion program, or even get charges dismissed entirely. Our goal is to protect your freedom, record, and future opportunities, especially if you work in a field that requires travel, security clearance, or professional licensing.

We also assist non-citizens in handling the potential immigration consequences of criminal charges. Being arrested at an airport can complicate visa renewals, green card applications, or even result in removal proceedings. Perlman & Cohen provides coordinated defense with immigration counsel when necessary to safeguard your residency or entry rights.

Specialized Experience with Airport Arrest Scenarios

Perlman & Cohen has successfully defended clients in a wide array of airport-related cases, such as:

• Professionals with Firearms: We’ve helped licensed firearm owners who inadvertently brought a weapon to the airport navigate California’s strict gun laws without severe penalties.
  
• Travelers with Prescription Medications: We’ve defended clients who were arrested due to carrying prescription drugs in unmarked containers or without proper documentation.
  
• Visitors with Outstanding Warrants: In many instances, clients are unaware of existing warrants until detained. We help resolve these efficiently and work to avoid extradition or additional charges.
  
• International Travelers: We assist international travelers who face unexpected arrest due to misunderstandings at customs, language barriers, or cultural differences.
  
• Celebrities and Public Figures: With discretion and media awareness, we represent high-profile individuals facing airport arrests, safeguarding reputations as well as legal interests.
  

Discreet, Compassionate, and Aggressive Advocacy

We understand the stress, embarrassment, and confusion that comes with being arrested in a public place like an airport. Our approach is always client-centered. We handle your case with the discretion and empathy it deserves, while aggressively pursuing the best legal outcome.

• Clear Communication: You’ll always know where your case stands and what steps are coming next.
  
• Courtroom Confidence: Our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with strong reputations in the LA court system.
  
• Client Testimonials: We are proud to have a proven track record of favorable outcomes and grateful clients who trust us with their most urgent legal matters.
  

We also provide post-case support, including expungements and record sealing when eligible. This is especially important for travelers and professionals whose ability to move freely or gain employment may depend on a clean criminal record.

What To Do If You Are Arrested at LAX

If you or someone you know is arrested at LAX, taking the right steps immediately can significantly influence the outcome of the case. Here’s what we recommend:

• Remain Calm and Respectful: Do not resist or argue with authorities. Anything you say or do can be used against you.
  
• Do Not Answer Questions Without a Lawyer Present: Politely invoke your right to remain silent and request legal representation.
  
• Contact Perlman & Cohen Immediately: The sooner we are involved, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights.
  

Our rapid response team is prepared to work with families and out-of-state individuals to coordinate release, representation, and next steps—even if you’ve already returned home or missed a flight.

Contact Perlman & Cohen Today

Airport arrests can feel like your life is spinning out of control. But with the right legal team in your corner, you can regain stability and move forward with confidence. Whether you are a visitor to Los Angeles or a resident caught in an unexpected legal situation at LAX, Perlman & Cohen has the expertise, dedication, and tenacity to defend you.

Call us today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you take back control of your future. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to stand with you, every step of the way.