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Home> Find a Lawyer> California Lawyers >Jessica C. McElfresh
Jessica C. McElfresh

Jessica C. McElfresh


Marijuana Law and Criminal Defense Lawyer
McElfresh Law, Inc.
Encinitas, CA
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National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Jessica C. McElfresh
Lifetime Member
NORML National Legal Committee
Lifetime Member

About Jessica C. McElfresh

Attorney Biography

Jessica C. McElfresh has focused on cannabis law and policy since 2010.  Currently she focuses on local and state applications, regulations, and compliance.  Her practice also includes business, election, land use, and ethics, as well as criminal and license defense.  She represents cannabis retailers, distributors, cultivators, manufacturers, and testing labs, as well as landlords and ancillary businesses. Jessica has guided clients through successful applications in jurisdictions such as the City of San Diego, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, King City, and the County of San Diego.  She has authored and advised on ordinances and ballot measures to regulate cannabis businesses at the local level, including Measure U in La Mesa and Measure V in Lemon Grove. 

She represents clients in state and federal court for offenses including homicide, arson, embezzlement, and weapons charges.  Seventy-five percent of her cases have resulted in dismissals, no charges filed, or reductions to misdemeanors or infractions.  Jessica represents people facing discipline or loss of their state and local licenses, particularly in the cannabis industry.  She has unique experience with the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege and the duties of an attorney under investigation or facing criminal charges.  She regularly lectures on the ethical considerations in a cannabis practice, including conflicts of interest, business partnerships with clients, and withdrawal from representation.

Outside of her law practice, Jessica is an advocate for cannabis and broader drug policy reform.  She is an advisory board member for A New PATH, an organization dedicated to promoting therapeutic rather than punitive drug policies.  Jessica has also served as a consultant for the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California about how Proposition 64 affects criminal justice reform and individual rights.  She is a proud member of the International Cannabis Bar Association’s Professional Responsibility and Ethics Committee. 

Jessica grew up in San Diego and graduated summa cum laude from Scripps College before attending the University of San Diego School of Law on a Dean’s Honor Scholarship.  She has spoken at conferences and taught continuing legal education classes for organizations and law schools including the National Cannabis Industry Association Business Summit & Expo, International Cannabis Bar Association, California NORML, San Diego County Bar Association, and University of San Diego School of Law.  She was selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2017 through 2020.


Practice Areas

 
Marijuana Law (68%)
 
Criminal Defense (16%)
 
Administrative Law (16%)

Résumé - Jessica C. McElfresh

Bar Licenses

California
Member in Good Standing
2009

Work Experience

McElfresh Law, Inc.
2011

Education

University of San Diego School of Law
J.D.
2009

Scripps College
B.A.
2005

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Associations

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Lifetime Member
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
2010

Life Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2019

Lifetime Member
International Cannabis Bar Association
2018

Member
National Cannabis Industry Association
2014

Member
California Cannabis Industry Association
2014

Member
Louis M. Welsh American Inn of Court
2011

Member
California Lawyers Association, Real Property Law Section

Member
California Lawyers Association

Member
California Lawyers Association, Business Law Section

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Awards & Recognitions

Honor Award
Casa Cornelia Law Center
2010

Federal Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

U.S. District Court - Central District of California

U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California

U.S. District Court - Northern District of California

U.S. District Court - Southern District of California

United States Supreme Court

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Contact Jessica C. McElfresh

Jessica C. McElfresh
McElfresh Law, Inc.
531 Encinitas Boulevard Suite 111
Encinitas, CA 92024
www.criminallawyersandiego.com
Office: 858-756-7107
Mobile: 858-248-2901
Fax: 858-225-6700

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