Newport Beach Criminal Defense Blog
What is Senate Bill 145?
A new bill that the governor of California signed has been creating a lot of controversy. Supporters state that the bill's intention is to protect the LGBTQ community, while the opposition says it is a way to legalize pedophilia. The Los Angeles Times reports that the...
How can you separate compensation for services from embezzlement?
Working in any sort of role that involves asset or property management brings with it a great responsibility to execute those duties in such a way as to avoid the appearance of any impropriety. Oftentimes accusations of impropriety arise over the compensation you may...
State vs. federal courts
There are 51 different court systems in the United States of America. Each state has their own court system, and there is also a federal court system as well. Understanding if it is the state or the federal government charging you with a crime is important for your...
Can law enforcement officers search your car without a warrant?
You maintain certain rights when interacting with authorities, and understanding what these rights are may help you avoid serious legal trouble. The rights you have when authorities pull you over in your vehicle differ to some extent from those you have when they stop...
What are the differences between felonies and misdemeanors?
Going through the criminal justice system can be frustrating, and it is important to understand basic terms related to the law. For the most part, crimes fall into two major groups: felonies and misdemeanors. There are several differences between these two categories....
What are collateral consequences?
If you have a felony on your record, you may know there will be consequences. However, you may not expect these consequences to impact every aspect of your life once you are back in society. Many felony convictions carry collateral consequences. According to the U.S....
Why is insider trading illegal?
California residents like you have have heard the term "insider trading" before. But do you know what it entails? And do you know how much trouble you can get into if caught doing it? Insider trading is one of the most well-known type of white collar crime. At the...
To what extent can you defend yourself?
You likely would never anticipate having to face a criminal charge (let alone one as serious as assault, manslaughter or murder). At the same time, you cannot predict not ever finding yourself in a situation where another threatened the immediate your safety (or that...
The health risks ‘drug mules’ face
When people think of ‘drug mules,’ they often think of people looking to get rich quick who then get caught or lose their lives in the process. This might prove true for many, but there are several people who others forced into the lifestyle. There are stories of...
Understanding California’s 3-strike laws
A California felony charge has the potential to upend your entire life if it leads to a conviction. If you have prior serious felony offenses, you may face even harsher penalties. In 1994, California implemented the “Three Strikes” sentencing law, which heightens the...
