Newport Beach Criminal Defense Blog
What are the penalties for mail fraud?
In California, the penalties for federal crimes and felonies are often harsh. This goes for anyone facing a conviction, even if it is your first-time offense. The crime itself can change the sort of penalty you face, but it will almost always have severe...
3 signs you probably should not take a plea deal
Because of crowded court dockets and limited financial resources, prosecutors often try to induce criminal defendants into accepting plea deals. In fact, about 97% of federal criminal cases end in plea bargains. While accepting a plea may be the right course of...
Defining “aggravated assault”
It goes without saying that a criminal charge in California will bring with it certain consequences. Those that come to us here at the Law Offices of Mark W. Fredrick typically want to know (above all else) what those consequences may be. If you find yourself in such...
Alleged California drug traffickers targeted in darknet sting
The state of California takes crimes involving the sale and manufacture of drugs very seriously. Those charged face a variety of punishments, including lengthy jail terms and exorbitant fines. As illustrated by the Los Angeles Daily News, drug trafficking crimes can...
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....
