People charged with serious crimes can receive a felony sentence if convicted. Felony sentences are usually longer than those provided for misdemeanors. They can also involve time spent in a state correctional facility, as opposed to a county jail. According to the...
Newport Beach Criminal Defense Blog
Is it safe to cooperate with FBI fraud investigators?
Fraud is a serious crime. Convictions, and, in some cases, even allegations, could end your political or professional career. To make matters worse, you could face these allegations more easily than you might think. Of course, the FBI is probably not interested in...
Addressing felony drug charges in a job interview
Trafficking drugs in California can result in serious legal consequences that last for years depending on the offense. After meeting the requirements to leave prison, many people find it challenging to acquire employment with a felony on their record. Fortunately,...
Understanding the three strikes law
The three-strikes law in California doles out enhanced penalties for convicted felons. The law has undergone some changes since its creation in 1994, but the foundational elements remain. A person facing a second felony conviction may want a better understanding of...
Is insider trading a crime?
The world of trading is vast and often complex. It is easy for people to feel lost in the list of rules and regulations. People often misstep without even realizing they have done something wrong. This is why it is crucial to understand what is and is not legal before...
Mounting a defense for embezzlement charges
Crimes involving money or property can happen at virtually any type of California business. Theft crimes vary in scope and size; ranging from misdemeanors to felonies and the punishment depends on the value of the items stolen. Embezzlement focuses on deceptive...
To what extent does the law allow you to defend yourself?
Like most people in California, you do not condone criminal action. At the same time, however, you recognize that there may be situations where the unique conditions compel you to engage in conduct that (under normal circumstances) would be unlawful. To what extent,...
Carjacking vs. grand theft auto charges
Although carjacking and grand theft involve taking a vehicle from its owner, the California Penal Code views them as very different crimes, and the penalties reflect that. If you face carjacking charges, case details are critical in the type of charges brought against...
Did you commit securities fraud?
Securities fraud comes in many shapes and sizes. In fact, it is so varied that some people may not even understand all of the illegal activities that fall under this category. You may not even know that what you did was illegal in the first place. It is important to...
Racketeering and the RICO Act
Most criminal charges have a definition that is easy for ordinary people to understand. The intentional damage or destruction of property is vandalism. Taking property belonging to someone else is theft. Misdirecting assets entrusted to a person's care is...