Newport Beach, California Criminal Defense Law Blog
Some prosecutors work to address wage theft in California
Employers in California must follow the laws regarding employee pay. If they try to skirt these laws in order to keep money for themselves, they could be charged with wage theft. What is wage theft in California? Grand theft of wages is a white-collar felony crime in...
Disputing Breathalyzer results
Some criminal defense attorneys will advise drivers under suspicion of a DUI to refuse to submit to a Breathalyzer test. The reason for this is that many prosecutors base a significant part of their DUI case on the results of this test. If the test results indicate...
What happens if I have marijuana taken by the TSA?
The Biden administration recently announced it was pardoning people convicted of simple marijuana possession. It is currently examining whether marijuana should remain an illegal Schedule I substance. Our state and nation have evolved on the legality and morality of...
Rap lyrics restricted in criminal cases
Artistic expressions can be used as evidence against defendants in some criminal cases in California. But a new law in the state restricts the use of rap lyrics and other forms of expression against their composing artists in court. Decriminalizing Artistic Expression...
Orange County man faces hate crime charges over attacks on women
There's nothing new about single people complaining about dating, but in recent years, some young men have taken this to extremes. So-called incels (for "involuntary celibates") have gathered online to complain about their lack of success with women, egging each other...
Can drug treatment programs reduce the number of reoffenders?
What impacts the likelihood that a drug offender will commit further drug crimes once released from prison? One answer may lie in the treatment they receive following their release. Government report examines rearrest rates of certain drug offenders The U.S....
Defending yourself against a domestic violence charge
A domestic violence charge can completely destroy your life. In addition to the potential criminal penalties you face, such as fines or jail time, being branded an abuser can forever damage your reputation, ruin your career and strain your relationships with friends...
What are my options when police start knocking?
As we all know, anyone can find themselves under suspicion from the police. And, while we have probably thought about what we will do if we are pulled over, it is likely we have not thought about what we would do if the police came knocking at your door. Be prepared...
Under what circumstances is a DUI considered a felony?
Maybe it’s not your first DUI. You have gotten one before and while the whole experience was unpleasant you may think you know what to expect. However, if your DUI is treated as a felony this time instead of as a misdemeanor, you are sailing in new waters that you are...
How does the federal government classify dangerous drugs?
While all federal drug crimes are serious, the severity of penalties depends on which federal schedule the drugs at issue fall under. The more dangerous the drug, the more severe the penalties. Generally, federal drug schedules are based on whether there is an...