Newport Beach, California Criminal Defense Law Blog
How to handle a DUI checkpoint
You have a lot to lose with a DUI conviction. The penalties for DUI in California are extremely high, which is why you want to do your best to avoid a charge. When you come upon a DUI checkpoint, your first instinct may be to stop, turn around and avoid it. You are...
What are the penalties for insider trading?
Many companies offer their employees an opportunity to buy stock in the organization. However, if an employee is accused of insider trading, it can carry serious penalties. Insider trading overview Insider trading occurs when a person illegally buys or sells stock or...
Is a police stop as a pedestrian different than as a driver?
If you live in California or plan to visit, you may wonder what to do if you encounter a police officer. This could be while walking as a pedestrian or driving as a driver. And, to be clear, there are differences between these two situations. Pedestrian stops As of...
Can I refuse a breathalyzer test?
If you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving in Newport Beach you may wonder if you can refuse to take a breathalyzer test. The answer is not simple, as there are different types of breath tests and different consequences for refusing them. Preliminary alcohol...
Does California use target letters too?
If you are facing criminal charges in Orange County, you may wonder what your options are and how to protect your rights. You may have heard of target letters, which are official letters from the United States Justice Department telling someone that they may be...
What do federal drug schedules mean?
The federal government regulates the production, distribution and possession of drugs in the United States. The Controlled Substances Act is the law that defines which drugs are illegal and how they are classified into five schedules based on their potential for...
Embezzlement and the “good faith” defense
The defenses to the crime of embezzlement can be glossed over when such charges come to our attention in the media, despite their importance. One major defense to the crime of embezzlement that is worth understanding is the “good faith” defense. What is embezzlement?...
DUI charges could result in administrative license suspension
Being able to drive may seem like a right in California, but it really is a privilege. This means that it can be taken away if people do not follow the rules. There are many rules that drivers need to follow as they drive, but one of the most important rules that...
Defending yourself against a domestic violence charge
Learning that someone has accused you of domestic violence can be horrifying, especially if you know the charges are not true. Domestic violence in California is a serious issue, and victims of domestic violence deserve protection from their abusers. However, one ugly...
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
A felony charge in California has extremely serious consequences, especially when the charge involves a type of homicide. There are different forms of homicide under California law: murder and manslaughter. It is important to know the difference between the two crimes...