Criminal Defense
Know the law when facing charges of driving while high
With the legalization of recreational marijuana in California, there is a greater chance of drivers being stopped and accused of driving under the influence of drugs. In the past, the focus for DUI was on alcohol. Now, there are inevitable questions about how drivers...
Penalties for white-collar identity theft
An identify theft crime happens when a person uses or possesses another person’s information for financial gain. It usually occurs in a professional setting by a person in a position of trust. Examples Examples of white-collar identity theft include using another...
Addressing an accusation of money laundering
If you are accused of money laundering, it can carry serious penalties. Money laundering involves making illegal funds look as though they came from a legitimate source. Money laundering overview Money laundering usually involves depositing money into a bank or...
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...
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...
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...