Los Angeles Criminal Defense Blog

Computer Forensics Can Challenge the Case: Digital Evidence in Los Angeles Identity Fraud Prosecutions

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on October 30, 2026

Gloved hand holding a Social Security card over a computer keyboard, representing identity fraud, stolen personal information, and digital evidence.

Identity fraud cases depend heavily on digital evidence. But computers, mobile devices, online accounts, and digital networks may be accessed or used by multiple people. As a result, evidence connecting a device or account to suspicious activity does not necessarily establish who actually committed the alleged offense.

Posted in: Cybercrime

Challenging Embezzlement by a Public Official Charges in California: When the Government’s Math Doesn’t Add Up

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on October 15, 2026

Handcuffs resting on stacks of U.S. currency, representing financial crime and embezzlement allegations involving public funds.

When prosecutors accuse a California public official of embezzling government money, investigators may produce a mountain of evidence, such as spreadsheets, audits, expense reports, bank records, credit card statements, reimbursement requests, and transaction summaries that supposedly establish how public money was misappropriated.

Posted in: Financial Crimes

Received a Federal Target Letter for PPP or EIDL Loan Fraud in Los Angeles? What You Need to Do Next

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on September 21, 2026

Attorneys review legal documents in an office with scales of justice nearby, representing a federal PPP or EIDL loan fraud investigation and the legal response to receiving a federal target letter.

Receiving a PPP fraud target letter or EIDL fraud target letter is fundamentally different from learning that the Small Business Administration is reviewing a pandemic-era loan. A target letter signals that a federal criminal investigation has progressed to a much more serious stage. At this point, prosecutors may already view you as a potential defendant.

Posted in: Financial Crimes

When Does Asking Someone to Repay a Debt in California Cross the Line into Extortion?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on September 5, 2026

Attorney reviewing legal documents at a desk with scales of justice and a gavel, representing California debt collection disputes and potential extortion allegations.

Asking for repayment of a legitimate debt is not criminal extortion. A creditor can demand payment, negotiate a settlement, send a demand letter, pursue collection remedies, or file a lawsuit when legally appropriate.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Not Every Business Secret Is a Trade Secret Under California Law

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on August 12, 2026

Statue of Lady Justice with balanced scales and a judge's gavel in the background, representing trade secret disputes, business litigation, intellectual property protection, and California trade secret law.

Many employers make the mistake of believing that every piece of internal business information automatically qualifies for legal protection as a trade secret. But that is not how California law works.

Posted in: Financial Crimes

Construction Fraud or Honest Mistake? Where California Law Draws the Line

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on August 3, 2026

Judge's gavel, hard hat, handcuffs, scales of justice, and construction tools arranged on a table, symbolizing construction fraud investigations, contractor disputes, and legal defense under California law

Construction projects are rarely completed without a hitch. Budgets change, timelines shift, subcontractors fall behind, and unexpected material costs can derail even the most carefully planned job. In many cases, these issues reflect the realities of the construction industry, and not any type of criminal conduct.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Is It a Crime to Use Public Equipment, Staff, or Funds for a Private Purpose?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on July 15, 2026

Judge's gavel and scales of justice representing public corruption investigations, misuse of government resources, ethics violations, and white collar criminal defense.

Public employees and government officials may have access to vehicles, office equipment, facilities, personnel, and taxpayer-funded resources as part of their jobs. While these resources are intended to help serve the public, some people assume they can occasionally be used for personal or charitable purposes without consequences.

Posted in: White-Collar Crime

In Trouble for Buying Someone a Gun? The Hidden Dangers of Straw Purchasing in Los Angeles

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on July 6, 2026

Judge's gavel, handgun, and ammunition representing criminal firearm charges, alleged straw purchasing, and gun crime defense under California and federal law.

People may assume that buying a gun for someone else is simply a way of doing them a favor. Perhaps a spouse cannot make it to the gun store, a family member wants to use your discount, or a friend asks you to purchase a firearm because you have more experience with firearms.

Posted in: Criminal Law

What to Do When Child Protective Services (CPS) Come to Your Home in Los Angeles

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on June 30, 2026

Supportive psychologist with clipboard listening to little child during therapy session. Preschool girl feeling at ease in therapist's office sharing her thoughts and concerns

Few experiences are more frightening for a parent than hearing a knock at the door and discovering Child Protective Services wants to investigate your family. In this situation, it’s important to remain calm and contact a lawyer right away. The Los Angeles child abuse defense lawyers at Werksman Jackson Quinn & Mason LLP represent parents, guardians, and caregivers accused of abuse, neglect, and related criminal offenses throughout California. Our attorneys understand how CPS conducts investigations, and we know how quickly baseless allegations can escalate into criminal charges or family court proceedings.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

What to Do If Your College’s Title IX Investigation Is Biased or Unfair

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on June 15, 2026

A judge’s gavel and scales of justice in the foreground, representing legal proceedings, fairness, and the importance of due process in high-stakes investigations.

For college and university students who have been accused of sexual misconduct, a Title IX investigation is a high-stakes ordeal that can quickly become one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.

Posted in: Title IX

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