RSSCriminal Defense | Los Angeles Criminal Defense Blog
Protect Yourself From a Conspiracy Conviction
Conspiracy theories are incredibly common in everyday life these days — especially online — but criminal conspiracies are a whole another beast. Being accused of conspiring to commit a crime can irreparably damage a defendant’s reputation, impacting career prospects, relationships, and future.
These accusations should never be thrown around lightly, and anyone facing a conspiracy charge should only trust their case to a dedicated white-collar defense attorney.
What the President’s Ghost Gun Order Means for Californians
“Ghost guns” have been an intensely debated subject over the past few years, as technological advances have allowed individuals to manufacture and distribute unregistered firearms. These ghost guns can be assembled with 3-D printers – which are now more affordable than ever – and lack serial numbers, making them untraceable. But a possible executive ban by President Joe Biden may drastically change how these ghost guns are handled in California.
What Are the Punishments for Attempting a Crime in CA?
Under California law, it is a crime to attempt to commit a criminal act, whether or not you succeed. In other words, it is an “attempted crime” when a person tries to break the law but fails.
As stated at 664 PC, “Every person who attempts to commit any crime, but fails, or is prevented or intercepted in its perpetration, shall be punished where no provision is made by law for the punishment of those attempts… “ Criminal attempts are penalized with one half the sentence that would be imposed if the crime were completed.
Understanding California’s Gun Laws
Most adults aged 21 and older have the right to purchase, own, and possess a gun in California, but state laws impose restrictions as to how firearms can be stored, transported, and carried. In addition, it is illegal to make, sell, or possess certain types of firearms, and you can face significant penalties and loss of rights in California if you violate these laws.
Understanding a Hate Crime Charge in CA
When someone is accused of committing a hate crime, they face enhanced penalties under both federal and state law that can extend their sentence. Hate crimes are essentially any crime that involves an element of bias, such as crimes committed based on the victim’s race, gender, or sexuality. These charges not only come with harsh criminal penalties, but can forever damage your reputation if you do not have a strong legal defense.
Intent Crimes: What Do They Mean for You?
With certain crimes, to get a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant not only committed the criminal act but also intended to commit a certain harm.
Synthetic Cannabis: Still a Schedule I Drug
Cannabis, more commonly known as weed, has been legal for recreational use in California since 2016. For those over the age of 21, it is perfectly legal to use the drug, whether that means smoking it or consuming it. However, synthetic cannabis is still illegal. In fact, it is considered a Schedule I drug, meaning the penalties for using it are incredibly harsh.
After a Felony Conviction, What Rights Do You Lose?
As an American citizen, you have certain rights that you may assume you’ll never lose. Sadly, that may not be true. After a felony conviction, you will lose incredibly important rights. This kind of loss can leave your life in shambles.
When Does Selling Weapons Become Arms Trafficking?
California has incredibly strict gun restrictions. While the ownership of a firearm is protected under the Second Amendment, the state laws set in place around gun ownership are restrictive. This is especially true when it comes to the selling of guns.
Arms trafficking is a serious offense that could result in several months behind bars. Knowing what is and what is not legal when it comes to firearm sales is key to ensuring your own freedom.
What You Should Do Immediately After an Arrest
Being arrested is chaotic and frightening. From the flashing lights to the sirens to the tightening of the handcuffs, you may feel overwhelmed and at a loss as to what to do next. That is completely understandable. However, a slip-up could result in a conviction, so knowing what to do and what not to do is paramount when it comes to being arrested.