RSSCriminal Defense
The Differences Between Extortion and Blackmail
Extortion and blackmail are similar crimes. In the state of California, they are both covered under one law (the California Extortion and Blackmail Law) and have the same penalties, but these two crimes are different.
The Basics of Title IX
As a college student, being accused of a Title IX offense can be harmful to your reputation. People accused of gender discrimination, harassment, or sexual assaults do not fare well in public opinion. The Title IX complaint resolution is a complicated process, and school administrators may be biased against you. It is in your best interests to have an experienced lawyer by your side if you are facing Title IX allegations.
Do Higher Temperatures Mean More Domestic Violence?
Living in the Los Angeles area means we all deal with temperatures in the 90s and above during the summer and fall. CBS reports that a study conducted by researchers at the University of California has found a link between increased crime rates and high temperatures. It was discovered that on days 85 degrees Fahrenheit and higher, violent crime increased 5.75%. The problem is made worse by the fact that the police are also less active during heatwaves.
Don’t Talk About Your Case on Social Media
If you are facing charges in a criminal case, you may feel inclined to post your thoughts online or have conversations with your friends or make comments about it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or other social media platforms. Law enforcement and investigators use information gathered from social media to help build the case against you. A “joke” you post to amuse your friends could have a significant impact on your case. The rule is: Never speak about your case on social media – ever.
Don’t Trust the Jailhouse Informants
Jailhouse informants are notoriously unreliable and have played a role in a number of wrongful convictions. These informants usually get something in return for their testimony, which gives them incentive to lie or stretch the truth. Our skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP can work to refute incriminating, false testimony from a jailhouse informant.
When Forensic Science Is on Shaky Ground
Forensic science used to solve crimes is all the rage in television shows, books, and movies. In real life, however, the science behind forensics may not be as dependable as we have been led to believe. DNA evidence is currently exonerating people who have been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated based on faulty evidence.
California Gun Laws and Violations
California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and more laws on the books regarding guns than any other state. This makes it very easy for the average person to lack a real understanding of what’s allowed and what can get them into trouble when it comes to firearms. There are specific laws regarding who can own a firearm, the process required to legally buy a gun, and who is forbidden from owning a firearm.
What to Know About a First-Offender DUI in California
California is one of the harshest states in the country when it comes to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses. Even a first offense comes with serious penalties and expensive fines. Some of these penalties start the moment a driver fails a field sobriety test, while others require a criminal conviction for DUI.
Our experienced Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys at Werksman Jackson Hathaway & Quinn LLP understand the best ways to avoid a conviction and more serious penalties. For a free case evaluation, please call (213) 688-0460 today.
Hacking and Cybercrime: Theft Charges in the 21st Century
Cybercrime might seem like it comes from a procedural crime show on CBS, but it involves real charges that can impact the rest of a person’s life.
If you’ve been accused of any kind of cybercrime, you need a tech-savvy and knowledgeable attorney to defend you. Since these types of crimes are new, misunderstood, and often charged at the federal level, it is essential that you hire a lawyer with experience in such cases.