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What Should You Do If You Get a Target Letter?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on July 1, 2022

Target Letter

A target letter is a formal document sent to a person or entity that has been the subject of a federal investigation. Target letters are typically sent by the US Department of Justice or one of its agencies, but can also be sent by other federal law enforcement agencies and even state or local prosecutors.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

The Difference Between Fanaticism and Stalking

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on May 24, 2022

The offense of stalking is defined by California Penal Code Section 646.9 PC as following, harassing, and threatening someone to the extent where the target becomes concerned for their safety. Both misdemeanors and felonies are possible charges for stalking. Up to 5 years in jail or prison may be imposed as punishment for a conviction.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Are You Facing Deportation Due To Federal Charges?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on May 2, 2022

Immigrants, even those with green cards, may be deported when proof that they have been convicted of a crime exists, particularly one that is referred to as an “aggravated felony” or a “crime of moral turpitude.” Additionally, the legislation clearly lists a number of crimes that can result in deportation.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Is the Government Monitoring Your Social Media Accounts?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on April 25, 2022

Even when you use your privacy settings, your social media accounts are not totally private. In most cases, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media companies will voluntarily share your information and personal messages with law enforcement agencies, whether they have a warrant or not.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Ignorance of the Law – Is It a Defense?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on March 16, 2022

A wooden gavel resting face down on a flat surface.

It is a fundamental legal principle in the U.S. that ignorance of the law is no defense. If ignorance were accepted as an excuse, any person charged with a criminal offense could claim ignorance to avoid the consequences. Laws apply to every person within the jurisdiction, whether they are known and understood. This is based on the idea that laws have been made known to the public in government journals, newspapers, printed publications, online, and other sources.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

What to Do When You’re Accused of Ponzi Scheming

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on March 2, 2022

An abundance of one hundred dollar bills spread out across a flat surface.

A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment scam that generates returns for early investors with money that comes from later investors. It is named after Charles Ponzi, an Italian swindler who operated in North America and was arrested in 1920. Ponzi schemes promise investors high rates of return with negligible risk. Eventually, when there are not enough new investors to provide sufficient funds to go around, the scheme unravels.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

What Happens When You Don’t Give a Police Officer Your Real Name?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on February 15, 2022

False identification to a police officer is illegal under California Penal Code Section 148.9. The law states, “Any person who falsely represents or identifies himself or herself as another person or as a fictitious person to any peace officer . . . upon lawful detention or arrest of the person, either to evade the process of the court, or to evade the proper identification of the person by the investigating officer is guilty of a misdemeanor. . .”

Posted in: Criminal Defense

Accused of a Hate Crime in Los Angeles?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on January 3, 2022

A gloved hand holding a spray can.

A “hate crime” is not a crime in itself, but penalty enhancements for a bias-driven criminal offense. A hate crime is defined as: “hate crime is a crime against a person, group, or property motivated by the victim’s real or perceived protected social group. You may be the victim of a hate crime if you have been targeted because of your actual or perceived: (1) disability, (2) gender, (3) nationality, (4) race or ethnicity, (5) religion, (6) sexual orientation, and (7) association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Hate crimes are…

Posted in: Criminal Defense

How Does a Grand Jury Work?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on December 13, 2021

Decorative scales of justice in the courtroom.

Facing a grand jury investigation can be a deeply unsettling experience. Whether you’ve received a subpoena, you suspect you’re being investigated, or if you have already been indicted, understanding how a grand jury works is essential to protecting your rights.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

What Is Obstruction of Justice?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on December 6, 2021

Gavel and scales of justice on desk in law office.

Under federal law, obstruction of justice is defined as an act that “corruptly or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication, influences, obstructs, or impedes, or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede, the due administration of justice.” California statutes do not name any particular offense as “obstruction of Justice.” However, several different crimes fall into this general category.

Posted in: Criminal Defense

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