Los Angeles Criminal Defense Blog
How Embezzlement Differs from Theft Under California Law
When the circumstances of a theft involve a breach of trust, the charges may rise to the level of embezzlement. While both theft and embezzlement involve the unlawful taking of property, they are distinct crimes with different elements, penalties, and legal defense strategies.
Can Prior Convictions Be Used Against You in a White-Collar Crime Trial?
If you are facing allegations of a white-collar crime such as fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading, you may be wondering if a past conviction can be used against you. The answer depends on the nature of the past offense, their relevance to the current charges, and how the court interprets the rules of evidence.
Is Tax Fraud a Federal or State Crime in California?
Tax fraud is one of the few offenses in which dual jurisdiction is common. That means both federal and state agencies could investigate and prosecute you for the same thing. For residents of California, the primary agencies involved are the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at the federal level and the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) at the state level.
Reasons Why Criminal Charges Are Often Dropped or Dismissed Before Trial in Los Angeles
If you’re facing criminal charges, thinking about your trial can feel overwhelming. But a significant number of criminal cases never even make it to trial. The Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP have a stellar record when it comes to defending clients facing serious allegations, from violent felonies to complex white-collar crimes.
Understanding Your Miranda Rights During Police Questioning in Los Angeles
If you’ve been questioned by police during a traffic stop, at work, in a police station, or anywhere else, you may have questions about your Miranda rights. If your rights were violated during police questioning, the Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP have got your back. We know how to challenge unconstitutional interrogations and get them thrown out of court.
What to Do If You’re Falsely Accused of a Serious Crime in Los Angeles
Being falsely accused of a serious crime can make it feel like the whole world is collapsing down upon you. Whether the charge involves an aggravated felony, white collar crime, or high-profile allegations, the emotional toll and public damage begin long before your day in court.
What to Expect During Arraignment in Los Angeles and How Your Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
If you have been arrested in Los Angeles, your first appearance in court is called the arraignment. This is a critical stage in the criminal process. What happens during this brief hearing can have a lasting impact on your case.
How Does the Exclusionary Rule Affect State and Federal Drug Charges in Los Angeles?
Under the exclusionary rule, courts must throw out evidence gathered through unconstitutional means. Whether you’re facing charges in California state court or under federal drug laws, improper search & seizure can fundamentally weaken the prosecution’s case.
What’s the Difference Between Being Arrested and Being Indicted in Los Angeles?
If you’re facing criminal charges in California, the legal process can feel overwhelming. The terms “arrest” and “indictment” are not interchangeable. Instead, they refer to distinct processes in a criminal justice timeline, each with different legal standards, procedures, and rights.
The Pros and Cons of Accepting a Plea Agreement in Los Angeles
If you’re facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, prosecutors may offer you a plea agreement that reduces charges or sentences in exchange for a guilty or no-contest plea. But is that the right decision for you?
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