RSSLos Angeles Criminal Defense Blog
What Does It Mean to Be an Accessory to a Crime?
To be an accessory to a crime means you helped someone in the commission of a criminal act. You may be charged with this crime if you helped the criminal party before or after their criminal act.
The Serious Nature of Ransomware
Ransomware is a particular type of malware (software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system). It uses encryption to hold the victim’s information at ransom. With critical data encrypted, the user or organization cannot access its databases, files, or applications. Then a ransom is demanded to restore access, from which the term ransomware derived.
When Is Lobbying Considered Bribery?
The legal line between lobbying and bribery can appear to be thin at times. There is no doubt that money plays a significant role in the political process in our country. Nevertheless, politicians must obtain their contributions in a legal manner. Otherwise, they could face accusations of accepting a bribe.
Defenses Against Brandishing a Weapon Charge
Some defenses against a charge of brandishing a weapon include:
- You did not brandish any weapon that was in your possession.
- You were not in possession of a weapon and therefore could not have brandished one.
- You brandished a weapon only in self-defense, or in a non-threatening manner.
Another defense may work for you. Our firm will consider your personal circumstances when creating your defense.
Crimes Involving Cryptocurrencies
Virtual currencies are a digital means of exchange that are unregulated and allow for transactions to occur without bank involvement – but times are changing. When the government believes that any digital currency is being used to commit a crime, as the transactions cross state lines, cryptocurrency crimes are under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
False Imprisonment vs Kidnapping
The legal differences between false imprisonment and kidnapping are revealed in the California Penal Codes that describe these crimes.
How Your Search History Can Impact a Criminal Trial
The internet is constantly growing and deepening, with numerous rabbit holes one can fall down when browsing search results. This widespread access to information makes most online users believe that their search histories are allowable and safe, but this is false. Even nonchalantly browsing the internet can impact your criminal record. Investigators can access a suspect’s browser history during a criminal investigation, and any evidence they find can be used against you in a court of law.
Fraud in the Age of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic not only dealt a major blow to our economy, education, healthcare, and daily lives, but also led to new and serious criminal charges, particularly those surrounding vaccinations. Federal and state governments have issued warnings throughout the pandemic about healthcare fraud, fake vaccination cards, and lying about COVID-19. To ensure that you understand the full ramifications of these crimes, our team is here to explain the complex laws surrounding vaccine fraud.
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.