RSSLos Angeles Criminal Defense Blog
Do You Have a Duty to Report a Crime in California?
In California, you are required to report certain infractions if you have witnessed them. Here are some infractions that you may be liable for not reporting if you have witnessed them. These include:
What Should You Do If You Get a 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.
The Difference Between Fanaticism and Stalking
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.
Are You Facing Deportation Due To Federal Charges?
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.
Is the Government Monitoring Your Social Media Accounts?
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.
Were You Accused of Accepting a Kickback?
A kickback occurs when someone secretly provides some type of compensation to another person as a reward for doing something in an illicit manner. A kickback is a type of bribe, and anyone who offers or accepts a kickback may be subject to prosecution under California and federal law.
Ignorance of the Law – Is It a Defense?
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.
Social Media and Your Domestic Violence Defense
Social media may be a wonderful way to stay connected with family and friends, but it can damage your domestic violence case. Anything you post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., can be used against you in court. If you are facing domestic violence charges, it may be in your best interests to avoid social media altogether until criminal proceedings are over.
What to Do When You’re Accused of Ponzi Scheming
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.
What Happens When You Don’t Give a Police Officer Your Real Name?
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. . .”