RSSLos Angeles Criminal Defense Blog
Why White-Collar Defense Isn’t the Same as Criminal Defense
Are you under investigation for committing a white-collar crime? If so, you are probably frightened of what it might mean for your reputation. Even the suspicion of guilt can have ramifications on your career and permanently damage your life moving forward.
That’s why you shouldn’t wait to fight back. When it comes to white-collar crime, law enforcement is willing to spend months, if not years, compiling evidence and putting together a case that is seemingly beyond dispute. The sooner you hire your own legal team, the better your chances of reducing the charges against you or avoiding them altogether.
The Ins and Outs of California Healthcare Fraud
Since the beginning of Medicare, healthcare fraud has been a serious issue affecting the entire healthcare industry. This criminal activity can take many forms, and may hinder doctors and hospitals in providing affordable treatments to patients, especially those who are economically disadvantaged. Law enforcement takes allegations of healthcare fraud very seriously.
Beware Serious Penalties for DUI Repeat Offenders
A conviction for a first DUI can have serious consequences on a person’s life and leave a lasting criminal record. Additional DUI offenses, in particular, a third offense or “third strike” within a 10-year period is given harsh punishments—as are any convictions beyond that point.
Understanding Recent Criminal Law Changes
In recent years, California has led the nation in criminal justice reforms, especially those designed to protect minors and the disabled. A number of bills were recently signed by Governor Jerry Brown and went into effect to change several statutes on the books. The passage of these bills is good news for anyone facing criminal charges, as well as those convicted who are facing lengthy prison terms.
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.
The L.A. Jail System Might be Changing Soon
In August 2018, the Reform L.A. Jails Coalition turned in nearly a quarter of a million signatures to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder to get reform legislation onto California’s Presidential Primary ballot in 2020. This was an impressive feat, considering the group gathered 100,000 more signatures than required by law to file a ballot measure. This measure, if passed by voters, will provide more oversight for the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and push for funding and research into alternatives to incarceration.
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.
Embezzlement: the Reality, Consequences, and Defense
Being convicted of embezzlement is no laughing matter in California. Even being accused of embezzling a relatively low value can end up having consequences that follow a person for the rest of his life.
If you are suspected of any type of criminal offense, including embezzlement, do not try to defend yourself. Being accused of embezzlement is serious, but it is not the end of the world if you have a tough, experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to protect you.
Managing Partner Mark Werksman’s Client Granted Complete Dismissal of All Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29-year-old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing, Mark Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges.