Mail fraud occurs when a person uses the mail to pursue a scheme that involves lies or omissions with the intent to defraud others of money, property or services. Wire fraud is an attempt to obtain money or goods through fraud or false pretenses through the use of...
Healthcare fraud is common. It occurs in various ways. Healthcare providers may face fraud charges because they purposely take illegal actions. However, simple mistakes or inattentiveness may also result in charges. Providers are not the only ones who might face...
Taking steps to reduce the taxes you owe is not necessarily a crime. There are many legal avenues available to minimize tax liability. There is a difference, however, between tax avoidance and tax evasion. The penalties for a tax evasion conviction can be severe. Tax...
Most people know that tax evasion is a white-collar crime that the IRS investigates and prosecutes against individuals and businesses. Tax evasion generally means not paying your taxes or not paying all that you owe. But unless you have been charged with tax evasion,...
When you hear the word "racketeering", what comes to mind? Odds are that it's gangster movies and television shows or real-life figures like Al Capone and John Gotti. But what is the crime of racketeering, and how would it cause a person to face federal charges under...
A restraining order is usually a civil law matter. But violating the terms of a restraining order issued against you can lead to your arrest and a possible jail sentence. Because a restraining order is a judicial order, violating it is a crime. The person who...
You have surely heard of Miranda rights. They are often included for dramatic effect in arrest scenes in movies and television shows involving police or criminal activity. But what do you actually know about your Miranda rights? Do you know how they can aid you in...
When people think of kidnapping, they usually think of a child snatched away from family by a stranger, often through force or intimidation. However, parental kidnapping is different. Parental kidnapping occurs when one parent takes the child without the knowledge and...
You might think that experimenting with malicious computer software sounds like an interesting and educational hobby. You might even seek the thrill of being an "infamous" programmer. But if you get into creating viruses, you could end up facing serious criminal...
Many people in California may look at claims of self-defense by individuals facing criminal charges with a certain degree of scrutiny. This no doubt comes from the assumption that an altercation must have two willing participants. Yet at the same time, most people...