Being a successful medical professional is a complicated endeavor nowadays. Not only must physicians have subject matter expertise, but they must also comply with an ever-changing framework of laws, regulations and rules. Like anyone else, doctors may face criminal...
How will the Three Strikes law impact your case?
Under the Three Strikes law in California, offenders convicted of a second felony after a previous violent or serious felony conviction can receive twice the mandatory minimum prison sentence. A person who receives a third felony conviction must serve at least 25...
Can I face criminal charges without actually committing a crime?
Most people in California likely assume that in order for authorities to prosecute them for a crime, they actually have to have committed a crime. Yet news stories often describe people facing criminal charges with terms like "attempted" or "conspiracy to." This means...
Requesting a change of venue in a criminal case
One of the cornerstones of the American criminal justice system is the right of the accused to receive a fair and impartial adjudication of their case. There may be times, however, where circumstances do not allow for this to happen in the specific area that...
The FAA takes drone regulations and violations seriously
As personal drones become more popular, federal and state authorities are looking for ways to monitor their use and keep the public safe. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides guidelines and a legal framework for drone...
Probation eligibility and conditions
Probation is a provision that allows the court to release a person convicted of a crime into the community under the supervision of a probation officer. The release is conditional and revocable. In other words, the individual on probation must comply with the terms...
Parental kidnapping can be a federal crime
Parental kidnapping is a common term for cases where a non-custodial parent refuses to return a child after the end of a lawful visit. However, it can also refer to a situation in which a custodial parent does not allow the non-custodial parent to have visits. Review...
The consequences for bringing weapons to the airport
When you bring a prohibited item to the airport, you may experience delays to your travel plans and delay the plans of other travelers. Depending on the prohibited item, you may also have to pay a fine and law enforcement may even arrest you. While federal law...
How do you defend against the False Claims Act?
Finding yourself on the wrong end of a fraud case can impact you for the rest of your life. Finding yourself in such a case prosecuted against you by the federal government can make you feel truly helpless. The False Claims Act, enacted in 1863, is designed to punish...
Three things to know about probation violations
By placing you on probation, a judge allows you to serve your sentence outside the confines of jail. The details of your probation may differ, but all have the potential for additional penalties if a violation occurs. The following tips can help you avoid the negative...