It is bewildering to think that you could go to prison for a crime in California that you did not commit simply because a stranger believed that he or she saw you at the scene. Unfortunately, the chances of that happening are uncomfortably high. According to the...
Firm News
Understanding California’s self-defense law
Claims of self-defense made by people accused of committing violent crimes in California are often met with skepticism. At the same time, you can likely understand that there are indeed situations where someone may feel as though their safety has been threatened...
Collateral consequences of a misdemeanor conviction
If you are facing misdemeanor charges in California, you may believe that a conviction is a minor notation on your record and not a serious offense. It may surprise you to find that it could limit your earning potential, your ability to buy a home or your ability to...
Illicit business requirements for conviction under the RICO Act
Racketeering is a serious federal offense requiring proof that an individual repeatedly engaged in unlawful activities while conducting business through an illicit enterprise. A prosecutor filing charges alleging racketeering must first prove the existence of an...
Tax evasion vs. tax avoidance
For most working adults, the first quarter of each year means “tax season”. Many of you are probably hoping that your deductions and credits result in a hefty refund. While capitalizing on these legitimate items is beneficial, underpaying your taxes could land you in...
Are forensic test results always accurate?
Criminal prosecutors use a number of methods, including eyewitness identification and testimony, written or verbal confessions and jailhouse informants, to form cases and attempt to convict suspects of committing a crime. One commonly used method is forensic testing...
White collar crime and common defense tactics
When people hear the word crime, they usually think of violent acts or drug-related situations. However, not all crimes involve dangerous or violent circumstances. White collar crimes involve antisocial behavior toward others resulting in an individual's or company’s...
What are standardized field sobriety tests?
California law enforcement officers have many tools to use in identifying drunk drivers. One of the first things an officer usually asks of a suspect is a field sobriety test. The test results are often used as evidence in court. What exactly are these tests? The...
Proving the elements of money laundering
Many recent high-profile court cases have involved individuals accused of money laundering schemes. This financial crime gets its name from attempts to "clean" money gained by illegal means. As defined by Bankrate.com, money laundering is creating the illusion that...
What is a DDoS Attack?
Where internet crime is concerned, one of the better-known variances is hacking. Despite its prevalence in the digital age, the average person is not aware of what exactly “hacking” means or involves. While many companies and individuals deal with the consequences of...




