Identity theft is a serious crime with severe consequences. If someone accuses you of identity theft, it is important to know your rights and have a proactive plan of action. Whether you believe the allegations are a case of mistaken identity, malicious intent or a...
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Federal Crime
Things you should never do if you are under federal investigation
Although some federal investigations are covert and the target remains unaware until law enforcement knocks on the door with a warrant, sometimes you can tell if you are a target of a federal investigation. Whether you are being surveilled or federal officials...
Federal minimum criminal penalties
It is no secret that the federal government prosecutes and penalizes crimes stringently. Specifically, federal convictions often have high mandatory minimum penalties. Many states, including California, also have some minimum sentencing. However, states also sometimes...
How does the pretrial stage work in federal investigations?
Many California residents feel uneasy upon finding out they are the subject of a federal investigation, and with good reason. Federal crimes often bring with them lofty penalties, and if the allegation against you leads to a conviction, you may face jail time, steep...
When is a drug crime a federal offense?
If you currently face federal drug charges, you may have committed an offense that is severe or broken a federal drug law. The laws for federal drug charges differ from state laws and often carry more severe penalties. In many cases, you may face charges for a federal...
Signs Your Employer or Partner Launders Money
Money laundering is a serious federal offense. According to the Customer Due Diligence Act, national banks are under a legal obligation to obtain sufficient information and develop a risk profile for their customers. This means that businesses must also ensure they...
Can you rebuild a professional network after criminal charges?
The consequences of illegal behavior in the workplace can have far-reaching effects on your professional reputation. For example, you may have lost the trust and respect of a majority of your professional network. Getting back on your feet and recovering your career...
What to expect when facing mail fraud charges
When documents containing deceitful intent cross California state lines, whether carried by the United States Postal Service or private carriers, such as FedEx or UPS, mail fraud occurs. Large fines and lengthy prison sentences are among the most common penalties you...
What should I know about forgery?
The crime of forgery is something that can affect people from many walks of life because people may commit forgery in many different ways. It can help to understand the basics of forgery, not only so that you may be on alert for it, but so that you know how the law...
How a criminal conviction can affect future employment prospects
Under federal law, employers in California can ask a potential employee or applicant about their criminal history. While employers are prohibited from discriminating against a potential employee using information from a criminal history, a criminal conviction may...