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A crime is a public offense but not every offense is a crime. California generally classifies offenses into one of three categories: infraction, misdemeanor or felony. The category a charge falls into determines the penalties, punishment and consequences you face if found guilty. The type of offense defines the minimum or maximum sentence, if any jail time is served…

The twists and turns in this Orange County criminal investigation make it worthy of a Law and Order episode. Prosecutors and police say they were duped by a serial con artist in a sophisticated plot to frame her husband’s ex-fiancée. Source: Orange County District Attorney Here’s the bizarre, and still-unfolding, story: On June 24, 2016 police received a…

Gun laws get even stricter, some juvenile sex offense penalties are erased, rape statute of limitation is eliminated, and using a mobile device while driving gets touchy. Be in the know about some significant new laws take effect as the calendar turns to January 1 this Sunday: Distracted Driving Of course you know it is…

Getting a drone as a splurge gift this holiday season probably makes you the envy of your social circle. Your first rule for demonstrating savvy operation is to steer clear of violating federal and state regulations or local ordinances while flying your drone. Drones give us a spectacular lineup of creative commercial and hobby uses, but…

Since the enactment of Megan’s Law in 1996, law enforcement agencies have informed the public about sex offender registrants who pose a risk to the public. According to the California Department of Justice, the Golden State has more registered sex offenders than any other state. This is due to both the large population of California and the…

Wire fraud is a white-collar crime, and is handled by the federal court. A conviction for wire fraud in Orange County can result in years of incarceration as well as long-term professional consequences. Wire fraud is defined as: “a scheme to deprive of property through use of an interstate telephone calls or electronic communication including the…

A conviction of a crime will result in the creation of a record, whether as a juvenile or as an adult. A criminal record is considered a reflection of your past behavior and character. Having a criminal record can affect your ability to get a job, obtain certain state benefits, run for public office, get a…

Q: What are the penalties for possession? The penalties for possession will vary depending on the type of drug that is involved, whether minors were partaking, and your criminal history. The laws regarding “hard drugs,” such as cocaine or heroin, are very stringent and a conviction involving these substances may result in significant jail time…

The first definition of white collar crime was penned in 1939 as “a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation.”  White collar crimes are non-violent crimes that usually involve some form of fraud and that are typically committed for financial gain. Are white collar crimes…

According to a recent article published in Voice of Orange County, the number of youthful offenders incarcerated at Orange County’s juvenile hall has dropped dramatically over the last several years.  Orange County juvenile hall, which averaged over 450 youths per day in 2007, dropped to housing just about 230 last year. Last Wednesday’s head count was only 154.…