OC Major U.S. Export Enforcement Prosecutions on the Rise

Over the past two years the Department of Justice (DOJ) has investigated and tried several major export and embargo-related criminal prosecutions. These prosecutions are a result of investigations by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Pentagon’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and other law enforcement agencies. Read more

Ex partners of Prominent Class-action Law Firm Sentenced to Federal Prison

Steven Schulman and David Bershad, two former partners of the law firm formerly known as Milberg Weiss, were sentenced to six months in prison each for their role in an illegal class-action lawsuit scheme. It is illegal to pay lead plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits brought by the firm. Under the scheme, Milberg Weiss attorneys agreed to pay class-action lead plaintiffs a portion of the attorneys’ fees if Milberg Weiss won the case. Read more

Prostitution Sting Nets Orange County Arrests

Officers made 136 arrests in a nationwide prostitution sting. The operation resulted in the arrest of alleged prostitutes as well as those “pimps” who were responsible for organization of the illegal sexual service network. In addition, several juveniles were arrested. Local police and the FBI have often targeted prostitutes advertising their services online, on such free websites such as Craigslist. Read more

Change Your Trial Location to Ensure a Fair Trial

Former Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona was indicted late last year on felony charges of conspiracy, mail fraud and witness tampering. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The former Sheriff has filed a motion requesting to move the trial, which is due to start Tuesday.

A motion to move the trial is formally called a “motion to change venue”. The motion is brought by the defense attorney when he Read more

Too Many Points May Lose Your Drivers’ License in Orange County

If you are charged with any vehicle code violation you will be assessed a “point” value to your driving record. If you receive too many points over a certain amount of time, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may suspend your driving privileges for up to six months. If you receive 4 points in 1 year, 6 points in 2 years, or 8 points in 3 years, the DMV will act to suspend your license and you will not be able to drive your vehicle for any reason during this time. Read more

Protect Your Rights if Involved in Huntington Beach Anti-DUI Crusade

The Huntington Beach Police Department begins a year-long program in an effort to reduce the number of people killed and injured in alcohol/drug-related accidents.

The City of Huntington Beach was recently awarded over $180,000 to use for anti-DUI programs such as DUI/driver’s license checkpoints, warrant services, stakeouts, saturation patrols and court stings aimed at DUI offenders with suspended or revoked licenses who drive after leaving court. Since everyone loves free legal advice, the following is the best free advice you can receive to protect your rights Read more

No Jail Time if Arrested for Drug Possession in Orange County

If you have been arrested for a violation of Health and Safety Code Section 11350, 11357, 11364, 11365, 11377, or 11550, or California Vehicle Code Section 23222(b), or Health and Safety Code Section 11358, you could be facing lengthy jail time and a fine. However, California has a diversionary program, referred to as PC1000, which allows offenders to avoid lengthy jail sentences Read more

Celebrity Justice: Can Money and Fame Buy Freedom in Los Angeles?

Jury selection began today in Los Angeles Superior Court for the murder retrial of famed L.A. music producer Phil Spector. Phil Spector is charged with second-degree murder in the 2003 death of 40-year-old actress Lana Clarkson. Clarkson was killed as a result of a gunshot in the mouth while in Spector’s residence. Spector’s first trial ended a year ago when jurors deadlocked, with a 10-2 jury, the majority favoring conviction.

Earlier this year, another celebrity Read more

FBI and DOJ Now Involved in Orange County Mortgage Fraud Prosecutions

The Justice Department today reported filing 151 criminal mortgage fraud prosecutions in the first ten months of 2008. Of those, 19 were in California, while 73 were in Florida. Considering the fact that California is the largest U.S. market for high-risk home loans, followed closely by Florida and the Las Vegas area, we can expect the investigation of the collapsing subprime mortgage industry Read more

Aviation Law 101: Operating Under Part 91 vs. Part 135

Recently a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) contacted me concerned that they may be violating a Code of Federal Regulation (CFR). Their concern was whether their actions would constitute a flight operation under Part 135, which would require must more regulation and oversight, or whether the operation would qualify under Part 91, a much more relaxed area of regulations in which to operate. The issue was whether an individual business person, who independently rents an aircraft from the FBO and then hires an independent pilot to fly him in that aircraft to various locations on an “as needed” basis would constitute an operation under CFR Part 91? Read more

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