Sacramento Criminal Law Blog
How does plea bargaining work in a federal criminal case?
As a California resident facing a federal criminal charge, you may have valid concerns about the potential consequences you may face if that charge ends with a conviction. If the government has a particularly strong case against you, it may give you the option of...
Why do prosecutors offer immunity to some witnesses?
With some types of alleged crimes, members of law enforcement have an easier time building a case than with others. For example, for a charge of driving under the influence, officers often collect all the evidence they need to secure a conviction by the time they...
3 signs you are not ready to plead guilty
If you are a suspect in a criminal investigation, you undoubtedly are in for a long and drawn-out process. Indeed, after the investigation concludes, you must work your way through a crowded criminal justice system. To speed things along, prosecutors may offer you a...
Options for appealing a federal conviction or sentence
As a California resident faced with a federal conviction or sentence, you have the right to appeal the federal court’s determination. However, the federal court system is quite different than the state legal system, and the appeals processes associated with each also...
What is mortgage fraud?
The dream of home ownership is one that many Americans share. However, some people are unable to secure property on their own due to financial constraints and other issues. That is where mortgage fraud comes in, which is the act of providing falsified information or...
What is a Ponzi scheme?
Investing is a way for people to grow their money, as opposed to just placing it into a savings account. While many investment opportunities are legitimate and can become lucrative when making smart decisions, Ponzi schemes are a type of fraudulent investment. With...
What should you know about a notice of appeal?
The first step toward getting an appeal for a case that did not go your way is through a notice of appeal. This notice should remain brief while describing your objective succinctly. After the court receives this notice, they will then go forward with the decision...
What should you expect in the federal criminal process?
Much of the process of facing federal criminal charges is similar to what happens when you face charges at the state level. But the rules and the procedures may vary. If you are facing a federal charge, The Department of Justice explains you will go through various...
What is insider trading?
Most white-collar crimes involve some type of fraud or dishonesty perpetrated by a business owner, corporate entity or an individual who chooses to act in an unethical manner while conducting business, including the practice of insider trading. The U.S. Securities and...
Requirements to prove a charge of embezzlement
Embezzlement involves unlawfully depriving the rightful owner of his or her property. Nevertheless, it is different from theft. As Chron.com explains, the individual who deprives the owner of his or her property has to have been in a position of authority over it. The...