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Sending our children out into the world on their own can be both an exciting and terrifying time for a parent. This is a time for your child to learn and grow on their own, and that means that you will not have the same level of oversight and control over their activities. During this stage of development young adults push boundaries and test limits, and although we all hope that our children will make the right decisions, we have enough experience to know that will not always be the case.

Many of the charges that college students face center around the use of alcohol and are considered trivial by some, but keep in mind that they will affect your child’s criminal record and future employment opportunities all the same. It is important to act fast if your child has been charged with a crime.

As a parent, you’re entitled to discipline your child as you deem necessary at least to a certain extent. According to California Penal Code 273, child abuse is considered a domestic violence crime and is subject to severe penalties. Such a conviction can not only destroy your reputation, family and career, but can ultimately destroy your life and freedom. It’s not too uncommon for individuals to be falsely accused of child abuse, especially when there are many factors and parties involved. That’s why it’s crucial if you, or someone you know has been falsely accused of child abuse, contacts a criminal defense lawyer in Sacramento to fight for your freedom.

In California, fraud encompasses various types including telemarketing, identity theft, and insurance fraud, defined as intentional deception for gain. There are two main types: actual fraud (contractual deceit) and constructive fraud (breach of duty without deceit). Extortion, a serious offense, involves obtaining property through force or fear. Identity theft, increasingly prevalent, involves using someone’s personal information for unlawful purposes. For these crimes, penalties vary from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity and type of crime. Legal advice from an experienced Sacramento County criminal defense attorney is crucial for anyone facing these charges.

Business fraud charges in Sacramento County, California, encompass a range of criminal activities that involve deception, misrepresentation, or dishonest tactics for financial gain within a business context. These charges can be classified either as felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity and specifics of the offense. A felony business fraud charge typically involves larger amounts of money, more significant harm to victims, or repeat offenses. Examples include large-scale embezzlement, Ponzi schemes, and major instances of false advertising or securities fraud. Felony convictions often result in substantial fines, restitution, and incarceration in state prison.

Drug crimes and how best to handle them are a hot topic of debate in the political arena these days and California has seen some significant changes to their drug laws in the last decade. While prosecutors have moved their focus away from users and possessors and have softened penalties for individuals convicted of these crimes, that focus has moved towards getting tough on drug manufacturers, distributors and traffickers.

As a part of the Justice Department’s Anti-Violence Strategy, habitual offender laws, often referred to as three-strike laws, were put into place in many states across America. With these laws, the third severe violent crime or serious felony for a single individual would result in a mandatory life sentence in prison. The goal was to deter repeat offenders by dramatically increasing their punishment after the third conviction. Being a repeat offender can cause serious repercussions in your life. Make sure to contact experienced criminal attorneys in Sacramento if you have been convicted more than once.

The first state to implement the three-strikes law was California when 72% of voters passed Proposition 184 in 1994. After California, 27 more states implemented similar laws, though none were quite as sweeping. In most states, only felony offenses qualify for a strike. Under Proposition 184 in California, the jail time for a second felony was double and a third strike resulted in a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life.

Assault with a deadly weapon, often abbreviated as ADW, is a serious criminal offense in California. It is defined under California Penal Code Section 245(a)(1). The severity of the charge and the potential penalties can vary depending on several factors, including the type of weapon used, the extent of injury to the victim, and the defendant’s criminal history. The charge can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the discretion of the prosecutor.

Penalties for a conviction of assault with a deadly weapon can include imprisonment, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. In cases where the assault is committed against a public official, peace officer, or firefighter, the penalties can be even more severe.

Law enforcement is needed to maintain the safety and order of society but if you face any interactions with police and the law, it can feel anything but safe at times. In fact, it can be a stressful and scary situation. The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures but like all things pertaining to the law, there are exceptions. Understanding how to interact with the police and what your rights are is important, especially when it comes to searches. Contact a Sacramento criminal attorney for any specific questions or situations you may have.