LOS ANGELES CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW BLOG
Separating illegal activity from job responsibilities
Because having a job generally means a requirement to abide by company protocols, some employers in California may use that concept to their advantage. If their involvement in unethical or illegal activities requires the support of their workers, they may dangerously...
What is the difference between bribery and extortion?
Accusations of bribery often result in high-profile cases, particularly if the case is international in scope. Bribery may involve high-standing politicians, celebrities or wealthy investors. However, it is important to understand the nature of a bribery charge....
What is the difference between mail and wire fraud?
You probably hear stories of people accused of either mail or wire fraud and take from that only that they stand accused of fraud. Mail fraud might seem easy to define (even if you do not understand the unique elements that constitute the crime), yet confusion often...
What is an aggravated white collar offense?
In criminal law, aggravated offenses typically involve the use of a weapon. For example, if a person decides to rob a convenience store using a handgun, prosecutors may charge him or her with aggravated burglary or aggravated assault. It is possible to have an...
Multiple types of prescription drug fraud
Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others who work in pharmacies process a broad range of types of prescriptions on a daily basis. While most prescriptions that come through a pharmacy may well be legitimate, some may be fraudulent, exposing pharmacy staff member...
Embezzlement charges require proof of intent
When you think of embezzlement charges, Ponzi schemes or corrupt politicians may immediately come to mind. The truth is, embezzlement is not always a sensational event. Anyone who has control of someone else's property or money and uses it for their own personal gain,...
Bribes vs. gifts
Anyone in Los Angeles who occupies a position that involves the exercise of governmental, executive or professional authority will almost certainly see their actions scrutinized. Exchanges of any types of benefits involving such individuals can quickly escalate to...
A plea bargain may lead to a more lenient fraud sentence
A federal investigation may uncover substantial evidence that could assist a prosecutor in proving fraud. Someone facing felony fraud charges has a right to a jury trial. However, after reviewing evidence and hearing witness testimonies, a jury may decide to provide...
5 tips for responding to Medicare fraud accusations
When people hear "Medicare fraud," doctors and pharmacists often come to mind. Unsurprisingly, big cases involving pharmaceutical fraud can increase public suspicion of medical administrative practices. In 2019, 29 states filed a lawsuit against CVS Health Corp, one...
What forms can Medicare fraud take?
Medicare and Medicaid are federally funded health insurance programs that provide medical coverage to elderly and low-income individuals, respectively. Because pharmaceutical fraud involving Medicare or Medicaid costs taxpayers money, you can potentially suffer very...
