Former OC Supervisor Gets 5 Years for $12M COVID Relief Fraud: What It Means for You
Former OC Supervisor Gets 5 Years for $12M COVID Relief Fraud: What It Means for You Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a $12 million public corruption scheme that misused COVID-19 relief funds. His conviction sends a clear message: public corruption and financial crimes are taken seriously—not just by the federal government, but also by the State of…
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Grand Theft vs. Petty Theft: Why the Charge Matters Under California Law
Grand Theft vs. Petty Theft: Why the Charge Matters Under California Law Facing a theft charge can be a daunting experience, especially when you’re unsure of its implications. Theft is a broad category under California law, but the distinction between grand theft and petty theft can significantly impact the severity of the penalties you face. Understanding the differences between the two is critical if you or someone you know is…
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New Legislation and Task Force Tackle Wildfire-Related Looting
New Legislation and Task Force Tackle Wildfire-Related Looting Wildfire seasons have become increasingly severe in recent years, leaving devastation in their wake. Among the destruction, an alarming trend has emerged—looting in wildfire-affected areas. To combat this growing issue, a new joint task force has been introduced alongside updated legislation to specifically target wildfire-related looting. For individuals accused of these offenses, understanding the laws and the role of the task force…
Read MoreCalifornia Proposition 36 Just Passed … Now What?
California Proposition 36 Just Passed … Now What? California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36. As a result, there will be an increase in parent deportations and family separations due to convictions for minor offenses such as shoplifting and simple drug possession. Proposition 36 will not only overcrowd jails, divert funds from treatment programs, and impose financial burdens on taxpayers, but also facilitate the deportation of immigrants for low-level crimes. This…
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Wallin & Klarich Client Got Her Felony Theft Charge Dismissed Due To Successful Defense Argument
Wallin & Klarich Client Got Her Felony Theft Charge Dismissed Due To Successful Defense Argument Our client came to our Irvine Office after being arrested for felony theft by an employee which carries a maximum sentence of up to three years in prison. Having never been arrested before, she was terrified of going back to jail and potentially losing her job. The client also could not afford to lose her…
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How to Successfully Beat An Identity Theft Charge – Penal Code Sections 530.5(a), 529
How to Successfully Beat An Identity Theft Charge - Penal Code Sections 530.5(a), 529 With the rise of digital transactions and online activities, identity theft has become a common crime, leading to severe penalties. If you find yourself accused, understanding your rights and legal options is crucial. This blog post aims to guide you through identity theft charges in California, offering key defense strategies and insights into how knowledgeable legal…
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Can I Still Be Charged with Theft in California If I Return the Property?
Can I Still Be Charged with Theft in California If I Return the Property? If someone steals an item but returns it the next day, can he still be charged with theft? The answer to this question may not be obvious. In order to answer it, we must first understand how the California Penal Code defines theft. Definition of Theft in California Theft is split up into two broad categories,…
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Restitution Key to Getting Misdemeanor Plea Deal in Felony Grand Theft Case
Restitution Key to Getting Misdemeanor Plea Deal in Felony Grand Theft Case Negotiating favorable plea deals is an artform. The defense attorney must balance the interests and desires of their client while navigating the realities of the facts of the case and the evidence at hand. Each type of criminal offense has a specific strategy a defense attorney must utilize to obtain the best possible plea deal. For example, we…
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Success Stories: Grand Theft at a House Party [PC 487]
Success Stories: Grand Theft at a House Party [PC 487] If there is any constant in this world, it is that young adults will make mistakes. The variable is whether those mistakes represent a lifetime of bad behavior or a lesson from which they will learn and grow. Recently, our law firm was retained to represent an 18-year-old young man who made a terrible mistake. While at a friend’s house…
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What are the Consequences of Petty Theft with a Prior? (666 PC)
What are the Consequences of Petty Theft with a Prior? (666 PC) A petty theft conviction carries up to six months in county jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. However, if you have a prior theft conviction on your criminal record, you could be charged with a separate crime that carries more severe consequences under California Penal Code Section 666. This crime is referred to as “petty theft with…
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