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MEDICATION WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION In California, healthcare professionals can provide a prescription for medications containing federally controlled substances, including physicians, dentists, and even veterinarians. However, if you’re found in possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, you can be charged with a drug crime and subject to arrest, incarceration, and monetary fines. Not all medications require a prescription, though, and there are several defenses that can be offered to explain how the drug came into your possession.  Can I be arrested for possessing medication without a prescription in California? If you’ve been accused of possessing medication without a prescription in California, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney from Dod Law, APC about your case. We can…

ACCIDENTALLY SHOPLIFT IN CALIFORNIA You are in a hurry to get home and stop at the grocery store on your way home from work. As you’re grabbing other food, you grab two cases of water and you put them under the cart on the rack. You get through the checkout counter and head out the door. As you are loading your groceries into the back of the car, the security guard approaches you and accuses you of shoplifting. You show your receipt to which he responds you have two cases of water that are not on the receipt.  Accidentally shoplift in California. While you had no intention of leaving the store without paying for items, it appears that you have done…

When you have had a criminal conviction for a sex offense, your name will be placed in the California sex offender registry. In California, these charges are taken very seriously, and the conviction could remain on your record forever. However, this also leaves you in a predicament of not knowing whether you are obligated by law to notify your neighbors or your employer. The fact is you are not obligated to notify anyone of this fact. However, this does not mean they cannot find out your status on their own. If you have been registered on the sex offender registry and want to know your rights, reach out to us at Dod Law, APC today. We will help you understand your…

White-Collar Crimes White-collar crime refers to a group of crimes committed in a business or governmental setting, typically for the sake of financial gain. While this type of crime results in significant costs for California and the companies that operate here, the act of preventing white-collar crimes can also result in a number of false accusations. Unfortunately, individuals who have been falsely accused still face a risk of being convicted of the crime and the subsequent negative impacts to their professional career, finances, and even their freedom. If you’ve been accused of a white-collar crime in California, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the legal options you have available in your unique circumstances. They may even be able to…

Most Dangerous Illegal Drug While alcohol and nicotine have long been considered the most dangerous drugs due to their pervasive use and known health impacts, they’re both legal for adults to use. When it comes to the most dangerous illegal drug, healthcare and law enforcement experts are pointing to the synthetic opioid, fentanyl. Unfortunately, fentanyl is easy to obtain, highly addictive, and carries a risk of significant consequences, including criminal drug charges or even death. Fentanyl has been growing in popularity in recent years, despite how dangerous it is. If you have been charged with possession of fentanyl, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights throughout the legal process. THE DANGERS OF FENTANYL – Most Dangerous Illegal Drug…

Drug Conviction for Non-U.S. Citizens People who are convicted of drug crimes in the U.S. face potentially serious consequences, including potential incarceration and fines. When the drug conviction involves a non-U.S. citizen, these effects can be even more serious, including the risk of removal from the country, the inability to re-enter, and even the inability to become a citizen.  Learn more about drug conviction for Non-U.S. Citizens. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime as a non-U.S. citizen, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer can provide services aimed at reducing these repercussions and work hard to help you to avoid a lengthy period of incarceration or removal from the country. DRUG CRIMES THAT…

After a court finds you guilty or you accept a plea bargain, one possible punishment is probation. While it’s less severe than jail, there are still strict requirements you must follow at all times. Remember that probation is a privilege, not a right. One slip up means a judge can have you serve the remainder of your sentence in prison. If you’re facing a probation violation hearing, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer. They can represent you in court and fight for you to avoid jail time and stay on probation. What Are Probation Violation Hearings? A probation violation hearing is a legal proceeding in criminal court where a judge determines whether the defendant broke the terms and conditions…

The plea process is an essential part of the criminal justice system during which the defendant enters a plea in response to the charges against him. In essence, a plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutor and defense attorney where the defendant pleads guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to a specific charge for a reduced or alternative sentence. However, obtaining a plea bargain can be difficult for those representing themselves. Your best chance of receiving a fair offer is to hire a California criminal defense lawyer. They can protect your best interests and negotiate the terms of the bargain on your behalf. Why Do Prosecutors Seek Plea Bargains? People are charged with crimes every day, placing a serious…

In California, individuals convicted of misdemeanor or felony offenses may sometimes be sentenced to probation instead of serving time in a jail or prison. Probation is generally viewed as a preferable alternative to incarceration, and may be considered for low-risk or first-time offenders. Under California Penal Code section 1203.3, “(a) The court has the authority at any time during the term of probation to revoke, modify, or change its order of suspension of imposition or execution of sentence. The court may at any time when the ends of justice will be subserved thereby, and when the good conduct and reform of the person so held on probation shall warrant it, terminate the period of probation, and discharge the person held.”…