ATTORNEY

The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization provides a helpful website to help the public find an appropriate legal specialist--www.californiaspecialist.org. In addition to criminal law, the Board of Legal Specialization certifies specialists in appellate law, bankruptcy law, estate planning, trust and probate law, family law, franchise and distribution law, immigration and nationality law, taxation law, and workers' compensation law. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information about Certified Legal Specialists.

The Eastern District U.S. attorney in Sacramemnto, California, announced yesterday the unsealing of a 48 count indictment charging 10 defendants with conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud, mail fraud, and making false statements in mortgage applications to federally insured banks. Click here to see the U.S. Department of Justice press release.

This indictment is the result of investigation by the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. It demonstrates the continued focus by the federal government on prosecuting mortgage related offenses.

I am certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Criminal Law Specialist. Certified criminal law specialists have passed a rigorous examination process, and have demonstrated a high level of experience and competence in handling criminal matters. They have passed a peer review process as proof of their high level of performance as criminal defense counsel. The State Bar Legal Specialist program is akin to the board certification possessed by specialist physicians. Click here to locate a certified specialist.

The United States Supreme Court is considering how to apply 18 U.S.C. 924(c), which increases the punishment for firearms possessed during and in relation to drug crimes and crimes of violence. At issue is whether the law, which provides for mandatory minimum sentences, was designed to enhance a sentence for a drug crime or crime of violence having a greater