Los Angeles DUI Attorney Blog

June 15, 2025

Criminal Defense for Pharmacists Facing Criminal Charges in California

As a licensed pharmacist in California, you carry a significant level of trust and responsibility in your role. Not only do you answer to the guidelines and practice standards imposed by the California State Board of Pharmacy, but you are also subject to strict laws regarding the management and dispensing of controlled substances. If a misunderstanding, mishap, or misstep occurs, it’s not uncommon for a pharmacist to face criminal charges in addition to (or independently of) any disciplinary action by the Board.

Whether you’ve been accused, investigated, or simply fear you might be, having a clear knowledge and understanding of the California statutes pertaining to your profession can be extremely useful, both as a deterrent to facing criminal charges or as a defense if you’ve already been charged. Let’s examine a few of the more common statutes under which pharmacists may face criminal charges.

Controlled Substance Violations (HSC §11350 – §11383)

May 19, 2025

Criminal Defense for Nurse Practitioners in California

by Michael Kraut

As a nurse practitioner in California, your role places you at the crossroads of advanced clinical responsibility and patient trust. With prescriptive authority, independent practice in certain settings, and access to sensitive patient data, you are held to high legal and ethical standards. Unfortunately, these responsibilities can also make you vulnerable to criminal allegations, ranging from prescription fraud to abuse accusations. If you are under investigation or facing criminal charges, it is critical to understand your rights and seek legal counsel immediately. Let’s look at some common California criminal offenses that can affect nurse practitioners, along with possible legal defense strategies.

Prescription Fraud and Controlled Substance Violations

Nurse practitioners in California are authorized to prescribe controlled substances under a supervising physician’s protocol. However, any misuse of that authority can lead to felony charges.

April 28, 2025

Criminal Defense for Acupuncturists in California

by Michael Kraut

Licensed acupuncturists in California play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being among those who are seeking alternative pathways to wellness. However, they are also held to high standards of ethical conduct and professional boundaries. When it is perceived that these boundaries have been crossed, sometimes it can do more than jeopardize one’s license–it may sometimes result in criminal charges, as well. If you’re a practicing acupuncturist in California, the specter of criminal charges could threaten not only your career but also your freedom. Let’s break down some of the most common criminal charges acupuncturists might encounter, examples of issues that could lead to these charges, and legal defenses that might apply.

Sexual Misconduct (PC 243.4, 261, 289)

Sexual misconduct allegations are among the most serious charges an acupuncturist can face because they allege that you engaged in sexual acts under the pretense of treatment. For example, claims that a practitioner intentionally touched a patient’s intimate areas without consent, or misrepresented a sexual act as part of therapy, could lead to charges of sexual battery (PC 243.4), forcible sexual penetration (PC 289), or even rape (PC 261). These offenses are classified as felonies, and convictions could result in prison time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and permanent loss of licensure.

March 29, 2025

Criminal Defense for Doctors in California: What Physicians Need to Know

by Michael Kraut

Physicians dedicate their lives to caring for others, but they also face immense responsibility and are held to strict legal and ethical standards. When criminal allegations arise, as they sometimes do, it can be a profoundly distressing and overwhelming experience, putting a doctor’s career, reputation, and even freedom at risk. In California, medical professionals may encounter legal challenges under various penal codes, addressing offenses such as fraud, prescription drug violations, sexual misconduct, and, in rare cases, even manslaughter.

If you are a physician practicing in California, it’s helpful to be aware of some of the specific criminal charges to which you could be susceptible–both for the purpose of avoiding those behaviors and to know how/when to defend yourself if these charges arise through misunderstandings, false accusations, etc. We’ve provided an overview of some of these statutes below.

Fraud & Financial Crimes

February 27, 2025

Criminal Defense for Attorneys Accused of Crimes in California

by Michael Kraut

As legal professionals, we dedicate our careers to upholding justice, protecting our clients, and navigating the complexities of the legal system. However, even attorneys can sometimes face criminal accusations, including charges like ethical misconduct, fraud, obstruction of justice, or perjury under California’s Penal Code. Such allegations may carry serious consequences, from criminal prosecution and hefty fines to incarceration and disbarment, along with significant damage to one’s reputation and well-being. If you or a colleague is accused, it’s crucial to understand the charges and explore possible defenses. Here’s a look at common criminal offenses attorneys in California may encounter.

Penal Code § 118 – Perjury

Perjury is the crime of knowingly making false statements under oath in a court proceeding, deposition, or official affidavit. This offense can apply to an attorney if they provide false testimony or submit falsified legal documents. A conviction carries a felony penalty of up to four years in state prison.

January 22, 2025

Domestic Violence Within the LGBTQ+ Community

by Michael Kraut

Domestic violence is a painful reality that affects individuals across all demographics. Within the LGBTQ+ community, it can be as prevalent as it is in traditional families—if not more so. Perhaps you are in a same-sex relationship in which an argument escalated to the point of a physical altercation–and perhaps you were shocked to discover that your actions qualified as domestic violence and led to your arrest. What can you do to address the issue and, just as importantly, avoid a recurrence?

The fact is that whether the charge is domestic battery, stalking, or criminal threats, California law treats acts of domestic violence the same regardless of the family structure in which it occurs. Let’s explore how domestic violence may work its way into LGBTQ+ relationships, the risk factors involved, and how to minimize these risks both in the present and the future.

The Prevalence of Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships

December 15, 2024

Holiday Stressors and Domestic Violence: Reducing the Risks

by Michael Kraut

The holiday season can be a time of joy and togetherness, but it’s also a period rife with stress and emotional strain for many. For individuals and families who may have a history of domestic violence, this time of year can leave them particularly vulnerable. Heightened expectations, financial burdens, family tensions, and changes in routine often amplify emotions, sometimes to the breaking point—and sometimes even lead to domestic battery charges.

However, recognizing these stressors and learning to manage them can help prevent situations from escalating. Let’s explore the challenges unique to the holidays and strategies to create a safer, more peaceful environment—both for you and those around you.

Understanding Holiday Stressors That Heighten Risk

November 12, 2024

Anger Management Tactics That Do NOT Work to Curb Domestic Violence

by Michael Kraut

If you’ve recently been charged with domestic violence in California, you’re probably facing a whirlwind of emotions—anger, confusion, frustration, maybe even shame. It’s a challenging time, and figuring out what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again is likely at the forefront of your mind. Many individuals charged with domestic violence are introduced to the concept of anger management as a tool to prevent future incidents. Anger management classes can be highly useful. In California, the legal requirements for individuals convicted of domestic violence include participation in a 52-week Batterers Intervention Program (BIP), which incorporates anger management, among other rehabilitative components.

That being said, if you avoid conviction or the charges against you are dismissed, you might be tempted to try and “fix” your anger issues on your own. However, not all anger management tactics are effective—or safe. Without professional guidance, attempting to manage anger independently can sometimes exacerbate the problem rather than solve it. Self-help methods often lack the structure and accountability found in professionally led programs like BIP and other courses. Let’s talk about some commonly used anger management tactics that don’t work so you know what to avoid.

Bottling Up Emotions

October 14, 2024

The Connection Between Domestic Violence and Undiagnosed Mental Illness

by Michael Kraut

Facing accusations of domestic violence can be an overwhelming and bewildering experience on its own–even more so if you are unsure of how your own behaviors escalated to aggression. Whether you’re charged with simple domestic battery or criminal threats, you may be completely baffled as to how or why you seemingly lose control during disagreements with your significant other.

In such cases, it’s easy to blame yourself or think of yourself as just a “bad person,” but in many cases, there could be underlying factors you haven’t considered–such as mental illness. If so, you wouldn’t be alone: at least one in five people suffer from mental health issues–and those are just the ones we know about. Experts believe millions of people live with undiagnosed mental illnesses that can affect behavior and emotional regulation. When left unaddressed, these conditions can sometimes contribute to situations of domestic violence, not as an excuse but as an explanation that can lead to a better understanding and management of one’s actions.

In California, as in many other places, the conversation around mental health is growing, yet stigma and lack of awareness still prevent many from seeking the help they need. Understanding that you are not alone and millions share similar struggles can be the first step toward healing and change.

September 15, 2024

Managing Anger and Violent Tendencies: What Doesn’t Work (and What to Do Instead)

by Michael Kraut

Anger is a powerful emotion, and when not managed properly, it can lead to severe consequences, including, sometimes, violent behavior. Many acts of domestic violence stem from unresolved anger issues. Perhaps this describes your current situation; maybe your anger got the best of you, causing an argument with your partner to escalate out of control, and now you have found yourself under arrest and charged with domestic violence.

Perhaps this is your first offense, or maybe it’s happened before. Perhaps you’re aware of your anger issues and have been trying to control them. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about handling anger that, instead of helping, can exacerbate the problem. Let’s talk briefly about what doesn’t work in managing anger and what you can do instead going forward.

Common Mistakes and Myths in Managing Anger