Understanding the Difference Between Federal and State White-Collar Crimes

Wooden judge gavel resting on stacked law books next to metal handcuffs and eyeglasses on a wooden table.

The difference between federal and state white-collar crime begins with the law allegedly violated. This charge will affect which authority investigates and how the case moves through court. If you are facing an allegation, a white-collar crime attorney in Redwood City may use a different defense approach depending on the forum. In this guide, Law Offices of […]

Can You Be Charged With Murder Without Pulling the Trigger?

A close-up view of a person holding a black handgun at their side against a dark background in shadow.

You never held a weapon, yet detectives are treating you like the shooter. But can you be charged with murder even if you didn’t pull the trigger? Under California law, you could indeed face a first- or second-degree murder charge. Prosecutors often rely on legal theories that connect you to someone else’s actions, even if […]

What To Do if the FBI Knocks on Your Door

A man wearing a black jacket raises his fist to knock firmly on a large wooden door while looking upward.

If federal agents show up at your door, an ordinary morning can turn into a deeply unsettling experience. The visit is rarely a coincidence, since agents are trained to catch you off guard before you can think clearly. That is why it pays to know your rights before agents ever arrive. Attorney Dean Johnson, a […]

What Is the Difference Between Watson Murder and Vehicular Manslaughter?

A severe rear-end car crash with heavy front-end damage, illustrating the consequences of fatal traffic collisions involving Watson murder or vehicular manslaughter charges.

You drove after drinking, someone died, and now you are facing charges more serious than you expected. The terms being used, like murder, can feel overwhelming when you thought you were only facing a DUI case.  In this guide, the Law Offices of Dean Johnson discusses Watson murder versus vehicular manslaughter and how a homicide defense […]

How To Defend Yourself Against Wire Fraud Charges

A handcuffed individual with both a wad of hundred-dollar bills and a credit card, representing white-collar crime allegations.

You just found out you’re under investigation for wire fraud, and your mind is racing through every worst-case scenario. Maybe a letter from the FBI showed up in your mailbox, or a subpoena landed on your desk. Either way, the fear is real, and so are the stakes involved.  In this guide, the Law Offices […]

The Role of Forensic Evidence in Sex Crime Defense

A sex crime accusation in Redwood City can upend your life, touching every relationship and moment of your day. If you’ve been told forensic evidence will play a role in your case, you might feel it’s impossible to fight back—science seems unmovable. In reality, every detail in these cases matters and forensic evidence is often complex, open […]

Common Misconceptions About DV Charges

Misunderstandings about domestic violence (DV) charges carry serious legal and personal ramifications. If you or someone you know is navigating a domestic violence charge, it is crucial to cut through the misconceptions and grasp the realities at play. With this knowledge, informed decisions can be made, and the pitfalls of misinformation avoided. What Are the Biggest Misconceptions […]

Dean On Accused Serial Killer Joseph Nasso

A Connection To The Hillside Strangler? Accused serial killer Joseph Nasso is expected to plead not guilty to multiple murder charges today. Here is some background that I found to be interesting (to say the least): The case has drawn a great deal of attention because the four murders of which Nasso is accused appear to […]

Dean Johnson Explains Why Many California DUI Suspects May See Their Cases Dismissed

Many people who are, or have been, charged with Driving Under the Influence (also known as “drunk driving,” “DUI,” or “DWI”) may be able to get their charges reduced or see their cases dismissed altogether. The District Attorney in Santa Clara, California, which includes San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Gatos and other communities, […]

Dean Johnson Breaks Down the NFL Lockout

The owners and players of the NFL are playing a very dangerous legal game. The outcome could determine not only the future of football but all of pro sports and organized labor in America. The entire litigation is a bargaining ploy by both sides designed to give them leverage in contract negotiations. To understand the […]