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Arson

Arson is the crime of maliciously, voluntarily and willfully setting fire to the building, buildings, or other property of another or of burning one's own property for an improper purpose, such as to collect insurance. Arson is a very serious offense, and is often charged as a Federal crime, a conviction for which results in a mandatory minimum five-year Federal prison sentence. At Kardon Law, we aggressively challenge the government’s arson investigation and charges so as to reduce our client’s sentencing exposure in the first instance, and then work towards obtaining the lowest possible sentence, if any, for our clients.

Assault and Battery

By definition, assault is an attempt to inflict physical harm or injury; battery involves touching a person in a damaging or offensive manner. The punishments for assault and battery can range from a hefty fine to prison time. Relevant factors such as self-defense, defense of property, defense of others and lack of intent can contribute to a successful defense. At Kardon Law, we conduct a full investigation of the event in question, including an analysis of the crime scene and any observations of witnesses, and present a factual package to the prosecuting agency. Through this in-depth investigation and presentation, we at Kardon Law, are able to present our clients with the best possible options.

Burglary

In California, burglary can be charged as a felony if the State can prove you broke into a building with intent to steal. Burglary crimes can be charged as first or second degree, depending on the type of building broken into and the value of property stolen, and can result in significant jail or prison time. At Kardon Law, we proactively and aggressively investigate the facts of the case to create a factual presentation for the prosecutor’s office that allows for the filing of the lesser charge with the attendant minimum punishment.

Child Exploitation / Child Pornography

Child exploitation offenses include (but are not limited to) child pornography, traveling to engage in sexual acts with a minor, child prostitution, trafficking, sex tourism, kidnapping, parental kidnapping, child custody and child support. If a crime is committed using the Internet, or otherwise involves more than one jurisdiction, the case is often investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and prosecuted Federally. In most cases, local police departments or other government agencies assist the FBI in preparing a detailed case against child exploitation and Internet offenders. Crimes of this nature are regularly charged as felony offenses, which could result in a Federal or State prison sentence. We at Kardon Law have extensive expertise defending these charges at both the Federal and State levels. It is very common for Kardon Law to utilize an expert psychologist to conduct a full psychological evaluation of the charged client in an effort to resolve the case the most favorably for our clients.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence (also referred to as spousal abuse or co-habitant abuse) includes incidents between a husband and wife, a boyfriend and girlfriend and/or between co-habitants. Domestic violence charges vary and can result in fines, mandatory community service, mandatory behavioral treatment or jail time. Severe sentencing can result if prior domestic violence incidents have been filed and/or if domestic violence charges are filed as a felony, usually as the result of an injury being suffered. At Kardon Law, we create a defense-perspective package for the prosecuting agency-- utilizing expert reports when appropriate - which details what actually occurred during the “incident,” as compared with the police reports taken at the time of the incident. At Kardon Law, we work to gain a true understanding of the parties, their relationship, their history and what motivated the activities on the charged occasion. It is through the personalizing of the people involved and the events in question that we at Kardon Law are able to produce the best results for our clients.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes include misdemeanor and felony charges at the State or Federal level. Drug charges can include (but are not limited to) drug conspiracy, drug possession for personal use, drug possession for sale, drug trafficking, and drug manufacturing. Drug charges can result in serious county jail or State or Federal prison sentences. At the State level, sentencing may include Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ), a Proposition 36 (Prop 36) drug program, probation, county jail, or incarceration in State prison. At the Federal level, sentencing may include probation or Federal prison time. At Kardon Law, we aggressively challenge the charges in the first instance, seeking the greatest reduction in charges initially, to then achieve optimal results at sentencing.

DUI

In California, a DUI conviction can result in the suspension or revocation of your California driver's license, insurance cancellation or a massive increase in insurance costs, loss of employment or employment possibilities and/or jail time. Because of the steady increase in drunk-driving-related deaths in California, prosecutors often seek the harshest sentence possible in each case. At Kardon Law, we prepare for and conduct all administrative and court hearings with an eye toward educating the DMV and prosecutors as to the uniqueness of our clients' case and as such, the appropriateness of a significantly lesser charge and/or punishment.

Firearm Violations

California firearm laws are extremely complex, and require expert knowledge for defense of applicable charges. Firearm violation charges can include (but are not limited to) unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful sales of firearms, possession of a concealed firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of assault weapons, and National Firearms Act Violations. Sentencing can be issued at the State or Federal level. At Kardon Law, our expertise in navigating the charging statutes and sentencing options proves invaluable to our clients in achieving the most favorable results.

Fraud Crimes

Fraud and/or forgery crimes can result in jail time if charged at the State level or prison time if charged at the Federal level. Fraud crimes with a connection to interstate commerce, such as bank fraud and health care fraud, are most often charged at the Federal level. In both State and Federal fraud cases, there are numerous complex issues that relate to sentencing which, if fully and appropriately addressed, could result in a probationary sentence. At Kardon Law, we aggressively pursue that probationary sentence.

Immigration Crimes

Immigration crimes prosecuted in the Federal courts include, among other things, illegal entry into the United States, smuggling illegal aliens into the United States, and harboring or otherwise assisting illegal aliens. Immigration crimes are considered serious Federal crimes which can result in both a Federal prison sentence, as well as devastating deportation consequences. We at Kardon Law, are well-versed in immigration law and seek to protect, at all times, our clients’ criminal and immigration rights.

Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile crimes include misdemeanor- and felony-charged crimes committed by a person under age 18. In some cases, a juvenile may be charged as an adult if the crime is a felony. Most juvenile crime sentences are less severe than adult crime sentences. As such, at Kardon Law, our first objective is to keep the charges in juvenile court. Additionally, our goal is to keep the prosecuting agency focused on helping the child (as opposed to punishing the child), which is the primary objective of the juvenile court system, so that the case can be resolved most successfully for our clients.

Sex Crimes

There are many categories of sex crimes including forcible rape, date rape, statutory rape, sexual assault, lewd conduct, exhibitionism, voyeurism, prostitution, solicitation and pimping. Sex crime charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, are very serious in nature and are punished severely. At Kardon Law, we investigate the facts of the case fully, utilizing the services of experts when appropriate to combat the serious prejudice encountered by individuals charged with a sex offense and thereby resolve the case successfully.

Theft Crimes

At the State level, theft crimes such as petty theft can be charged as either misdemeanors or infractions. More serious theft crimes such as grand theft or embezzlement can be charged as felonies and are very serious in nature. At the Federal level, bank robbery and other Federal theft crimes are serious felonies which can result in lengthy prison sentences. At Kardon Law, we utilize our expertise in both State and Federal theft-related cases to achieve the best results for our clients.

Threats / Extortion

Making a threat to the person or property of another, or to extort anything of value from another, over the telephone, via mail or over the Internet is a serious Federal crime which can result in a Federal prison sentence. At Kardon Law, we investigate the facts of the case fully, utilizing the services of experts, if appropriate, and investigate both the relationship between the parties, as well as any possible legitimate reason for the alleged threat and/or the alleged victim’s motive to make a false accusation. We then present a package to the prosecution outlining the defense view of the case and seeking a successful resolution for our clients.

Vandalism

Vandalism is the purposeful destruction of property by means of graffiti, inscription, cutting, breaking or any other means of defamation. Vandalism crimes include destruction or damage to vehicles, signs, cemeteries or other property. Vandalism can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. At Kardon Law, we thoroughly investigate the facts surrounding the incident, including obtaining the statements of any witnesses, and then prepare a presentation packet for the prosecution that seeks either a dismissal of the case, a reduction in the charges or a significantly reduced sentence.

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