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The rules for legal immigration to the United States are strict. Because the United States has an abundance of law-abiding people waiting for approval to legally immigrate and they don’t want to import individuals who will cause problems, breaking the law has consequences.
While it would certainly be better to understand the DUI and immigration consequences before you decide to drink and drive, compounding the mistake by not seeking legal assistance isn’t wise. Understanding a DUI and immigration status implications of being charged is important to consider right away. Your defenses may dwindle if you delay.
If you are planning to apply for citizenship, you must provide details about your entire criminal history, including charges that are dropped or dismissed. Failure to disclose the full and complete information on your N-400 application can lead to dismissal or outright rejection of your application. So, being arrested for a DUI can affect your immigration status.
The N-400 application asks, “Have you EVER been arrested, detained, or cited by the police or any other law enforcement officer?” If the answer is yes, you will be required to bring documentation of the disposition of every instance to your interview for all arrests and detentions, even if the records were expunged or a plea bargain reduced the charges. The copies must be original certified copies to avoid delays.
Crimes of moral turpitude are significant when it comes to immigration matters. Recklessness has been deemed a “culpable mental state if it entails a conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustifiable risk posed by one’s conduct.”(26 I&N Dec. 464 (BIA 2015) Choosing to drive while the ability to drive is impaired by alcohol has been deemed reckless behavior in more than one case.
Can a DUI Effect on Green Card?
If you were planning to apply for naturalization, you’ll want to wait for five years after being charged with a DUI. Although your criminal history over the past five years is the primary consideration when you apply for naturalization, your entire criminal history must be disclosed.
If your green card renewal period is within the next few years, you should consult an immigration attorney for advice.
Also, if your DUI involves serious bodily injuries that result in your being sentenced to more than six months in jail or prison, the DUI effect on green card can be serious.
If this is not your first DUI, or you have other charges associated with the DUI or even unrelated charges, removal proceedings may begin as the result of the DUI.
Being charged with an “Under 21 DUI” has more serious DUI and immigration consequences than a DUI at older ages since California has a “Zero Tolerance” law for underage drinking. Because consuming alcohol when you are underage is illegal, your driving does not have to be impaired for you to be charged. Testing positive for any alcohol in your system is sufficient to be charged with an underage DUI.
Can You Get Deported for a DUI?
If you have a green card, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can you get deported for a DUI if you panic and flee the scene of an accident where you caused serious bodily injury or death. If you aren’t involved in an accident associated with your DUI, the DUI effect on your green card will be non-existent unless you’re a habitual drunkard.
If you are not a permanent resident, the law can get you deported for a DUI not involving a felony conviction, or result in re-entry being denied, or refusal to renew a visa.
A conviction under Section 101(a)(48) of the Immigration and Nationality Act defines a “conviction” broadly. It is important to have experienced help. DUI and immigration consequences are complex topics that require knowledge of someone with experience in these matters.
Your plea and the charges you’re convicted of can affect your visa or lead to you being deported. Hiring a Los Angeles DUI attorney to assist you with the charges is important to the outcome of your case.
Definitions of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
Human trafficking can involve forced labor and involuntary servitude without sexual exploitation; however, this article focuses on aspects of technology and human trafficking that involve sexual exploitation. Sexual exploitation involves sex trafficking by force, fraud, deception, the force of threats, abduction, abuse of power, or coercion that involves a commercial sex act.
18 U.S.C. § 1591 calls for a life sentence for sexual exploitation crimes involving minors under age 14; 40 years for crimes involving minors over 14 and under 18 years old. Sexual exploitation of adults is charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1589 with punishment beginning at 20 years and increasing up to life sentences if death occurs, kidnapping is involved, or aggravated sexual abuse is attempted or occurs.
Sexual exploitation typically involves forced prostitution, pornography, or stripping. It is important to note that human trafficking does not require transporting someone across the county, state, or international borders.
What is Online Human Trafficking?
Just like honest businesses, human traffickers find online recruitment and marketing efforts more efficient than other methods of finding victims and customers.
Human trafficking online begins with a lie. Messages to vulnerable people quickly help traffickers identify those who are willing to engage in further conversations with strangers on the internet. Children who post about trouble with their parents can be easy prey.
How Do Human Traffickers Use Technology?
Technology and human trafficking are paired with each innovation. Illegal operators adopt new technology quickly from chat rooms and smart phones to video surveillance and money transfer and bitcoins. Human trafficking technology can be used to identify potential victims and facilitate connections between customers. Early adopters adopt human trafficking technology before lawmakers and enforcers understand how they fit together.
Criminals use human trafficking online technology for a variety of purposes including:
Maintaining anonymity while conducting criminal activities
Move cryptocurrency and other anonymous financial transactions
Recruit victims
Access information that facilitates in identifying and abducting victims
Sell victims for sex
To sell recordings or live streams of victims in sex acts
Monitor victims with video surveillance
Coerce victims with threats of exposing recordings
Advertise the availability of their victims for sexual exploitation
Not all technology used for human trafficking is done online. Tracking devices have been placed on automobiles that allow traffickers to follow unsuspecting victims to provide opportunities to kidnap them.
How to Protect Yourself From Human Traffickers
Being vigilant and aware, trusting your instincts, and being prepared to defend yourself are all important ways you can protect yourself. Manage your internet settings to restrict your posts from being seen by anyone other than your friends and set your location settings to private. Be mindful of how much information you give away. Data aggregation technology allows someone to find the location and other private details that feel safe to post on their own, but in combination with other posts, make you easy to find. For example, the date of your prom and homecoming game can be used to identify your school.
Trust your instincts. Lonely people and those with desperate financial needs can make easy targets. Don’t trust solutions that come too easily without independently verifying the information.
Some traffickers will learn about your troubles online and then meet you in person, seemingly by chance, dangling a solution that is a trap. Overseas jobs, farm labor and modeling jobs, and other “opportunities” are used to entice victims. Big profits can be earned from trafficking victims. Perpetrators can be male or female. They are motivated by money, not sex.
Use caution. Be prepared to defend yourself and call out for help if you feel threatened. While it is not always necessary or desirable to travel or shop with friends, not being alone is safer than being alone. Also let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be home, even if you live alone.
Keep your faculties about you. Using mind-altering drugs and alcohol increases the risk of abduction.
If you plan to meet someone from the internet, to buy or sell something or to date, meet in a public place and send their photo to someone who is expecting it. Having their photograph can help law enforcement if the worst occurs.
How are Crime Trends Changing During the Pandemic?
Every day living in the world of coronavirus, the things that are happening are almost unreal. All aspects of life are affected, including crime. As millions are self-quarantining, ordered to stay home, and advised to practice social distancing, America’s largest cities are seeing a drop in the crime rate.
As stores and restaurants close down, public spaces are no longer crowded, and public transportation is being used less, there are fewer people out and about, vulnerable to crime. Three of the largest, most populated cities, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago report that since the pandemic changed how we operate in society, they have seen a drop in crime.
According to Dermot F Shea, New York City’s police commissioner, most crime has lessened. Burglary and assault crimes have decreased in the city by 25%. Sex crimes were also on the decline by nearly 50%.
In Los Angeles, there was also a drop in crime by 5.6% from where the crime rate was the previous year. The Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti told CNN that what is happening in LA is that crime is going down while peoples’ generosity is increasing.
Police captain Jiff Rinaldo echoed the same trend in Buffalo, New York. As businesses closed down the crime also followed with decreased occurrences. Rinaldo explains that one reason is that much crime takes place around commerce. In the absence of commerce, crime naturally falls. Daily arrests have dropped from a normal 20 each day to 2 per day under the new coronavirus circumstances.
In Chicago, it was the same story. There were 201 arrests made on Friday a couple of weeks before everything started to shut down. The following Friday there were only 60 arrests. According to Charlie Beck, the Interim Chicago Police Superintendent, the arrest numbers are at a historic low.
What Has Happened to California Crime Trends?
In 2017, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reported that there was a rise in violent crime by 1.5%. However, the statewide rate is fairly low when compared to the crime rates of the late 1960s. In 2017, though, the property crime rate decreased by 2.1% from 2016.
The state is not homogeneous, every region has its own unique crime rates. The South Coast, for instance including Imperial, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura Counties had the lowest violent crime and the lowest property crime in 2017. San Joaquin Valley had the highest violent crime rate that year.
There were many counties, approximately 33 out of 58 had an increase in violent crime in 2017. In 19 of those counties, the rise in violent crime was extreme at over 10%.
In 26 of the 58 counties property crime decreased in 2017. In nine communities including Kern, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara, there were significant decreases in the property crime rate by over 10%.
Where Can You Find A Criminal Defense Lawyer In Los Angeles?
The aggressive Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at the Manshoory Law Group, APC are here for you when you have been arrested. It is best you do not speak with the police before you consult with an experienced California criminal defense attorney from the Manshoory Law Group, APC. Our team will build a solid defense strategy for you.
Call the Manshoory Law Group, APC at 877-977-7750 to discuss your situation with one of our resourceful Southern California violent crime defense attorneys today.
Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver causes property damage or personal injury to another person or their property. Property damage extends beyond hitting another vehicle.
Damaging your neighbor’s mailbox without stopping to let them know is a hit-and-run accident. Hitting a pedestrian or cyclist and fleeing the scene is also a hit-and-run accident. Running over a stray animal is also a hit-and-run accident if the driver doesn’t stop and attempt to notify the owner.
Now that we’ve answered, “What is a hit and run accident?” let’s look at the laws and penalties for hit and run accidents.
What are the Hit and Run Laws?
In California, Vehicle Codes 20001 – 20004 describe the requirement to report accidents and the penalties for failure to report accidents as prescribed by the Vehicle Code. The code differentiates between accidents involving property damage and those involving injury or death. Vehicle Code 20001 requires the driver to stop immediately and comply with the requirements of Vehicle Codes 20003 and 20004.
Failure to comply with the requirements of hit and run laws can result in imprisonment for up to one year unless the accident caused death or a serious and permanent injury in which case imprisonment of up to four years may be ordered upon conviction.
Vehicle Code 20001 also allows for fines between $1,000 and $10,000.
An additional sentence may be added if the person is convicted of violating Penal code §191.5 (Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated) or Penal code §192(Vehicular manslaughter).
Permanent, serious injury is defined as an injury that causes permanent loss of function or the loss of an organ. For example, an accident that requires the removal of a kidney would be considered a serious injury.
A car hit and runs require the driver to provide the other driver and law enforcement officers with their current name, address, vehicle registration number, as well as the names and addresses of injured passengers under Vehicle code 20003 and 20004. Fleeing hit-and-run accidents is one of the top DUI mistakes made by drivers.
What is the Penalty for Hit and Run Car Accidents?
Two main factors determine if the hit and run driver is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony:
Whether the accident involves serious bodily injury or death, or
Whether the accident occurs during the commission of a crime
If a driver flees an accident that occurs during the commission of a crime or one that causes serious injury or death, it will be a felony.
If the accident only involves property damage, the hit-and-run charges will be a misdemeanor, and additional ways to resolve the situation may be available.
Penal Code 1377 allows the driver to make a compromise and pay restitution to the party who suffered property damage after their car hit and runs from the scene if the injured party agrees to the compromise and complies with Penal Code 1378 and acknowledges that satisfaction for the injury has been received.
A felony conviction for a hit-and-run accident is a crime of moral turpitude that can have a negative effect on your ability to work in industries requiring honest behavior and on immigration status and naturalization proceedings.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hit and Run Accidents?
The answer to this question can be complicated. If you don’t carry the right type of coverage, you may not be able to recover damages.
If a driver hits your car and flees, you can file a claim to pay for the property damage to your vehicle under your collision coverage and under MedPay and Uninsured/Underinsured for bodily injury. However, you cannot file under uninsured or underinsured for property damage or bodily injury if law enforcement doesn’t determine the identity of the hit and run driver who hit you or damaged your property.
Make note of as many details as possible about the accident. Details help law enforcement find the driver who fled the scene of the accident. If you are being charged with a hit-and-run accident, contact a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to assist with your defense and explore your options.
We are proud to be named one of the top 16 Best Criminal Defense Law Firms in Los Angeles by Expertise.com. During their review process to determine the best criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, Expertise.com reviewed almost 3,000 firms (2,780). They eliminated 1,106 from consideration before curating 1,674 firms and selecting the 16 best criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles.
It means a lot for Manshoory Law Group to be included on this hand-picked list of just 16 law firms in Los Angeles. Expertise.com used twenty-five variables in their scoring process from five critical areas to determine the best law firms in Los Angeles.
Reputation
Reputation is evaluated based on the experiences of actual customers who engaged the firm’s services.
Credibility
Credibility requires a solid foundation including licensing, accreditations, and awards won by the attorney or firm.
Experience
Experienced attorneys have the upper hand when it comes to winning and settling cases and knowing when to pursue each course of action. Experience is rated on both the education, including continuing education, and actual experience.
Availability
There is nothing worse than an attorney who isn’t available when you need help. Availability also includes being approachable. Legal matters can be difficult to talk about. An attorney who makes it comfortable to disclose sensitive information with confidence can ease some of the stress of dealing with legal matters.
Professionalism
Professionalism should be a cornerstone of any law firm, but that’s not always the case so Expertise.com includes rating the firm based on the respect of clients, peers, and the bench. Attorneys must be honest and reliable to earn a reputation for professionalism.
Manshoory Law Group worked hard to earn the trust and respect of our clients that led to being named one of the top 16 law firms in Los Angeles. Our goal is to continue providing that level of service and satisfaction to every client.
Our practice areas include criminal defense for both state and federal crimes. We serve clients who speak English or Spanish. If you have been wrongly accused of a serious crime such as homicide, sex crimes, crimes against children, or drug crimes, we can help. We also handle contract fraud, theft, property damage, driving violations, and cyberstalking charges.
If you need assistance with a legal matter involving any of our areas of practice, contact us by (877) 977-7750. We will do our best for you.
If you are notified that you have violated probation and a hearing has been scheduled, you may be wondering, “What is a probation violation hearing?” In this article, you’ll learn what to expect and how to prepare for your hearing.
If someone who is on probation fails to adhere to the requirements of their probation, they are entitled to a hearing before their probation is officially revoked. The outcome of probation violation hearings depends on the specific circumstances of the violation, the reasons for the violation, and the probationer’s criminal history and attitude.
While on probation, almost any law you break, other than most traffic violations, can violate your probation. If you fail to keep your agreements, it is a violation of probation. Probation violations include the failure to do specific things including:
Attend, participate in, and complete court-ordered treatments or counseling. This can include:
Pleading nolo contendere to another criminal charge
Possession of a firearm (if you’re a prohibited person)
Being in an area where illegal drug sales occur (if drug-related offender)
Leaving the county or state without permission from your probation officer
What Happens at a Probation Violation Hearing?
There are two parts to a probation hearing. They may both occur at the same time or be separated by a period of time. During the first part, the judge considers the evidence and decides if there is probable cause to summarily revoke probation.
A summary revocation is not an official, permanent revocation. A summary revocation allows the court to take action to detain the probationer. If the probationer isn’t present, a bench warrant can be issued for their arrest.
If probation is temporarily revoked, the clock stops on the probation until the judge makes a final ruling. However, if the probationer is not detained, the restrictions attached to the conditions of their probation remain in effect.
The second part of the probation hearing process is a formal hearing and may be delayed for months if the courts’ calendar is crowded. Witnesses, who can be cross-examined just like witnesses at a trial, can be called to testify. When making the decision, the judge may also consider the probation officer’s report.
During probation hearings, the judge’s decision considers all relevant factors including past probation violations, criminal history, the type of violation, and whether the probationer is a danger to the public. Based on the evidence and the probationer’s attitude, the judge can order a variety of outcomes including:
Formal revocation of probation. This results in the probationer being remanded into custody to serve the remainder of the sentence.
Reinstate probation as it was
Reinstate probation with new terms and conditions that may include
Fines
Jail time
Community service requirements
Attending specific courses
A requirement to find employment
Extending the duration of probation
What do I Need to Prepare for PVH?
If there is evidence that the violation did not occur, gather evidence to support the claim. For example, if the claim is that you did not pay restitution, bring documentation from the bank showing it was paid. If there are reasonable explanations for your actions, gather and bring any evidence that could help your case.
Dress for the hearing the way you would dress for an actual trial, clean, well-groomed, and as calm as possible.
Do I Need an Attorney?
Now that you know what happens at a probation violation hearing, you know that hiring a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to represent you gives you the best chance of obtaining the desired outcome. If evidence exists that justifies the violation, such as a convicted drug offender being in an area where drugs are sold looking for their runaway teenage child who had been seen in the area, an attorney may be able to present the evidence in the best light.
Your attorney may be able to present evidence that will lessen the negative impact of the probation violation.
California is one of the leaders in shifting from the criminalizing of drug use to treating it as a substance abuse problem in many situations. California has legalized adult use of marijuana and reduced the penalty for cocaine possession to a misdemeanor in some situations.
Penalties for selling cocaine are larger than those for mere cocaine possession in California. Looking at the drug schedule, we see that cocaine in California is a Schedule 2 drug on the California Uniform Controlled Substances Actand the California Health and Safety Code 11350 prohibits cocaine possession in California.
What is Cocaine Possession in California?
The penalty for cocaine possession in California depends on the type of possession you’re convicted of. When you were in control of the cocaine, such as drugs found in your pocket, purse, or body cavity, you are charged with actual possession.
If you’re not in direct control of the drugs, such as cocaine found in your vehicle, locker, or home, it is constructive possession.
If cocaine is found in a shared space and you were aware of its presence, it is joint possession.
If your roommate has cocaine stored in a cabinet and you’re aware of it, that’s joint possession.
Is Cocaine Possession a Felony in California?
In 2014, California voters passed a ballot initiative, Proposition 47, that changed simple possession for personal use to a misdemeanor instead of a felony. The goal was to save money prosecuting and housing drug users in prison.
The monies saved are used to prevent future drug abuse by reducing truancy and dropouts and providing drug abuse treatment options, mental health support, and other programs that focus on prevention and recovery instead of punishment.
Possession with intent to sell by certain individuals or in certain locations continues to be a felony.
What is Simple Possession and its Penalties?
Simple cocaine possession in California is possession of a small amount of cocaine for personal use. Individuals charged with simple possession are often given a variety of options as far as the penalties.
An individual with no prior record may be offered drug rehabilitation in a drug diversion program and have the arrest removed from their record if they successfully complete the rehabilitation program.
Depending on the circumstances, individuals who plead guilty may be given probation instead of jail time. Even those who have prior records for drug possession may receive short jail terms as low as a month and not more than six months. If you have your case handled in drug court, it can help you avoid incarceration. Others may be sentenced to up to three years if they have prior convictions.
A drug crime attorney can skillfully navigate the situation in an effort to reduce your risk of a harsh sentence.
Individuals with felony convictions who have prior convictions for serious felonies or those required to register on California’s sex offender registry will face more serious penalties.
Which are the Penalties for Possession of Cocaine for Sale?
Actual possession can be a possession for personal use or possession with the intent to sell. If you’re charged with possession with the intent to sell, the penalties are much harsher. California would rather crackdown on suppliers than users.
The penalty for cocaine powder with the intent to sell can result in prison sentences of 2, 3, or 4 years. Crack cocaine convictions are a year longer. The sentence may be served by combining a year in jail with two or three years in prison.
If the person being convicted has priors, the prison time may increase by three years. Egregious actions such as selling in a school zone, selling cocaine to a minor, and selling large quantities will receive harsher penalties.
If you’re charged with possession with the intent to sell, you’re not entitled to attend drug rehabilitation instead of serving time. Probation might be an option, depending on the specifics of your case and your attorney’s ability to negotiate on your behalf.
Possession with the intent to sell includes possession with the intent to give away the drug. If you buy cocaine for your spouse or friend, you’re exposing yourself to the possibility of being charged with a more serious crime.
A conviction can result in jail or prison time and quite a few professional licensing boards, from insurance to medical, may deny you a license to engage in your occupation as the result of a conviction.
How Can I Defend Against a Cocaine Possession Charge?
Skilled defense attorneys can build a case leading to the best possible outcome based on the specific charges and facts surrounding the case. If a search was involved, challenging the lawfulness of the search is one way to approach the case.
Consult with a drug crime attorney so you’ll know your options.
The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that a “serial robber” is preying on Los Angeles-area banks. Incidents have been occurring since November of this year. The perpetrator has been entering the banks and violently threatening to shoot everyone until cash is rendered.
Banks in Los Angeles and West Hollywood have been targeted by both robberies and attempted robberies from November 22 through December 16, according to authorities.
The pattern taking place is that the robber goes into a bank, approaches a teller, and begins making violent threats. These are the only details released by the police at this time.
What Are The Laws Relating To Bank Robbery In California?
When we think of bank robbers, visions of bandits running into a bank and coming out with bags of cash come to mind. It seems as if this isn’t a problem in modern times, but in fact, it is an issue plaguing authorities. According to reports from the FBI, in 2014 approximately 4,000 banks were robbed in the United States.
Bank robbery is a federal crime under Title 18 section 2113 of the United States Code. Under this code, any type of intimidation or force that one participates in towards taking anything of value from banks, credit unions, and savings and loan associations is federal robbery. It also specifies that a robbery of an armored truck or bank messenger, night depository, or automatic teller machine (ATM) will garner the same fines and punishments that are associated with robbing a bank.
Every crime is different and depending on the details of the crime there are a number of additional charges that can be associated with bank robbery including:
Federal burglary or larceny (18 USC § 2113(a));
Federal receipt of stolen bank property (18 USC § 2113 (c));
Federal assault with a deadly weapon (18 USC § 2113 (d));
Assault with deadly weapon or force likely to produce great bodily injury (California Pen. Code, § 245); or
Extortion (California Pen. Code, § 245)
What Are Punishments for Federal Bank Robbery?
Federal bank robbery comes with serving time in federal prison for up to 20 years or a fine that can be as high as $250,000. In some cases, the bank robber will receive both a prison sentence as well as a fine. These penalties are just the minimums.
The details of how the robbery crime took place can also increase the harshness of penalties.
Increased fines and prison time up to 25 years come with a robbery where an assault of any person occurs.
The murder or abduction of a person during a robbery or in an attempt to flee the scene will result in life in prison or the death penalty.
How to Defend Against Bank Robbery Charges
If you committed a federal crime you need a highly credentialed and experienced lawyer to handle your case effectively. The Southern California criminal defense attorney Shaheen Manshoorty at the Manshoory Law Group, APC has been admitted to all four of California’s United States District Courts.
He has extensive experience defending highly complex cases and will guide you through the entire process so you are not in the dark. You deserve to be treated with dignity and it is vitally important that after a crime you have your best interests represented.
Crime increases significantly during the holiday season. Harried shoppers are easy targets when they focus on finishing their list and forget to be cautious. Homes filled with brand new electronics and other goodies also temp thieves.
General Holiday Safety and Crime Prevention Tips
If you will be away during the holidays, protect your home with these holiday safety tips. If you have a trusted friend or family member who can house sit while you’re away, so your home isn’t empty, it’s a good idea to ask them to stay. But be sure it is someone trustworthy because they’ll have unrestricted access to your home.
Holiday crime prevention is easier today because there are more ways than ever to protect your home while you are away. Several reasonably priced systems are available that record anyone who approaches the house and allows you to interact with them over your smartphone and a speaker system. If you respond when they come to the door, they won’t think your home is unoccupied unless you’ve advertised your trip on social.
Don’tpost pictures from your trip until you return. Putting lights on timers that mimic your use when you are home is another good way to make your home seem occupied while you’re away.
Of course, putting a pile of presents under the tree isn’t a smart idea either. If you’ll be away, put wrapped packages away in storage bins or in an attic or basement storage space to make it harder for thieves to run off with your presents. Make arrangements to prevent mail, holiday flyers, packages, and newspapers from piling up and alerting people who are passing by that you’re away.
Safety Tips for Holiday Shopping
The best holiday safety tips for holiday crime prevention require you to think about crime prevention before you leave home and avoid risky situations.
Instead of carrying a purse or a wallet, wear a vest or jacket with pockets that zip and keep your credit card and ID in the zipped pocket. Only carry the cards and cash you expect to use. If you have a wireless credit card, a thief can pick your pocket without touching your card unless you protect the card.
If you have multiple RFID cards, stacking them together can confuse the scanner but encasing them in heavy-duty tin foil wrapped around cardstock provides added protection. You can also buy an RFID shield sleeve for your cards. Keep your card in the protector and only remove it when you are actually using it. Don’t lay your card on the table at a restaurant to signal to a waitress that you’re ready for your check.
Another holiday safety tip is that thieves can be friendly before they victimize you. Anyone who approaches you, especially if you are alone in a parking lot, may have criminal intentions.
Try to shop during daylight hours and bring a friend. There’s safety in numbers.
If you must shop after dark, be prepared and aware before you walk to your car. Have your keys in your hand as well as any safety gear. Be alert to your surroundings. Remember where you parked. There are Apps you can use that will help you remember where you left your car. You can also make a note on your cell phone to help you remember where you parked before you leave your car.
If you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to ask mall security to walk you to your car. It’s not silly. It’s crime prevention.
If you make a trip to your car to drop off your purchases, relocate your car – even if finding a parking spot isn’t easy.
Don’t flash money or expensive jewelry. If you’re buying something at a store that screams expensive, like jewelry or a high-end electronics store, bring another bag to put the purchase into before you walk into the mall.
Don’t leave valuables in your car. If you must lock them in the trunk before you park.
Set up alerts when your credit or debit cards are used so you’ll know immediately if unauthorized access occurs.
What to Do If You’ve Become a Victim
Hopefully, you’ve prepared for this eventuality by making a list of your credit cards and the phone numbers to call to report the theft. Call as soon as you are safely able to do so.
If you come home to discover your home has been robbed, contact a burglary attorney in California who can help you deal with the aftermath. If you are wrongfully accused of theft, you need a criminal defense attorney for a free case evaluation and consultation.
We hope these holiday safety tips keep your holidays merry.
A credit score is a numerical representation of your credit worthiness. There are three main credit reporting bureaus that calculate and report your credit score. Potential lenders, employers, landlords, and others who you authorized to obtain a credit check use your credit score to make decisions about whether to lend you money, rent an apartment to you, or offer you a job.
Score
Quality of Score
800 – 850
Exceptional
740 – 799
Very Good
670 – 739
Good
580 – 669
Fair
300 – 579
Very Poor
Your credit background check represents your borrowing and repayment history, debt to loan ratio, income, and net worth. The number of open accounts you have and their borrowing limits also play a role it also will determine whether you will be able to get an auto loan. Even if you have not used the available credit, lenders will factor in your ability to use open lines of credit.
How long you’ve had credit accounts, whether you pay on time or pay late, or miss payments affect your score. If you have a bankruptcy, lien, repossession, or eviction it will impact your score.
At its essence, the credit score from your credit background check is a shortcut used to determine your creditworthiness.
When Will You Get a Criminal Background Check?
A credit score and a criminal background check provide different information. Criminal background checks can be done without your permission by almost anyone who is interested except employers, potential employers, creditors or landlords, and insurance companies. Someone you’ve asked on a date can run a background check on you if they have your name and date of birth.
When an employer or other party with restricted access wants to run a background check, they must obtain your permission and disclose to you how it will be used. A credit score and background check are different reports. An employer cannot discriminate against you by running your background if they don’t run background checks on other employees.
Some states have implemented “ban-the-box” laws that prohibit potential employers from asking if you’ve been committed of a crime on the application. These laws do not prohibit background checks after you have been interviewed.
If an employer or other restricted party makes an adverse decision based on your background check, they must advise you of what was in the report. Or if an insurance company orders an investigative background check, which is one where they interview neighbors and acquaintances to learn about you, your habits, and your character, you have a right to a description of the report.
If you attempt to get a job in financial services or other occupations where you are placed in a position of trust, expect that a background check will be done. Many companies run background checks on employees who would go into customers’ homes because they can be held liable for crimes employees commit when their job gave them access to homes, businesses, and occupants who were victimized.
Insurance companies are prohibited from hiring felons unless an exception is made, which sometimes requires the state’s Commissioner of Insurance to grant an exception. Some states with this law do not have a procedure for obtaining an exception.
Together, your credit and background check provide information that determines the types of opportunities you’ll be offered.
Your criminal history, education, and other information that relates to your behavior or character, including the results of pre-employment drug tests, can be included in a background check.
Criminal cases are public records. Unlike your credit report, you do not have an expectation of privacy. However, there are restrictions on how the information in your background check can be used by potential employers, current employers, and lenders.
Will Criminal Background Affect Your Credit Score?
While your incarceration will affect your credit score if you have bills you are unable to pay while you are in jail or prison, if you are able to pay your bills while you are incarcerated, the credit score will not hint at what they’d find in your background check. When you hire the best criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles has to offer, your chances of a criminal conviction decline.
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