In California, “expungement” of a record (under Penal Code section 1203.4) does not mean that the conviction never happened. It simply relieves a person from the criminal penalties of their actions. What are some other options? Sealing the Record of a Minor Unlike expungement of a record (under Penal Code Read more
Californians are able to get relief from certain criminal baggage through a process that we commonly call “expunging” a record. However, unlike in some states, this process does not completely wipe the slate clean. On the contrary, it only relieves a person from the criminal penalties of their actions, which Read more
The attorneys at Simas & Associates, Ltd. are seeing increasing numbers of Veterinary Medical Board (“Board”) investigations where veterinarians are attempting to respond to the Board’s investigation of them on their own. Unfortunately, this is resulting in extreme negative consequences for the veterinarians that are simply not foreseeable other than Read more
In California, the Veterinary Medical Board has a right to inspect “at any time” any “premises in which veterinary medicine, veterinary dentistry, or veterinary surgery is being practiced.”[1] The Board regularly carries out two kinds of inspections – routine inspections and inspections following a complaint to the Board. Violations found Read more
Two bills presently in a hold pattern in the California legislature have been boosted by the results of a recent field poll. Legalizing sports betting is favored by 58 percent of all registered voters – a 23 percentage-point margin over opponents – receiving thumbs up from both genders and all age groups, Read more
The most frequently cited deficiency in a California Veterinary Medical Board (“VMB”) audit of a veterinary hospital is poor record-keeping. The VMB takes the stance that if it’s not in the medical records, it didn’t happen. Disciplinary action includes the denial, revocation, probation, or suspension of a license or a citation or Read more
There is some controversy and legal maneuvering regarding two recent animal-protection laws in California. Regardless of whether you enjoy foie gras or shark fin soup, the arguments over loopholes, principles of federalism and even possible racial overtones make for an interesting story. In 2004, then-state Senator John Burton authored SB Read more
Expert witnesses are used in a wide range of litigation and their opinions are often viewed as critical—frequently they can make or break a case. As a result, many trials and hearings have turned into a battle of the experts. Administrative hearings for professional licensing or occupational licensing law is Read more
Time and time again, we hear the story of a physician who is “invited” by an investigator from the Department of Consumer Affairs (“DCA”), Investigations Unit, to meet on behalf of the Medical Board of California (“Board”). Whether resulting from the investigator luring the physician or the seeming innocuous nature Read more
The California Gambling Control Commission (“Commission”) acts as the regulatory body over: Gambling establishments (cardrooms), and over all persons or things having to do with the operations of gambling establishments, Proposition Players, and Tribal casinos, pursuant to the Commission’s authority under the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. The Commission is responsible for Read more