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 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 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 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 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 – Read more…
The State Bar of California has the duty to ensure all attorneys abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct that are approved by the California Supreme Court. The Current Rules of Professional Conduct have not been modified since 1992. The State 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, 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 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. 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 Read more…