California Fair Political Practices Commission Defense Attorney

California FPPC Enforcement Defense Lawyer

The California Fair Political Practices Commission, known as the FPPC, regulates political campaigns, political lobbying and political conflict of interest laws. Most Californians involved in elections have minimal or no contact with the enforcement arm of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. The California Fair Political Practices Commission disciplinary process is complex, procedural and time consuming. Individuals facing the California Fair Political Practices Commission disciplinary process should seek legal representation from an experienced California Fair Political Practices Commission Enforcement Defense Attorney.

California Fair Political Practices Commission Investigation Defense Lawyer

The majority of California Fair Political Practices Commission investigations begin with the filing of a consumer Complaint. However, California Fair Political Practices Commission Investigations also occur through sting operations, FPPC audits and criminal investigations. The California Fair Political Practices Commission utilizes non sworn civilian investigators to conduct non criminal investigations. Administrative Law Due Process Rights differ substantially from the Due Process Rights accorded in criminal law. However, the California Fair Political Practices Commission works closely with the California Attorney General’s Office and local law enforcement.

It is important to have an attorney that understands the California Fair Political Practices Commission disciplinary process. At the conclusion of a California Fair Political Practices Commission Investigation, the Commission has several options. The Commission can choose to close the Investigation, issue an Advisory Letter or issue a Warning Letter. The Commission can choose to hold a Probable Cause Hearing to make a preliminary determination of allegations.

The Commission can also choose to institute an Enforcement Action, called an Accusation. Furthermore, in cases involving criminal conduct, the Commission may refer the case to the District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution. If you are an individual facing a California Fair Political Practices Commission Investigation, contact a California Fair Political Practices Commission Enforcement Action Defense Attorney for representation.

California FPPC Accusation Defense Attorney

A formal Enforcement Action served by the California serves as notice to a Respondent that the Fair Political Practices Commission intends to revoke the license. The Respondent, has only 15 days from the date that the Accusation was served (not received, but served) to file a Notice of Defense. The failure to file a Notice of Defense results in a Default against the individual. A Default will result in immediate discipline against an individual.

An Accusation is a serious matter that can result in astronomical fines. In many cases, it is possible for individuals to reach a Stipulated Agreement with the FPPC General Counsel’s Office and the California Fair Political Practices Commission. A Stipulated Agreement is a formal term for a settlement agreement. If a Stipulated Agreement cannot be reached, the parties will proceed to a formal Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Individuals facing a California Fair Political Practices Commission Accusation should contact an experienced California Fair Political Practices Commission License Defense Attorney for representation.

The California Fair Political Practices Commission conducts enforcement actions for the following types of violations:

California Fair Political Practices Commission Hearing Attorney

The California Fair Political Practices Commission, maintains a Court Hearing location in Sacramento. Hearings may be held offsite in Bakersfield, Fresno, Oakland, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Jose or Ventura. The Administrative Law Hearing is a formal Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. The Administrative Law Judge, or ALJ, will issue a written Proposed Decision approximately 30 days after the Hearing. The California Fair Political Practices Commission can adopt, modify or reject the ALJ’s Proposed Decision. The California Fair Political Practices Commission action is called the Final Decision and Order. Individuals facing a California Fair Political Practices Commission Administrative Law Hearing need effective representation from a California Fair Political Practices Commission License Defense Lawyer.

California Fair Political Practices Commission License and Criminal Investigations

The California Fair Political Practices Commission often investigates criminal violations related to elections and lobbying in California. FPPC can refer matters for criminal prosecution to local District Attorney’s Offices and the California Attorney General’s Office. Many FPPC Administrative Law violations are also criminal offenses. Individuals facing criminal investigation and criminal prosecution arising from a California Fair Political Practices Commission Investigation need an experienced California FPPC Defense Attorney for representation.