Joseph P. Hougnon, Attorney at Law

Sacramento Attorney Blog


DUI Involved Accidents Can Happen Any Time, Any Place

It’s been a tough week at work and you decide to stop off with friends to enjoy happy hour at your favorite watering hole. Or maybe you’re in the middle of watching the big game with friends and you need to make a beer run. Perhaps it’s Saturday night and because you’ve only had a drink or two, you assume you’ll be fine with your short drive home from a club. Whatever the case may be, when you get behind the wheel after too many drinks, you can put yourself and others in the path of danger. A DUI involved… Read More

Your Whole Life Can Change in an Instant Following a Serious Injury

If you have been involved in an accident that has resulted in serious injuries to you or to someone you care about, your whole life will change in an instant. Chances are the road to recovery will be long and hard. It will put you through considerable challenges emotionally, physically, and financially. You will be forced to make decisions that could impact your life for years to come. This can be an especially trying time if that accident was due to the reckless or negligent actions of another person. When you are the victim of someone else’s negligence, it is… Read More

The Basics of Being Charged with a Misdemeanor in California

Although the term “misdemeanor” sounds much less ominous than “felony” when you are charged with a crime, do not think for a moment that being charged with a misdemeanor crime is something to be taken lightly. Misdemeanors convictions can still have a big impact on your life. Misdemeanors fall into two basic categories: Standard – punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Gross or aggravated – punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fine of up to $1,000 or more. There are also certain crimes in California that are considered… Read More

The California Department of Consumer Affairs Oversees Licensed Professionals

There are a myriad of licensing boards in California that oversee the conduct of a variety of professionals throughout the state. These boards provide oversight and regulation for a wide range of occupations ranging from doctors, physical therapists, nurses, real estate and insurance brokers, contractors, and other related professions. They are often charged with education, enforcement, and other related activities to ensure that the public is fully protected when they use the services of licensed professionals. The California Department of Consumer Affairs is the regulatory body that has oversight of many of these boards and has the stated mission of… Read More

The California Contractor’s State License Board Oversees Contractors in the State

If you are a licensed member of the construction trades in California, you are regulated by the California Contractor’s State License Board (CSLB). The board oversees about 300,000 contractors in 44 different categories, protecting consumers by education, outreach, and imposing fines as well as other penalties when a contractor violates state laws. This can take place when a license holder has impacted public safety, caused financial harm to a consumer, failed to meet the terms of an agreement, or violated the rules and regulations governing licensees in California. In addition, CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team focuses on the state’s underground… Read More

Are You an Insurance Broker or Agent Facing a Professional Accusation?

The insurance industry in California is regulated by the California Department of Insurance (CDI). It is charged with overseeing the actions of more than 300,000 insurance brokers and agents who represent almost 1,300 insurance companies in the state, making the CDI the largest protection organization in California. Activities are governed by the California Insurance Code and the California Business and Professions Code. When a complaint is filed against a broker or an agent, the enforcement arm of the CDI investigates the accusation to see if the complaint has merit. If a complaint is upheld, a broker or agent could face… Read More

Nursing is a Noble Profession but It Can Take a Toll

Nursing is one of the most noble of all professions. But the overwhelming desire to help others in need can come at a price. Most nurses work long hours in demanding and stressful situations, and often times must deal with keeping their emotions in check while running the risk of fighting off depression, burnout, and other related issues. Many nurses deal with these challenges on a daily basis, yet the care they provide is the essential backbone of the healthcare industry. It’s estimated that there are more than 330,000 actively licensed nurses in California, making it the single largest health… Read More

How Physical Therapists Are Regulated in California

There are almost 20,000 licensed physical therapists in California. As important members of the healthcare community, they provide a critical service by helping patients gain and regain mobility in a number of situations after an injury or an accident. They are responsible for evaluating a patient’s physical status, establishing a plan of care and goals, and then administering treatments to provide optimal health. Under the oversight of the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Physical Therapy Board of California regulates and oversees the practices and conduct of physical therapists in the state. This includes administering disciplinary actions after a complaint has… Read More

If You’ve Been Charged with a Crime…

Nobody likes to run afoul of the law. Your life is going to change for the foreseeable future, and you must do everything you can to make sure your rights are protected and that you give yourself the best possible chance at beating the case and preserving your freedom. To do so, you must find the best possible criminal defense attorney for your particular situation. There are many talented and experienced attorneys in the Sacramento area, and that can make your initial task a bit intimidating. But finding the right attorney with a little extra work on the front end… Read More

Understanding the New Laws About Marijuana and Driving

After years of debate, in January 2018, marijuana became legal in California. The change in the law raised several questions about where and how a person could use marijuana legally. Some people erroneously believe that there are no restrictions, which is wrong. Use is still regulated to certain places and conditions. One of the biggest questions to arise from legalization was how marijuana would be viewed in the context of operating a motor vehicle. The bottom line is that marijuana is still considered a drug, and that smoking a joint while driving or as a passenger is still illegal and… Read More