A former Newport Beach attorney who was convicted of fraud last year was sentenced to 70 months in prison yesterday. Gerald M. Shaw was arrested in 2007 and indicted on federal fraud and money laundering charges after he and another man, Gregory De Lavalette, started an investment scheme that promised prospective investors returns as high as 40% per week. Shaw and De Lavalette told people that the money they invested would be used to trade in European banking products. instead Shaw and De Lavalette reportedly used investors' money on personal and business expenses. In addition to 70 months in a federal prison, Shaw was also ordered to pay $4.3 million in restitution. Shaw and De Lavalette, who is still awaiting sentencing, were both facing up to 20 years in prison. Shaw pleaded guilty in 2010 to one count of wire fraud as part of a plea bargain. His license to practice law was suspended shortly after that and he was officially disbarred in July 2011.

Federal crimes often cary penalties that are far more harsh for various reasons. The federal government has more resources and a greater ability to investigate a case to find any potential evidence. Trying to defend against federal charges is far more complex, requiring a good, experienced defense attorney. Throughout the country, but especially in Los Angeles, defending federal crimes is a almost an art form.

An experienced Los Angeles Federal Criminal Defense Attorney can tell you that dealing with federal criminal charges can be a long and complicated matter. Shaw's case, for example, took four years to resolve in court. If you are facing criminal charges, call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to a qualified and aggressive Los Angeles Federal Criminal Defense Attorney about your case. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys know that a federal trial requires an attorney who is not only knowledgeable in federal courtroom procedure, but is actually licensed to try cases in the federal arena. Your Los Angeles Federal Criminal Defense Attorney knows that federal prosecutors and investigators typically have more time and resources available to them to find evidence against you. Because of that, you need an aggressive and dedicated Los Angeles Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to carefully build your defense. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys employ our own private investigator to be sure that we find every bit of evidence that can help defend your interests.