Legal Q&A

Even if a public official receives a fine, can they retain their status as a public official?

Recently I came under investigation in a criminal case, and I was told that a fine might be imposed. I thought there would be no major problem, but people around me say that a fine imposed on a public official can also lead to disciplinary action, which makes me anxious. I would like to know whether, if the fine actually becomes final, I can retain my status as a public official, whether I might be removed or dismissed, and also whether a record of the fine will later affect personnel matters or my assignment.

I was asked to sell only a specific product on the condition of advertising cost support; does this constitute a fair trade violation?

We are an online distribution company that sells electronic products. Recently, we received a request from a supplier to focus on selling only a specific product in exchange for their supporting our advertising costs. It feels like conditional support and is burdensome, and I am curious whether such conduct could constitute a fair trade violation. The supplier says it is merely marketing support, but might it not become a problem?

I would like to know about the features and advantages of US investment immigration.

I heard there is something called US investment immigration... but no matter how much I search, only the definition, conditions, procedures, and the like come up. Honestly, these things are so difficult that I think I need to get advice from an expert, and I would simply like to know about its features and advantages. Could you tell me about the features and advantages of US investment immigration?

Can I be detained for a drug offense? Even for simple use, will I be detained right away?

A little while ago, I ended up being investigated on a charge of drug use. Apart from using it a few times at a friend's urging, I have no charge of selling or possession, yet I heard there is a possibility of detention for a drug offense....;; Even though I am a first-time offender and am remorseful, can I be detained right away? I am curious about the standards for detention in a drug offense.

My son is going to have a juvenile protection trial...

Hello, I am the mother of a 12-year-old son. I knew that my child usually hung out with delinquent friends... A while ago, a few of them took a bicycle that was in front of an apartment and rode it for a few hours, and I received a call from the police saying this was special (aggravated) theft, so I am leaving an inquiry with you. Because he is at an age that falls under a juvenile exempt from criminal punishment, I was told that he will not be criminally punished for now but will be handled through a juvenile protection trial... This is the first time something like this has happened, and although my son did cause trouble, a trial is a serious matter, so I am so worried that I cannot even sleep. I do not really have a sense of how the juvenile protection trial procedure proceeds or what disposition is given for special theft, so may I ask you to explain? And I would like to know whether having a lawyer is actually more helpful in a situation like this.

Can an act done in the belief that one was alone still constitute public indecency?

I did something inappropriate thinking there was no one around, but afterward I was told that I have to undergo an investigation because someone reported it. At the time, I thought there was no one nearby, and I had no intention whatsoever of letting anyone see. I wonder whether public indecency can be established even in such a case. I do not recall being seen by anyone, so I would like to know whether it is still a problem and whether the situation changes if there is CCTV or a dashcam.

I want to avoid at least a custodial sentence for the charge of violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act..

I have been indicted on a charge of violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act. An accident occurred in which an employee working at the site leaned on the railing of a temporarily installed staircase, fell, and died. As the business owner, the possibility of a custodial sentence is even being raised on the ground that I failed to fulfill my safety measure obligations, and I am very frightened... That staircase was not a structure used over a long period but was temporarily installed for brief work. There were also notices at the site warning to be careful about safety, and I had no intention whatsoever of neglecting safety management in daily operations. Nevertheless, I am greatly worried about whether a custodial sentence could be imposed merely on the ground that a fatal accident occurred.

I have an overseas stock account and a virtual asset account. Under international taxation, are they subject to overseas financial account reporting?

I hold an overseas stock account at a U.S. securities firm, and I also hold virtual assets through an account at an overseas virtual asset exchange. In addition, there is an overseas account opened under joint ownership with my family, but the actual management of the funds is done by me. I am curious whether, in this case, these are subject to overseas financial account reporting. I would also like to know what disadvantages there are if I fail to report without knowing that they are subject to reporting. Because this is a matter related to international taxation, I feel I should be more careful, so I am inquiring.

I am curious about the difference between corporate acquisition and merger.

Hello. While recently organizing some company related matters, a question came up, so I am asking. I am not sure exactly what the difference between a corporate acquisition and a merger is. If I understand it simply and literally, can I understand a corporate acquisition as buying another company and a corporate merger as combining two companies? I would be grateful if you could tell me in what respects they actually differ.