Understanding California’s Involuntary Psychiatric Holds: 5150 and 5250 Mental health crises require immediate intervention to ensure the safety of individuals experiencing psychological distress. In California, the legal framework provides specific mechanisms for involuntary psychiatric detention when...
DUI on Cough Syrup? Really? Cold and flu season is a challenging time for many, but luckily, over-the-counter cough and cold medicine can provide relief from symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and congestion. However, it’s essential...
Suing the Police for Excessive Force In general, an officer’s actions while on duty are shielded from legal liability through the legal principle of governmental immunity. This principle essentially states that the government cannot be sued...
How Private is Your Internet Usage? It is a common misconception among users that their browser history remains private, particularly if they utilize incognito mode or regularly clear their browsing history. However, it is essential to...
Can A Jail Record Conversations With My Lawyer? Incarcerated individuals desire communication with their relatives, close associates, and legal counsel. According to Penal Code §851.5, after being booked, an individual under arrest is entitled to make...
The Dawn of a New Era Artificial intelligence is becoming progressively prevalent in various areas, including patent law within the legal industry. AI’s arrival is met with optimism and enthusiasm in certain parts of the industry,...
Getting Immunity in Exchange for Testimony Individuals accused of a crime possess a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and not incriminate themselves. They possess the right to refuse to divulge self-damaging details, regardless of being...
Felony Crimes in Los Angeles In this overview, we will explore the primary types of felony crimes prevalent in Los Angeles, providing valuable insights into their nature, impact, and potential legal consequences. In Los Angeles, numerous...
What is a Federal Sentencing Memorandum? Criminal defense lawyers write federal sentencing memorandums to convince the judge to give their client the most lenient sentence possible during the hearing. Federal practitioners can achieve a significant impact...
Employee Theft: Inside Job Employee theft is any action that deprives your employer of time, money, goods, or services. The crime of theft can result in termination of employment by the company. You may be arrested,...
Can I claim self-defense if I hit someone first? Who bears the responsibility for the damage resulting from a conflict that becomes violent? At times, the distinction can be clear-cut, but occasionally it gets hazy. If...
DUI in California Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in California, and it can lead to both criminal and civil lawsuits. While criminal DUI cases focus on punishing the offender and deterring future...
Working a Job When Under House Arrest House arrest, also known as home confinement, permits defendants and transgressors to fulfill their penalization within the territory of their residence as opposed to correctional institutions. However, in the...
Is “Mistake of Fact” a Defense to Criminal Charges? A mistake of fact can serve as a criminal defense by showing that the defendant did not possess the necessary intent for the crime. A mistake of...
How to Convince a Judge to Lower the Initial Bail Various variables affect the determination of bail magnitude. The legal statutes and protocols pertaining to pretrial release exhibit a certain degree of variation across different states....
How Does California Define Self-Defense? Self-defense denotes the act of utilizing force as a means to safeguard oneself from potential harm or peril. By invoking self-defense as a justification for your actions, you essentially acknowledge that...
Will a DUI Affect Your Immigration Status? As an immigrant, there are many things to consider when it comes to your legal status in the United States. One of the most important things to keep in...
Where Do Firearms Used in Crimes Originate? Mass shootings frequently make headlines throughout the United States with alarming and persistent frequency. However, what often goes unnoticed in the reporting of current events are the isolated incidents...
Special Circumstances in California Murder Cases In the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, a provision prohibits the infliction of acts classified as cruel and out of the ordinary as punishment for individuals accused of...
SB 1087, AB 1740: Catalytic converters theft Theft of catalytic converters in California skyrocketed tenfold from 2018 to 2022. Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed on September 26th, 2022 that he has assented to two official bills addressing...
Romero Motions A Romero motion is when a defendant asks a judge not to count a previous conviction as part of their sentence. When used correctly, the Romero motion is helpful under specific circumstances because it...
Lying in Wait Murder An individual may develop a comprehensive strategic plan covering all aspects of the intended course of action when thinking about assaulting another person. This can entail finding a hiding place and waiting...
How to Protect from Getting ‘Jugged’ Prospective targets of robbery or burglary are not limited to a specific profile; individuals who make transactions or utilize banking establishments can risk being observed by perpetrators who, whilst employing...
Diamond Heists on the Rise in LA If you watch movies about diamond thieves in Hollywood and see how easy it seems for them to steal millions of dollars in diamonds, you might think it’s a...
The Difference Between a Police “Search” and a “Frisk” The main difference between being searched and being frisked is that a search is more thorough and extensive than a frisk. A search and seizure is when...
How to Get a Hardship License After a DUI/DWI Conviction in California Your driver’s license will likely be taken away if you are found guilty of a DUI in California. This will make it harder for...
Can Paralegals Provide Legal Advice? As the legal profession continues to evolve, the role of paralegals has become increasingly important. Paralegals play a crucial role in supporting lawyers and law firms, but there are certain limitations...
Senate Bill 731 California Senate Bill 731 primarily focuses on automatically expunging most felony convictions four years after the case concludes. Serious felonies, violent felonies, and felonies requiring sex offender registration are exempt from this. Felony...
Lover’s Lane You can engage in sexual activity inside your vehicle, but knowing the relevant laws is essential. Engaging in intercourse in a public setting becomes unlawful if a reasonable individual anticipates being observed. Consequently, if...
Escort or Prostitute? Escort service and prostitution are commonly confused, yet they possess distinct dissimilarities. In specific locations, escorting is allowed by law, while it is prohibited in different areas. However, it is difficult to determine...
What is a Felony DUI Charge in California? In California, a DUI charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you have been charged with a DUI,...
Can Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend The Guilty? As the cornerstone of a just and fair legal system, criminal defense lawyers are entrusted with the responsibility of providing legal representation to individuals accused of heinous crimes. However,...
Hidden Dangers of COVID Relief Fraud As the pandemic continues to ravage the United States, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created to help small businesses and individuals stay afloat. But with this federal aid comes...
Only in Self-Defense In California, the law allows for self-defense in certain circumstances. Grand theft auto is one of these cases, and therefore it may be permissible to use “reasonable force” against someone who is trying...
Immigration Law meets Criminal Law As an immigrant, it can be difficult to understand the legal system and the potential consequences of committing certain crimes. One term that is often misunderstood is “aggravated felony”. It’s important...
Digital Forensics In this guide, we discuss the importance of authenticity in digital evidence, the admissibility of digital evidence, the challenges associated with authenticating digital evidence, and best practices to ensure the integrity of digital evidence....
What are Miranda Rights? Miranda Rights are an essential part of the U.S. legal system. Every day, law enforcement agents read these rights to individuals who have been arrested or detained. But what exactly are Miranda...
Are Sex Offenders Allowed in School? Sex offender laws are very complex and vary significantly between states. As a result, it can be difficult to create policies that allow a sex offender to attend school while...
What is an Occupational Driver’s License? An occupational driver’s license is a special type of restricted license that allows you to drive to and from certain necessary locations, such as work, school, or medical appointments. In...
Bench vs. Arrest Warrants may be issued for a variety of reasons, including failure to appear in court, suspicion of criminal activity, or failure to pay a fine. Depending on the type of warrant, the legal...
LASD Deputy Gangs If you’ve lived in Los Angeles for any period of time, you’re probably aware of the problem of gang violence. But did you know that some members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s...
Why Some Criminal Records Cannot be Expunged? Individuals who have been found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor but were not given a state prison sentence may be eligible to avail themselves of a California state...
What Data Does My Driving Record Contain? If you have a license from California, you can get your California Driving Record or Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. You can buy...
How Many DUIs Do You Have? A single, straight DUI probably wouldn’t be enough to cause someone to lose their security clearance. However, it might raise questions about their dependability and judgment. It could also jeopardize...
DUI and Child Custody Child custody is one of California’s most critical issues before family courts. Custody and authority over a minor are determined primarily in the minor’s best interests. A judge or the courts will...
Can I Rent a Car with DUI Conviction? A DUI conviction results in many limitations. The consequences of a DUI extend beyond just monetary fines and imprisonment. A conviction for driving under the influence while intoxicated...
It Could Trigger Real Problems There aren’t any rules about being able to adopt. Your first challenge is to satisfy your adoption agency. The adoption agency ensures that the child being adopted goes to a safe...
Nothing is More Costly Than Your Freedom If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you might get arrested in California for DUI. Getting caught driving under the influence (DUI) can be very costly in California. A...
A Notable Uptrend There was a significant increase in incidents of violent crime, consumption of illicit drugs, and mortality caused by drug overdoses in Los Angeles in 2022. Consequently, board members have stated that this disturbing...
Restitution Restitution is an essential part of the criminal justice system. It is a way for offenders to make amends for the harm they have caused to their victims. Restitution can be ordered by the court...
LGBTQ+ Rights Miguel Cardona, the current U.S. Secretary of Education, has made several changes to Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs. These changes have been praised...
Closing Arguments of a Jury Trial Closing arguments are the last part of a trial and are essential to the outcome of a case. They provide the defense and prosecution with a chance to make their...
Act Fast As a parent, it can be one of the most difficult and frightening experiences to have your teenager arrested. It’s important to understand what to expect if your teenager is arrested and what you...
Grand Theft Puppy It’s a heart-wrenching reality for pet owners everywhere – the fear of your beloved pet getting stolen. Unfortunately, this fear has become more and more prevalent in Los Angeles in recent years, with...
The Stigma of Domestic Violence in the Military Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many people, including military personnel and their families. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked and goes unreported. Domestic violence can take...
DUI Convictions and Teaching A DUI conviction can have a huge impact on your life, and it can be especially difficult for school employees who need to pass a background check to be able to teach....
California Penal Code 995: Motion to Dismiss Under California law, a Penal Code 995 Motion asks the court to dismiss one or more felony counts. The motion is based on the grounds that the felony was...
Are You Being Targeted by Someone Faking Being a Victim of Rape? False sexual assault or rape allegations are a serious matter. They can have a devastating impact on the lives of those accused, whether they...
Valentine’s day is a day to rejoice and celebrate love. Despite this, a large number of crimes are recorded on this day. It is evident from the records that there are several arrests on this day,...
Speedy Arraignment and Rights for Arrestees A person detained for a misdemeanor or felony in California must be brought before a court “without unwarranted delay” and no later than 48 hours after arrest (excluding Sundays and...
Occupational/Restricted Driver’s License A judge may issue a restricted or occupational license as a temporary driving permit. A restricted license, also known as an ‘essential-need’ license, allows a motorist whose license has been suspended to lawfully...
Penal Code 653.22 Patronizing prostitution is a crime that can be committed any time someone is paid to do something sexual. Patronizing a prostitute means giving her something of value, even if it’s not cash. If...
What is an Alternative Dispute Resolution? To avoid going to court, parties might use alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) techniques. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a catch-all term for any procedure or set of procedures used to...
Understanding the Intersection of Domestic Violence and Disability Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another person in an intimate relationship. This behavior can take many...
Media Impact The media profoundly influences our culture. The news media—including newspapers, radio, television, and the internet—play an essential role in shaping public discourse. Prosecutors, defendants, and defense counsel often have difficulties in court because of...
You Cannot Change a Juror’s World View in a Few Days Fear of crime arises as a societal phenomenon that, in extreme circumstances, impairs the quality of life, produces paranoia, anxiety, and other psychological disorders on...
What if the Jury Gets it Wrong? The American legal system is superior to that of many other countries. Originating in ancient Greece and Rome, a trial by a jury of one’s peers checks the power...
Were You The Victim of Wrongful Imprisonment? Yes, wrongfully convicted people do get compensation. However, victims of unjust convictions are routinely refused compensation based on technicalities or rules restricting the amount of compensation awarded, even in...
The Devil is in the Details Criminal convictions for violent offenses (including murder, rape, sex crimes committed with a minor, abduction, and others) automatically exclude individuals from teaching positions. California Laws Furthermore, those who have violated...
California DUI Programs Designed to Keep You Mobile The law considers convictions for drunk driving differently from other misdemeanors. The repercussions of a DUI conviction extend beyond penalties and even prison time. There are limitations on...
Common St. Patrick’s Day Crimes St. Patrick’s Day is renowned as one of the year’s largest drinking celebrations. In cities around the United States, the streets are crowded with parade-goers, and bars are filled with green-clad...
California DUI Myths Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense in California and can lead to serious penalties. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the facts about DUI and the laws in...
The Police Are Pulling You Over… Traffic stops are a common occurrence in California, and it’s important to know your rights as a driver and passenger during a police stop. It’s also important to know what...
Can Emotional Abuse be Used in a Domestic Violence Case? Domestic violence is defined broadly under California law and includes emotional abuse, which is often overlooked. Any behavior or language used with the intent to dominate,...
Isn’t this the most amazing time of year? Unfortunately, according to crime statistics, it is also an unsettling time of year for others. While Christmas may seem the least probable time for crimes, the unpleasant reality...
U.S. Justice System The Constitution of the United States created a federal judicial system shared by the federal and state governments. Each state has its own federal and state court systems, which are separate. You must...
Party Time In the criminal justice system, New Year’s Eve and Day are the two busiest days of the year. When guests at a Christmas party have had a few too many mugs of cheer, the...
Nationwide Criminal Databases After a DUI conviction, you will likely have your driving privileges restricted if not taken away entirely. A question our clients commonly ask us is, ‘what if I move or plan on visiting...
How to Survive if You’ve Been Taken Hostage Although you’ve probably never pictured yourself — or wanted to picture yourself — the victim of a kidnapping or in a hostage situation, the truth is, it can...
Strict Liability Law in California “Strict liability” is a legal doctrine that exists when a defendant is held liable for an action that results in injury, regardless of whether or not they had intent to cause...
Realignment – California The California criminal justice system is undergoing a period of major upheaval referred to as realignment. Supervising certain classes of low-level felons and parolees from state prisons is being moved from state parole...
Crack Pipes, Meth Pipes, Needles California HSC 11364 makes it a crime to have drug paraphernalia in your possession. It is defined as anything that may be used to produce, administer, or conceal a controlled drug...
Caught Up in the Moment Just over five years ago, Facebook introduced a new service called Facebook Live, which enables users to easily produce and share live broadcasts with the rest of the internet. Mark Zuckerberg,...
Legalize It In 1996, voters in California enacted the Compassionate Use Act, making it the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Both medical and adult-use (recreational) cannabis usage is now legal in the Golden State. Strict...
What is a Constitutional Amendment Says? The Fourth Amendment protects citizens against the government’s unconstitutional searches and seizures. A warrant is required to search an American citizen. This brings up the issue of whether police in...
What is Accomplice Testimony? The district attorney’s office may file an accomplice charge against someone who provides material support for the commission of a crime. If the accomplice is willing to testify against the main suspect,...
Black Friday Deals and Steals Black Friday starts off Christmas shopping for many. Some retailers open on Thanksgiving evening, providing buyers access to big bargains. Intense competition for limited quantities of popular goods may arise in...
The Emoji as Evidence during a Trial? Yes, emojis may be used as evidence in a trial. Expert forensic linguist witnesses often rely upon judicial proceedings to offer interpretations of written and spoken proof, including emojis....
What Members of the Team Need to Participate in the Sharing of Information? Organizations, individuals, and technology using algorithms are all involved in information sharing. The information may be shared in various ways, such as a...
What is the Witness Protection Program Used For The United States government offers a “Witness Protection” service to witnesses in high-profile criminal cases to safeguard them from danger. U.S. Federal Witness Security Program (WITSEC) 18 U.S....
A student’s expulsion from school serves as a stigma. The expulsion of a student not only forces them to attend a school outside of the district, but it may also affect their chances of being accepted...
High rates of harassment and violence are experienced by the LGBTQ community, presumably considered higher than what is recorded by the FBI or other law enforcement organizations. Efforts have been made in certain jurisdictions to enact...
Education Code Section 48900: Suspension and Expulsion Students in California public schools may be suspended or recommended for expulsion if they: conduct violent crimes, possess drugs or weapons, steal, harass, haze, act obscenely, threaten to inflict...
Criminal Priorities of The F.B.I. The F.B.I. has three national security priorities and five criminal priorities. Together, these tell the agency what kinds of crimes to look into. The three top priorities for national security are:...
What Does Assault of a Protected Class Individual Mean? The statute’s higher sentencing provisions apply to aggravated assault crimes committed against the protected class of individuals. In the event of an attack perpetrated against a protected...
I Have a Warrant. What’s Next? Once you learn that an arrest warrant has been issued for you in California, you should immediately speak with a competent criminal defense attorney. Decisively surrendering to law enforcement is...
Hard Knock Life The Los Angeles County Jails are the largest in the world and one of the most troublesome in the United States, housing an average of about 22,000 inmates every day. Included is the...
Most Accusations are Accurate The percentage of fraudulent or fake allegations of sexual abuse of children is put between 4 and 8 percent. This means that 92% and 96% of reports are accurate. Survivors often struggle...
Intellectual Property Theft Theft of intellectual property refers to the illegal acquisition of another party’s formulas, designs, works of art, or other forms of intellectual labor. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues rules...
Urinating in Public As stated in Section 647 of the California Penal Code, urinating in public in California violates disorderly conduct. It might be a public nuisance violation under sections 370 and 372 of the California...
Writ Of Habeas Corpus Habeas corpus has English common law foundations. The mechanism allows prisoners or others to protest their lawful imprisonment. A writ of habeas corpus (which means “produce the body”) is a court order...
You are Innocent A written request to overturn a criminal conviction is called a “motion to vacate a judgment.” It is filed in California because Penal Code 1473.7 PC is the law there. People who are...
What is SB 1437 Petition? California has complicated murder laws. Several laws may render you guilty of murder even if you didn’t kill anybody. In 2019, the governor signed SB 1437 into law. SB 1437 applies...
Consulting an Attorney Facing criminal charges may be a terrifying experience. Most people have little to no experience with the police and less with the pitfalls of the criminal justice system. Finding, meeting, and learning to...
One Crime, One Case, One Outcome American Justice System Double jeopardy is a significant part of the United States Constitution. It comes from the second clause of the Fifth Amendment and keeps an accused individual from...
Obstruction Charges Interfering with law enforcement while doing their jobs is the essence of obstruction of justice. Willfully “resisting, delaying, or obstructing a law enforcement officer or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) while they are engaged in...
Stolen Property The answer to this question may not be immediately apparent. Knowing the definition of theft in the California Penal Code is the first step in answering the question. Theft is often classified as either...
First Amendment Right Due to the First Amendment’s protection of free speech, the press, and the public’s right to know, the courts have upheld the practice of filming police officers. Most courts that have examined this...
Inmates Over Fifty The California Parole System has been updated to include the Elderly Parole Program. Good conduct during incarceration may result in a prisoner’s release from jail before the conclusion of their (maximum) sentence, a...
What Does Procurement of a Child Mean? Child Procurement is the illegal act of giving your child or a child you have in your possession to another person as a prostitute or paying a child to...
California Committment Orders A commitment order is a court-issued directive to confine a specific individual in a correctional institution, hospital or other institution for the foreseeable future. Specifically, a court directs legal enforcement officials to transport...
Beware of Skimmers, Use Credit not Debit Anyone making purchases or withdrawing cash from an ATM, buying petrol, or eating out might be a victim of card skimming. Installing a skimmer on your card reader will...
Plea Withdrawal By admitting guilt in court and waiving trial, a defendant effectively admits the charges against them are true. You waive any chance of successfully defending yourself by raising reasonable doubt about the accusations in...
Task Forces Aimed at Stopping Child Pornography It is illegal to create, possess, transport, distribute, or sell any pornographic material featuring juveniles under the age of eighteen in the state of California, according to the state’s...
Every Crime is Defensible Being arrested for a crime, any crime, is scary. The criminal justice system is complicated, and being accused of a crime is incredibly stressful. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you...
Failing to Appear If a witness is issued a subpoena but does not show up to testify, police may issue an arrest. If a witness shows up in court and refuses to testify, they have broken...
Which Are the Types of Embezzlement? Embezzlement is a theft offense defined as the misappropriation of funds by an organization or employer that were placed in their trust by another party. Many workers, contractors, or even...
Selling Your Prescription Medication for Money? Narcotics are still a big problem in the United States. In the same way, in most states, it is a very serious crime to deal with or sell prescription medications....
A DUI on a Cart, Seriously? Absolutely, but it’s a rare occurrence. In California, operating an automobile while intoxicated is unlawful. The permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08 percent. Underage motorists are prohibited from...
Sextortion – The Internet Sex Crime “I won’t get caught, I’m a hacker I covered my tracks”… “If u don’t play I promise I’ll f*ck your life over.” ~ Famous last words by Richard Finkbiner When...
Do You Have Federal Arrest Warrant? Anyone caught up in a federal criminal case is in a scary situation. Whether you have been arrested on a federal charge or been told a warrant will be issued,...
Recidivism in Sex Crimes Recidivism is when a convicted criminal returns to criminal conduct. While the etiology of criminal conduct is complicated and recidivism stems from psychological and societal circumstances, recidivism is not just recurrent offending....
Most Cases Involve a Plea Deal In California and the US, a plea bargain is a norm rather than an exception. A plea bargain is a procedure between the prosecutor’s office and the defendant in which...
Crimes on All-Hallows-Eve American celebrations of Halloween date back to the late 19th century. Everyone, from adults to teenagers to young children, participates in Halloween by donning costumes, going door to door, carving pumpkins, telling scary...
It’s important to note that protection and restraining orders have the same purpose in California: to somehow prevent an offender from harming the protected party. Even though they seem similar, protection and restraining orders are two...
What’s the Difference Between Fed and State Charges? While state legislatures and attorneys general handle most criminal law matters, federal authorities may step in to prosecute crimes committed in interstate or foreign commerce or on federal...
Aiding a Crime – Accomplice Liability Aiding or encouraging another person to commit a crime is known as complicity. It’s also known as “assisting and abetment.” A person who aids and abets the guilty is called...
What’s a Parole Board? A parole board is a group of people who can decide whether or not an inmate should be released from prison. A convict may be eligible for parole after serving a certain...
When I Can File for Restraining Order? When someone is subjected to illegal violence, a genuine threat of violence, or a knowing and purposeful pattern of behavior that significantly scares, irritates, or harasses and serves no...
What is Doxxing? Doxxing or doxing, an abbreviation for “dropping papers,” occurs when an attacker collects personal information on an individual and then makes that information public to irritate, harass, intimidate, or stalk the victim. Criminals...
Why Would the IRS Audit a Tax Return? Tax returns, supporting papers, and other financial accounts and information are all subject to an IRS audit to verify the correctness of the information presented on the return,...
It is illegal to use another person’s name or identity to do injury or get an inappropriate profit, as defined in PC 529, which also goes by the label of “false personation.” A misdemeanor or a...
Tell Them They Aren’t Allowed In the last several years, technology has advanced at a breakneck pace. Most of us rely extensively on technology in our daily routines and activities. We depend heavily on our smartphones,...
The Freedom to Peacefully Assemble The freedom to peacefully assemble and protest is guaranteed under the First Amendment. In some situations, government officials do have the power to limit free speech or free assembly. Learn your...
How to Defend Against Police Surveillance at Protests The right to join fellow citizens in protest is one of the foundations of democracy and a cornerstone of the First Amendment. Unfortunately, law enforcement officials can use...
Defining ‘Negligent Homicide’ When a person loses their life, it’s not unusual for a seemingly harmless character to be prosecuted with manslaughter, even if the death was an accident. Furthermore, it’s too common for prosecutors to...
Procedural Defense Factual Defense Affirmative Defense Common Defenses What Is a ‘Procedural Defense’ In Criminal Law? When you are facing accusations, one of the essential things you can do is familiarize yourself with the numerous legal...
Character Witnesses vs. Eye witnesses In a criminal case, the defense and the prosecutor might call witnesses to testify on the stand. There are different types of witnesses, including eyewitnesses and character witnesses. An eye witness...
A Record That Follows You A juvenile record contains all documents, court orders, and reports in a juvenile court file. It also includes other documents related to the juvenile record held by the Department of Justice,...
A Profound Correlation Many people believe that Education and Crime have an inverse causal relationship, that the more education one has received, the less likely one will be to engage in criminal activity. According to the...
Hero or Zero? We live in a world full of crime, and knowing how to react when we witness a crime is essential. Simply because being informed on how to react in situations where crime is...
Squatters’ Rights in California California is the highest populated state, and because of this, many people tend to reside in properties that are not theirs. Squatting is overwhelming for landlords and frustrating, especially for new property...
Military Sex Crimes Over the years, the military has struggled to curb the spread of sexual assault and harassment within its rank. This issue became apparent after specialist Vanessa Gillen was sexually assaulted and later killed....
It Depends on Your State Americans consider being heard through voting for their choice of representatives as one of the most fundamental rights. These rights are all advocated as stipulated in the United States constitution. As...
The Art of Parenting Parents consider the relationship with their children to be of the utmost importance. If a court decides to take an involuntary termination of a parent’s parental rights, it is often a decision...
Prosecutors Take Domestic Violence Seriously Domestic violence is a severe criminal offense that can seriously impact your life. The case entails threatening or harming a partner, whether you are in an intimate relationship or cohabiting together....
Criminal or Civil? Homicide is the killing of a person by another. Not all homicides are unlawful. Lawfulness depends on one’s conduct that caused the death of another. “Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human...
Honest Mistake or Federal Crime? A US passport is one of the most important traveling/identity documents one can own. However, this also means that they are one of the most secure passports in the world. The...
The Clock Starts Now Question: “When does the Statute clock start?” Answer: “Once the police discover a crime.” This is usually when the investigation starts as they try to figure out what happened and who could...
Riding Your Bike Impaired A lot of people in California today are choosing to opt for a bike as an alternative to driving. After all, it helps them avoid the long hours of California traffic jams...
Rapid DNA Testing For years forensic scientists have been using DNA testing and research to help law enforcement solve and identify potential suspects of certain crimes. Success stories like the catching of the Golden State Killer,...
American Criminal Justice ‘Presumption of Innocence’ says that a criminal defendant accused of a crime is thought to be innocent until they are proven guilty. So, if the person is to be found guilty, the prosecutor...
Civil or Criminal Contempt Disobedience to a court order is considered contempt of court. In California, like in most states, civil contempt and criminal contempt are recognized as forms of contempt of court. There are certain...
How to Defend Fraud Charges: Hire an Attorney Credit card fraud is unlawfully using a credit card, debit card, or other payment mechanisms. The court considers it theft when someone is accused of applying for a...
California Leads The Nation The Constitution’s Second Amendment says that people in the State of California can own and carry guns. But the state has the right to regulate and limit who can possess certain firearms...
Your Lawyer Will Contact Them if Needed Defendants shouldn’t speak to witnesses during criminal court proceedings. The judge typically directs the defendant not to contact any witnesses. Because of this, any words a defendant makes to...
Not So Coolifornia If you’ve been charged with a drug offense in California, immigration consequences like deportation depend on several factors, such as the type of crime you committed and your criminal history. If you’re a...
Help Prevent DUI Charges and Accidents As a consequence of serving alcohol at their party, hosts may be held legally liable for the acts of their visibly intoxicated guests. In situations involving accidents caused by intoxicated...
Depends on The Type of Crime People often wonder whether they have a legal duty to report a crime. Everyone has different responses after witnessing a crime. While some will jump into action and try to...
Research Your Lawyer’s Education Question: Can anyone practice law without attending law school? Answer: Surprisingly the answer is YES, in some states. In 2021, four states (California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington) approved laws for those with...
Domestic Violence Can Haunt You Regardless of the parent’s marital status, any history of domestic violence in California will likely affect custody decisions. All courts managing child custody must determine whether parents are fit and capable...
Marijuana Use in America In 1970, Congress declared marijuana illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. The Act categorizes marijuana as a Schedule One drug, which means that it has “a high potential for abuse and little...
Changing Your Official Statements Recanting a statement means you want to withdraw, or take back, a previous statement that you made to the police. The consequences of deciding to recant your statement will vary depending on...
Digital Forensics: The Cellebrite UFED Touch 2 Wiretapping by Law Enforcement Law enforcement officers can begin investigating you without your knowledge or being informed. Phones contain much sensitive information that should not be privy to everyone....
Who Owns Trash? Interestingly, you may never pay much attention to your trash, especially if it is left outside your house, but the police can easily target it for a search. Most people consider law enforcement...
Involuntary Intoxication Defense Criminal law provides a variety of sanctions for offenses that vary depending on the circumstances. Common criminal law defenses, such as insanity, infancy, and intoxication, are predicated on the defendant’s inability to be...
What is Human Trafficking? Human trafficking is a despicable crime that is often misunderstood because most people don’t know how to identify the signs and common risk factors. The United Nations defines human trafficking as, “recruitment,...
White Collar Crimes involving Money Both money laundering and embezzlement involve hiding money which is why in some cases they are often confused with each other. However, the only thing that these two crimes have in...
Prop 36: Cracking Down on Drugs and Theft California’s legal landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the passage of Proposition 36, a measure that has sparked intense debate and garnered widespread attention. This comprehensive analysis...
Depp vs. Heard The Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard defamation trial has captivated audiences around the globe, with live streams of the court proceedings reaching hundreds of millions of people. No matter if you’re on Johnny’s side or...
DUI Plea Bargains in California Negotiating DUI plea bargains are very common practice in the area of criminal law, from both the defense and prosecution side of the table. Most cases do not make it all...
What is Penal Code 1381 PC? A PC 1381 Motion is a demand to go to trial by someone who has been sentenced to imprisonment for 90 days or more. For example, if a person has...
Below we will discuss a few popular defense strategies for winning a California DUI case. Please bear in mind that every DUI case is unique regarding the circumstances, and should be discussed in detail with an...
The Police Are at Your Door One of the most frequent questions we get is: “Do I have to let cops in my house if they knock on my door and tell me they need to...
Emotional Intelligence Prevails Remain calm. Don’t lose your cool. After all, you’re innocent. Cool heads will prevail, and reasonable people will work things out. Believe in this. Mistake of Fact Your accuser may even be innocent...
Will ICE be Alerted about a DUI if I’m Undocumented? Short answer: It’s Probable. Here’s how: The arresting officer or agency may alert ICE directly.(it varies, entirely at the discretion of the police) Your criminal arrest...
You Have the Right to Remain Silent All over the state of California, prison and jail cells are filled with innocent people wrongly convicted of crimes they did not commit, and many of them will spend...
Avoid a Felony at All Cost A felony conviction can be devastating to your search for gainful employment, as most reputable companies and desired job positions will merit some form of background check. Depending on the...
Should I take a Field Sobriety Test? After reading question after question regarding field sobriety tests and whether or not they are necessary to take, I took it upon myself to answer these questions here. In...
What Makes a Good Criminal Defense Attorney? While we as individuals face certain daily situations that are stressful, uncertain, and traumatic, one of the most worrying and scary situations someone can face is being charged with...
Penal Code 1203.2 – Probation Violations In California Probation is a frequently utilized sentencing option in California criminal law, serving as an effective means for defendants to avoid incarceration while still fulfilling their societal obligations. However,...
Does The Prosecutor Have a Weak Case? A person well-versed in the law can tell at a glance whether or not a criminal case has merit. When brought to trial, criminal cases have a reputation for...
3 Types of Warrants in California If you suspect that you may have an outstanding warrant in California, we highly advise that you confirm whether your suspicions are true or not by proactively handling this issue...
How to Successfully Recant a Domestic Violence Statement To recant a statement signifies retracting, withdrawing, or disowning it. There are many different motives for individuals to desire to retract a statement. Maybe the individual, being under...
Domestic Violence Laws in California Domestic violence laws in California make it a crime to cause harm or threaten to harm a current or former spouse, co-parent, co-habitant, or another form of an intimate partner. Sometimes,...
Emotional Intelligence Prevails What if I am Falsely Accused of a Crime? Remain calm. Don’t lose your cool. After all, you’re innocent. Cool heads will prevail, and reasonable people will work things out. Why False Accusations...
Failure to Appear in California If you miss your court date, you’ll be charged with failure to appear (FTA). The judge may issue a bench or criminal arrest warrant depending on why you were to appear...
Court-Ordered Criminal Protective Orders A court might issue an order known as a Criminal Protective Order to ensure the safety of a witness or victim of a crime. It follows an Emergency Protective Order and may...
It Comes Down to Obeying the Judge’s Orders When a court order is issued, it is taken extremely seriously. If it is broken, it may have terrible implications. In most cases, the offender will be ordered...
GPS, Cellular or WIFi Triangulation Looking for Evidence If the police try to access your phone, it’s likely because they’re gathering evidence against you. Passcode-cracking and vulnerability-exploiting businesses are becoming more adept at weakening mobile devices....
Reducing Your DUI Charges to ‘Wet Reckless’ Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, in some cases, a...
Introduction to the 5150 Hold The 5150 hold, named after the corresponding section of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, refers to a legal provision that allows for the temporary involuntary detention and evaluation of individuals...
Obtaining Your California Real Estate License Obtaining a real estate license in California can be a lucrative career path, given the high housing costs in the state. However, individuals with a prior DUI may wonder if...
Dismissal and Expungement If you are facing criminal charges that can impact your future, you might be wondering how to erase them from your record. Many people do not know the difference between a dismissal and...
California Corporal Injury PC 273.5 Domestic violence is serious, and anyone who harms another innocent person physically through unprovoked assault should face penalties. However, sometimes these alleged domestic violence cases, which involve a partner accusing the...
Cease and Desist Notices A “cease and desist” notice is a written request for someone to stop doing something illegal or thought to be illegal right away. It could be a court order, an injunction from...
Understanding California Domestic Violence Laws (PC 273.5) Under California Penal Code 273.5 PC, it is illegal to inflict corporal injury on a former spouse, co-parent, cohabitant, or dating partner. Corporal injury is any physical injury— no...
Possession of Controlled Substance For many types of controlled substance laws in California, it’s a crime to merely have the drug in your possession without a doctor’s prescription, as this can create the assumption that since...
Guilty, Beyond a Reasonable Doubt A prosecutor should prove that the defendant is guilty of the crime for which he or she has been accused “beyond a reasonable doubt”. This means that the proposition, scenario, or...
Turning a Negative into a Positive Crystal Harris, a California woman, endured a sexual assault perpetrated by her husband. Serving as the primary breadwinner for her family, she found herself in the disturbing situation of being...
California Involuntary Hold Process In California, individuals deemed to be at risk due to mental illness can be subject to an emergency 72-hour hold, commonly known as a “5150” hold. This intervention, authorized by law enforcement...
Character Evidence – CA Evidence Code 1101 EC The California Evidence Code sets out the rules of evidence for state courts. The rules of evidence, and evidentiary matters in general, are complicated, and you need an...
Winning in Court for Domestic Violence in LA A conviction for domestic violence can have serious consequences to your family life, your work life, your reputation and your ability to possess or own guns. In terms...
Fighting Your DUI Charge Driving under the influence (DUI) charges can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, it is possible to beat a DUI charge and have it dismissed. In...
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving As one of the leading DUI attorneys in Los Angeles, we frequently encounter clients who have numerous questions regarding drunk driving. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to address the...
Assault Charge – Penal Code 245 in California Assault is a serious offense in California, and understanding the distinction between simple assault and aggravated assault is crucial. While both offenses involve the intentional act of causing...
Adversarial Justice System What is the Role of the Prosecution in a Criminal Case? The United States has what is known as an “adversarial judicial system” – in other words, criminal cases are contests between two...
Interpreting the Law The role of the Judge in a Criminal Case has several duties. They interpret the laws, assess any evidence presented, and oversee how hearings and trials unfold in the criminal courtroom. But perhaps...
Should I take a Field Sobriety Test? After reading question after question regarding field sobriety test and whether or not they are necessary to take, I took it upon myself to answer these questions here. In...
Misdemeanor Probation Violation Misdemeanor probation, also termed summary probation, is a form of alternative sentencing that is typically granted for misdemeanor offenses. When facing conviction for a misdemeanor, the presiding judge has the discretion to impose...
Felony Probation Violation Felony probation is a penal measure applicable in California for specific individuals who have been convicted of a crime. Rather than serving their sentence in a correctional facility, they are released on the...
Is Violation Of Probation A Felony Or Misdemeanor? There are three main types of probation: Misdemeanor probation for less severe offenses Felony probation for more serious crimes, and DUI probation for individuals convicted of driving under...
Psychosexual Evaluations When navigating cases of sexual misconduct, individuals have found great benefit in undergoing a psychosexual evaluation (PSE), a potent tool often referred to as a sexual deviancy evaluation. Not only does this evaluation aid...
Roommate Disputes and Violence Domestic violence pertains to violence or threats of violence that occur within a household. Spouses, children, partners, siblings, relatives, and roommates are all-encompassed. Roommate conflicts and aggression are classified as domestic violence,...
What is “Intent” in Criminal Law in California? California intent in criminal law code section 250 states that there must be a union of act and intent, forming what is called “general intent” in order to...
California Bomb Threats and False Bomb Threats Penal Code 148.1 Bomb threat reporting is actually governed by the California Penal Code, because there are so many false reports each year that the legislature has determined it...
Having an Attorney is Best Being charged with DUI can be overwhelming for many drivers, so facing it with a DUI attorney is beneficial. This helps you understand and navigate situations wisely. It will also save...
What Is Marital Rape or Spousal Rape? California PC 262 details the offense of rape against a spouse. To commit spousal rape, an offender must have sexual contact with their wife in violation of her consent...
The Glitz and Glamour Despite Los Angeles being the home to many jet-setting high-profile celebrities, there is a crisis under all that facade, and it is spilling onto the streets. The problem is not localized to...
It’s Up to You A person who provides government officials with information in exchange for rewards is a confidential informant. On the other hand, this setup isn’t always optimal. Your case may benefit; however, working with...
Crimes Affecting Immigration Status Suppose you are a noncitizen who has a criminal record. In that case, you may find getting a work visa or permanent resident status in the United States challenging, regardless of where...
The Importance of Parental Responsibilities As a parent, it may be difficult and frustrating to see your child going through a period of defiance. Parents in California now have one more thing to worry about: will...
Can I Run a Fight Club? The old common-law idea that fighting between two adults willing to engage in the activity is essentially ‘legalized fighting’ is a misnomer. Given its origins in dueling, it’s hardly surprising...
A Liberal Frontier State California has a lengthy controlled but often unregulated gaming history as a frontier state. Due to its population growth over the 20th century, California is one of the most prominent ‘liberal’ states...
Waiting on the K-9 Unit A trained police dog is used in a canine smell test, also known as a police dog sniff test, to hunt for evidence of criminal activity. Police dogs are often used...
Attention International Students and Dreamers Visa-holders from other countries are responsible for knowing what is permissible and what violates local, state, and federal laws when they enter the United States. Students in the nation on a...
DUI Convictions A DUI conviction stays on your record for up to ten years and is visible by the DMV and law enforcement throughout that period. In California, DUI convictions persist for ten years, and accumulate...
Scene Documentation Scene documentation records the crime scene’s state. The criminal scene’s condition must be noted after the preliminary scene inspection. This is the investigator’s most crucial duty. Since crime scenes alter as soon as they’re...
Trust No One Disclosing or communicating information about a case goes by many different names. There are restrictions on what kind of information may be shared publicly. The court’s regulations may permit you to disclose information...
Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW) To legally carry a weapon in California, one must apply for a concealed weapons permit (CCW), which allows ordinary citizens to carry firearms in California. Without a CCW, having a loaded or...
Good Credit It is challenging for prisoners to participate in all incarcerated rehabilitative programs. In some states, prisoners can get up to 54 days off their sentence for good behavior. The federal law describes good behavior...
Governor’s Pardon: Rare but Invaluable Tool A pardon is an opportunity given to a convicted felon to show they have undergone full rehabilitation for the crime they were convicted of. If a convicted criminal is awarded...
California Infractions and Misdemeanors If you got a traffic ticket in California, don’t worry. Getting a moving violation is never easy, but you may proceed through the California traffic ticket procedure swiftly and easily – and...
You Have Rights Against It Excessive bail refers to the amount of cash or bond a defendant is ordered to pay by a court. It is necessary to ensure they will make court appearances. The Eighth...
1. Good: Consider Pleading the Fifth Individuals are shielded from self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment, by choosing to remain silent. To commit self-incrimination, you must either purposefully or inadvertently disclose information that might lead to criminal...
How does a DUI affect Car Insurance? Financial and legal difficulties can be significant long after a DUI conviction for driving under the influence. The next steps in your legal process will be complicated; thus, to...
Twenty Percent of Teens For a responsible parent, receiving that phone call that your child has been arrested in school for drugs can be devastating. Instead of questioning your ability as a good parent, you should...
Teens and Stalking There are many forms of stalking. In fact, it’s has reached a chronic public health crisis in this country. Stalking among teenagers most often occurs when a relationship ends, and the teenage stalker...
Conspiracy or RICO? Feds stoutly prosecute racketeering and conspiracy, so you have to understand the stakes if accused. Conspiracy is a collective criminal activity that occurs when two or more people plan to commit a crime...
Evidence in Criminal Trials When used in the context of an inquiry, the term “evidence” refers to a wide variety of sources of information that might be used to establish or deny issues in dispute before...
Flawless Victory If criminal charges are dropped, there will be no trial, and no repercussions will be imposed for the alleged offense. If you are convicted and charged with a crime, the arresting officer will provide...
California Prosecutors Take DV Cases Seriously A domestic violence charge is a serious criminal offense. It includes issuing abuse or threats to anyone close to the defendant. These include spouses, former or current cohabitants, children, and...
Criminal Court Dismissals A criminal case may be dismissed before, throughout, or even after the trial. It could be the outcome of a proposal to dismiss filed by the prosecutor or the defendant, or it could...
The Legal Doctrine of Strict Liability Under California law, strict liability crimes are those that do not require the prosecutor to provide fault. Rather, all the prosecutor has to prove is that the defendant did something...
DUI for Taking Prescription Medication Most people assume they cannot get a DUI for taking prescription medication, but this could not be further from the truth. The California Vehicle Code 23152(f) makes it unlawful for any...
Sexual Harrassment Laws There are laws against sexual harassment in the workplace. However, individuals may still engage in sexual harassment, making others in the workplace feel uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe. Sometimes, people may not realize they’re...
Carrying a Knife in California? California’s knife laws can be difficult to interpret because it is the most populous state in the country and has a diverse range of political viewpoints. Knowing the laws can help...
Abuse or Assault? In most sex crimes cases, you have probably heard the terms sexual abuse or sexual assault used. These terms are often used interchangeably when describing sex crimes. However, these two are considered different...
Fair Employment is Key People with criminal records often worry about the effect a criminal record could have on their opportunities in the job industry. Luckily the state of California has strong laws that help ensure...
Can I Be Arrested For Self Defense? California law allows you to claim self-defense when charged with assault on another. This means that an individual is permitted to use a rational amount of force under the...
California Date Rape Laws Being charged with a rape offense can be a very terrifying situation. Getting charged with rape crime comes with a lot of damage to different sectors of life, particularly to your reputation....
The Stigma of a Sex Crime If you have ever been charged with a sex crime, you probably know how severe a sex crime conviction can be. Prosecutors and law enforcement alike put a lot of...
Does My Criminal Record Appear on Background Checks? The simple answer is yes. Depending on the intensity and how far back the background search goes, your criminal record will most likely appear on it. Let’s dive...
When Is Harassment Considered a Crime? Consistency in harassment often leads to criminal offenses on the victims. These offenses are the worst in nature and may leave a permanent mark on the lives of the victim....
Restraining Orders in California Verbal or physical abuse is considered against the law in California since it is a criminal offense. These criminal offenses could result from abuse or threats between two relatives, married couples, domestic...
Ed Gein was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a mental hospital for life. Legal Insanity as a Defense California’s Insanity defense refers to the California law which states that a legally...
It’s Never Too Late.. “Is it too late now to say sorry?” If you’ve been accused of or charged with a crime, you may be wondering if displaying remorse for your actions will help you get...
Early Termination of Probation – PC 1203.3 Overview Upon conviction, a judge may order probation in lieu of incarceration depending on the seriousness of the crime, and potential risk to public safety. Under California law, there...
Errors in Justice The justice system is not always in favor of the defendant. The risks of poor presentation from the lawyer increase, especially with the public defenders. They lack resources, experience, skills, and they are...
What are Rape Shield Laws? California is one of 48 states that have enacted a Rape Shield Law. Primarily designed to protect the rights of complaining witnesses in sexual assault cases, any person accused of a...
What Are the Types of False Confessions? Anyone who has been interrogated by the police understands how stressful it can be. Television detectives will lie and coerce suspects to get the desired response. Real-life interrogations aren’t...
Denial of Citizenship People charged with certain crimes may be rendered ineligible for a U.S. visa or excluded from citizenship. Understanding the requirements for a visa can be complicated. If you’ve found yourself being charged with...
The Crime of ‘Stalking’ in Los Angeles California I’ll be a hard-lovin’, pushin’ kind of individual Knockin’ night and day at your door You’ll have to turn me away like an indestructible force Baby, I’m gonna...
Domestic Violence Comes in Many Forms Although you might think that signs of domestic violence would be blatant, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, small behaviors, patterns, and aggressions that you may shrug off are actually...
Passports and Criminal Records Some legal problems can make obtaining a passport complicated. While a criminal history alone usually won’t impact your ability to get a passport issued or reissued, there are some special legal circumstances...
Automatism As you’re probably aware, the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. In Automatism: The Unconsciousness Defense to a Criminal Action, Patricia E. Gould asserts that the “American judicial system must provide for...
Preparation is the Key Taking the stand can be scary — no matter who you are. But, it’s one of the most important parts of your case, and getting the opportunity to tell your side of...
So You’ve been Arrested. Who do You Call? Your mom Your spouse Your best friend Your cousin’s wife’s ex-boyfriend, who’s an attorney If you guessed 4, you’re right! Now, that may seem like an unlikely choice,...
Self-Defense Laws In California, as well as other states, it is considered your right to defend yourself, your property, or another person against impending danger. Sometimes this may involve committing actions that are against the law....
Most Cases Did you know that 95% of the cases tried in the states never make it to trial? Instead the cases are resolved with a plea bargain. Thus, if you are charged with a criminal...
You Should Always Have an Attorney When facing a criminal charge, we cannot stress how important it is for you to get legal representation. Getting convicted for a criminal offense comes with numerous penalties such as...
Taking the Plea Deal Similar to a settlement agreement in a civil lawsuit, the parties in a criminal case (i.e., the prosecution and the defense) can enter into what is known as a “plea bargain” in...
Was it Premeditated? In many states, including California, the prosecutor must prove a defendant acted with ‘malice aforethought’ in order to be found guilty of murder. There are two types of malice aforethought: Express — A defendant specifically...
Stricter Gun Laws California lawmakers are hoping stricter gun laws will help curb crime in the Golden States. Earlier this month, a federal appeals court in California reinstated the state’s ban on the sale and possession of high-capacity...
Legality of Public Sex “Get a room!” is a common retort when two people publicly display their affection. But getting frisky in public is not always a laughing matter. Beyond a certain point, such affectionate flirting...
Prostitution There are quite a number of massage parlors throughout Los Angeles County. And for the most part, there’s no issue regarding these relaxing establishments. However, we all know of an instance where one of these...
What Defines Murder in California? PC 187 defines first degree murder, second degree murder and third degree murder, aka manslaughter, as follows: “The unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.” PC...
Can I be convicted of a felony in California and not go to jail? Yes. It is possible to avoid jail or prison times after being convicted of a felony in California. Do I have to...
Domestic Violence and Children The COVID-19 pandemic has proved difficult for everyone. It has affected the nation’s health, livelihoods, and even our supply chain. It has also impacted our ability to leave the house and interact...
Judge or Prosecutor For many who think of a courtroom, the looming figure inside of it is the judge- sitting as an imposing figure in a black robe elevated above the rest of the players in...
Defining ‘Moral Turpitude’ I asked a friend to tell me what came to mind when he heard the phrase “Crime of Moral Turpitude.” He replied, “An act that violates acceptable moral standards. It describes the vileness...
Facing Consequences Facing criminal charges is a daunting scenario as it is, but adding negative immigration consequences on top of an already unbearable situation is unfortunately the reality of our American jurisprudence. For those who are...
Prop 64 During the November 2016 general election, California voters let the country know how they felt about criminal convictions of the personal use, possession, cultivation or distribution of small amounts of marjiuana: DISMISS THEM ALL....
Cyberstalking in California In the day and age of the Internet, how people are harassed, threatened or stalked has changed dramatically. Technology has done wonders for us, but it has also widened the means and ability...
It’s More Common than You Think It’s possible, even highly likely, that you or someone you know has been subjected to an unreasonable search and seizure. Both federal and California laws are supposed to protect you...
Evidence Code Section 1200 Hearsay is generally inadmissible in legal proceedings, as hearsay statements are considered to be too unreliable to prove the truth of the matter stated. The rules of evidence in California are governed...
What Makes a Good Criminal Defense Attorney? While we as individuals face certain daily situations that are stressful, uncertain, and traumatic, one of the most worrying and scary situations someone can face is being charged with...
DUI Second DUI Third DUI Fourth DUI So You got Your Fourth DUI… This article is part of a series on DUI charges. In California, DUIs are seen up to repeat offenses up to the fourth...
DUI Second DUI Third DUI Fourth DUI Multiple DUIs: Third DUI Have you had multiple DUI convictions before? If so, then take caution. DUIs in CA are counted as priorable offenses. That is, repeat punishments come...
DUI Second DUI Third DUI Fourth DUI Second DUI? Time for an Attorney In Los Angeles California, judges and prosecutors take DUI convictions seriously. Getting convicted with a DUI the first time is a serious issue....
Residential and Commercial Burglary? This is a common question that comes up in burglary charges (Penal Code Section 459). The short answer is that a residential burglary is known as first degree burglary, and is much...
Stakes are Raised Although being charged with driving under the influence is a frightening experience in its own right, drivers who are already on probation for prior DUI offenses or other crimes face even steeper penalties...
SB 384- Stop The Registration & Get off Megan’s List! Effective January 1, 2021, a new three-tier sexual registration has been implemented in California. This means what used to be a lifetime sexual registration requirement may...
The Consequences of a Felony Conviction Have you or a loved one been arrested? Are you worried that they may be charged with a felony? If so, keep reading. Below, we’ll discuss what a felony is,...
The Consequences of a Criminal Conviction Have you been arrested and charged for a crime? Or maybe someone close to you has? If so, you need an idea on the consequences of those crimes. That is,...
1. What is AB 3234? AB 3234- Get out of Jail for free. Get your Misdemeanor Case Dismissed Under this new Misdemeanor Diversion Law of 2021. AB 3234 originated from a pilot program in Los Angeles...
How Can AB 1950 Help You? After a person is convicted of a crime, whether by plea or verdict, there is a sentencing whereby the Judge can grant a term of “probation” in lieu of jail...
Help is On the Way Domestic violence is a serious issue that faces our world today. It is also an issue that is confusing to understand. What counts as domestic abuse in a court hearing? When...
What if the Victim Doesn’t Want to Testify? Allegations of sexual assault and sexual molestation (PC 243.4) are hot beds of intense emotions that create the perfect conditions for a violent explosion of anger where cooler...
How to Go About Expunging a DUI from Your Record in California Expunging a DUI offers benefits for those with this previous conviction on their records. When you expunge the DUI, you do not erase it...
Military Diversion for California Veterans Studies show that as much as 30% of veterans experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The courts have recognized a link between the symptoms of PTSD, including disassociation, flashbacks, sleep disturbance,...
Common Offenses related to ‘Domestic Violence’ in California When you think of domestic violence, you likely think of punches, kicks, and other blatant acts of violence. But, there are some things that the courts in California...
Increased Security and Your Rights Since 9/11, criminal charges at the airport in L.A security has increased in all US airports, but LAX can be particularly frustrating due to the high volume of people and more...
Hate Crime in California: Defined as a Bias The main purpose of hate crime laws in California, as incorporated under various California Penal Code sections, is to deter threats, violence and other violations, including civil rights...
The Difference Between Felonies, Misdemeanors & Infractions Criminal offenses in California are classified according to their seriousness. They are categorized into 3 different types: Infractions Misdemeanors Felonies What’s the Difference? For crimes against property: the gravity...
‘Motion to Suppress’ Weakens the Prosecution’s Case You are innocent until proven guilty in a criminal case, even if you know you are guilty. A motion to suppress evidence is a request by the defense asking...
The Police Knock on Your Door One of the most frequent questions we get is: “Do I have to let cops in my house if they knock on my door and tell me they need to...
What crimes are “Deportable Crimes in California”? When it comes to deporting an immigrant out of the United States, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities are guided first and foremost by security concerns. So, what...
What Are The Steps in A Criminal Case? Criminal Cases in the State of California all follow the same basic procedures. It’s important to know these 7 crucial steps to develop a successful defense strategy and...
Below we will discuss a few popular defense strategies for winning a California DUI case (California DUI Types, VC 23152). Please bear in mind that every DUI case is unique regarding the circumstances, and should be...
Wet and Reckless What is a “Wet Reckless” Plea Bargain? “Vehicle Code 23103.5 – If the prosecution agrees to a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a charge of a violation of Section 23103 in...
One in Four Americans Can an Employer ask for My Criminal Record in California? If you are one of the four Americans with a criminal record, you may run into obstacles in your job search. Surveys...
CA Code of Civil Procedure § 1219(b) What if I Refuse to Testify in a Domestic Violence Case? Despite technically falling under the umbrella of “civil procedure”, California’s Code of Civil Procedure § 1219 actually relates...
How does a DUI Plea Bargain Work in California How does a DUI Plea Bargain Work? Negotiating DUI plea bargains are very common practice in the area of criminal law, from both the defense and prosecution...
The “Self Defense” Defense Due to the Self-Defense in a Criminal Case, We all know it is a crime to physically harm someone else. However, there are a category of crimes that are considered “justified” if...
What are Ignition Interlock Devices? An Ignition Interlock Devices for a DUI (or IID) is essentially a breathalyzer for your vehicle that prevents your car from being started if you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)...
What is Victim Restitution Laws in California? Due to Victim Restitution Laws in California subject, probation, jail, prison and/or fines are all commonly known penalties for being convicted of a crime. However, in addition to these,...
Nationwide Violence vs. Los Angeles The Gun Crime Statistics (Dangerous Weapons, PC 12020) in Los Angeles is considerably higher than the national average in America. On average, the total crime rate is 31 per thousand residents...
The Criminal Justice Process In Talking to the District Attorney as a Witness subject, When someone is arrested, they may or may not ultimately have charges filed against them. This means someone can be arrested for...
Arrested for Being Drunk in a Parked Car? Can a Person Get a DUI for Drinking in a Parked Car? Sometimes we run across cases where a driver was arrested for a DUI, yet they were...
The Stigma of Domestic Violence Charge On the Recovering from a Domestic Violence Charge subject, have you harmed your loved one, and now you’ve been accused of committing domestic violence? Jail may not be the worst...
Sex Crimes charge with Possible Life Sentences Due to the Sex Crimes with Possible Life Sentences subject, in California, it is quite commonly understood that a criminal gets three strikes before being sentenced to life, in...
What happens if I plead “Guilty”? Essentially, you are giving up your constitutional rights by pleading “guilty”. The right to a fair jury trial. The right to testify on your own defense, or to remain silent....
Mental Health and Criminal Law According to the United States Justice Department, over 16% of the inmates in U.S. jails have mental health issues. The profile of individuals with mental health problems in the criminal justice...
Protecting Your Rights: Things to Remember During a DUI Arrest 8 Important Points for Protecting Your Rights: 1. Be Polite Let’s face it, the police have power over you when they pull you over. There is...
Marijuana is Now Legal How to Remove a Marijuana Conviction, You’ve probably already heard about the legalization of marijuana in California which joined to Alaska, Colorado, DC, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington as the sixth state to...
Seven Billion Dollar Industry What are the Laws for Recreational Marijuana in California? California will soon become the world’s largest legal marijuana market with an estimated value of over $7 billion dollars. Now that the law...
Multiple DUIs Prosecutors and judges are often very concerned when defendants commit multiple open DUIs or old DUI convictions for offenses and defendants in this situation can face lengthy sentences if convicted. A skilled DUI lawyer...
Eyewitness Testimony Why Eyewitness Testimony is not Always Accurate? When law enforcement officers in Los Angeles and throughout California, are looking to solve a crime, they often rely heavily on statements from eyewitnesses. Such testimony has...
Protect Your Future Self When You Wrongfully Arrested Wrongfully Arrested: Having a “criminal record” doesn’t always mean that you have been convicted of a crime. Employers are permitted to protect themselves by asking potential employees whether...
Flying a Drone Laws in California What Are Flying a Drone Laws in California? If you are a drone owner living in the state of California, it’s very important that you know and understands all of...
The Importance of a Defense Attorney The Importance of a Defense Attorney in a Criminal Case, defendants have civil rights to ensure they are given an opportunity to argue their side of the case. Safeguards, however,...
Accidental Shoplifting in California Accidental Shoplifting: Is There Such a Thing? It often seems like a minor crime – just a two dollar candy bar or something small can’t hurt that much, right? However, shoplifting tends...
The Defendant Must be Competent What is Competency to Stand Trial? A person cannot be tried or adjudged to punishment while that person is mentally incompetent. With ‘Competency to Stand Trial’, a defendant is mentally incompetent...
The Burden of Proof and Direct vs Circumstantial Evidence The Burden of Proof and The Difference Between Direct vs Circumstantial Evidence, in Criminal Law, the ‘People’ represented by the District Attorney must prove a defendant’s guilt...
Introduction of Domestic Violence Stats First of all, if you are the accused in a Domestic Violence Stats case, it is recommended that you contact a qualified Domestic Violence Defense Attorney about the details of your...
Corruption & Overcrowding in the City of “Angels” Los Angeles Jails, California Prisons: Corruption & Overcrowding, Former Los Angeles Sheriff Lee Baca stands in front of an overcrowded Los Angeles jail cell. He was sentenced to...
What Exactly are Public Defenders? There is a longstanding debate about which type of counsel is more effective, a public defender or a criminal defense attorney. Public defenders are attorneys that are appointed to a defendant...
Knowing Your Rights and What to do If You Are Being Arrested This article focuses on knowing your rights and what you should do if you are being placed under arrest by a police officer. We...
California Bail Bonds to Get Someone Out of Prison Let’s face it, Prison (jail) is a dangerous place. If you retain our services, and your loved one needs help getting out of jail in these Southern...
How to Reduce a Felony to Misdemeanor? We are commonly asked at our offices if it’s possible to reduce a felony conviction to a misdemeanor, and the answer is commonly yes. I say commonly because there...
Very well, spoken, organized, reaches deep into the facts, sensitive to a clients needs and is not shaken by her opposition. Knows how to stand up for her client. I would go to battle with her any day as co-counsel.- Charles F.
I had a case where a friend accused me of things I did not do. The accusations were untrue but I was charged. Within a couple weeks my case was dropped. Very thankful to Yuliya! Recommend.- Alexander M.
Julia is a great and attentive attorney. We needed to expunge my husband’s DUI case that took place 15 years ago and Julia helped us to get it done within no time. Highly recommend her services to anyone who is looking for a criminal law attorney!- Karina S.
I’m so grateful for the services that were provided by Yuliya. Her experience, kindness, and thoroughness during this difficult time went above and beyond. Yuliya was there for every court date and explained to me every step. I highly recommend her.- Alexandr S.
