A Look to the Future The State of California is dynamic, innovative, and home to groundbreaking technology. It should come as no surprise that the future of driving in California would be largely autonomous. From driverless cargo trucks to autonomous pods that zip you around the city, Californian...
Your Life on Hold Facing criminal charges can leave you with a lot of uncertainty. You don't know what your future will hold. You may be anticipating steep fines, a criminal record, and even incarceration. When faced with these consequences, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. The good news is there...
The Arrest Experience Being arrested for a crime is a stressful experience. But knowing what to expect (and what to avoid) can help you feel better prepared to defend your rights. Read on to learn about what an arrest in California entails and what you should and shouldn't do during the process. ...
Clearing the Misconceptions Having a criminal record is a liability. It can hold you back and cause others to judge you. Thus, it's important to clear up some common misconceptions about criminal records so you better understand what is on yours, who can see it, and what they can do with that inf...
The Group No One Wants to Join If you think your criminal record is holding you back, you're not alone. In fact, you're just one of almost one-third of working-age Americans with a criminal record. But is being part of this growing group of Americans a good thing? Perhaps it is, but let's explore...
False Allegations Are Becoming More Common Domestic violence offenses are unique because they often involve the victim's word against the defendant. Eyewitnesses are less common, as these types of crimes are frequently perpetrated inside the home. And if the victim doesn't seek medical care for i...
Freedom from Forceful Entry We like to think we have a right to privacy in our own home. Indeed, in the majority of cases, police need a California search warrant to enter your home. A search warrant is a court order issued by a judge. Police need a court order to enter and search your home becau...
Seeking DUI Advice If you are facing DUI charges, you might be looking for advice on how to handle your case. Unfortunately, not all advice is good advice. Family, friends, and even attorneys can give you bad advice about DUI charges. But a good attorney will tell you every case is different, and...
Looking for Legal Guidance When Facing Charges If you're facing criminal charges, one of the best investments of your time is a criminal defense consultation. If you have an upcoming criminal defense consultation, be aware of the fact that not all attorneys are created equal. This is especially t...
Managing Expectations A domestic violence (DV) conviction has many serious repercussions. Unfortunately, many defendants fail to realize them until it's too late. If you're facing domestic violence charges, keep these unexpected consequences of DV convictions in mind: A DV Conviction Will Impa...
A DUI Can Ruin Your Life For many, a DUI is a life-changing experience. A DUI conviction can be a wake-up call. After the stressful experience of an arrest, you also face jail time, the loss of your license, and enormous costs. The good news is facing DUI charges doesn't necessarily mean you will...
Crossing the Line We've all heard the saying “talk is cheap.” In reality, talking has the potential to be very expensive if it is threatening. If you are charged with criminal threats in California, you can face jail time, steep fines, probation, and a protection order, which will come with great...
What Is a Criminal Traffic Ticket? DUI (driving under the influence) is a criminal offense in California. Some jurisdictions used to view driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated an aggravated traffic citation. But, today, a DUI in California is charged as a misdemeanor or a felon...
DUI Outcomes Explained Moving on after a DUI conviction can be difficult. DUI outcomes aren't easy, nor is the experience of being arrested for a DUI easy to forget. But countless others have been in your shoes and have moved on with their lives. Among the many consequences of a DUI are jail time...
Defining the Right to Due Process Despite what many people argue, our constitutional rights are still relevant today. One, in particular, the right to due process, is especially important. Protected under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment, our right to due process means we cannot be convicted of...
California DUI Arrests Are Prevalent Facing DUI charges in California? You're not alone. California DUI arrests are very common. In fact: In 2013, there were 160,388 California DUI arrests. In 2016, the California Department of Motor Vehicles suspended 134,595 licenses due to drunk driving u...
With each New Year come new laws. In 2018, California made many changes to laws, but here are the ones that will change the criminal defense landscape in particular. Employers are banned from asking about prior convictions on job applications. This is part of the “Ban the Box” initiative. The ...
A Common Method of Revenge We've all been mad enough at someone to damage their property. Not everyone acts on these feelings, but those that do can face criminal charges. Keying someone's car is a common revenge tactic. It seems simple enough. Cars are accessed easily. We often carry keys with u...
Weighing the Victim's Word Against Yours Domestic violence offenses are unique because, in a court of law, the most powerful evidence is sometimes testimony from the alleged victim and abuser. And when it's the victim's word against yours, it's harder to defend yourself. Not surprisingly, the vic...
California Domestic Violence Classes: Benefit or Burden? The criminal courts order all those convicted of domestic violence offenses attend California domestic violence classes for 52 weeks. These classes are part of Batterers Intervention Programs, which aim to rehabilitate offenders. Far from a...
How California Sentencing Guidelines Determine Penalties for Crimes Many people facing criminal charges have one thought at the front of their mind: will the judge go easy on me or will I get a harsh sentence? This is a crucial question because sentencing for a California criminal conviction can ...
If You Have an Outstanding Warrant, You Need to Take Action Having an outstanding warrant puts you at risk of being arrested. With a warrant, police can arrest you at any time in any place. It's difficult to live your normal life not knowing when and where you will be arrested. If you think you h...
Mistaken Identification Is More Common Than You Think Victim and eyewitness accounts are sometimes the only element linking a crime to an alleged perpetrator. Unfortunately, innocent people can be victims of mistaken identification when those accounts are wrong. And this happens all too frequentl...
Clear and Convincing Proof Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that contains our unique genetic code. Specific to the individual (or individuals in the case of identical twins), DNA is reliable enough to be used in a court of law. A person's DNA is constant, meaning it can be used to solve ...
Your Options for Appearing in Court It's important to prepare for and attend your court dates if you are facing criminal charges. If you do not show up at your hearings, the judge can issue a bench warrant against you to compel you to go to court. Also, without going to court, your case can take ...
We focus on defending clients accused of Domestic Violence and Driving Under the Influence (DUI), two of the most aggressively prosecuted charges in California. Every case starts with listening. We take the time to understand your situation, your concerns, and your goals so we can build a defense strategy tailored specifically to you. If you are under investigation or have already been charged, do not wait. Early action can make a critical difference in your case. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
