Changing Ways As our society changes, so do our laws. Perhaps a good example of this is California's new law on recording violent felonies, which the court can now view as an aggravating factor. The new law on recording crimes seeks to keep pace with the times, as social media is now being used t...
Just the Beginning Facing criminal charges isn't the end of the world. It is, however, the start of a potentially difficult time in your life. But you have options, and pleading guilty isn't the only way out. The best thing you can do for yourself is to speak with an attorney to learn about what ...
Possession of a Controlled Substance If you are facing drug possession charges, it's important to speak with an attorney to learn about the penalties the court can impose on you for a conviction. Penalties for drug possession vary widely. Depending on the substance and the quantity, you could fac...
When the Stakes are High If you were arrested for a domestic violence offense, the judge may have issued a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO), also called a restraining order. Restraining orders can be short-term, lasting a few days or just until the case is resolved, or long-term, lastin...
You Against Them Prosecuting attorneys may lead you to believe they hold all the cards. In reality, you have many rights and liberties you can use to your advantage when facing criminal charges. Here are five things the prosecuting attorney already knows that you might not be aware of. Not all fi...
After Your Arrest After a DUI arrest in California, it can take a few months or longer for your case to resolve. During that time your life is on hold. To help you navigate your DUI case after your arrest, here is what you can expect in the coming months. The First Hours Immediately after your ar...
The Facts Despite harsh DUI laws, drunk driving is more common than you think in California. According to the CDC, 1.8% of Californians reported driving after having too much to drink. This statistic only represents those who admitted to driving while impaired. Many people don't readily admit com...
Devices and Apps to Make Driving Safer California drivers face many risks while on the road. From construction and traffic to poor road conditions and sobriety checkpoints, you never know what obstacles you will face on your commute. To help you drive in California worry-free and in compliance wi...
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 ...
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.
