Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 29, 2016 |
California's Sex Offender Registration Act
Under the Sex Offender Registration Act, those convicted of certain offenses in California must register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives. This is also called the PC 290 requirement. This is a large burden to bear for committing even one cri...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 25, 2016 |
A Brief Stop
A police officer can do one of two things to someone they suspect has committed or been involved in a crime. An officer may arrest or detain someone. Detainment is the momentary stopping of someone so an officer can identify him or her and ask some questions. An officer may do a comp...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 23, 2016 |
California abuse and assault laws are differentiated, in part, by who the victim was. There are many different kinds of abuse under California's laws, such as child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic abuse. It is important to understand that while these may be related, they are considered separate ...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 19, 2016 |
When is Violence Mutual?
Domestic violence is abuse directed at someone whom you are in or have been in an intimate relationship with. Many people think of domestic violence as always being one-sided. Sometimes, however, domestic violence isn't what it seems from an outsider's perspective. True i...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 17, 2016 |
Come Prepared
Appearing in court on a criminal charge can be intimidating. You may be worried about the consequences, and not knowing what to expect in court can increase your anxiety. Knowing how to prepare yourself to appear in court and what you should do once you are there is an important ste...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 15, 2016 |
Just the Facts
Domestic violence cases present a variety of forms of evidence that can be used in criminal trial proceedings. California recognizes many different types of domestic violence, from making threats to physical violence. The form of evidence used by the prosecution in a California dom...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 11, 2016 |
Knowing Where to Turn for Quality Legal Assistance
As more and more employers choose to conduct background checks on prospective employees, our criminal records are more visible than ever. Online criminal background checks make viewing your past convictions easy and convenient for almost anyone w...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 09, 2016 |
Potential Penalties of Child Abuse
There was a time in the past when child abuse wasn't considered a concern of the state. Those times have long passed. Today, child abuse is considered a serious crime in California. Instances of child abuse regularly take precedence in the media with gruesome st...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 05, 2016 |
Paying Your Debt for Your Crime
A domestic violence conviction can cost you a lot. Beyond jail time, you may face some serious financial consequences as well. You may face fees, fines, and ordered payments that are part of the terms of your probation. Not paying these costs can have serious reper...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 03, 2016 |
Fighting to Get Your Rights Back
US citizens have the right to keep and bear arms. This is protected under the Second Amendment, and it's one right that people have been known to fight tooth and nail for. While it is a protected right, there are many instances when this right can be suspended or ...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Aug 01, 2016 |
When You Can Move on From a Felony
Some California crimes can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances. These are called wobbler crimes. There are many different types of wobbler crimes, a few of which are domestic violence crimes. Many domestic violence cr...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jul 28, 2016 |
How Crime Can Affect Custody
A California domestic violence conviction will change your life in many ways. You could face jail time, probation, fees and fines, and be ordered to attend a counseling, therapy, drug and alcohol treatment, or anger management program. Among these penalties, the custo...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jul 26, 2016 |
The Costs of Domestic Violence
When facing domestic violence charges, you have a lot at stake. Your dignity, pride, and freedom may be on the line. What you may not realize is your bank account may be jeopardized as well. A domestic violence conviction can result in fines, fees, and other require...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jul 22, 2016 |
The Scientific Approach to DUI Defense
It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol in California. This “influence” can be determined by observing your driving behavior or by measuring how much alcohol was in your blood at the time you were driving. This measurement is the b...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jul 20, 2016 |
The Basics of Batterers' Programs
Domestic violence in California is never taken lightly. There are many consequences of a domestic violence charge, which can include jail time, probation, and hefty fines. The terms and conditions of probation given for a domestic violence offense in California a...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jul 18, 2016 |
What Your BAC Test Results Could Really Cost You
California DUI laws are complex because there are many variables that can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Your history of prior offenses, your age, your type of driver's license, and your BAC level can all increase the seriousness of...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jul 14, 2016 |
The law can vary quite a bit from state to state. What is illegal in one state may be perfectly legal in another.
Nevertheless, you are expected to follow certain laws that apply in all states. Laws regarding abuse or domestic violence are fairly far reaching. Restraining orders, also sometimes...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jul 12, 2016 |
DUI sentencing in California is highly regulated. Whether it is your first or fourth DUI, many of the penalties of a California DUI conviction are mandatory and non-negotiable. Most people are concerned about jail time after being arrested for a DUI. For a first-time DUI, you could face up to six...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jul 08, 2016 |
There are three types of crimes recognized by the California criminal justice system: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Infractions are the least serious offense, but nevertheless many people would rather not have anything on their record at all. Many infraction crimes in California are tr...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jul 06, 2016 |
Probation is one of the many potential consequences of being convicted of a crime in California. Probation may be given instead of or in addition to jail time in many criminal cases. Probation is a way for the courts to ensure you pay your debt to society without sending yet another offender into...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jun 30, 2016 |
If you are convicted of a DUI in California you will be ordered to complete a course of DUI classes. This is just one of the many mandatory punishments for driving under the influence. You must complete your DUI classes to fulfill the requirements of your sentencing and to get your license fully ...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jun 28, 2016 |
As much as we want to trust in our legal system in the U.S., many people are falsely accused and charged with crimes they didn't commit every day. People are falsely accused of many different crimes, but false allegations of domestic violence crimes are particularly frequent. Fortunately, you may...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jun 24, 2016 |
Probation may be given instead of or in addition to jail time to many California defendants. Probation can be formal or informal. Informal probation is also called summary probation. No matter what type of probation you are on or for how long, it is crucial to not violate the conditions of your p...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jun 22, 2016 |
Although property crimes are on the decline, theft is still one of the most common California crimes. Many Californians find themselves facing theft charges every day. Defending theft charges can be difficult, and so many people think they have no chance in court. This may lead to them pleading g...
Posted by Christopher Martens | Jun 20, 2016 |
California leads the nation in auto-theft rates. Auto-theft in California is a significant problem, and so cases are taken very seriously. The majority of stolen vehicles are retrieved, and defendants are prosecuted aggressively. Taking a car without the owner's consent can be charged as either g...