When you are pulled over for a DUI, the officer may ask you to take a chemical test to measure what your blood-alcohol content, or BAC, was at the time you were driving. The officer should advise you that you have the choice between a breath test, using a breathalyzer instrument, or a blood test,...
There are many different types of domestic violence under California law. Making threats to a spouse or someone else with whom you've have had or are in a close relationship with is one of California's domestic violence crimes. For the purposes of California criminal law, domestic violence is abu...
The Fourth Amendment protects your right to freedom from unreasonable search and seizure by the government. This right means that in order for a law enforcement officer to lawfully pull you over, he or she must have a good reason to do so. Specifically, he or she must have probable cause, or a re...
Domestic violence is a crime that typically occurs between two people who are close to each other. Ordinarily, you probably do not want your spouse being charged with a crime, but if you feel your safety is threatened you may call the police. Even if your spouse did not intend for you to be crimi...
Getting your first DUI is bad enough, but what happens when you get your second DUI? A second DUI offense will result in several mandatory punishments. These are generally more severe, cost more money, and take more time than those for a first DUI offense. Perhaps the most devastating consequence...
California is a diverse state that offers the opportunity of a better life for many immigrants. While Californians without full citizenship enjoy some of the same rights and liberties US citizens do, they are held to stricter standard of conduct. Even California residents with green cards or with...
In response to an increase in public concerns over rising DUI rates, California DMV rules on DUI offenses and license suspensions were revised in 2010. With these revisions, the ignition interlock device was added as a requirement for some offenders. As a result, those who are convicted of a DUI ...
California is a state with a high number of residents without a full United States citizenship status. Even without full citizen status, those living in California are subject to California law. This means they can be charged and convicted of a crime like any other citizen. But California residen...
Domestic violence is unique in that both the victim and the district attorney can take legal action against the abuser. Not all instances of domestic violence will result in a criminal charge. Sometimes, less severe cases of domestic abuse result in a domestic violence restraining order and nothi...
Knowing what your rights are during a DUI arrest, or any arrest for that matter, can help you make the right decisions to protect your interests. Even knowing your rights after the fact can help you built a strong defense in court. Ideally, the arresting officer would inform you of your rights, b...
California is a diverse state that treats traditional and nontraditional families equally. Because of this, you do not need to be in a married partnership to commit domestic violence. Under California law, domestic violence is not limited to married spouses. It can also occur between two people w...
When you are pulled over on suspicion of a DUI, you may be put through a variety of tests. The officer will use these tests to assess your level of intoxication so they can make a decision on whether or not they have sufficient probable cause to arrest you. One of the first steps in the DUI arres...
Having your criminal record expunged can restore your dignity and your confidence, especially when it comes to job hunting. No one should have to let a criminal record prevent him or her from finding a job or housing. Unfortunately, even one criminal conviction can cause you to lose your job or m...
When police are on patrol, there are a number of signs they will be looking for to identify drunk drivers. These are sometimes called signs of impairment and can be exhibited in drivers in moving vehicles as well as while they are stopped. When driving, these signs of impairment can include swerv...
Having a criminal record can burden you with limitations, restrictions, and stigma. It can prevent you from holding certain positions or living in certain areas. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction can stay on your record long after you've fulfilled your sentencing requirements and returned to a...
Many people may think that there must be hard physical evidence of abuse in order for someone to be convicted of a domestic violence offense. If this were the case, many people would get away with abusive behavior with no ramifications. Under California law, however, domestic violence goes far be...
The juvenile justice system is little understood. The juvenile justice system is not exactly the same as the criminal justice system, but they work together to rehabilitate youths who have broken the law. Unlike popular belief, your juvenile record is not destroyed once you turn 18. In fact, it i...
In response to an increase in public concerns over rising DUI rates, California DMV rules on DUI offenses and license suspensions were revised in 2010. With these revisions, the ignition interlock device was added as a requirement for some offenders. As a result, those who are convicted of a DUI ...
Many people are not fully aware of the rights they have as citizens being arrested or facing criminal charges. Most people think they have a right to an attorney, but do not know when, where, and how they can invoke that right. If you've never been arrested, this is an understandable area of conf...
Many people think of disturbing the peace as something that happens in a public setting, generally involving someone who is belligerent or a group of people who are unruly, such as protesters or rioters. By definition, it is considered a crime against the public peace. Common examples of disturbi...
Many Californians who get a DUI will be ordered to install an Ignition Interlock Device in any vehicle they drive or own, except for employer-owned vehicles. Ignition Interlock Devices, or IIDs, are mandatory for those with first-time DUI convictions in Alameda, Sacramento, Los Angeles, or Tulare...
Domestic violence is often discussed in the media as if it were a single criminal act. In reality, domestic violence is just the term we use when discussing violence in domestic situations. The violence itself can come in many forms. Harassment is one form of violence that can fall into the categ...
Getting a DUI results in many consequences that will affect your life immediately and in the future. Some of your rights and privileges may be taken away and without a doubt this will involve your driving privileges. Perhaps one of the hardest components of the sentencing for a California DUI is ...
Domestic abuse is a term many of us are familiar with. Domestic abuse is discussed in the media at length and is the focus of many public service announcements. Domestic abuse offenses affect many Californians every year, but few people fully understand what a domestic abuse crime is and what pen...
Domestic violence is a complex problem, one that reaches many different families, traditional and non-traditional. The common depiction of domestic violence is a husband abusing his wife, however, today domestic violence can affect unmarried couples and others in a variety of different domestic s...
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.
