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What is the Crime of Luring?

October 18, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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What is the Crime of Luring? Luring or enticing a minor is a serious crime that involves the act of persuading, enticing, or luring a minor to engage in sexual activities or participate in child pornography....

The Impact of Cough and Cold Medicine on DUI Charges

October 17, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

October 16, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Approved in 1970, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) applies to all public agencies at the state, regional, or local level. CEQA mandates that both public and private projects requiring discretionary...

Possible Consequences of a Misdemeanor Probation Violation

October 09, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What Are ‘Extenuating Circumstances’ in Criminal Law?

October 09, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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Alan Colie was found not guilty due to ‘Extenuating Circumstances’ involving a Youtube prank gone wrong. What Are ‘Extenuating Circumstances’ in Criminal Law? Extenuating circumstances, also known as mitigating factors, refer to pertinent facts or details...

How Can The Police See Your Internet History?

October 05, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

Suing The Police for Excessive Force

October 03, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Possible Consequences of a Felony Probation Violation

October 03, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

The Difference Between a Police “Search” and a “Frisk”

September 13, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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 Much Force Can The Police Use In High-speed Car Chases?

September 12, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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High-speed Car Chases In California, if a suspect tries to run away, the police can chase after them. But, there is a distinction between bringing a suspect back to jail and participating in a risky car...

Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine

September 12, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine The ‘fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine’ is a legal principle that serves as an evidentiary rule, which disallows the admission of specific evidence during a trial, if it was...

Getting Immunity in Exchange for Testimony

September 11, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Accessing Police Misconduct/Personnel Files for Criminal Defendants

September 11, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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How to Access Police Misconduct/Personnel Files In a California trial, it is crucial to determine whether the testifying police officer has any questionable history that could compromise their credibility as a witness. If, for instance, the...

Is Violation Of Probation A Felony Or Misdemeanor?

August 30, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Is it Still Resisting Arrest If Police Use Excessive Force?

August 26, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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Is it Still Resisting Arrest If Police Use Excessive Force? If you can provide evidence indicating that your actions were in self-defense, it is appropriate for you to resist an arrest. To substantiate this defensive stance,...

How to Successfully Recant a Domestic Violence Statement

August 22, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

The Perils of Using AI for Legal Services

August 22, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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,...

Can Using AI for Creating Art be Considered Intellectual Property Theft?

August 03, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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Can Using an AI for Creating Art be Considered Intellectual Property Theft? AI-generated art has revolutionized the creative landscape, allowing both experienced artists and amateurs to create striking and original-looking images. However, the rise of AI...

The Legal Ramifications of Dog-on-Dog Attacks in California

August 01, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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Understanding Dog-on-Dog Aggression Dog-on-dog aggression is a common issue that many dog owners face. It can occur for various reasons, such as territorial behavior, lack of socialization, and jealousy. When dogs feel that their personal space...

Can Paralegals Provide Legal Advice?

July 31, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is the “Reid Technique” in Police Interrogation?

July 30, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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What is the “Reid Technique” in Police Interrogation? In the realm of criminal investigations, the art of police interrogation plays a critical role in uncovering the truth and securing convictions. One widely recognized method of interrogation...

SB 731: Relief from Old Criminal Records

July 26, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Escorting vs. Prostitution: What’s The Difference?

July 26, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Is Sex in Your Car Illegal?

July 24, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What Must a Prosecutor Prove in a Money Laundering Case

July 24, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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Proving Money Laundering Charges Money laundering is a criminal transgression characterized by concealing or camouflaging unlawfully obtained funds to present them as legal. The prosecution must meticulously establish multiple crucial elements to the extent that leaves...

Is “Hoarding” a Criminal Offense?

July 21, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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A hoarder hoarding in Koreatown, Los Angeles. What is Hoarding? Before delving into the legal aspects pertaining to hoarding, it is imperative to possess a fundamental comprehension of the actual condition. According to the Mayo Clinic,...

What Happens To Your Possessions When You Go To Jail or Prison?

July 20, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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Los Angeles Central Evidence Warehouse It is crucial to grasp the fate of your belongings when apprehended. Understanding the potential consequences for your property and belongings in the event of your arrest is equally essential. It...

Can a Child be Tried and Convicted of Murder?

July 14, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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Eric M. Smith was convicted of murder, and spent 3 decades in prison, before being released in 2022. Children Tried as Adults The issue of whether a child can be tried and convicted of murder is...

When Does a DUI Charge Become a Felony in California?

July 13, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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,...

The Most Common Los Angeles Felony Crimes

July 11, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Understanding the 5150 Hold in California

July 09, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Employee Theft: An Inside Job

July 06, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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,...

What are Psychosexual Evaluations?

June 21, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What is a Federal Sentencing Memorandum?

June 12, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Worst Roommate Ever: Can Roommate Fights Be Domestic Violence?

June 09, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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 The California Juvenile Pretrial Diversion Program (SB 394)?

June 07, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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What is Pretrial Diversion Program for Juveniles? The California State Assembly has passed Senate Bill 394, allowing judges to use their judgment to place offenders into a new “parental diversion program.” This program offers defendants the...

Forensic Science: New Tech Identifies Human DNA Floating In Air

June 02, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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Tech That Identifies Human DNA Floating In The Air Environmental DNA/eDNA refers to DNA derived from natural surroundings like water, sand, and air. People regularly shed small DNA fragments through sweat, saliva, blood, and skin. Tiny...

Can I Claim Self-Defense if I Hit Someone First?

June 02, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is a “Pitchess Motion” in Criminal Law?

May 30, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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What is a “Pitchess Motion” in Criminal Law? A California Pitchess Motion (EC 1043 and 1045) seeks access to law enforcement personnel files. Your defense attorney will usually submit a Pitchess Motion before the trial if...

California Civil Drunk Driving Lawsuits

May 23, 2023 by Leonard Sawyer
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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...

How Do Courts Determine Whether Prison Conditions are Cruel?

May 21, 2023 by Leonard Sawyer
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Eighth Amendment The eighth amendment gives prisoners some rights to be protected from cruel and unusual punishment while locked up. These rights mean that prisoners have the right to live in a place that is fit...

What is “Good Cause” in Criminal Justice?

May 19, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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What is “Good Cause” in Criminal Law? When someone asks a court for something or tries to avoid doing something, the court may ask them to prove that they have a good reason or cause for...

Can a Jail Record My Telephone Conversation With a Lawyer?

May 19, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Dentistry for Domestic Abuse Survivors in California

May 19, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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Dentistry for Domestic Abuse Survivors Crime can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Sudden violent deaths, shootings, sexual assaults, child molestation, or domestic violence create hurdles in the recovery process for victims, survivors, and families. Crime devastates families...

Algorithms to Set Bail

May 18, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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Algorithms to Set Bail When a judge decides if a person accused of a crime should get bail and how much to pay, the judge considers how likely it is that the person will not come...

Working a Job When Under House Arrest

May 16, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

How to Convince a Judge to Lower the Initial Bail

May 16, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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....

Is “Mistake of Fact” a Defense to Criminal Charges?

May 16, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

By Law, How Much Force Can I Use in Self-Defense?

May 14, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is the Crime of “Jugging”?

May 08, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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What is the Crime of “Jugging”? Before learning about the jugging crime, becoming familiar with all the jugging terminology is essential. The concept of “jugging” has a limited number of possible interpretations, as can be seen...

California Laws and Procedures for Police Lineups

April 27, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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California Police Lineup Laws Considering how frequently police lineups are portrayed in movies about criminal investigations, many people have a basic understanding of what they’re like. A police lineup is a standard legal procedure where a...

Where Do The Guns Used in Violent Crime Come From?

April 27, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

California Assembly Bill 2147 Decriminalizes Jaywalking in 2023

April 27, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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Decriminalizing Jaywalking in California In California, there have been several instances where implementing a jaywalking checkpoint has resulted in unforeseen consequences. In September 2020, Kurt Reinhold was fatally shot by the San Clemente Police Force following...

How to Defend Yourself against Jugging Crimes

April 25, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

Special Circumstances in a California Murder Case

April 21, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is a ‘Romero Motion’ in Criminal Law?

April 21, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is a ‘Lying in Wait’ Murder?

April 21, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Diamond Heists On the Rise in Los Angeles, California

April 18, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Understanding Wet Reckless: How it Differs from DUI Charges

April 18, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

The Impact of a DUI on Your Ability to Adopt a Child

March 22, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

The Impact of a DUI on Your Security Clearance

March 22, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

How Do I Choose a DUI Defense Attorney?

March 20, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

The Impact of a DUI Arrest or Conviction on a Child Custody Case

March 20, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

The Cost of a DUI in California

March 17, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

DUI Charge for International Visitors in California

March 16, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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If you are arrested for DUI while in California, you can be certain that the penalties you will face are equivalent to those of a state resident. Nonetheless, the procedure can be intricately complex. It may...

The Impact of a DUI on Your Ability to Rent a Car in California

March 16, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What Criminal Records Cannot be Expunged in California?

March 16, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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 Goes On My Driving Record?

March 15, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Crime in Los Angeles Jumped in 2022 – Second Year in a Row

March 15, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

How Accurate is the Jury?

February 24, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

How Does the Media Impact a Criminal Court Case?

February 23, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Do People Who are Wrongfully Imprisoned Get Compensation?

February 22, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

How Does ‘Public Fear’ Influence Decisions in Criminal Courts?

February 21, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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 is The California DUI Re-education Program?

February 16, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can a Convicted Sex Offender Become a Teacher?

February 16, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Common St. Patrick’s Day Crimes

February 15, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

Debunking California DUI Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

February 14, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Your Rights During a Traffic Stop in California

February 10, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

An In-Depth Look at PPP “Covid Relief” Fraud

February 03, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can Minors be Registered as Sex Offenders in California?

February 01, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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Juvenile Can Be Sex Offenders In California, a minor (someone under the age of 18) can be registered as a Sex Offender if they are convicted of certain sex offenses. Sex offenses in California that may...

The Pros and Cons of Facial Recognition Technology

February 01, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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Facial Recognition, Technology and AI Facial recognition technology is becoming increasingly popular with law enforcement, who view it as a powerful tool to help identify suspects and keep the public safe. However, there are some major...

What is an “Aggravated Felony” in Criminal Law?

January 30, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Proving the Authenticity of Digital Evidence: A Guide for Professionals

January 28, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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....

The Miranda Law: A Comprehensive Guide to Miranda Rights

January 27, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

The Consequences of a DUI with an Occupational Driver’s License

January 25, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Los Angeles Dognappings On The Rise

January 23, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

How Domestic Violence Impacts Military Personnel and Their Families

January 22, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

California Penal Code 995: Motion to Dismiss

January 20, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Common Valentine’s Day Crimes

January 19, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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,...

What is an Alternative Dispute Resolution?

January 19, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Can I Be Charged With Raping My Spouse?

January 17, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Is Patronizing a Prostitute a Crime in California?

January 15, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

Can AI-Generated Content be Intellectual Property Theft?

January 14, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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Can Using AI for Writing Content be Considered Intellectual Property Theft? This is a valid concern because of the current training methods for generative AI. Like machine learning programs, they can find and use existing data...

How is Emotional Abuse Proven in a Domestic Violence Case?

January 14, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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,...

Common Christmas Crimes

January 14, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Is Lolicon Illegal in the United States?

January 14, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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What is a Lolicon Anime? In the U.S., lolicon and shotacon are no longer a topic of debate. Since the 1990s, federal and state lawmakers have sought ways to balance free speech and child porn. Federal...

The Difference Between a Federal and a State Court

January 13, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Common Crimes on New Year’s Eve

January 13, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Victim Services: Help for Victims of Crime in Los Angeles

January 11, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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I’m a Victim. Where can I find Assistance? Those who work in victim services provide a wide variety of free services to assist those who have been victimized to thrive again. For the County District Attorney’s...

How Accomplice Testimony Can Impact Your Case

January 10, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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,...

What’s the Line Between Hate Speech and Hate Crime?

January 10, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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The border between hate speech and hate crimes is blurred for many Americans. Associations have been campaigning against present hate crime regulations because they stifle free expression. While hate speech is mostly uncontrolled owing to the...

How to Defend Against Wrongful Allegations?

January 10, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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You may face incarceration, supervised probation, and heavy penalties if falsely accused of a crime. However, even if you are found innocent, you may suffer irreparable harm to your reputation. Many consider it given that justice...

What Is a Restricted Driver’s License in California?

January 05, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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How Can I Obtain a Restricted Drivers License? A restricted license permits anyone to use a motor vehicle under certain conditions. After an arrest or conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI),...

How to Win a School Expulsion Hearing in California?

January 05, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Hate Crimes Against LGBTQ

January 05, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

Who are Jailhouse Informants and How to Spot Them

January 05, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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Being Aware of Jailhouse Informants Unmonitored jailhouse testimony puts innocent individuals in jail (often on death row), wastes millions of dollars, and does little to help victims of crime. Worse still, the witnesses often gain in...

What is a ‘Motion to Vacate a Judgment’ in Criminal Law?

January 04, 2023 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

California Education Code 48900 for Student Discipline Explained

January 03, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is ‘Child Procurement’?

January 03, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Felony Murder: Petition for Reduced Sentence SB 1437

January 03, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What Types of Crimes Does the F.B.I. Investigate?

January 02, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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:...

Penalties for Assaulting A Pregnant Woman In California

January 02, 2023 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Should I Turn Myself in If There’s a Warrant for My Arrest?

January 02, 2023 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentences. What Is The Difference?

December 22, 2022 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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What are Concurrent Sentences and Consecutive Sentences? Typically, judges have the authority to determine whether offenders guilty of different offenses should get concurrent or consecutive sentences. The choice may arise when a person is convicted of...

How Much Does an Attorney Cost?

December 22, 2022 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

How to Protect From False Accusations of Abuse as a Teacher?

December 22, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Were You Falsely Accused? Teachers have a greater impact on their students’ development than any other adult group, including the students’ close families. Unfortunately, many of these educators’ only transgression went the additional mile to aid...

How Are Defendants Caught with Child Pornography?

December 21, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What is a Pre-Trial Diversion Program in California?

December 21, 2022 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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What is a Pre-trial Diversion Program? It is possible to escape conviction and a criminal record after an arrest for a misdemeanor in California by enrolling in a pre-trial diversion program, even if a not-guilty finding...

What is Complicity in a Crime?

December 21, 2022 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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 is a Civil Harassment Restraining Order?

December 20, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

How Can People Who Commit Fraud Impersonate Me?

December 20, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What Actions May Trigger an IRS Audit?

December 20, 2022 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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,...

What is Doxxing in California?

December 20, 2022 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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...

How An Arrest Warrant Affects Your Everyday Life

December 20, 2022 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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Ways an Active Arrest Warrant May Change Your Life Having an active arrest warrant is a terrible legal predicament, mainly if you are on the run from law enforcement and hoping to escape being apprehended or...

The Difference Between a Federal and a State Charge

December 20, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What Is a ‘Parole Board’, And How Does It Work?

December 19, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Common Crimes Committed on Halloween

December 17, 2022 by Janet Levy
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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...

How Often Do Sex Offenders Reoffend?

December 17, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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....

What To Do If a Federal Arrest Warrant Has Been Issued

December 16, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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,...

Can The Police Force You to Unlock Your Phone?

December 15, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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,...

Beware of These Employment Scams Targeting Eager Job Seekers

December 12, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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What is Job Scam? Have you ever encountered a job posting on the internet and immediately dismissed it as a scam? That may be the case. Even if fraudsters have always existed, they’ve become more inventive...

Witness Protection Program: Who is Eligible, and How to Protect Them?

December 12, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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....

Can the Police Conduct a Search of Your Home Without a Warrant?

December 12, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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’s The Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case?

December 10, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Law and Order In American law, civil cases and criminal proceedings are handled separately. However, the specific facts of each case determine whether a defendant may face criminal or civil charges in California. In general, crimes...

Can Being a Confidential Informant Reduce Your Charges?

December 08, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What Crimes Affect Immigration Proceedings?

December 06, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can Emojis Be Used As Evidence in a Criminal Case?

December 05, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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 Are Jury Instructions in a Criminal Trial?

December 05, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Detailing Jury Instructions Jury deliberation follows the presentation of evidence and the conclusion of closing arguments in a jury trial. The judge will write up guidelines for the jury to follow while they deliberate, which will...

The Brutal Reality of Live-Streaming Deadly Crimes

December 05, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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,...

Should Parents be Responsible for Their Children’s Crimes?

December 05, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What Is ‘Realignment’ in The California Criminal Justice System?

October 03, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Do ‘Restricted Driving Privileges’ Transfer State-to-State?

October 03, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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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 Escape a Hostage Situation

October 02, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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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...

Common Crimes That Happen During Black Friday

October 02, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What Qualifies as ‘Drug Paraphernalia’ in California?

October 01, 2022 by Chistian Bredefeld
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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...

What is Strict Liability?

October 01, 2022 by Janet Levy
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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...

What You Should Know About Intellectual Property Theft

September 30, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Public Urination Laws in California

September 30, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Why Children Lie About Sexual Abuse

September 29, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Sextortion Cyber-Tipline Report Unveils Trends

September 27, 2022 by M. Bernard
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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...

How Does Credit/Debit Card Skimming Work?

September 27, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Can You Get in Trouble for Selling Your Prescription Meds?

September 26, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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....

What Is a ‘Commitment Order’ in California?

September 20, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can You Get a DUI on a Golf Cart in California?

September 19, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What Is a ‘Writ Of Habeas Corpus’ in Criminal Law?

September 17, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can I Still Be Charged With Theft If I Return the Property?

September 13, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Understanding Embezzlement Charges in California

September 13, 2022 by Ray Chao
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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...

What If a Witness or Victim Fails to Appear?

September 13, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

California’s Elderly Parole Program

September 12, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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 is ‘Obstruction of Justice’?

September 09, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can I Legally Record a Police Officer in the United States?

September 07, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What is ‘Double Jeopardy’ in Criminal Law?

September 06, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What to Expect At Your First Meeting with a Criminal Defense Lawyer

September 04, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Can I Withdraw or Undo My Guilty Plea?

September 02, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Are Consensual Fights Legal in California?

August 31, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can Police Access Your Phone Remotely?

August 30, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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....

Is Gambling Illegal or Legal in California?

August 29, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

K-9 Drug-Sniffing Dogs and Traffic Stops in California

August 28, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What is ‘Presumption of Innocence’ in Criminal Justice?

August 26, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

How a Domestic Violence Charge Affects Child Visitation Rights

August 26, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Potential Defense Strategies For Credit Card Fraud

August 19, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Is Failure to Report a Crime, a Crime in California?

August 18, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Effects Of Gun Control Measures In California

August 18, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can You Get Deported for Drugs in California?

August 18, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is “Contempt of Court” in Criminal Law?

August 15, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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 An International Student’s Visa Might Be Affected By an Arrest

August 11, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Why Defendants Shouldn’t Contact Witnesses By Themselves

August 10, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What Happens If You Forget Your Court Date In California?

August 10, 2022 by Janet Levy
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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...

How Long Does a DUI Stay On Your Record In California?

August 06, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Can Police Track Who You Call on Your Phone?

August 05, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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....

How Forensic Sketch Artists Help Catch Criminals

August 05, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Why Should I Not Discuss My Case With Anyone?

August 04, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

How Do I Apply for a License to Carry a Firearm in California?

August 03, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can I Get Out of Jail for Good Behavior in Los Angeles?

July 28, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

How to Apply for a Pardon in California

July 28, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Can You Become a Lawyer Without Going to Law School in California?

July 28, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Is a Traffic Ticket a Misdemeanor in California?

July 28, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Excessive Bail: What Are Your Rights?

July 28, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Bad Strategies That Could Trigger Self-Incrimination in a Criminal Case

July 28, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Does A DUI Affect Auto Insurance in California?

July 26, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Was Your Child Arrested for Drugs at School in California?

July 25, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Teenage Breakups and The Dangers of Stalking

July 25, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What Does it Mean to Recant a Confession to the Police?

July 25, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Helping Your Party Guests Avoid a DUI

July 21, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Is Smoking Weed in Public Legal?

July 13, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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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...

26 Types of Evidence Used in Criminal Trials

July 12, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What Does It Mean When a Charge Is Dropped?

July 12, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Unfair Tactics Used in Domestic Violence Prosecution

July 12, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Traffickers, Their Victims, and the People Who Buy Humans

July 11, 2022 by Janet Levy
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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,...

The Difference Between Money Laundering and Embezzlement

July 11, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What Should I Expect if I’m Arrested at a Protest?

July 11, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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 Character Witnesses Can Help Your Criminal Case

July 08, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can You Expunge a Juvenile Record in California?

July 08, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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,...

Statute of Limitations in California and Federal Criminal Cases

July 07, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is a ‘Procedural Defense’ in Criminal Law?

July 01, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Constitutional Rights: What Is The Problem with Rapid DNA?

June 30, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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,...

What Does ‘Dismissed Without Prejudice’ Mean?

June 29, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

How to Defend Against Police Surveillance at Protests and Rallies

June 29, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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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...

What’s the Difference Between Rape and Statutory Rape?

June 29, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Rape or Statutory Rape? The legal definition of rape is the sexual offense of having non-consensual sexual intercourse with someone by issuing threats, fraud, or using force. In most cases, the rapist prevents the victim from...

What Is ‘Negligent Homicide’?

June 28, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is ‘Strict Liability’ in Criminal Law?

June 27, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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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...

Can I Get a DUI for Taking Prescription Medication in California?

June 27, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Is Squatting the Same Thing as Trespassing?

June 26, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Am I Being Sexually Harassed at Work?

June 26, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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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...

Passport Mistake vs. Passport Lie

June 24, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Can Parental Rights Be Terminated After a Child Abuse Charge?

June 24, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

The Clear Correlation Between Education and Crime

June 24, 2022 by M. Bernard
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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...

Biking Under The Influence in California

June 23, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Involuntary Manslaughter vs. Accidental Homicide

June 23, 2022 by Robert Cabiness
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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...

Should You Try to Stop a Crime in Progress?

June 22, 2022 by M. Bernard
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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...

What are The Laws for Carrying a Knife in California?

June 22, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

How The Military Handles Sex Crimes

June 22, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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....

Can My Gun Rights Be Taken Away with a Domestic Violence Case?

June 21, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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....

Do I Lose My Right to Vote as a Convicted Felon?

June 21, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Can I Join the Military with a Criminal Record?

June 21, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Military Criminal Record A criminal record can affect many areas of a young person’s future, depending on the crime they are charged with, such as employment, education, and housing. Another area that could be affected is...

What Is Entrapment in California?

June 21, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Entrapment Entrapment is a situation where the police or government agents try to lure an accused into acting the crime they are accused or suspected of, and it is legally allowed as long as it is...

What Are The Four Elements of a Conspiracy?

June 20, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Elements of Conspiracy A conspiracy occurs when two or more people plot either to carry out a crime or defraud the United States or a government agency, and one of the members of the conspiracy performs...

Common Crimes on the Fourth of July

June 20, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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Try Not to Do This The 4th of July — Independence Day — often means barbecues, fun in the sun, and for many, some adult beverages, too. Although it’s supposed to be a day of celebration,...

What Is The Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse?

June 19, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

Can You Get a Job With a Drug Charge or Conviction?

June 19, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Relax, There’s Hope If you have ever been convicted of a drug charge in California, you have probably wondered to yourself what your future employment opportunities are. It is already hard enough for people with perfect...

What is ‘Criminal Restraint By A Parent’?

June 18, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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‘Parental Kidnapping’ in California Criminal restraint by a parent in California is often described as ‘parental kidnapping’. What most parents do not know is that they can be arrested for kidnapping their own children. In fact,...

What Is a ‘Factual Defense’ in Criminal Law?

June 17, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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Procedural Defense Factual Defense Affirmative Defense Common Defenses What Is a ‘Factual Defense’ In Criminal Law? When a criminal defense attorney prepares to defend a client in court, they must decide which defense approach will best...

Domestic Violence & Mandatory Arrest Policies in California

June 17, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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,...

Long-Term Costs of a Juvenile Criminal Conviction

June 16, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Justice System for Juveniles The first Juvenile Court was established in 1899 when Illinois passed the Juvenile Court Act. This court system was created to divert youth offenders from the crippling effects of adult criminal penalties,...

Harassment via Telephone or Electronic Device in California

June 16, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Harassing or Annoying Harassment is regarded as any behavior, be it physical, written, verbal, or other, that is unwanted and could offend or humiliate another person. With the mainstream popularity of smartphones and other electronic devices,...

What is “Seditious Conspiracy?”

June 13, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Conspiring to Overthrow The Government Sedition has been defined as a conspiracy to engage in an unlawful act, such as treason or insurrection. In other words, if two or more people have plans to take over...

Fire Investigation: How Is Arson Recognized?

June 13, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Investigating Arson There are four ways a fire can start in a building: accident action of nature negligence intentional Intentionally and maliciously setting fire to a building is regarded as arson. Arson occurs when a person...

What is the ‘Brady Rule’ in Criminal Law?

June 10, 2022 by Janet Levy
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Impact of Brady Rule The Brady Rule, named after Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), pronounced that prosecutors shall disclose materially exculpatory evidence in the government’s possession to the defense. The “Brady material” refers to any evidence the prosecutor...

What is Loan Fraud?

June 08, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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Loan Fraud Loan fraud is a serious crime that usually results in severe penalties. Unfortunately, a variety of circumstances may lead to a charge of loan fraud, even in situations where there was no intent to...

What Is An ‘Affirmative Defense’ In Criminal Law?

June 08, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Procedural Defense Factual Defense Affirmative Defense Common Defenses What Is An ‘Affirmative Defense’ In Criminal Law? It is said in criminal law, that all criminal cases are defensible and all crimes or criminal charges are made...

Do Police Need to Identify Themselves When You Ask in California?

June 07, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Undercover Police in California If you ask most individuals this question, chances are, they would probably say yes. A surprisingly large number of people all over the country believe that police are supposed to identify themselves...

Do I Have to Show ID if Asked By Police in California?

June 06, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Do I Have to Show ID if Asked By Police in California? Simple answer, no! The state of California has no “stop and identify” or “paper please” laws. This means that legally a police officer cannot...

The Crime of Filing Fraudulent Tax Reports

June 06, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Filing Fraudulent Tax Reports Each year a percentage of the US population is required to file their taxes correctly. However, it is not out of the ordinary for an individual to falsify the information on their...

What Are My Rights When Subpoenaed Before a Grand Jury?

June 05, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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What Are My Rights When Subpoenaed Before a Grand Jury? Grand jury subpoenas are just one of the tools the prosecution can use to carry out grand jury investigations. When you receive a federal grand jury...

What Laws Does California Enact to Help Prevent Date Rape?

June 04, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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....

Domestic Violence at My Neighbors, What Should I Do?

June 02, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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Hearing Domestic Violence at a Neighbor’s Apartment You’re watching TV relaxing after a long day at work when suddenly you hear shouting and doors slamming. The neighbors are fighting again! What should you do? Do you...

The Difference Between Robbery and Armed Robbery In California

June 01, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Armed vs. Unarmed Both robbery and armed robbery are considered very serious offenses in California. However, one of these will usually entail harsher penalties compared to the other. Both offenses involve illegally taking another person’s property...

Why Are There So Many Mass Shootings in America Now?

May 30, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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2022, The New Normal There was a time when one mass shooting would shock the conscience of much of America. However, those times are long gone. America has grown accustomed to hearing news reports of mass...

Clearing Your Name from False Child Sex Abuse Allegations

May 28, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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The Stigma of Child Abuse Being accused of a violent or sexual offense can be very damaging for various sectors of your life, particularly if the sexual abuse crime you are implicated for involves a child....

Why Are Sex Crimes Treated Differently?

May 28, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Domestic Violence Inflicted by Women Against Men

May 25, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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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...

Does My Criminal Record Appear on Background Checks?

May 23, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

How to Check if You Have a Police Warrant in California

May 23, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is Character Evidence?

May 22, 2022 by Ray Chao
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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...

Can Verbal or Emotional Abuse Lead to Domestic Violence?

May 17, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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Recognizing the Signs Before It’s Too Late Domestic violence is a problem that can have far-reaching effects on the lives of those involved. It’s important to recognize that domestic violence can include many behaviors besides striking...

How to Win at Your Probation Violation Hearing in California

May 16, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Winning a Probation Violation Hearing The great thing about probation is that it allows you to serve your sentence without having to go into custody. However, felony probation sentences have strict conditions such as meeting up...

What is a Tahl Waiver?

May 16, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Tahl Waiver Despite what criminal charges an individual is facing, they have certain rights offered to them by the US constitution that need to be protected. However, in certain situations, a defendant may decide to waiver...

Questions Answered About Felony Probation in California

May 16, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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California Felony Probation Not all individuals facing criminal charges are going to end up in jail. In some cases, when an accused is convicted, they may be sentenced with probation, which means they can serve all...

What is a Harvey Waiver?

May 15, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Harvey Waiver In some California cases, you may find that the accused is charged with more than one criminal offense. To avoid these charges, a defendant may choose to enter a plea bargain to plead guilty...

Court Ordered Domestic Violence Classes

May 15, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Court Ordered Domestic Violence Classes Domestic violence is a very serious offense in California. If convicted for a domestic violence offense in California, you are at risk of facing much more than jail time, probation, and...

Your 1st DUI Offense in California: Quick Guide

May 12, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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First DUI Second DUI Third DUI Fourth DUI What to Expect for Your First California DUI Charge: First DUI Sentence In California, when you are arrested for a first DUI offense, you will have to defend...

What is ‘Pretrial Risk Assessment’?

May 11, 2022 by Ray Chao
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After an Arrest, Will I Be Allowed to Remain Free? Getting arrested and accused of a crime is stressful, and scary. Suddenly, your freedom may be at risk, and depending on various factors including the seriousness...

How Seasons and the Weather Affect Crime Trends

May 11, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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[ Data Source ] Is there a Correlation between Weather and Crime? Did you know that hot weather and crime tend to go hand in hand? After a vast number of studies on this topic, this...

What are the Main Causes of Child Trafficking?

May 11, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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The Reasons Child Trafficking Happens Child trafficking is the transfer and transportation of kidnapped children for slavery, sexual exploitation, adoption, or forced labor. It can be related to the current ongoing slavery. Children are obtained as...

What are California’s ‘Pro-Choice’ Abortion Laws?

May 10, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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California Abortion Laws In the wake of a recent leaked Supreme Court memo that showed SCOTUS’ vote to overturn abortion laws, California has announced plans to become a sanctuary for women in states that have banned abortion — even proposing...

On What Grounds Can I Appeal a Conviction in California?

May 10, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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Appealing Criminal Conviction in California A criminal conviction carries a lot of consequences for you. Finding housing, a job, and even friends can be difficult if you have a criminal record. If you or your attorney...

What is an ‘Environmental Crime’?

May 10, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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When a Crime is an Environmental Crime? Environmental crime is the violation of the environment through illegal activities involving wildlife, natural resources, and biodiversity. These activities are life-threatening to everyday life and to the generations to...

When Is Harassment Considered Criminal in Nature?

May 10, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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....

California to Become a Safe-Haven for ‘Pro-Choice’ Abortion Rights

May 09, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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A Safe-Haven for ‘Pro-Choice’ California abortion clinics are building new facilities that are closer to transit hubs in preparation to become a so-called “safe haven” for people coming to California for abortion services from states where...

Everything You Need to Know about Restraining Orders in California

May 09, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

California’s “Insanity Defense” – The McNaghten Rule

May 05, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Is a False Confession a Crime in California?

May 05, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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False Confession in California A false confession is a crime in California. It is the admission of committing a crime that, in actual sense, you did not commit. Many of these false confessions lead to wrongful...

Does Showing Remorse for a Crime Help Reduce Penalties?

May 05, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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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...

What is a ‘Marsden Motion’ in California Criminal Court?

May 04, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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What are Marsden Motions? Marsden motions are legal documents prepared by the defendant and filed under the court. The defendant tries to seek the removal of the court-appointed attorney or people’s public defender. The Marsden motion...

Early Termination of Probation – PC 1203.3

May 04, 2022 by Ray Chao
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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...

The Various Types of Check Fraud

May 04, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Types of Check Frauds Fraud has increased around the globe contributing to the revenue losses in many organizations. Among the most vulnerable areas for loss in the business is the misappropriation of funds and billing schemes....

What is an Indictment in a Criminal Case?

May 04, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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An Indictment Highlights The Charges An indictment is an official document containing the charges that a defendant faces. It is a menu highlighting the charges that one is facing and the constitutional rights present for them....

What is a ‘Faretta Motion’ in California Criminal Court?

May 03, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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He Who Represents Himself has a Fool for a Client A Faretta motion is a legal file prepared by the criminal defendant in association with the court to allow them to represent themselves during the criminal...

What are the Common Causes of Wrongful Convictions?

May 03, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

How to Appeal a Criminal Conviction in California?

May 02, 2022 by Seppi Esfandi
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Appealing a California Criminal Conviction Sometimes we are faced with a criminal conviction that we know nothing about. Some of the criminal convictions we face are due to reasons that could have been previously avoided. This...

Should I Admit Guilt to my Criminal Defense Attorney?

May 02, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Attorney—Client Privilege Protects You Guilt is often determined by a jury or a judge in court. Hence as a suspect, it is wise to choose the best defense attorney that will help establish your case. Criminal...

Can the Police Search Your Car Without Permission in California?

April 30, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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The Fourth Amendment The fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unlawful search and seizure. This means that, in many cases, police or other government officials cannot search your property at their will. Generally,...

What are Rape Shield Laws?

April 29, 2022 by Ray Chao
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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...

Defending U.S. Federal Corporate Fraud Charges

April 28, 2022 by Chistian Bredefeld
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What is Federal Corporate Fraud? Federal corporate fraud, or what is commonly referred to as “white-collar crimes,” are serious, and you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you with your defense, whether you...

What is a Grand Jury?

April 18, 2022 by Ray Chao
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What is a Grand Jury? Most people have heard of a “grand jury,” but may not fully understand the important role that a grand jury plays in the criminal justice system. The primary purpose of a...

What Is the ‘Red Flag Law’ in California?

April 18, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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California’s ‘Minorty Report’ Law The ‘red flag law‘ in California is a form of gun control that allows specific individuals to request that a gun be confiscated from a certain person. It is a unique law...

How to Transfer a Gun to a Family Member in California

April 18, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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Penal Code 26500 PC Under California law, certain immediate family members can transfer gun ownership to one another without any paperwork, background checks, or official gun dealers involved. This includes transfers between: Parent and adult child...

What Are the Types of False Confessions?

April 15, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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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...

Perspectives Linking Early Aggression With Later-Life Crime

April 15, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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The Link Between Early Aggression and Criminal Behavior Several studies have shown that there may be a link between early life aggression and later life crime. As a matter of fact, in some cases, early life...

Why Do Young People Join Gangs in LA?

April 15, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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Use Scroll Wheel to Zoom into Neghborhoods, Select Colored Areas [ OPEN FULL MAP ] Why Do Young People Join Gangs in LA? From ‘Gangter’s Paradise’ to ‘American Gangster,’ the ‘Crip Walk,’ and rap lyric after...

Are There Laws Against Police Racial Profiling in Los Angeles?

April 14, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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Racial Profiling Racial profiling occurs when a person’s race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion is used as a reason to suspect someone of a crime. This practice is discriminatory and, when practiced by law enforcement, leads...

What Is a SCRAM Device in California DUI Sentencing?

April 05, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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What Is a SCRAM Device in California DUI Sentencing? If you are convicted of a DUI offense in California, there are a variety of penalties a judge can sentence you with depending on the circumstances of...

What Crimes are Associated with Animal Abuse in California?

April 05, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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What Crimes are Associated with Animal Abuse in California? In California, Penal Code 597 PC makes animal abuse illegal, defined as the malicious killing, harming, maiming, or torture of a living animal. 597 PC is a...

Charged with Domestic Violence During Your Visa Application?

April 04, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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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...

Defining the Crime of ‘Stalking’ in Los Angeles

April 03, 2022 by M. Bernard
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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...

What to Expect for Your First Federal Court Date

April 01, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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Have an Upcoming Federal Court Date? Being arrested is an unsettling and nerve-racking time for anyone. If you’ve never been arrested for a federal crime before, you likely have questions about what to expect from your...

The Homelessness Crisis and Crime in Los Angeles

March 28, 2022 by M. Bernard
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LA’s Biggest Problem In his capacity as co-moderator of the Tuesday, March 22nd Los Angeles Mayoral Candidates’ debate at USC’s Bovard Auditorium, Fox News anchor Elex Michaelson began with: “Polls show that homelessness is the number...

Recognizing Domestic Violence in Relationships

March 28, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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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...

Will a Criminal Record Affect Your Ability to Get a Passport Issued?

March 25, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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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...

School Safety: Is Bullying Considered a Crime?

March 09, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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School Safety Anti-bullying campaigns have become increasingly visible over the last several years, and cases of school bullying turned fatal have dominated the news. The perception of school bullies has shifted, as well. No more are...

Unconsciousness as a Criminal Defense

March 04, 2022 by M. Bernard
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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...

What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with Shoplifting in California

February 17, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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California Penal Code 459.5 California Penal Code 459.5 defines shoplifting as the act of entering a place of business with the intent of stealing $950 or more in merchandise. Most often, shoplifting is considered a misdemeanor....

Is a DUI a Felony in California?

February 17, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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California DUI Law Although most first-time DUI offenders receive misdemeanors, it is possible to be charged with a felony for a DUI conviction. First, it’s important to understand the laws surrounding driving under the influence in...

How to Ace Your Court Testimony 

February 14, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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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...

What is a ‘Cruz Waiver’ in Criminal Law?

February 11, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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Step One: Get Out of Jail Not all people convicted of crimes in California are immediately taken away to jail. Sometimes, the judge delays sentencing to give the person convicted of the crime some time to...

What Is Attorney—Client Privilege?

February 10, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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Your Own Personal Confidant Attorney—client confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of the American justice system, protecting the privacy of conversations between a client and their attorney. It extends to all areas of the law, from...

What’s the Difference between Petty Theft and Shoplifting?

February 08, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Petty Theft and Shoplifting – Overview Most people usually consider petty, and shoplifting to be the same crime, especially considering how similar they are. However, under California criminal law, these two are regarded as, separate offenses....

What is an ‘Internet Sex Crime’?

February 01, 2022 by M. Bernard
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Internet Crimes Sexting is not an illegal activity. It is also an extremely popular activity. If you are sexting with an adult partner, exchanging arousing photos and engaging in titillating typing, it is not a crime....

When Can a Juvenile be Tried in Adult Court?

January 27, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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Children Tried as Adults You’ve likely heard the term “tried as an adult” while flipping through your local newspaper or news channel. But, what does that mean, and when can juveniles be tried in adult court?...

The Penalties for Distributing Fake Vaccine Cards

January 26, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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Criminal Possession of a Counterfeit Document The increased spread of the delta variant all over the country has motivated numerous schools, businesses, and local government institutions to require vaccinations cards to gain access into these establishments....

Court Etiquette: How to Piss-off the Judge & Prosecutor

January 25, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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Don’t Try this at Court What’s one thing you don’t want to do during a court appearance? ANSWER: Piss off the judge. As obvious as that may seem, we see it happen far too often. That’s...

What Is a ‘Self-Defense’ Defense in Criminal Law?

January 21, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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....

How Can Being a First-Time Offender Impact Your Criminal Case?

January 20, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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Expectations vs. Reality Most people associate first-time offenders with reduced sentences, lower fines, or being let off the hook entirely. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In fact, a first-time offense can be the most...

What Is a ‘Duress Defense’ in Criminal Law?

January 14, 2022 by Sarah Edwards
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The Duress Defense Under federal law, a defense of duress is allowed in a criminal case if the defendant admits to the crime. The defendant must also be able to prove that the crime was committed...

How Do I Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney?

January 14, 2022 by Madison Ferguson
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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...

What is Lack of Probable Cause in Criminal Law?

January 04, 2022 by Alexandra Carter
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Determining Probable Cause Under California law, law enforcement is required to have probable cause that someone is engaging or has engaged in criminal activity before any stop, search, or arrest is justified. Oftentimes, authorities will stop a...

What is a Plea Bargain Agreement in Criminal Law?

December 29, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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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...

Is it a Crime to Transmit an STD in California?

December 29, 2021 by Sarah Edwards
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Sexual Health Laws Many states have laws that regulate behavior related to sexual health. When someone knowingly infects another person with a sexually transmitted disease, they may be held legally accountable. The California Health and Safety...

What are the ‘Open Carry’ Gun Laws in California?

December 17, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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PC 26350 Penal Code 26350 is a law that prohibits a person from openly carrying an unloaded handgun in a public place or in a vehicle. PC 26350(a)(1) reads, in pertinent part, as follows: “A person...

How Do Federal Criminal Investigations Work?

December 17, 2021 by Chistian Bredefeld
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The First Part of the Process A federal criminal investigation is the first of many parts of what is known as the Federal Criminal Process. This first part involves investigating federal crimes, usually conducted by federal...

What is Malice Aforethought in Criminal Law?

December 16, 2021 by Alexandra Carter
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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...

What Is a “Depraved Heart” in a California Murder Case?

December 15, 2021 by Sarah Edwards
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It’s a Total Disregard for Life While there are many categories of murder outlined in criminal law, one you might not be familiar with is “depraved heart murder.” What does depraved heart murder consist of? Killing...

California Lawmakers Vote to Tighten State Gun Laws

December 09, 2021 by Alexandra Carter
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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...

Is It a Crime to Disparage Someone on the Internet?

November 28, 2021 by Sarah Edwards
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Disparagement / Defamation Using the internet to express dissatisfaction with an individual or business has become an increasingly common practice. Social media posts, online reviews, and video-sharing sites all ensure that online content can reach a...

Is it Illegal to Have Sex in a Public Place?

November 24, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

How to Seal Your Juvenile Criminal Record in Los Angeles

November 23, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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Everyone Makes Mistakes If you were arrested, detained or involved with the juvenile justice system while under the age of 18 years old, there is more likely than not some sort of criminal record that exists....

Massage Parlor Sex Crimes in Los Angeles

November 23, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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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 Does “False Pretense” Mean in Criminal Law?

November 22, 2021 by M. Bernard
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What is the Crime of False Pretenses? Black’s Law defines “False Pretenses” as: “The crime of knowingly obtaining title to another’s personal property by misrepresenting a fact with the intent to defraud.” False Pretense is a...

Street Fentanyl and Its Legal Consequences

November 22, 2021 by Alexandra Carter
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Fentanyl is Potent Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than other opioids, including morphine. Naturally, this makes it a very dangerous drug—especially when it is not used appropriately. Prescriptions for fentanyl can take the...

Ignition Interlock Device Violations

November 21, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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Ignition Interlock Device Violations in California There are various penalties for driving under the influence in California. The consequences for being pulled over for a DUI offense vary based on age, driving status and blood alcohol...

What is the Age of Consent in California?

November 18, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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What is the Age of Consent in California? The legal age of consent is the age at which an individual can legally consent to undertake sexual relations with another. This age limit governs all intimate relations,...

How to Seal and *Destroy* Your Arrest Record in Los Angeles

November 12, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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Criminal Background Checks and Sealing Arrest Record We’ve all been there—one of those nights. Perhaps you behaved a little out of character, or maybe it was just a case of being in the wrong place at...

The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

November 11, 2021 by Sarah Edwards
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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...

How to Keep Your Driver’s License After a DUI Arrest

October 28, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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After a California DUI Arrest There are several legal terms around the nation for driving while suspected of inebriation: driving under the influence (VC 23152), driving while intoxicated or impaired (DWI), impaired driving, or operating under...

Handling Your Social Media During a Criminal Case

October 25, 2021 by Alexandra Carter
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Don’t Incriminate Yourself If you are facing criminal charges or an investigation, your social media history can be used to incriminate you. Your posts, comments, images, and video can all be used as evidence against you...

Immigration Law: Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude

October 21, 2021 by M. Bernard
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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...

What Los Angeles Crimes are Deportable?

October 19, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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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...

Can I Go to Jail for a DUI in Los Angeles?

October 16, 2021 by Sarah Edwards
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California DUI (VC 23152) They say that buzzed driving is drunk driving—and in most cases, the law agrees. In the state of California, any driver with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher is guilty...

What is Cyberstalking?

October 14, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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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...

Domestic Violence Special Report: Toxic Relationships & The Media

October 11, 2021 by M. Bernard
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The Definition of a “Toxic” Partner Dr. Lillian Glass is credited with coining the term “toxic relationship.” In her 1995 bestselling book, Toxic People, Glass explains that: “A toxic person is someone who seeks to destroy...

2021 Seppi Esfandi Law Scholarship Winners Announced!

October 08, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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2021 Seppi Esfandi Law Scholarship Recipients Recipient #1: Thao “Annie” Le Selected by Scholarship Committee: $1,000 Law School: University of San Francisco School of Law Essay #1: Thao “Annie” Le’s Essay Recipient #2: Peyten Sharp Selected by...

What are the Immigration Consequences of My Criminal Conviction?

October 06, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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Know What’s at Stake Immigration Law in the United States is currently governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1965. Informally known as the Hart-Cellar Act, the Immigration and Nationality Act is a federal...

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October

October 05, 2021 by M. Bernard
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National Domestic Violence Awareness Month It’s been a hundred years since wife-beating was made illegal in the United States. Nevertheless, if you’ve seen the classic TV comedy, “The Honeymooners,” (1955-1956), you’ve probably seen fabulously fuming New...

UPDATE: 2021 Seppi Esfandi Law Scholarships

September 30, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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2021 Seppi Esfandi Law Scholarships UPDATE We’ve received all the scholarships and have narrowed it down to 5. Thanks for your patience students, we expect the 2 winners to be announced before Monday October 4th! Best...

What is ‘Attempted DUI’ in Los Angeles California?

September 24, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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California Laws Allow it Attempted DUI is not possible I hear you saying.. Well, under California law it is. California Penal Code Section 21A is considered California’s catch-all attempted crime statute. The provision itself states: “[a]n...

How to Get a DUI Dropped Fast in Los Angeles

September 21, 2021 by Alexandra Carter
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Don’t Panic, Call a Pro So, you’ve been arrested for DUI. Now what? The first step to protecting yourself is arming yourself with a skilled and experienced DUI attorney. A DUI attorney is well-versed in California...

How to Get a Domestic Violence Case Dismissed

September 13, 2021 by Chistian Bredefeld
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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...

Will a DUI on Your Record Affect a Job Application?

September 10, 2021 by M. Bernard
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Felony DUI in California A felony DUI is “a driving-while-intoxicated charge prosecutable as a felony because of an aggravating circumstance, esp. if a minor under a specified age (often 15 or below) was a passenger, the...

What is Los Angeles Doing About Ghost Guns?

September 09, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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The Polymer80 So-called “ghost guns” are becoming a weapon of choice among criminals in Los Angeles. Now, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer is stepping in and filing a lawsuit on behalf of Los Angeles against...

Can I Lose My License Permanently After a California DUI?

September 09, 2021 by Alexandra Carter
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Yes, for Certain Felony DUIs One of the first questions we hear from serious felony DUI offenders — especially those who have prior DUI convictions is: “Will my license be permanently revoked?” The thought of never...

What Are Good Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney?

September 07, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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Good Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney: 1. What information do you need from me? When seeking to move forward with a criminal defense attorney, you want to know what types of information and documentation...

When Is the Best Time to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

September 01, 2021 by Sheena Townsend
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When should I hire a criminal defense attorney? Facing criminal charges is not something anyone hopes to have to deal with. However, hiring the right attorney at the right time is imperative to a successful outcome...

What Makes a Good Criminal Defense Attorney?

August 31, 2021 by Chistian Bredefeld
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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...

Your 4th DUI Offense in California: Quick Guide

August 24, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Your 3rd DUI Offense in California: Quick Guide

August 20, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Your 2nd DUI Offense in California: Quick Guide

August 19, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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....

The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Burglary

July 09, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

DUI and OR Violations in Los Angeles

June 30, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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DUI and ‘Own Recognizance’ Violations in Los Angeles There are many circumstances that require legal representation. If you have been charged with driving while under the influence (DUI) in Los Angeles. You should retain a lawyer...

DUI While on Probation in California

June 29, 2021 by Alexandra Carter
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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...

What is Implied Consent in a California DUI Case?

June 24, 2021 by Alexandra Carter
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California is an ‘Implied Consent’ State In California, drivers who are arrested for DUI are typically given the choice between a breath or blood test. Since California is an “implied consent” state, any driver who refuses...

Contracting without a License: What Are the Consequences?

June 21, 2021 by James Eric
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Contracting in California without a License Running a contracting business? If so, having a contractor’s license is necessary. If it expires (or worse, you lack one), you can be convicted for a misdemeanor. Below, we’ll discuss...

Dangerous Rise in Hate Crimes Against Black Angelenos

June 18, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Hate Crimes in Los Angeles Los Angeles sees a wide range of crimes each year, from theft to kidnapping. In the first half of 2021, Los Angeles has seen a considerable increase in hate crimes. As...

Know Your Rights: What’s an Arbuckle Waiver?

June 18, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Know Your Rights in Court As a defendant, you should always be aware of your rights in court. Knowing when to leverage your rights helps in many circumstances. It leads to lower sentences, dropped charges, etc....

Stages in a California Criminal Case: Sentencing

June 02, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Arrest Arraignment Pre-trial Prelim. Hearing Trial Sentencing Post Stage 6: Sentencing Sentencing in General The Sentencing Hearing is, essentially, the last phase in a criminal proceeding. Once a criminal defendant is either found guilty by a...

How to Defend Against California Aiding and Abetting Charges

June 02, 2021 by Michael Poole
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How to Defend Against Aiding and Abetting Charges Aiding and abetting is more than a phrase used on TV. California prosecutors can charge accomplices to a crime with aiding and abetting even if the accomplice did...

California Senate Bill 300: Reforming the Death Penalty

June 01, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Senate Bill 300 – Reforming the Penalties for Murder Senate Bill 300 was originally introduced by Senator Dave Cortese. Proposed in February 2021, it’s slated to go into effect this year, and it comes with some...

Senate Bill 384: How You Can End Your Sex Offender Status

May 27, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Stages in a California Criminal Case: Jury Trial

May 25, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Arrest Arraignment Pre-trial Prelim. Hearing Trial Sentencing Post Stage 5: The Jury Trial Every criminal defendant in California has a right to a speedy trial. After the arraignment, the Defendant must be given a trial during...

Felony Sentencing in California: Quick Guide

May 24, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi

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,...

Misdemeanor Sentencing in California: Quick Guide

May 24, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi

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,...

Crypto-related Crimes Over the Past 3 Years

May 22, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Comparison of Crypto-related crimes in 2019 and 2020: New investment methods create hype among investors. This hype is a keyhole for hackers, who have now come into the light along with their schemes using cryptocurrency as...

Stages in a California Criminal Case: Pre-Trial

May 20, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Arrest Arraignment Pre-trial Prelim. Hearing Trial Sentencing Post Stage 3: The Pre-Trial PreTrial Conference- Prelim Setting After an arraignment, the next phase in a criminal proceeding— assuming that, in a felony case, the right to a...

Stages in a California Criminal Case: Preliminary Hearing

May 12, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Arrest Arraignment Pre-trial Prelim. Hearing Trial Sentencing Post Stage 4: The Preliminary Hearing For felony cases, the next stage after arraignment and possibly pre-trial, is the preliminary hearing, also commonly known as a “prelim.” If the...

Stages in a California Criminal Case: Arraignment

May 11, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Arrest Arraignment Pre-trial Prelim. Hearing Trial Sentencing Post Stage 2: Arraignment First Court Date: The first court date after an arrest is called an Arraignment. After an arrest, a defendant who is in custody must be...

Federal Court: Discovery in a Federal Criminal Case

May 10, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Exchanging the Evidence The process of discovery is the process by which the parties in a criminal case get to obtain information from each other. Naturally, if you’re being arraigned before a federal court, as a...

California to Release 76,000 Inmates Early, including Violent Felons

May 04, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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A Surprise Announcement from California On April 30th, California made the surprise announcement that it would increase early release credits for approximately 76,000 current inmates, include those convicted for violent offenses and for multiple felonies. Historically,...

Can You Terminate Your Sex Offender Status as a Juvenile?

April 30, 2021 by James Eric
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Is it Possible to be Removed from the Sex Offender List? Absolutely Yes! The new Senate Bill 384 applies to the state of California. Effective since January 1st 2021, it changes how sex offenders are categorized....

New California Bill may Legalize Psychedelics, Expunge Records

April 29, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Psychedelics in a New Light For many years, psychedelics were considered to be harmful drugs, but lately they’ve been used to treat mental health problems like depression with great success. Federally psychedelics are prohibited, however in...

Can a Bad Breakup or Divorce Lead to Criminal Charges?

April 22, 2021 by Alexandra Carter
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Can a Bad Breakup or Divorce Lead to Criminal Charges? We all know that breakups can get ugly. But what about breakups that get so nasty they lead to criminal charges? In these instances, the crime...

Domestic Violence Trials in Los Angeles

April 21, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

April 21, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Were You Served with a Protective Order? When a person is charged with domestic violence, corporal injury to another (PC 273.5) or domestic battery (PC 243(e)(1)) they are required to be personally present at the first...

How to Win a Sexual Molestation or Sexual Assault Case

March 24, 2021 by Michael Poole
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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 Reduce PC 273.5, Corporal Injury Domestic Violence Charges

March 22, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

How to Expunge a DUI from Your Record in California

March 17, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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

March 09, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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,...

The Increase of Domestic Violence Due to the Pandemic

March 09, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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The Increase of Domestic Violence Due to the Pandemic The pandemic turned the lives of many people upside-down. As the coronavirus swept through the nation, even individuals who did not directly suffer from symptoms of the...

Beating a California DUI by Challenging the Blood Test

March 08, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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Beating a DUI with an Independent Blood Test If you have recently been arrested for DUI, you likely know that you stand to lose a lot more than thousands of dollars if you are convicted of...

Announcing 2021 Seppi Esfandi Law Scholarships ($2000)

January 15, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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2021 Seppi Esfandi Law Scholarships School is difficult enough without having to worry about finances, that’s why we’ve created a fairly simple scholarship opportunity for all US law students. This year we are splitting the $2000...

What is Considered a Hate Crime in California?

January 10, 2021 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Guide to Getting a Certificate of Rehabilitation in California

December 28, 2020 by Seppi Esfandi
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This is The Road to Recovery In Getting a Certificate of Rehabilitation, expungement is not an option for many Californians who are convicted of felonies, including sex crime convictions. But, the good news is that there...

Sealing Your Arrest Record Under PC 851.91 – The CARE Act

December 23, 2020 by Seppi Esfandi
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Sealing Your Arrest Record In Sealing Your Arrest Record subject, All across the state of California, over one million people are arrested annually. While many of these cases lead to prosecution and sometimes conviction, a significant...

LA’s New District Attorney Has the Right Stuff

December 22, 2020 by Seppi Esfandi
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George Gascón is a Welcomed Change When George Gascón announced his campaign for LA’s New District Attorney, he promised “a safer, more humane, more effective and far less expensive criminal justice system.” Some critics dismiss him...

How Criminal Charges Impact Teaching Credentials

December 21, 2020 by Seppi Esfandi
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How Criminal Charges Impact a Teacher in California Teachers are expected to be upstanding citizens. After all, they are responsible for molding the minds of society’s next generation. To ensure that only the best, most trustworthy...

Criminal Charges at the Airport in L.A.

October 17, 2020 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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Increased Security and Your Rights Since 9/11, security has increased in all US airports, but criminal charges at the airport in LA(LAX) can be particularly frustrating due to the high volume of people and more intense...

Felonies, Misdemeanors & Infractions: What’s the Difference?

September 27, 2020 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

Getting a DUI Charge as an Undocumented Immigrant

December 18, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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Will ICE be Alerted about Getting a DUI Charge as an Undocumented Immigrant? Short answer for getting a DUI charge as an undocumented immigrant: It’s Probable. Here’s how: The arresting officer or agency may alert ICE...

What if I am Falsely Accused of a Crime?

December 13, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What Crimes are Associated with ‘Road Rage’?

December 13, 2019 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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Road Rage is Deadly What Crimes are Associated with ‘Road Rage’? Road rage often boils down to an accident or some kind of confrontation between drivers. These confrontations have a tendency to turn violent. For example,...

Forensic Evidence and the “CSI Effect”

December 12, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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What is Forensic Evidence and the “CSI Effect”? Categories of Forensic Evidence and “CSI Effect”: A criminal defender can be confronted with many different types of evidence when defending a case: Evidence from people: police report,...

List of Los Angeles Pay-to-Stay Jail Programs

December 09, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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Money Buys Happiness Comfort In California, the ‘cost of comfort’ doesn’t only apply to the free world, it also applies to jail. From $0 to $250 per day, inmates who do not want to expose themselves...

What is the Role of the Prosecution in a Criminal Case?

November 27, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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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...

What is a ‘Motion to Suppress’ Evidence?

October 24, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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‘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: What Should You Do?

October 22, 2019 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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 in California?

September 23, 2019 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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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?

September 19, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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What Are The Steps in A Criminal Case? Arrest Arraignment Pre-trial Prelim. Hearing Trial Sentencing Post Criminal Cases in the State of California all follow the same basic procedures. It’s important to know these 7 crucial...

What is the Discovery Process in a Criminal Case?

September 16, 2019 by Anastasiia Ponomarova
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What is the Discovery Process in a Criminal Case? Discovery is the process by which evidence is exchanged between the criminal defense attorney and the prosecution prior to court or trial. The exchange of evidence is...

Can I Own a Gun if I’m a Marijuana User?

August 28, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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Federal Law Can I Own a Gun if I’m a Marijuana User? When purchasing a gun, you are required to fill out Federal “Firearms Transactions Record” Form (ATF Form 4473), where question 11e specifically inquires about...

Will a California DUI Impact My Life in the Long Term?

July 31, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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Will a California DUI Impact My Life in the Long Term? California DUI Impact to people Life in the Long Term is a very serious offense. It is not something that will result in a slap...

Driving on Drugs: DUID Fatalities Surge

May 29, 2019 by Seppi Esfandi
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Nationwide Driving on Drugs: DUID Fatalities Surge For the first time in Driving on Drugs: DUID Fatalities Surge, there are now more drivers killed that are positive for drugs than those who were positive for alcohol....

How to Win Your Case

We cannot stress enough that you read, understand and follow these 10 basic rules if you are criminally charged or under investigation:

  1. Don’t ever talk to the police
  2. Do not discuss your case with anyone
  3. Everything you tell your lawyer is confidential
  4. Tell police you need to contact your attorney
  5. Never consent to any search by the police
  6. If the police knock on your door, don't answer!
  7. Realize the consequences of a criminal conviction
  8. Your lawyer (not you) will contact any witnesses
  9. Information on your cell phone is evidence
  10. Early Intervention is the key