Embezzlement is a financial crime that someone commits in order to gain financial assets for themselves. It is certainly a type of theft and falls under that general umbrella. However, there are some key distinctions that make embezzlement different than traditional types of theft. It's important...
Before you decide it's not worth it to try to fight a DUI charge, it's crucial that you realize all of the effects it can have on virtually every aspect of your life – including where you can travel for vacation or business. A DUI on your record in California (or any other state) can prevent you...
Recreational marijuana is legal in California, along with numerous other states. This means that licensed dispensaries are allowed to sell the product without violating state law, and people are able to buy it without having a medical card. Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, but the ...
If you're facing criminal charges, regardless of what they are for, witnesses may be produced to testify against you. This is one of the main ways that the prosecution gets evidence into court. They try to find witnesses who will support the case and present evidence, such as a testimony that the...
You may have a roommate who uses drugs – and you decided that's none of your business, even though you think they use to excess. Still, when police came knocking on your door and it was clearly related to the drug issue, it was a shock. After the officers searched your home, you may have found yo...
An argument with a spouse or romantic partner may end up with you being accused of domestic violence. But, does it matter which court hears the accusations against you? Absolutely. Here's what you need to know. Domestic violence can be either a civil or a criminal matter If your partner went to t...
It's a prosecutor's job to decide whether or not to bring charges, but prosecutors need evidence to turn charges into convictions. So, what happens if a witness refuses to testify against you? Would that get you out of trouble? Probably not, and here's why. A witness who refuses to testify can be...
You have been accused of a violent crime – maybe assault or murder – and there are eyewitnesses willing to swear to your guilt in court. Are you basically without a defense? Absolutely not. Although eyewitness testimony is often used in courtrooms, the reality is that eyewitness testimony is not ...
Drugged driving is an increasingly worrisome trend, and the authorities are constantly looking for ways to spot folks who are driving under the influence of mind-altering substances. While Breathalyzers have long provided documentable evidence of drunk driving, there hasn't been a similar roadsid...
If the police stop you and you take a breath test, any alcohol you drank within the past few hours will show in the test reading. Most people understand that, so they generally avoid driving immediately after drinking. What many people forget is that it takes time for your body to clear out the a...
You may have heard that people make a lot of mistakes with the best of intentions. They are simply trying to help or they're trying to do the right thing, but it leads to a crucial error. In some cases, they may even end up breaking the law. One way that this can happen is if you have prescriptio...
Catfishing is sometimes done lightheartedly and sometimes done very seriously. Either way, it is the process of assuming a different identity online. People who do this will play a part and pretend to be someone else. This isn't always necessarily malicious, but it can lead to some serious compli...
The problem of fatal drug overdoses is one that's only gotten worse in recent years. That's why most states, including California, have enacted some form of “Good Samaritan” law that provides immunity in certain circumstances for those who seek emergency medical help for someone (including themse...
While it wasn't the U.S. Supreme Court's most controversial ruling last month, one decision did raise concerns and cause some confusion. Some media outlets portrayed it as chipping away at Miranda rights. So did it? What does the decision mean for anyone who is detained, questioned and/or arrest...
In 1990, California voters approved a ballot measure allowing prosecutors to charge a person accused of a murder that occurred during the commission of another felony with first-degree murder. The underlying crime made the murder one with “special circumstances.” It's known as the “felony murder”...
Getting a charge for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs isn't something to take lightly. And even if you know your charge is unjust, it's best not to assume that a court of law will find you innocent without a strong presentation of evidence in your favor. Immediate consequence...
A brief or long prison sentence can take a mental toll on an individual. So much can change about the world around you when you reach your release date. Depending on the type of crime you were guilty of, your family or friends may feel distanced from you, or you may be unable to continue with you...
Facing a criminal charge in California often leads to receiving a jail sentence. Spending time locked up and away from family, friends, work and life outside four walls can be brutal. In some cases, there is no need to accept a lengthy prison term. A second chance could be right around the corner...
It's very important for firearm purchases to be made properly in California. This state has very strict gun laws and some of the more complex regulations in the country. One such law revolves around straw firearm purchases. You need to be aware of what this is, how you could violate it and what t...
While it might not feel criminal to accidentally go over the speed limit or misinterpret a street parking sign, violating specific traffic rules in California can leave a mark on your record. Not only will breaking laws impact your driving record, but the penalties might also pose present-day and...
Having a casual evening with some drinks, drinking one too many or pulling over for a routine traffic stop can lead to a police officer stopping you and asking you what your beverage of choice was that night. If you've found or find yourself in a situation where you must prove you are okay to dri...
You're able to buy recreational marijuana in California, just as you are in many other states. This has led to a perception change among the general public in these states, and a large number of people now view marijuana on par with beer or wine. But not all states have recognized this change. If...
While a completely clean record may not be achievable in California, a considerable cleanup of one's record might be. Reviewing expungement eligibility and conditions can help you decide if an expungement is worth seeking in your case. State definition of expungement Before getting too deep into ...
When it comes to drunk driving laws, it's true that the general blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08%. But different classes of drivers can have very different standards. For instance, in most states, commercial drivers have a lower BAC limit. Another way that this is applied is by using zer...
You abhor violence and have never been in a fight in your life. One day, you are attacked on the street and you felt you have no choice other than to defend yourself with force. You've been charged for this and feel that it is greatly unjustified. Is it legal to defend yourself through violence i...