An armed robbery charge isn't something to take lightly. The impact of penalties could negatively change the rest of one's life. But instead of accepting a charge at face value, putting up a fight can be the best course of action to avoid years behind bars and a negative stamp on your criminal re...
Calling for a sober ride may be easy after a few drinks, but heading out on your work commute after taking an over-the-counter medication to combat a surprise allergy attack might not. Both legal and illegal drugs have side effects that can lead to disastrous outcomes. You may be now facing a cha...
On Jan. 1, 2021, California replaced its antiquated sex offender registry law that mandated lifetime registration for people convicted of any sexual offense. Instead, the state now has a three-tier system requiring registration from 10 years to life. Under California Penal Code 290, people convic...
You may frequently listen to music, watch movies or play games you found online. There are tons of legitimate sites that provide this kind of entertainment. One wrong site, however, could spell disaster for you. While many sites let you stream music, shows and games for a small price, there are e...
Most people have a lot of ideas that they never carry out. The worst that can typically happen is that you are filled with regret when you look back and wish you had gone ahead. Yet if those ideas had a criminal element to them, you could find yourself in jail for conspiracy to commit a crime. Co...
Assault and battery constitute two distinct charges under California law. To build a viable defense, you need to understand what exactly the police say you did. This is how the California code defines the two charges: “An assault is an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to ...
The first time a California police officer pulls you over for driving under the influence (DUI), pleading guilty to the charge may seem like a quick and simple solution. Despite the possibility of a criminal record, license suspension and even incarceration, a significant portion of those accused...
A police officer stops you after a chill evening with friends, getting into the regular activities of catching up, enjoying a meal together and a few drinks. Nothing too crazy, though, because the plan was always to drive yourself home. So, after winding down and feeling ready for the drive, you ...
A chain of custody is the term used to describe how the police handle any evidence they collect. If accused of a crime, investigating the chain of custody of any evidence the prosecution hopes to present against you will be crucial. If your defense attorneys spots any broken links, they may be ab...
“Sexting” can mean different things to different people. In general terms, sexting is exchanging sexually explicit pictures, videos and images via text, email, webcam or other electronic applications and devices. These interactions are typically legal if they occur between consenting adults. But ...
Few offenses are considered more heinous than sex crimes victimizing children. California typically prosecutes people accused of violating Penal Code 288 to the fullest extent of the law. Judges usually impose severe sentences on those who plead guilty or are convicted. Punishment depends upon se...
Sexual crimes against children are among California's most fiercely prosecuted offenses. Prosecutors typically seek maximum punishments, and judges are less likely to order lenient sentences when someone is convicted or pleads guilty. California Penal Code 288 pertains to lewd acts with children ...
Baseball is a beloved sport across California. There are numerous teams who play at the highest level. The sport is also a common pastime among citizens. Thus, there are numerous legitimate scenarios where you might expect a person to have a baseball bat on their person. However, like many other ...
People respond differently to traffic collisions. Some individuals know exactly how to cope in an emergency situation. Others may panic and flee the scene. It's important to note that fleeing the scene of an accident in California is a criminal offense. But, how serious is this criminal offense? ...
Crimes involving exploiting and abusing children can result in some of the harshest penalties in California. Even if you are acquitted, an arrest for child pornography accusations can cause devastating lifelong consequences. Child pornography is one of the most common sex offenses in the state, a...
Whether felony or misdemeanor, facing a criminal charge is a serious matter. The gravity of a charge often exists for years and years to come, impacting one's personal life, mental health and financial and career goals. Therefore, challenging it is a must when individuals believe the charge ahead...
California was a pioneer in medical marijuana and among the first states to legalize marijuana possession for adult recreational purposes. While most states in the country have now reformed their marijuana laws, California is still a tourist destination in the minds of many marijuana enthusiasts....
California state law requires that you have a license if you want to carry a concealed weapon. You might think that these rules only apply to carrying a weapon physically on your person, but they also apply to what you do with a firearm in your vehicle. The wrong behavior with a weapon could mea...
Police officers in California might arrest you for a domestic violence offense after someone calls to report overhearing the fight or your romantic partner goes to the police to file a complaint. Often, domestic violence charges amount to little more than “he-said/she-said” cases in the courtroom...
We all make mistakes, but that should not mean you must continue suffering for them after paying your debt to society. Fortunately, lawmakers agree and have made it possible for some with a criminal record to wipe it clean through expungement (also called expunction). Expungement of your record c...
Being stopped by the police for any reason can be scary and stressful. However, if the police believe you are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the potential consequences are serious. Because of what you may lose if arrested and convicted of this crime, it's important to know what...
Did you know that each time you get behind the wheel in California you have already given consent to testing if the police suspect you and arrest you for DUI? This is because of California's implied consent laws. Keep reading to learn what these mean for you. Understanding how implied consent wo...
Both embezzlement and theft can involve taking money from a business – but that does not mean they're exactly the same crime, and it's very important to understand the intricacies of both if you're facing accusations. Embezzlement tends to be more calculated, and it depends on the person's positi...
When discussing criminal offenses, crimes of a physical nature often come to mind. Physical offenses, especially those of a violent nature, do carry severe penalties. Not all crimes involve physicality, though. With advancing technology, more and more offenses are being committed in the online re...
Many people rely on prescription drugs to help handle illnesses and chronic conditions. However, could these legal drugs lead to criminal charges? Controlled substances People often associate the term “controlled substances” with illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Nevertheless, the term al...