If you are charged with a criminal offense, you are entitled to elect for a jury trial as opposed to having your hearing in front of a judge only. For many people, the thought of having a jury trial is intimidating, especially if this is their first dealing with the...
From A Former Prosecutor
Criminal Defense
Potential penalties for an armed robbery conviction in California
Facing charges of armed robbery can be sobering. Not only do you have to deal with the immediate consequences if you are convicted, but you may also face long-term consequences because of this crime. Because the potential penalties for this crime are so serious, it’s...
2 mistakes to avoid in a criminal case
Being accused of a crime can be a scary and overwhelming situation. If you know you are innocent, it makes the situation even more difficult. Along with working with a professional to build a solid defense, it’s also important to avoid some of the most common...
What kinds of assault can get you into serious trouble?
Generally, assault is classified as a criminal act to harm someone or put them in a sense of fear for their life. Assault isn’t a universal term, however, and can be caused by several different reasons. You may be acting out of sudden anger, after being provoked. You...
Can you be arrested for talking about committing a crime?
Almost everyone has less-than-honest thoughts from time to time. While you may never act on your thoughts, there are situations when thinking and talking about committing a crime can result in conspiracy charges. To be charged with conspiracy, there are certain...
Failure to appear in court could have consequences
You have been charged with a crime and have been ordered to appear in court on a specific day and time. If you do not show up to the court-appointed session, you may be charged with failure to appear in court. In California, failure to appear in court may lead to the...
What does it mean to have protection from double jeopardy?
The United States Constitution’s Fifth Amendment sets specific protections for people who are facing criminal charges in this country. One of these protects them against double jeopardy, which means being tried for the same crime more than once. Many people don’t...
Understanding the 3 types of restraining orders in California
When a love story turns into a bitter disagreement with incidents of abuse, you need to secure your safety as well as those you care about. If you are a victim of domestic violence, it helps to know that you are not alone. The law allows you to obtain an order of...
Get the facts straight about theft and California’s prop 47
Since Proposition 47 passed in 2014, many residents have taken advantage of the ability to reclassify theft crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Unfortunately, the misinformation surrounding prop 47 has led some to believe they can take items that do not belong to...
What you should know about intellectual piracy
Much of today’s information can be found at the touch of a finger. There are plenty of streaming services that provide a plethora of TV shows and movies. Most books and music can be found through similar internet services. Every form of entertainment is easily...