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...
From A Former Prosecutor
Criminal Defense
Did an eyewitness get it wrong in your case?
You’ve lived in California for several years and never had a run-in with the law. Now, you find yourself facing criminal charges. Law enforcement claims that you were at the scene and committed the offense in question. Later, it turns out that an eyewitness has...
Chain of custody errors could affect the direction of your case
When the police get evidence after executing a search warrant or after making an arrest, there is a procedure they are supposed to follow when handling it for it to be admissible in court. If they make mistakes that suggest someone has tampered with the evidence, the...
What does the court consider during sentencing?
Some people who are charged with criminal actions know that the chance of them being convicted of those crimes is considerable. Some may decide that they’re going to enter into a plea deal, but others may decide to continue fighting the charges. One thing that’s...
Trans women and California police: Report shows troubling data
No one can dispute the fact that your chances of being arrested and how you’re treated by law enforcement and the justice system as a whole are at least partially determined by your identity. Even in California, which is one of the more progressive and diverse states,...
What’s indecent exposure in California?
“Indecent exposure” doesn’t sound like a terrible crime, but a conviction can have terrible consequences. California Penal Code § 314 is the legal statute that prohibits indecent exposure. That’s broadly defined as intentionally exposing one’s private parts in a...
Meeting the terms of your probation
If you're given probation, you're not just freely being released from prison with no stipulations. That probation is going to come with a number of specific terms that you must follow. If you do not meet the terms of your probation, then you may see other charges, or...
What happens when a California felon is caught with a firearm?
Although the Second Amendment extends the right to possess and bear arms, there are numerous federal and state restrictions on that right. Certain criminal activity can affect the legality of your firearm ownership. In California, felons typically cannot legally own a...
What you need to know about battery charges in California
You got into an altercation with another person, and now you’re facing battery charges. What does this mean for you? Under California law, “battery” is defined as any kind of “willful and unlawful use of force or violence” against another person. It does not require...
How will a conviction for a sex crime affect your privacy?
Any criminal conviction will have an adverse effect for years to come, damaging your chance of employment or housing when it shows up in a background check. Yet, a conviction for a sex offense will place additional limits on your future. The criminal justice system is...