714-997-4400How the Right to a Speedy Trial Can Affect a Case
As part of the Bill of Rights, the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees crucial protections for anyone facing criminal prosecution – including the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. While this right is critical in safeguarding justice, many defendants don’t understand what it means – or how it […]
The Castle Doctrine in California
You have a right to defend yourself and your loved ones if someone breaks into your home – but how far does that go under California law? Our state’s laws are nuanced, and you must understand what you can and cannot do in these tense, emotionally fraught situations. What Is the Castle Doctrine? While it […]
Failure to Report a Crime in California
In California, failing to report a crime is not always illegal, but it can sometimes lead to serious legal consequences. While the law doesn’t require private citizens to report crimes they witness in every circumstance, there are exceptions – particularly in cases involving vulnerable people or helping a criminal evade justice. You can avoid liability […]
Legal Implications of Police Body Cameras
Police body cameras have become a valuable tool in law enforcement, offering additional transparency and accountability. California’s body camera policies are evolving to balance public interest, police protection and individual privacy rights. While body cameras can provide crucial evidence in court cases, they also introduce unique legal challenges. Understanding these implications – and how they […]
What Are Mitigating Factors?
Not all offenses or offenders are the same in the criminal justice system. Judges account for mitigating factors and aggravating factors to determine a sentence’s severity. If you face charges, a criminal defense attorney can help you understand how these variables can influence the outcome of your case. Examples of Mitigating Factors Mitigating factors are […]
Circumstantial Evidence in Convictions
If you face criminal charges, you should understand the types of evidence that may come to light in court. Among these, circumstantial evidence influences many convictions. While it may not directly prove guilt, this evidence can often point to a conclusion that convinces a jury. An experienced criminal defense attorney is your best ally, evaluating […]
Types of Hate Crimes
Hate crimes are severe offenses motivated by bias or prejudice against specific characteristics, such as race, religion or sexual orientation. These crimes are especially damaging because they extend beyond the victim, intimidating entire families or communities. Understanding what constitutes a hate crime is crucial for legal defense. What Is a Hate Crime? Hate crimes reflect […]
What Happens if You Don’t Pay a Parking Ticket?
Ignoring a parking ticket might seem like a minor oversight, but failing to pay can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, including fines and even effects on your credit score. 1. Increased Fines and Penalties While unpaid parking tickets are not criminal violations in California, there are still substantial penalties associated with them. Late […]
California’s Mental Health Diversion Program
In recent years, California has taken significant strides toward integrating mental health considerations into the criminal justice system, acknowledging that some people commit crimes under extenuating circumstances. The state’s mental health diversion program, established under Penal Code 1001.36, offers eligible defendants a chance for rehabilitation rather than direct punitive measures. What Is the Mental Health […]