714-997-4400What 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 […]
The Difference Between Assault vs. Battery
Though people outside the legal community tend to conflate the terms “assault” and “battery,” California law defines them as distinct crimes with different implications. Anyone facing these serious accusations must understand what sets these two charges apart. Definitions of Assault and Battery State law defines assault as an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, […]
Jury Trial vs. Bench Trial
Understanding the legal system can be complex for people facing criminal charges, especially when your case goes to court. Having a skilled criminal defense attorney to represent you and explain what to expect is critical, especially when making informed decisions about how to proceed. One of the most impactful choices you and your lawyer will […]
Consequences of Failing to Appear in Court
Showing up to court when summoned for a hearing or trial is a legal requirement, not merely a courtesy. Let’s explore the consequences of failing to appear in court and how a criminal defense attorney can work with you to mitigate the potentially severe repercussions. What Does Failing to Appear Mean? When you do not […]
California’s Stand Your Ground Law
In California, the concept of “stand your ground” provides people with the legal right to defend themselves. Understanding this principle is critical, as it defines when and how you can lawfully protect yourself or others from threats. However, it is not always a viable legal strategy, since California law has several nuances preventing unnecessary violence. […]
How to Handle Police Questioning
Encountering law enforcement can be intimidating, and how you handle police questioning can significantly affect legal issues that might arise from the interaction. You should understand your rights and the importance of having legal representation before or after an arrest. Understand Your Rights Miranda rights, familiar to many from television and movies, are foundational in […]
What Is Admissible Evidence?
Evidence is central to the integrity and outcome of criminal and civil trials. Understanding what constitutes admissible evidence is crucial for anyone involved in legal proceedings, as it determines what information you can present before the court to support or dispute a claim. Understanding Admissible Evidence Admissible evidence refers to any testimony, documentary material or […]
Does Mental Illness Affect Crime?
The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior is a murky topic. Popular culture and media frequently portray people with mental health disorders as inherently dangerous or unpredictable, fueling widespread public misconceptions. However, research paints a different picture, showing that people with mental health diagnoses are no more likely to commit crimes than anyone else. […]