I've been handling kidnapping cases since the early 1990s. I've had a lot of success and results. One of the biggest secrets to defending these kidnapping cases is to see if the client is charged with Penal Code Section 209 or Section 207. The prosecutors have to prove specific elements for each of these charges, and you...
If you or a loved one is charged with California Penal Code 261 PC rape, you want to find the best attorney you can. That would probably be the first inside secret. You want somebody who has experience in defending a rape case because these are very serious offenses that would require someone to register as a sex...
Posting bail after a loved one's arrest can be costly and stressful. But what happens to that money after the criminal case is resolved? If you're wondering whether you should expect to get your bail money back, there are a few essential factors to consider. You will need to understand the differences between cash bail...
California Vehicle Code 4463 VC prohibits fraud or forgery related to car registration certificates, tags or stickers, license plates, or smog test certificates. This crime is a wobbler that can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony, which carries up to three years in jail. Vehicle Code 4000a1 VC is the law that requires California drivers...
Thousands of DUIs are prosecuted every year in Los Angeles County. I've been fighting these cases for over 30 years, so I definitely have a few tricks and secrets for properly defending them and getting the best possible result. I think the first thing you've got to figure out is how you will handle the case. Is the case going...
If you or a loved one is charged with murder and you're looking for the best possible lawyer and looking for some angles and thoughts about how to approach things, you've come to the right place. I can't cover everything in this post, but I can start to give you some ideas. If you like what you hear, you can set up a meeting...
California Penal Code 13700 PC is the law that defines "domestic violence" as the abuse of a current or former spouse, cohabitant, intimate partner, dating partner, fiancé, fiancée, or co-parent. This law also defines the related terms abuse and victim. These legal definitions apply to all domestic abuse offenses and...
Like most criminal issues, domestic violence (DV) has a statute of limitations under California law that imposes deadlines on anyone who wants to report a case of domestic violence. These deadlines are necessary because, generally speaking, the longer the period after a crime has been committed, the less reliable the evidence...
When police respond to domestic violence assault incidents in Los Angeles County, one of their main responsibilities is to identify the primary aggressor. This ensures that the right individual is held accountable and victims receive protection. Police officers must make a careful balance between justice and immediate safety...
Domestic violence can happen in any relationship, regardless of income level, religion, or education. Abuse might occur between married people or between unmarried people living together or in a dating relationship. Research has revealed that some people are more likely to become victims of domestic...
To recant, meaning "take back," your domestic violence (DV) statement will not always result in the case being dropped. This is especially true when the district attorney has other evidence of guilt, such as pictures of significant injuries. Another issue to consider before recanting a domestic violence statement is the possibility...
With a legal career spanning over 30 years in Los Angeles, I have specialized in defending domestic violence and spousal abuse cases. The first step in our journey is a comprehensive discussion of the case's facts and circumstances. This initial secret is crucial in determining the best approach to handle your case. Your role in...
In California, domestic violence (DV) is typically filed as a misdemeanor rather than a felony unless certain circumstances elevate the offense to a felony. These include significant injuries, a child victim, the use of a deadly weapon, prior DV convictions, or the violation of a restraining order. If none of these circumstances exist, the...
For those people who are charged with California Penal Code 245(a)(1) PC assault with a deadly weapon (ADW), they're looking for help because it's a severe crime. If the charge is classified as a felony, it's not just a legal issue; it's a strike or a violent felony. It could remain on your record for the rest of your life, particularly in...
Those charged with burglary are looking for ways to resolve their cases. I've been doing this for over 30 years and wanted to share some of my secrets. First, you must assess whether you're dealing with a first- or second-degree burglary. A second-degree burglary involves breaking into a closed structure and stealing...
I offer some secrets and insights into defending a California Penal Code 211 PC robbery case for those charged with robbery and the family members trying to help their family member who has been accused of it. I've been handling these cases for over 30 years on the defense side. started out working for the prosecutors, then...
No California law specifically prohibits people from having sex in a car. However, having sex in a vehicle in public view could potentially result in criminal charges, such as lewd conduct in public or indecent exposure. Suppose you have sex in your car with someone in the middle of nowhere, and there are no other people...
Suppose you were accused of committing a crime in California. Getting criminal charges dismissed before trial is typically the best outcome you could obtain. Understanding the role of the district attorney (prosecutor) in the process of dropping charges is crucial. While there are several strategies for getting criminal...
An employer will often conduct criminal history checks to identify people whose criminal history might affect their ability to perform responsibly and trustworthy. Sometimes, a criminal conviction may be a huge red flag that shifts a hiring manager's perception of a potential employee. For example, suppose someone has...
Suppose you have a valid driver's license from a foreign country. In that case, you can legally drive in California without obtaining a California driver's license or international driving permit (IDP). However, your license must be lawfully issued in the country where you live, cover the vehicle you are driving, and...
All states recognize a person's right to self-defense, including the weapons you can legally possess. In California, Various self-defense weapons, such as tasers, stun guns, certain knives, specific firearms, and personal alarms are legal. These devices are typically attached to keychains and designed to release loud, deafening...
Understanding PC 1275 holds is crucial, yet many find it challenging. The process of lifting them is equally complex. I'm here to shed some light on it, but it's essential to grasp the gravity of the situation. If you or a loved one is facing a criminal case, seeking legal assistance is imperative. Together, we can navigate...
For those people who have been arrested and bail is set, their loved ones are usually looking to bail them out, or the person themselves is anticipating a bail being set and trying to figure out the best way to handle the bail situation. Typically, when the police arrest someone and no judges are available, they are responsible for...
Many people are excited about Humphrey's case because they think they can get out on bail or at least get their bail reduced. In some circumstances, judges can use Humphrey's case to lower somebody's bail or release them on their recognizance. But don't be fooled. The judges are lawyers. Most of them are aligned with the...
The common question is, why are prosecutors in Los Angeles County filing California Penal Code 187 PC charges related to deaths on the road? For those people who have been arrested and charged with murder about a driving-related death on the road, either they or their families are searching for answers. This is...
