Detained vs Arrested: What Is the Difference?
When dealing with law enforcement in California, it’s important to understand the legal difference between being detained and being arrested. In simple terms, a detention is a temporary stop where police have reasonable suspicion to investigate further, while an arrest is a formal action that involves taking someone into custody, usually based on probable cause […]
Can You Go to Jail for Self-Defense in California?
Short answer: Yes, you can go to jail for self-defense in California if the force you used was considered unreasonable or unnecessary under the law. While self-defense is a legal right, it’s not a guarantee of immunity from arrest or prosecution. California law recognizes the right to defend yourself or others from harm. However, if […]
Do Arrest Warrants Expire in California? Ask Defense Attorney
Old legal issues don’t always stay in the past. Many people in California are surprised to learn that a warrant issued years ago can still come back to haunt them, sometimes at the worst possible moment. Whether it stems from a missed court date, an unresolved charge, or forgotten citations, an arrest warrant can remain […]
California Clean Slate Law (AB 1076) | Defense Attorney Explains
Having a criminal record in California can feel like a life sentence, even if you’ve served your time, completed probation, or had your case dismissed. Background checks don’t always tell the entire story, but they do follow you into job interviews, housing applications, and college admissions. California’s Clean Slate Law, especially AB 1076, can be […]
What are the Public Intoxication Laws in California?
You had a little too much to drink. You weren’t driving. You weren’t causing a scene (at least not in your eyes). Yet, the flashing lights appeared, and now you’re being cited or arrested for being drunk in public. In California, public intoxication can sneak up quickly. It’s one of those charges that sounds minor, […]
Can Charges Be Dropped at an Arraignment Hearing?
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, the arraignment might feel like the first major step in what could be a long legal journey. It’s completely normal to wonder can charges be dropped at an arraignment hearing? The short answer is: yes, but it’s not common. Understanding what the arraignment involves and […]
Understanding the CA License Point System
If you’ve ever gotten a ticket in California, you might’ve heard something about “points” on your license. These aren’t rewards, and they definitely aren’t something you want to collect. The California DMV point system is used to track driving behavior, and too many points in a short time can lead to license suspension, higher insurance […]
How Serious is a Public Intoxication Charge in California?
You may think a public intoxication charge is no big deal—maybe an awkward night out, an overnight hold, and a story to laugh about with your friends later. But in California, being drunk in public can carry more weight than most people expect. From possible jail time to a criminal record that follows you for […]
What is Insurance Fraud? Know the Penalties and Defenses
Insurance fraud looms large in our society, not just as a clandestine crime but a costly menace that drives up premiums, shakes consumer trust, and drains public resources. Whether a slight exaggeration on a fender-bender claim or a complex staged crash, the ripple effects of deception can be massive. Understanding what constitutes insurance fraud helps […]