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Assembly Bill 2799: the Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act and the Interplay of the First Amendment
Assembly Bill 2799: Protecting Artistic Expression and the First Amendment A new California law called the Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act, or AB 2799, was just passed to protect artists’ First Amendment rights. This is a… Read More
The Cash Bail System in Los Angeles County
The Cash Bail System in Los Angeles County The cash bail system in Los Angeles County has been a hot topic of debate for years now. With lawsuits calling the system unconstitutional and judges issuing… Read More
The Game-Changing Role of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases
The Game-Changing Role of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases DNA evidence has become a routine part of prosecuting sexual assault cases. Research shows that 72% of jurors expect to see DNA evidence in a sexual… Read More
Navigating Preliminary Hearings in the Age of Proposition 115
Navigating Preliminary Hearings in the Age of Proposition 115 Preliminary hearings in California got a major shakeup in 1990 with the passage of Proposition 115, also known as the Crime Victims Justice Reform Act. This… Read More
Preliminary Hearings in Embezzlement and Grand Theft Cases
Preliminary Hearings in Embezzlement and Grand Theft Cases If you’ve been charged with embezzlement or grand theft, one of the first big hurdles you’ll face is the preliminary hearing. This hearing happens early on in… Read More
Penal Code 1170(h) and Avoiding Prison Time on a Felony Conviction
Penal Code 1170(h) and Avoiding Prison Time on a Felony Conviction Felony charges can lead to some pretty harsh punishments, including years behind bars in state prison. But California Penal Code section 1170(h) gives judges… Read More
When Is a Defendant Required to Personally Appear in Court?
When Is a Defendant Required to Personally Appear in Court? Going to court can be scary and confusing. As a defendant, you may wonder if you really need to show up or if your lawyer… Read More
The Fifth Amendment and Los Angeles Courts
The Fifth Amendment and Los Angeles Courts The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that no person shall be “compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.” This amendment protects the… Read More
Glendale Ignition Interlock Device
Glendale Ignition Interlock Device Having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle can be a frustrating experience. But it doesn’t have to be! This article will walk you through everything you need to know… Read More
Pretrial Diversion in Los Angeles
Pretrial Diversion in Los Angeles Hey there! If you got arrested for a crime in LA, you might be able to do a pretrial diversion program. These programs let you avoid jail time and get… Read More
Immigration Consequences for Domestic Violence
Immigration Consequences for Domestic Violence Being charged with domestic violence can have serious immigration consequences for non-citizens, even if you have a green card or other legal status. A domestic violence conviction can potentially lead… Read More
Obstacles to Admitting Evidence in Los Angeles Courts
Obstacles to Admitting Evidence in Los Angeles Courts Getting evidence admitted in a Los Angeles courtroom can be tricky. There are lots of rules lawyers have to follow, and judges can reject evidence for all… Read More
Reducing Felonies to Misdemeanors
Reducing Felonies to Misdemeanors Getting charged with a felony can be scary. Felonies are serious crimes that can lead to long prison sentences, big fines, and a criminal record that follows you for life. But… Read More
Collateral Consequences
Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions Collateral consequences are legal disabilities imposed by law as a result of a criminal conviction, regardless of whether the convicted individual serves any time incarcerated1. These consequences create social and… Read More
DUI While Driving On A Suspended License
DUI While Driving On A Suspended License Getting a DUI is bad enough, but continuing to drive after your license has been suspended for a DUI is even worse. I know, it can be really… Read More
Motions to Suppress
Motions to Suppress: A Helpful Guide Hey there! If you’re reading this, you probably want to learn more about motions to suppress evidence in criminal cases. I get it – legal stuff can be confusing… Read More
Speedy Trial Motions
Speedy Trial Motions When a defendant is charged with a crime, they have a constitutional right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment. This means the government can’t indefinitely delay prosecuting someone – the… Read More
Plea Withdrawal Motions: A Guide for Defendants
Plea Withdrawal Motions: A Guide for Defendants Entering a guilty plea is a major decision with huge consequences. While most defendants stick with their plea, some later have regrets and want a do-over. This article… Read More
Statute Of Limitations
Statute of Limitations: An Overview for the Average Joe Hey there, friend! If you’re reading this, you probably want to learn more about statute of limitations. I don’t blame you – it’s pretty confusing legal… Read More
Rap Sheets
Rap Sheets: What They Are and How They Affect You A rap sheet, also known as a criminal record or Record of Arrests and Prosecutions (RAP), is basically a list of all your arrests and… Read More
Mental Health and the Law
Mental Health and the Law Mental health issues can be really tough to deal with. Having to manage symptoms while also trying to navigate the legal system only makes things harder. This article talks about… Read More
Competence to Stand Trial
Competence to Stand Trial Being found competent to stand trial is a big deal. It means the court has decided you understand the charges against you and can participate in your defense. But what happens… Read More
Sex Offender Registration Tiers
Sex Offender Registration Tiers Sex offender registration laws require people convicted of certain sex crimes to register with law enforcement and provide information like their name, address, and offense. The length of time an offender… Read More
Beverly Hills Juvenile Crime
Beverly Hills Juvenile Crime Juvenile crime is a big issue in Beverly Hills, with many teens getting into trouble for offenses like shoplifting, vandalism, and drug possession. While Beverly Hills is seen as an affluent… Read More
What is Considered a DUI Refusal?
What is Considered a DUI Refusal? Getting pulled over for a DUI can be scary. Your heart races as the police lights flash behind you. You know you’ve had a few drinks, but you don’t… Read More
Criminal Threats
Criminal Threats Criminal threats, often also called terrorist threats, can be a really serious charge. A criminal threat happens when someone threatens to physically harm or kill someone else[2]. These kinds of threats can be… Read More
Beverly Hills DUI With Child In The Vehicle
Beverly Hills DUI with a Child Passenger – Consequences and Defenses Getting arrested for driving under the influence is scary enough, but when you have your child riding along, it becomes an absolute nightmare. DUI… Read More
Selling Marijuana to a Minor in Los Angeles
Selling Marijuana to a Minor in Los Angeles Selling weed to a minor is a big no-no in California, even though recreational marijuana is legal for adults 21 and over. It’s a felony offense with… Read More
Legalities of Vehicle Searches when Law Enforcements Smells Marijuana
Legalities of Vehicle Searches when Law Enforcements Smells Marijuana The laws regarding vehicle searches based on the smell of marijuana have been changing rapidly in recent years. As more states legalize marijuana, courts are limiting… Read More
Orange County Superior Court Drug Court Program
The Orange County Superior Court Drug Court Program: A Path to Recovery and Redemption The Orange County Superior Court’s Drug Court program provides hope and a second chance for people struggling with addiction. This alternative… Read More
Sale or Transportation of a Controlled Substance in Los Angeles
Sale or Transportation of Controlled Substances in Los Angeles Selling or transporting illegal drugs, also known as controlled substances, is a serious crime in Los Angeles that can lead to years in prison. Controlled substances… Read More
Domestic Violence Arraignments
Domestic Violence Arraignments: What to Expect and How to Prepare Being arrested for domestic violence can be scary and confusing. Many folks feel ashamed, and like they’re being treated as criminals when all they did… Read More
Domestic Violence Expungement in Los Angeles
Domestic Violence Expungement in Los Angeles Getting charged with domestic violence can have lasting consequences on your life. Even after you serve your sentence, a domestic violence conviction stays on your record and can make… Read More
Domestic Violence Mandatory Conditions – 1203.097
Domestic Violence Mandatory Conditions – 1203.097 Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects millions of people every year. In California, Penal Code section 1203.097 sets forth mandatory probation conditions for those convicted of domestic… Read More
Reduced Charges for Domestic Violence in Los Angeles
Reduced Charges for Domestic Violence in Los Angeles Domestic violence is a serious issue, but the legal system in Los Angeles does allow for reduced charges in some cases. This article will explain when reduced… Read More
Los Angeles Domestic Battery Lawyer
Los Angeles Domestic Battery Lawyer Being charged with domestic battery in Los Angeles can be scary and overwhelming. But with the right legal help, you can get through this. As your local LA domestic battery… Read More
Los Angeles Criminal Threats in Domestic Violence
Los Angeles Criminal Threats in Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a serious issue affecting many families in Los Angeles and across the country. While physical abuse often comes to mind when we think of domestic… Read More
Domestic Violence Evidence in Los Angeles
Dealing with Domestic Violence in LA – Evidence Matters, But So Does Empathy Domestic violence – it’s a huge problem here in LA. And it’s not just the big celebrity cases we see on TV…. Read More
Domestic Violence and Sentence Modifications in Los Angeles
Domestic Violence and Sentence Modifications in Los Angeles Domestic violence is a huge problem in Los Angeles and across the country. Many people are arrested each year for domestic violence offenses like battery, assault, criminal… Read More
Los Angeles Child Endangerment Attorney
Los Angeles Child Endangerment Attorney Being charged with child endangerment can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. As a parent, your top priority is protecting your child, so facing allegations of putting them in… Read More
Romeo and Juliet Laws West Virginia
Romeo and Juliet Laws in West Virginia Romeo and Juliet Laws in West Virginia In West Virginia, the age of consent is 16 years old. This means that anyone under 16 cannot legally consent to… Read More
Romeo and Juliet Laws Wisconsin
Romeo and Juliet Laws in Wisconsin Romeo and Juliet Laws in Wisconsin Lots of teens have relationships in high school – it’s totally normal. But sometimes these relationships can get teens in trouble with the… Read More
Romeo and Juliet Laws Wyoming
Romeo and Juliet Laws in Wyoming Romeo and Juliet Laws in Wyoming – A Complex Legal Landscape Romeo and Juliet laws are provisions that provide defenses or exemptions from prosecution for consensual sexual activity between… Read More
Romeo and Juliet Laws Ohio
Romeo and Juliet Laws in Ohio: Protecting Teen Relationships or Endangering Minors? Teenage romance. For generations, it has been a rite of passage – fraught with awkwardness, drama, and heartbreak. But it can also lead… Read More
Romeo and Juliet Laws Oklahoma
Romeo and Juliet Laws in Oklahoma Romeo and Juliet Laws in Oklahoma The laws around statutory rape and age of consent in Oklahoma can be pretty confusing. There are a lot of intricacies and specifics… Read More
Romeo and Juliet Laws Oregon
Romeo and Juliet Laws in Oregon Romeo and Juliet laws are provisions that reduce or eliminate criminal penalties for young people who engage in consensual sexual activity with someone under the age of consent. These… Read More
Romeo and Juliet Laws Pennsylvania
Romeo and Juliet Laws in Pennsylvania Romeo and Juliet Laws in Pennsylvania Romeo and Juliet laws are provisions that reduce or eliminate criminal penalties for young people who engage in consensual sexual activity with someone… Read More
Romeo and Juliet Laws Rhode Island
Romeo and Juliet Laws in Rhode Island Romeo and Juliet Laws in Rhode Island Rhode Island, like many other states, has laws on the books known as “Romeo and Juliet” laws. These laws are designed… Read More