Legal Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingMay 19, 20250 Comments

Every state has its laws regarding the use of self-defense tools. Before buying or giving one away, it is essential to consider which ones are permitted, under what circumstances, and at what age one can be allowed to carry them.  California residents have the option of carrying....

The Role of Intent in Criminal Cases

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingMay 12, 20250 Comments

start below. Criminal intent, or mens rea, refers to the mental state of a person when they commit an act. It's a fundamental principle in criminal law. Intent separates purposeful actions from accidents or negligence. There are generally two primary types of intent. Specific....

Tier 3 Sex Offenders in California

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingMay 08, 20250 Comments

California has one of the most comprehensive and strict sex offender registry systems in the United States, governed by the Sex Offender Registration Act under Penal Code 290 PC. People convicted of certain sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders with their local law....

What Happens When a Victim Refuses to Testify?

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingApr 25, 20250 Comments

When a victim or witness refuses to testify in California,  they risk being held in contempt of court. This is a serious offense that can result in fines and up to 6 months in jail. However, it's crucial to understand that victims of domestic violence or sexual crimes have specific protections....

What Is Criminal Negligence?

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingApr 12, 20250 Comments

Criminal negligence is not just a matter of seriousness, but of utmost gravity, to be approached with the highest level of caution. It represents a level of carelessness or recklessness that surpasses mere negligence and is deemed a crime, underscoring the severity of the situation....

Defense Strategies for Criminal Cases

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingApr 11, 20250 Comments

Facing criminal charges can be intimidating, often leaving you with many questions. However, understanding that being charged with a crime is not the same as being found guilty can provide a significant sense of relief. The district attorney (prosecution) must prove all the elements....

What Is the Process If Charged with Murder?

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingAug 27, 20240 Comments

Let's review the legal process you've been charged with California Penal Code 187 PC murder. For those people who are trying to find a criminal defense attorney for a loved one charged with murder or if you've been able to bail out somehow on a murder case, basically, you want to know what the process is. The first thing...

Potential Punishments for Murder in Los Angeles

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingAug 26, 20240 Comments

For those individuals charged with California Penal Code 287 PC murder, the potential consequences are severe. The looming possibility of a life sentence is a stark reality, as most murder cases carry such a punishment, contingent on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. For a 1st-degree murder charge, the...

Do You Need a Private Defense Lawyer for a Murder Case?

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingAug 26, 20240 Comments

Let's review whether your loved one needs a private criminal defense attorney if they're charged with California Penal Code 187 PC murder in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is probably one of the cities in the country that has the most murder cases, and they have special prosecutors and law enforcement units that deal with...

How Can a Car Accident Lead to Murder Charges?

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingAug 26, 20240 Comments

With over 30 years of experience defending individuals against California Penal Code 187 PC murder charges, particularly those related to car accidents, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this complex area of law. Where I see the prosecutors filing murder charges, first and foremost, is when somebody has been...

How Does the District Attorney Handle Murder Cases?

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingAug 26, 20240 Comments

This is an interesting question because if you or a loved one is charged with California Penal Code 187 PC murder, you want to know exactly how you're going to be dealt with. Having worked for the district attorney's office in the early 1990s, I can attest that murder cases are treated with the utmost seriousness in Los Angeles...

Qualities of the Best Murder Defense Attorneys

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingAug 23, 20240 Comments

Let's review the qualities of the best California Penal Code 187 PC murder defense attorneys in Los Angeles. I've been practicing for over 30 years, handling murder defense cases in Los Angeles County and surrounding counties. The role of a defense attorney in a murder case is crucial. They are responsible for...

Best Defenses for a Murder Case in Los Angeles

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingAug 17, 20240 Comments

If you or a loved one is charged with murder in Los Angeles, obviously, you're looking for the best lawyer you could find and the best defense. We can't use the same defense for every case because every case doesn't have the same factual scenario. When considering defenses, it's crucial to delve into the specific facts of your case...

Cost of a Murder Defense Attorney in Los Angeles

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingAug 12, 20240 Comments

What factors influence the cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney for a California Penal Code 187 PC murder case in Los Angeles? There's a tiny community in my experience of criminal defense attorneys that try murder cases. Because all of the stakes are on the line and somebody is typically facing a life sentence, there are a...

Difference Between First and Second-Degree Murder

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingAug 07, 20240 Comments

I've tried many murder cases over my 30+ year career. There are not many attorneys in Los Angeles or even in the country that do murder cases. Because of the stakes that are on the line, most of the time, people are facing some form of life in prison. When it comes to the difference between 1st and 2nd-degree murder, you're...

Arrested for DUI During the Holidays?

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingJan 03, 20240 Comments

I just heard on the news that there have been over 200 arrests recently for DUI-related cases in Los Angeles County.  The police are out in force, arresting people.  Not just the CHP who's the main culprit for catching people for DUIs, but law enforcement agencies across Los Angeles County. What you want to do is to...

Can A Domestic Violence Case Be Dismissed?

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingJan 02, 20240 Comments

Let's review the reasons why a prosecutor would dismiss a domestic violence case in California. I get a lot of calls from people who are charged with domestic violence, and of course, they all want to get their cases dismissed.  Sometimes, it is possible; other times, it's just simply not possible based on the facts and circumstances...

Defenses for Assault to Commit Rape

Posted by Ronald D. HeddingOct 18, 20230 Comments

California Penal Code 220 PC assault to commit a felony is a commonly charged crime where the authorities claim that you assaulted or accosted somebody and attempted to rape the person.  The rape is not effectuated.  They would also charge Penal Code 261 PC rape if it doesn't happen.  The defense to this...

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