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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....

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....

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....

Suppose you are the subject of a sexual crime investigation in California. In that case, you need to be aware of the possibility of a "pretext call," in which law enforcement records you in a phone conversation without your knowledge in an attempt to gain evidence against.....

Under California Evidence Code 1108, prosecutors have the ability to introduce testimony from other alleged victims of sexual abuse by the accused to prove certain factors. It allows for the admission of evidence regarding the defendant's commission of other sexual offenses...

In California, being charged with either "battery" or "sexual battery" might cause some confusion. Legally,  battery and sexual battery are two different crimes. Still, both crimes involve unwanted physical contact, but one has more to do with intent than the other. Understanding....

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....

Vehicle break-ins and stolen auto parts have been on the rise in California. Existing laws had loopholes that previously allowed offenders to avoid serious charges. Senate Bill No. 905 (SB 905), part of the 2025 theft and drug laws, closes these gaps by tightening regulations and increasing penal...

In a significant move, California enacted Senate Bill 1414 (SB 1414) on September 26, 2024. This new legislation amends Penal Code sections 290 and 647PC, imposing stricter penalties for defendants convicted of soliciting minors. Notably, the crime has been elevated from a....

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....

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....

Driving under the influence (DUI) is not just a violation, but a serious offense in California under Vehicle Code 23152. It is typically charged as a misdemeanor that carries significant penalties, such as fines, probation, license suspension, mandatory DUI classes, and the possibility of jail ti...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

For those people who are involved in an accident and are driving under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, drugs, or a combination of any of those, and somebody gets seriously injured, they may have a GBI allegation against them.  That stands for “great bodily injury.”  The person will have to be pretty hurt...

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...