Driver’s license suspension or revocation represents serious, potentially life-changing offenses. For most people, reliance on a motor vehicle is second nature. Yet, when the privilege to operate one is taken away after a drunk driving arrest, the consequences can...
Criminal Defense
Don’t get fooled into being a (money) mule
The internet is a hotbed of fraud that ensnares unwary individuals in scams and schemes every day. The aim of scammers is to separate honest people from their hard-earned dollars. That’s bad enough, of course. But there are even worse consequences that can arise from...
When is “mistaken identity” a viable defense?
Being accused of a crime can be devastating -- and it does not get any better if your arrest and arraignment were based on mistaken identity. While advances in technology have improved the accuracy with which most crimes are resolved, mistaken identity still happens....
Is it fair to say that everyone breaks the law?
If you ask someone to define which individuals are criminals and which ones are not, they may tell you that criminals are people who break the law. These could be very serious laws, like murder, or more minor laws, like shoplifting. There are also plenty of offenses...
Can the police search my trash bin for evidence?
A man’s home is his castle. As such, no one likes the idea of the government invading and turning their home upside down without their approval, let alone in pursuit of anything that might land them in trouble. If you are a person of interest in a criminal matter, the...
What does being an accessory to a crime mean?
You do not have to participate in a criminal act or be physically present at a crime scene to get charged with an offense. If you help another person commit an offense or contribute to the concealment of a crime, you can be charged with being an accessory. You can...
How to clean up your criminal record in California
California is not a state where you can wipe your record completely clean after a criminal conviction. However, there are situations where you can clean up your record and minimize its impact on your life. Knowing the laws related to expungement in the state can help...
Are the police allowed to lie to you?
When you go to court, you have to swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth – at least, that’s what most people assume. They don’t believe that they are allowed to lie to the authorities. And this is true, at least if you’re on the stand. But...
2 consequences of a DUI that can do more harm than jail time
The circumstances leading to your arrest and the attitude of the judge presiding over your case will have a major influence on the penalties possible when you face a California driving under the influence (DUI) charge. Many drivers recently arrested and accused of...
Why eyewitness testimony is so suspect
Most people consider themselves to be truthful individuals. Sure, they might fudge on their taxes or pad their expense accounts here and there, but if asked to describe events unfolding in front of their eyes, they would tell the truth about what they perceived....