Los Angeles Criminal Defense Blog
What Constitutes a Deadly Weapon in California Assaults?
The crime of assault is a misdemeanor under California law. However, assault with a deadly weapon is considered a felony under California Penal Code § 245. Because the penalties for felonies are more severe than misdemeanors, understanding what qualifies as a “deadly weapon” is vital to mounting an effective criminal defense strategy.
How to Navigate California’s Criminal Appeals Process
Criminal appeals play a crucial role in the justice system, providing an avenue for individuals convicted of a crime to challenge the outcome of their case. Understanding the appeals process in California is essential for those who believe they have grounds for an appeal and wish to seek a fair resolution.
If You Discovered There Is a Warrant Out for Your Arrest
The moment you discover there is a warrant for your arrest in California, feelings of shock and concern may quickly set in. Navigating this challenging situation requires the expertise of an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and provide effective legal guidance.
How Drug Quantities Affect Your Charges
If you are arrested for possession of a controlled substance, the quantity of the drug can affect the potential penalties you face in a conviction. While possessing a small amount of certain substances may be a misdemeanor offense, having a larger quantity in your possession can elevate the charge to a felony. After any drug arrest, it is in your best interests to consult with an experienced Los Angeles drug crime defense attorney.
Can Felonies Be Expunged?
The law on expungement was designed to help people who deserve it to get a fresh start. Expungement is a legal procedure that takes a criminal conviction off the record. It removes the guilty plea or verdict and changes the disposition of the case from conviction to dismissal. A felony on your record can have a significant impact on your future prospects. Speak with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney about the possibility of expungement. It could help you clear your name and move forward with your life.
How California Penal Code § 135 PC Works
California Penal Code 135. A person who, knowing that any book, paper, record, instrument in writing, digital image, video recording owned by another, or matter or thing, is about to be produced in evidence upon a trial, inquiry, or investigation, authorized by law, willfully destroys, erases, or conceals the same, with the intent to prevent it or its content from being produced is guilty of a misdemeanor.
DUIs with Kids in the Car
California has strict penalties for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. And there are several factors that may result in increased penalties, including the number of previous DUI offenses, unsafe driving, accidents, and if anyone was harmed or killed in a collision. The age of your passengers is a major factor that impacts the penalties you may be facing. If you are arrested for DUI and any of your passengers are below 18 years old, you could be facing real jail time. Judges and prosecutors take a harsh view of defendants who put children at risk. And prosecutors…
Common Defenses for Tampering or Intimidating Witnesses
Witness tampering is a serious crime that’s frequently prosecuted as a felony in California. But police and prosecutors will often get upset and file witness tampering charges when they don’t have enough evidence to convict somebody or when their case is falling apart. Witnesses and victims commonly misinterpret something somebody says and blow it out of proportion. And police and prosecutors are very aggressive when they think somebody might be interfering with an investigation. There are several legal defenses that can be used to get witness tampering charges thrown out of court. An experienced defense attorney has effective strategies to…
Is California a “Stand Your Ground” State?
In the 1980s, a group of states including Georgia, Florida, Kansas, and Idaho passed laws that were commonly referred to as “make my day” laws. Named after a line from the Dirty Harry movies, these laws explicitly state that a person who is not engaging in unlawful activity has the right to “stand your ground” and defend themselves by using deadly force against a violent attacker. On the other hand, states such as Hawaii, Maryland, Iowa, and Massachusetts have “duty to retreat” laws that require an individual to attempt to escape from imminent danger if possible before resorting to physical…
What Constitutes “False Evidence”?
Knowingly preparing false evidence or offering false evidence in a legal proceeding or investigation is a serious legal offense in California. In fact, it’s a felony that carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison. The courts have a keen interest in protecting the integrity of the judicial process. That’s why judges and prosecutors aggressively pursue defendants when they suspect that evidence has been tampered with. Defendants who are accused of submitting false evidence will want to find an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to protect your freedom.
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