In some cases yes, it can be a good idea to waive your right to a jury trial. If you choose to do so, the judge would hear the evidence and issue the verdict at your trial, rather than a jury. This is known as a bench trial. Discussing this option with your defense lawyer ... The post Waiving my right to a jury trial – Is it a good idea? first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more

Yes, misdemeanor cases can go to trial. The vast majority of them, however, are resolved without a trial, mainly through plea bargains or dropped charges. Some studies have found that over 90 percent of all criminal cases are resolved without a trial. This percentage is likely even higher for misdemeanors. Most criminal cases end without ... The post Do misdemeanors go to trial? A defense lawyer explains first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more

Generally, a judge can deny bail if he or she thinks that you are a flight risk or a threat to public safety. However, different jurisdictions will have different approaches to bail. California, for example, lets judges deny bail only for certain types of crimes. When it comes to denying or setting bail, judges have ... The post 7 Reasons Why a Judge May Deny Bail Altogether first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more

If you wish to renew your CCW permit for carrying concealed weapons in Colorado, you must submit a renewal application to the sheriff’s office in the county where you currently either: live, own property, or own a business. CCW permits issued in Colorado are good for five years unless they are prematurely revoked. Sheriffs may ... The post Colorado CCW Renewal – A Guide to How to Do It first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more

If a victim or witness refuses to testify, the judge can hold them in contempt of court. This is a misdemeanor offense that carries fines and up to 6 months in jail in California. The judge can also fine them or detain them until they comply. However, victims of domestic violence or sexual crimes cannot ... The post What happens if a victim or witness refuses to testify? first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more

In California, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) will stay on your driving record for 10 years after your arrest. It cannot be removed from your driving record during this time. The DMV, law enforcement, and car insurance companies will see it. However, the blemish on your driving record will not show up ... The post How long does a DUI stay on your driving record in California? first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more

To find out if someone has auto insurance, you can ask them. Drivers are legally obligated to provide this information after a car accident. If they refuse or they flee the scene of the crash, you will often need their license plate number to find out if they are insured. You can also just let ... The post How to Find Out if Someone Has Auto Insurance Coverage first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more

You may convince the prosecutor to drop the criminal charges against you by: presenting exculpatory evidence, presenting evidence that supports a strong affirmative defense, completing a pretrial diversion program, testifying against another defendant, and/or pleading guilty to a lesser offense. 1. Exculpatory evidence One way to convince a prosecutor to drop the criminal charges against ... The post How do I convince the prosecutor to drop my charges? first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more

In California, the criminal statute of limitations for the crime of hit and run depends on whether there was a serious injury. If there was a serious injury, the statute of limitations is 6 years. If there were no injuries, it is 1 year. If the injury was not serious, it is 3 years. This ... The post What is the statute of limitations for hit & run in California? first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more

In Nevada, you can get into trouble for not reporting a crime depending on: the alleged illegal activity and your job. For instance, “mandatory reporters” are professionals who must report certain offenses while others do not. Below I explain the difference between mandatory reporters and regular citizens and when each is lawfully obligated to call ... The post Failure to Report a Crime – Is it a crime in Nevada? first appeared on Shouse Law Group ..read more