On July 2, 2022, Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial in the highly-publicized Karen Read murder trial as the jury was unable to reach a verdict. According to a note submitted by the jury: “We find ourselves deeply divided by fundamental differences in our opinions and state of mind.” A number of jurors believe that the evidence presented “does not sufficiently establish the necessary elements” required for a conviction. Karen Read’s defense attorney, Alan Jackson of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, had a harsh appraisal of the prosecution’s case: “The Commonwealth did their worst. They ..read more

Facing child abuse allegations during a divorce or custody battle is a serious situation that demands immediate action and strong legal guidance. In California, accusations of child abuse can have profound consequences. Unfortunately, false allegations of child abuse often arise during divorce proceedings. One parent might make false allegations aiming to damage the other parent’s credibility and gain an advantage in court to secure full custody. Emotional factors such as jealousy, revenge, or the influence of external parties like family members or new partners may also contribute to false c ..read more

Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from legitimate sources. Texting, phone calls, email, and social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram are often used for phishing scams. The goals of phishing include credit card fraud, gaining access to sensitive data and login information, and installing malware or ransomware on a computer network. One of the most prevalent techniques phishers use is sending fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or well-known companies. Another com ..read more

Your criminal attorney is more than just a legal advisor – they’re an important ally in the fight for justice. This is especially true when mental health issues intersect with drug crime allegations. In California’s criminal justice system, a skilled defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case. Your attorney is there to ensure that your rights are protected and to present a defense that accurately represents your mental health status. Your attorney will craft a legal defense strategy that takes into account the full scope of your circumstances. That way, they c ..read more

Assault and battery are often mentioned together, but they are separate offenses under California law. Assault is an attempt to threaten to injure another person, creating a reasonable apprehension of imminent harm. But battery involves actual physical contact or offensive touching without consent, regardless of injury. The two offenses are closely related because assault often leads to battery. In California, both offenses carry serious penalties, including jail time and heavy fines. Even if there was minimal or no physical contact at all, if you have been charged with one or both of these o ..read more

Courts serve as pillars of law and order, interpreting and enforcing regulations to uphold societal stability. Recognizing its authority is essential for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails. By adhering to court mandates, individuals demonstrate respect for the judicial process and contribute to preserving civil society. Upholding the court’s authority fosters trust in the legal system and promotes a harmonious, orderly society where all are held accountable under the law. On the other hand, ignoring court proceedings undermines the legal system’s integrity and can have ..read more

Receiving a bench warrant can induce fear and uncertainty, yet comprehension of the process and rights is vital. As criminal defense attorneys, we want to ensure individuals are equipped with insight into bench warrants and trials so they can deal with legal proceedings adeptly. It is vital to familiarize yourself with the implications of a bench warrant and take timely action to protect your rights and freedoms. We advocate for informed decision-making, ensuring clients fully understand their options and rights. By demystifying the legal intricacies, we empower individuals to address the iss ..read more

Being prosecuted more than once for the same offense is fundamentally unfair as it subjects individuals to undue stress, expense, and stigma without providing any additional benefit to justice. It allows the government to engage in potentially vindictive or retaliatory actions, undermining trust in the legal system. Constitutional protections against double jeopardy safeguard against arbitrary government abuse and harassment by limiting the state’s power to pursue individuals for the same alleged misconduct continuously. Overall, it ensures that individuals are protected from multiple trials ..read more

Commercial drivers may feel pressure to drive while intoxicated due to tight schedules, financial incentives, or fear of losing their jobs. Additionally, the nature of their work often involves long hours on the road, leading to fatigue and potentially impaired judgment. Driving under the influence poses unique risks to commercial drivers, as their vehicles are larger and more challenging to maneuver, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents. Moreover, CDL holders are subject to stricter regulations and harsher penalties for DUI offenses, including the potential loss of their commercial ..read more

No one likes a traffic stop. Especially after a night out with friends, the anxiety one feels when being pulled over is entirely understandable. It is essential to be aware of drivers’ most common mistakes and how to avoid them when interacting with law enforcement. Taking proactive measures can protect your rights and significantly improve the potential outcome of a DUI stop. Lack of Understanding: Know Your Rights Many people believe that during a DUI investigation at a traffic stop, you must comply with all requests made by law enforcement. In California, this is not the case. You have the ..read more