Some states have a crime called disorderly conduct. California also has criminalized disorderly conduct, but here this crime is better known as “disturbing the peace.” Disturbing the peace is a misdemeanor crime. Legally, it is not as serious as a felony charge. However, any time you face jail time or a conviction on your record, it is extremely serious. Being convicted of disturbing the peace can lead to serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. A conviction can also come with serious collateral consequences beyond jail time and fines. It can affect your ab ..read more

A law enforcement officer in California may obtain several different warrants during a criminal investigation. Understanding the differences between an arrest warrant and a search warrant will allow you to understand your legal rights if you are dealing with a warrant as part of a criminal investigation. Arrest warrants allow law enforcement officers to place a specific person under arrest for a particular crime. In contrast, search warrants authorize law enforcement officers to search specified locations for specific items. Arrest Warrants in California Police in California can arrest indivi ..read more

Law enforcement officers have arrested you for possession of a controlled substance in California. You’re wondering how serious this is, what the legal implications are, and how to protect your rights and freedom. The short answer is that possession of a controlled substance is illegal in California under Health and Safety Code Section 11350. But the circumstances matter. The amount of drugs you possess, the type of drugs, your purpose for possessing the drugs, and prior convictions are just a few elements of this crime that will affect your penalty. Don’t assume this is a misdemeanor you don ..read more

In California, you violate the law if you drive under the influence of alcohol. How do police determine if you’re intoxicated in violation of the law? You must exceed the legal BAC in California. The state has drawn an arbitrary line that holds all drivers to the same standard. This standard relies on what is known as your blood alcohol concentration, or BAC. When your BAC exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 percent, police charge you with driving under the influence (DUI), it’s essential to enlist the support of a seasoned DUI lawyer. Get A Free Consultation BAC Blood alcohol concentration measur ..read more

Is doxing illegal? In California, doxing is considered a serious offense, and individuals engaging in this activity can face legal consequences. The state has laws that prohibit the unauthorized dissemination of personal information with the intent to harass, intimidate, or harm others. Violating these laws can result in criminal charges, including stalking, harassment, identity theft, and more. What is Doxing? Doxing is a malicious practice prevalent in today’s digital age. It involves the unauthorized disclosure of private information or personal details about individuals or organizations. T ..read more

Strict federal and state laws protect children from sexual abuse, child pornography, child molestation, and other sex crimes. Our laws severely punish individuals for a variety of sex crimes involving children. However, many people are unaware that watching cartoons could get them into trouble legally. Watching animated depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct or sexual activity could result in a child pornography charge. A particular type of animated child pornography is lolicon. What is lolicon and is lolicon legal in the United States? What is Lolicon? Lolicon, or lo ..read more

Does a misdemeanor stay on record long? A misdemeanor crime is considered a minor criminal offense, especially compared to a felony charge, but it is still a criminal offense. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, the offense can stay on your record for the rest of your life unless the court expunges it. Criminal charges like this can change your life. You need a criminal defense lawyer. According to the California Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Justice must record offenses reported to the DOJ by any California court or law enforcement agency. The record retention policy is to m ..read more

Background checks are a standard part of various processes, from employment screening to housing applications. They can significantly impact individuals who’ve had encounters with law enforcement and carry an arrest record. These background checks may limit opportunities in several areas for such individuals.   Given the consequences tied to a criminal history, it’s important to understand what exactly a background check is, what shows up on it, and what your rights are, as well as what you can do to mitigate potential collateral consequences of having a criminal history.  What Exact ..read more

If you find yourself as the defendant in a civil harassment case in California, it’s crucial to understand what this means. A civil harassment restraining order is a legal instrument used by individuals who claim abuse, threats of abuse, stalking, or harassment by someone with whom they don’t share an intimate relationship. For example, a civil harassment restraining order may involve a neighbor, friend, or stranger.    Civil harassment orders are different from domеstic violеncе rеstraining orders. These are for alleged victims who arе requesting protеction from individuals thеy hav ..read more

Driving without a valid license in California can have serious consequences. If your license expires, gets suspended, or is taken away from failing to pay multiple citations, operating a vehicle without the appropriate credentials can lead to various penalties.  You need to know the potential consequences of driving without a license in California to avoid legal trouble. California’s Stance on Driving Without a License California Vehicle Code § 12500 (a) makes it a crime to drive a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. Under the law, it is treated as a serious offense. You are r ..read more