Domestic violence accusations can drastically change your life. You might face serious legal consequences, including protective orders that limit your freedom and affect your daily routine. Knowing what to expect and how to handle this difficult situation can help you avoid additional legal problems. Understanding protective orders In California, a protective order is a court document that can restrict many… The post Facing domestic violence accusations? These tips may help you. first appeared on Herbert Weston & Tanya Weston, Criminal Lawyers ..read more

Criminal charges for stealing may seem straightforward, but these incidents can become more complicated based on the circumstances. When someone commits theft, the various details surrounding the offense can affect its severity and the appropriate sanctions. The court can help determine what laws apply, helping them classify the crime accordingly. In California, these crimes can become grand theft if they… The post What qualifies as grand theft in California? first appeared on Herbert Weston & Tanya Weston, Criminal Lawyers ..read more

Counterfeiting is a deceptive practice and a serious crime. It involves creating fake currency, goods or documents. Perpetrators of this crime aim to deceive and profit from their activities. Why counterfeiting is a white collar crime Unlike street crimes, counterfeiting typically does not involve violence or physical threats. Instead, it involves deception, fraud and financial manipulation. This makes it a… The post What is counterfeiting and why is it a serious white collar crime? first appeared on Herbert Weston & Tanya Weston, Criminal Lawyers ..read more

The State of California offers a unique alternative to the typical type of judicial proceedings for people struggling with substance abuse issues. This alternative seeks to address the underlying problems causing the behaviors rather than solely penalizing people for certain drug-related crimes. Drug court This court system allows non-violent offenders who are charged with drug-related offenses to receive treatment if… The post Drug courts: what are they and how do they work? first appeared on Herbert Weston & Tanya Weston, Criminal Lawyers ..read more

Assault is a usual offense that could be relevant in disagreements and fights that turn physical. Some may consider it identical to battery, but the law typically follows specific principles to determine what is most appropriate. However, is assault a suitable charge if there is no physical contact between the assailant and the victim? There is no one-size-fits-all approach to determine what applies in this instance, but bringing about assault charges could still be possible. Understanding what assault is When dealing with a physical fight or brawl, assault is usually applicable if someone sho ..read more

The penalties for committing a driving under the influence (DUI) offense can be harsh, including fines, license suspension and even possible imprisonment. One of the tools that law enforcement officers use to confirm if a driver has committed a DUI is the breathalyzer, which measures blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, this device is not always reliable because it can produce inaccurate results due to various reasons. If you are facing a DUI charge, how can knowing a breathalyzer’s potential inaccuracies and malfunctions help you challenge your results? Calibration and maintenance issu ..read more

As the national fentanyl addiction crisis deepens, California lawmakers have taken an aggressive step to punish offenders. Effective since the beginning of 2024, a new law imposes harsher penalties for those convicted of distributing this potent drug. Under this new law, the penalty for selling or distributing more than one kilogram of fentanyl includes an automatic addition of three years to the original sentence, with penalties escalating with the quantity of the drug involved, reaching up to an additional 25 years for trafficking more than 80 kilograms. The Debate on Effectiveness This legi ..read more

Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, especially with the potential for severe penalties looming overhead. In this situation, it is crucial to remember that there are mitigating factors you can use to reduce the penalties you are facing for driving under the influence. Presenting these factors is more than just a defensive tactic. It reflects your responsibility, awareness and willingness to rectify a mistake. Not only that, but these factors can also provide the court with a broader context of your situation, which can lead to more lenient judgments. Low blood alcohol content (BAC) If ..read more

The results of several recent polls and surveys indicate that most people in California and around the country believe that crime is a serious problem and should be a top priority for lawmakers. However, an analysis of crime data gathered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Justice Statistics reveal that the violent and property crime rates in the United States have fallen sharply in recent decades. The Pew Research Center conducted the study and published its findings on April 24. Crime and closure rates After analyzing the data, researchers discovered that violent crime ..read more

If you accidentally kill another individual, is that homicide or murder? Although used synonymously, homicide and murder have distinct meanings. Homicide vs. murder Think of homicide as an umbrella term encompassing any situation where one person causes the death of another individual. For example, you are cleaning your gun and it accidentally fires, fatally shooting someone nearby; that falls under homicide. Murder, on the other hand, is a specific type of homicide that involves malice with the intent to harm. This means the individual planned the act with the intention of killing someone. Pe ..read more