About eight million people in California have a criminal record. A criminal record can make specific aspects of life harder, like finding a job, keeping custody of your children or applying for a credit card or loan. Many people assume that people with a criminal record have committed a serious crime like robbery, sexual assault, battery, etc. However, not all cases are as serious. People make mistakes, but that does not mean you have to live with a conviction in your record for the rest of your life. Instead, they can be expunged. But how do you do that? In this guide, we go over expunging a ..read more

If you have a criminal record, it can impact your ability to find a job, keep custody of your children or apply for a credit card or loan. By pursuing an expungement in California, you can proactively avoid these issues. As you may already know, having a criminal record does not mean you have committed a serious crime. People make mistakes and the impact of your conviction should not negatively impact you for the rest of your life. Benefits of a California Expungement There are many benefits to expunged convictions. First and foremost, it will give you peace of mind. As expressed in the Califo ..read more

In the state of California, cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and older. There are, however, laws in place to ensure regulation of both medical and recreational use. These laws affect possession, use, cultivation and consumption of marijuana. In such cases where someone is found to have broken these laws, it is best to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Marijuana Laws in California For more than 25 years, California has passed progressive legislation regarding medical and recreational marijuana use. In passing Proposition 215 in 1996, it became the first state to allow med ..read more

Robbery may be a common crime, but it’s considered a serious offense under California criminal law. If convicted of a robbery, you could face significant jail time and fines. There are several things regarding robbery in California criminal law that you should be aware of — beginning with what qualifies as robbery in California. What is robbery? According to California Penal Code Section 211, “robbery is the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from their person or immediate presence, and against their well, accomplished by means of force or fear.” In order to co ..read more

A conviction in a criminal case shouldn’t be taken lightly and can mean serious consequences for you and your loved ones. If you feel that you’ve been wrongfully convicted, you don’t have to give up hope. In some circumstances, you may be able to take your case to a higher court by filing an appeal. Read more to find out if your case qualifies for an appeal and how an attorney can help you navigate this process. What is an appeal? An appeal is a claim you make to a higher court due to errors in your original trial. During this process, a panel of judges will review your trial to determine if a ..read more

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, then it is important to find legal counsel. If convicted, it can lead to large fines or jail time. You do not want to handle your case on your own. A criminal defense lawyer can walk you step-by-step through the process and know how to defend you best. The lawyer knows the proper procedures and will inform you of your rights. After being charged with a criminal offense, be sure to start the process of looking for a criminal defense lawyer. Keep reading to learn more. How To Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer A criminal defense lawyer handles crimin ..read more

When you hear the terms burglary, robbery, and theft, you might consider them synonyms. However, under California Penal Code, burglary, robbery, and theft are considered individual and separate crimes; each with its own provisions and penalties. Burglary According to California Penal Code 459, the definition of burglary is entering someone else’s home or property, like a business, to commit a theft or other felonious crime while inside. You can face a burglary charge even if you do not execute the intended crime. You also do not have to break in nor does another person have to be on the p ..read more

To create your best possible defense, your California criminal defense attorney needs to have as much information as possible – even if that information points to your guilt. How can you trust that this privileged information stays with your attorney?  California evidence code 954 guarantees attorney-client privilege, which ensures your information stays between you and your lawyer. What is attorney-client privilege? Attorney-client privilege began in English law in the 16th century as a way to bar attorneys from being forced to testify against their clients in court. For example, if a cl ..read more

Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom ended a decades-old law that required judges to enforce a minimum incarceration when sentencing nonviolent drug offenders. The requirement of mandatory minimum sentences was born out of War on Drugs-era thinking that has led to mass incarceration state-wide. Those incarcerated for nonviolent drug crimes may be better served by rehabilitation and treatment, but judges’ hands were previously tied concerning alternate sentences. These mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenses have been done away with in California. That means tha ..read more

As a working professional, you want to clear your path to success. A significant roadblock to your advancement is the accusation of a white-collar crime. Few people understand the severity of white-collar crime convictions, including the intimidating potential of incarceration.  Meet the challenge of a white-collar charge head-on by educating yourself and discovering your options. Learn what white-collar crime is, the consequences of being accused of a white-collar crime, and your options for moving ahead personally and professionally. What is White Collar Crime? White-collar crimes are f ..read more