Many people who want to have their criminal records expunged ultimately want to have any evidence that they were in trouble with the law eliminated. After they go through this process, they think that their record will be erased. It will be as if they had never been...
Criminal Defense
Domestic violence charges: Can you claim self-defense?
A domestic violence conviction can have long-term consequences on your life beyond doing time in jail. You will also end up with a criminal record, and the negative perception from others could strain your personal and business relationships. One of the most common...
What has changed since the LAPD’s new policy on pretext stops?
We’ve all seen disturbing videos of police traffic stops for minor violations like expired license plates, broken taillights and items hanging from the rearview mirror that turned deadly for drivers (as they can for officers). There have been calls for an end to these...
Expungement process in domestic violence cases
Individuals convicted of domestic violence often want to know if they can expunge, or remove, their past conviction from their record. A domestic violence conviction can severely affect an individual’s life, including in employment, licensing and other areas. Can the...
What is the fruit of the poisonous tree?
If the police are investigating you, it’s good to know about the fruit of the poisonous tree. This is a legal doctrine that offers you some protection in certain situations. It helps to hold the police accountable. Essentially, the fruit of the poisonous tree is...
What happens if you miss your court date?
Securing bail while you are on trial can be a great relief. There is just something about being free to carry on with your life. But bail is never an end to your legal troubles. One of the conditions you must meet while on bail is appearing in court for your trial or...
Defending against involuntary manslaughter charges
Those who caused or contributed to the accidental death of another person should consider themselves in trouble. In California, involuntary manslaughter is often charged as a felony, meaning a strong defense may be the best way to improve your situation. With an...
Clearly invoke your Miranda rights
People who are being detained or interrogated by police officers have very specific rights that must be complied with. One of these requirements is that cops read the individual their Miranda rights. This is a list of specific rights that are contained within the...
Why doesn’t computer crime modeling work?
In an effort to predict where crimes will occur, some police departments have turned to computer models. This is often referred to as predictive policing. The algorithm looks at the data and predicts what types of crimes will occur and where they will take place. This...
When can you claim self-defense?
All kinds of situations can lead to charges of assault and battery – and the defenses available to you can be just as variable, but claims of self-defense are common. Before using this as your defense strategy, there are a few things to know about California law and...