Any car can technically be stolen. But if you have watched the news over the last few years, there has been a trend where vehicles made by Kia and Hyundai are being stolen at a greater rate than other makes and models. People who own these vehicles have become very...
Criminal Defense
When can police enter your home without a warrant?
If police officers get a search warrant, they may be allowed to enter your home. Generally, they have to take some sort of evidence or reasonable suspicion to a judge, who then signs the warrant. Police cannot just randomly get warrants and search people’s homes. They...
2 mistakes to avoid if you’re charged with domestic violence
The California penal code takes domestic violence allegations extremely seriously. It is not uncommon for a domestic violence call to end in an arrest and a formal charge. A domestic violence claim isn’t hard to make – and that’s still a long way from a conviction....
Is manslaughter the same as murder in California?
In all states, causing the death of another is considered a severe criminal offense. If charged with such a crime, it serves your interest to understand the nature of the specific charges filed against you. Learning the differences between murder and manslaughter may...
The leading causes of false domestic violence allegations
The specter of false domestic violence allegations casts a troubling shadow. A supposed surge of such allegations has become a matter of concern, raising questions about motives, consequences and overall impact on individuals and society. With that said, the...
Does an expungement mean your record is erased?
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...
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...