California has a very specific definition of shoplifting. Shoplifting is either the act of theft from a retail business or entering during business hours with the intention to steal from a retail business. As long as the items involved are worth $950 or less, an...
Criminal Defense
Can a criminal record bar you from joining the military?
The United States military offers amazing training and career opportunities to those who are enlisted. However, joining the military with criminal baggage from your past can be a bit tricky. The possibility of enlisting for service with a criminal background largely...
3 ways allegations of domestic violence hurt you outside of court
If someone you live with or a romantic partner accuses you of domestic violence, there could be several issues that you must address in court. Criminal charges could have major repercussions. There could be jail time and fines if you plead guilty to domestic violence...
Lying about your employment for a loan could be a felony
Lending money is a dangerous business model. No matter what kind of collateral secures the loan and how good someone's credit score is, there's always the risk that they will default on the loan. Lenders lose money when they need to foreclose on a home or pursue a...
Why you shouldn’t talk without your lawyer
If you get arrested by the police and taken down to the station, they may put you in a room and begin asking questions. This interrogation is an attempt to learn more about what was happening and to get you to talk to the police. However, many legal experts advise...
A closer look at plea bargains
In the world of criminal defense, plea bargains often come into play. A plea bargain is a negotiation between the prosecution and the defense that frequently leads to a positive resolution to your case. Accepting a plea bargain means you are willing to admit to...
How to prove mistaken identity in a criminal trial
A crime has been committed. A suspect is in custody, and it is you. But you did not do it. In other words, it is a mistaken identity situation. It is not unheard of for an individual to be accused of, charged and convicted for a crime they did not commit. If you find...
Domestic abuse allegations are serious, and you need a defense
Domestic violence is a significant problem in the United States and is a charge to take seriously if you’re accused. Being accused of domestic violence means that an alleged victim has come forward to say that you’ve been abusive in some manner. Interestingly, actual...
Plan to testify in your criminal trial? Here are 2 tips
If you have been indicted for a crime you believe you did not commit or were justified in doing, you may want to testify in your own defense. But, regardless of why you are on trial, it is not uncommon to be nervous about taking to the witness stand. Even in the...
Evidence shows we can’t always trust eyewitnesses
In many criminal cases, an eyewitness is brought in to give their account of what happened. This account is often seen as trustworthy and accurate. However, studies have found that eyewitnesses are often wrong. For example, nearly 400 people have been released from...