Arson
Under California law, arson involves willfully and maliciously setting fire to, burning, or aiding in the burning of a structure, forest land, or property. These cases may involve allegations connected to property damage, insurance claims, intent to defraud, or efforts to hide evidence.
Criminal Threats
Threats to kill or seriously injure another person may lead to criminal threats allegations when they are intended to cause sustained fear or public panic. These statements may be made verbally, in writing, or through electronic communications such as texts or emails.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct refers to public behavior that is disruptive, offensive, or threatening to community safety. These cases may involve fighting, public intoxication, disturbing the peace, refusing to disperse, or other conduct charged under California Penal Code Section 647.
Federal Crime
Federal charges are investigated and prosecuted differently than state cases, often involving agencies such as the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security, or other federal authorities. These cases require an understanding of federal rules, procedures, and the way federal prosecutors build their cases.
Gang Crime
Gang-related allegations may involve active participation in a gang or claims that an offense was committed for the benefit of a gang. These cases often depend on the facts surrounding alleged affiliation, law enforcement assumptions, and whether the underlying conduct was truly gang-related.
Gun Crimes
Firearm-related allegations may involve possession of an unregistered weapon, unlawful carrying, or other violations of California gun laws. These cases often require a careful review of the firearm involved, the location, the person’s record, and the circumstances of the arrest.
Hate Crime
A hate crime involves an alleged offense against a person, group, or property based on actual or perceived protected characteristics. These cases often turn on whether the prosecution can prove that the alleged conduct was motivated by bias.
Juvenile Crime
When a minor under 18 is accused of a crime in California, the case is typically handled in juvenile court. The juvenile system is focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, and public safety, but the process can still be stressful for both the child and the family.
Marsy’s Law
California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights Act provides crime victims with specific rights throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process. These rights may include notice of proceedings, protection from intimidation, the ability to be heard, and access to certain case information.
Public Intoxication
Often called “drunk in public,” public intoxication involves being under the influence in a public place in a way that affects personal safety, the safety of others, or the free use of public spaces. These cases often depend on the officer’s observations and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
School Zone Crimes
California law restricts firearms and certain weapons in school zones and on school grounds. These cases may involve questions about the location, the type of weapon involved, and whether the person knowingly entered a restricted area.
Three Strikes Felony
California’s felony sentencing laws consider the seriousness of the offense, prior convictions, and any alleged enhancements. Three Strikes cases require close attention to the nature of the current charge and the defendant’s prior record.
Trespassing
Criminal trespass involves entering or remaining on another person’s property without permission. These cases may involve signs, fences, requests to leave, alleged property damage, or claims that someone intended to interfere with the owner’s property or business.
Vandalism
Vandalism allegations can involve damage, destruction, or defacement of property. These cases often depend on the evidence, witness statements, timing, intent, and whether the alleged damage can be connected to the accused person.
Weapon Crime
Federal and state laws contain detailed provisions for the both firearms and ammunition. They cover which firearms a person may legally own or possess, as well as the legal methods for transporting them.