Author: Darren O'Loughlin

Why police reports are not the final truth Police reports are official legal documents, but they are not infallible evidentiary records. In reality, these reports are written by law enforcement: under pressure at work, based on limited information, and with

Does the Case Still Move Forward? In California domestic violence cases, many people assume a case will automatically disappear if the alleged victim refuses to cooperate or does not show in court. Unfortunately, that is rarely how the legal system

When weak evidence kills a criminal case In the U.S. criminal justice system, the burden of proof rests squarely on the prosecution.  To move a case forward and ultimately obtain a conviction, the government must present credible, admissible evidence that

Crimes that can be misdemeanors or felonies In California criminal law, a wobbler offense is a crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. As the name suggests, it refers to crimes that “wobble” between the

When Miranda warnings are actually required A popular belief among many is that police must always read Miranda rights during an arrest. It’s not difficult to understand how this misconception became widespread when American TV shows like “Law & Order”

Can Charges Be Filed Without an Arrest in California? YES, CHARGES CAN BE FILED WITHOUT ARREST Many people assume that an arrest must occur before criminal charges can be brought, but in California that is not always true. In fact,

What really happens after a felony arrest in OC Being arrested for a serious crime, or felony arrest, can be one of the most frightening experiences a person and their loved ones may ever face. The moment law enforcement places

Expungement & Record Relief in OC For individuals with an arrest or criminal conviction, your past doesn’t have to define your future. At the Law Offices of David A. Stein in Orange County, we believe in second chances and using

Pre-Filing Intervention in Orange County Have you suddenly received unexpected detective calls? Is law enforcement quietly reviewing your case? If you’re a target of investigation in Orange County, the time before formal charges are filed can be critical. A pre-filing

Ghost Gun & Unserialized Firearm Charges in Orange County Facing ghost gun or unserialized firearm charges in Orange County, CA? Understanding your exposure and defenses is critical. Penal Code (PC) § 29180 prohibits the clandestine manufacturing, possession or transport of