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When you find yourself arrested or charged with a crime, the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties can be overwhelming. It is a moment when time seems to freeze, and yet decisions made in these critical hours can shape much of what comes next. For many, this will be the first time to hire a criminal…

Every U.S. state, along with the federal government, has its own standards for the classification and procedures of different crimes. In California’s criminal justice system, crimes are categorized as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Infractions are the least severe of criminal offenses and are usually punished with fines up to $250. Misdemeanors and felonies, however, are…

Getting arrested can be a traumatic experience, especially when it’s for a crime that you did not commit. Whether you have been wrongly accused due to a case of mistaken identity, a misunderstanding, or incorrect evidence, knowing the right steps to take can be crucial. Remember, though the justice system aims to be fair, it…

In Orange County, CA, facing charges for unlawful gun possession can lead to serious legal consequences that have a lasting impact on your life, especially if you have been arrested for having an unregistered weapon or firearm, or have a previous record of arrests or firearm-related offenses. The complexity and severity of these cases requires…

If you have been arrested in California, it is crucial to understand the criminal justice process, your rights, and the steps you need to take to navigate the system effectively. Being charged with a crime can be scary and confusing, but knowing what to expect can help alleviate some of the stress. First and foremost,…

California has some of the strictest gun control laws and, for firearm owners, it has become increasingly important to know where you can carry a gun legally. The 1995 California Gun-Free Zone Act, or Penal Code § 626.9 PC, makes it a crime to knowingly possess a loaded or unloaded firearm in a school zone.…

In the state of California, a restraining order is a court order that protects a person from harassment, abuse, stalking or threats by another person. It includes three primary orders – a stay-away/no-contact order preventing a respondent from contacting the protected person; preventing a respondent from coming within a specific number of yards from the…

A post here earlier this month reported on an audit in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department about evidence in criminal cases being improperly booked as evidence. A second audit has reportedly found that in 57 cases sheriff’s deputies had not booked evidence in criminal cases, even though they reported that they had done so. The…

Three dozen news outlets across California collaborated on an investigative research project that resulted in the publishing a series of local news articles about “criminal cops;” police officers who have been convicted of crimes. The reports have stirred up controversy in the state capital, in police unions and among prosecutors and the public. Some legislators…