How Mitigating Circumstances Can Impact Your Sentence

attorney in court

You have been convicted of a criminal offense and now it is time for sentencing. Sentencing is where the judge determines the punishment for your crime. Under California law, there may be a range of punishments you could be subject to depending on the nature of the crime. However, judges do have some say in…

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Is It a Crime to Attempt a Crime?

warrant defense attorney oceanside

If you attempt to commit a crime, and are unsuccessful, can you still face punishment in the state of California? It might surprise you, but the answer is yes. You can still face criminal charges even if you attempt to commit a crime and fail.  The punishment for an attempt charge should not be dismissed.…

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3 Tips for Choosing the Right San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney

hiring an attorney

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in San Diego, you have probably heard the advice: “hire a criminal defense attorney right away.” It’s true. It is in your best interest to work with an attorney even before you speak to law enforcement to ensure that your rights are protected. But how do…

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Are You a Victim of Entrapment in San Diego?

woman arrested

You may have heard about entrapment from Hollywood movies and crime novels, but how much do you really know about entrapment and when it can be used as a defense in a criminal case in San Diego? What is Entrapment?  In California, entrapment is when a law enforcement officer uses coercion, harassment, threats or other…

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When is Destroying Evidence a Crime?

tampering with vehicle evidence

If you have been accused of a crime and are going to trial, the quality of the evidence against you can mean the difference between your freedom and years of incarceration. Evidence plays a key role in criminal cases, so there are strict procedures in place for the proper handling of it. Evidence collection is…

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Will California Decriminalize Jaywalking?

jaywalking

Jaywalking is a crime in the state of California that could cost you $250. It is a crime that many people in California commit on a regular basis. There is a new law currently on Governor Newsom’s desk called the Freedom to Walk Act (Assembly Bill 1238). It would amend the current jaywalking laws in…

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What Does Intent Mean in a California Criminal Statute?

person behind bars

For some crimes, the physical act of committing the crime is not enough for a conviction. In some cases, the prosecutor must also demonstrate that the perpetrator was in a state of mind to intentionally cause a specific harm.  California categorizes crimes as general intent crimes and specific intent crimes. Specific intent crimes require that…

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First Time DUI? Why You Need a San Diego DUI Lawyer

driving under the influence

The state of California takes drunk driving very seriously. If you are pulled over and arrested for a DUI, even if it is only your first defense, you can face fines, jail time, probation and a suspended driver’s license. For most people, these penalties will significantly impact their finances and their freedom. Without an experienced…

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What Are Your Rights After an Arrest?

man arrested

You’ve been arrested. Most people who go through this experience feel panicked and overwhelmed at the road ahead. They worry about the impact on their family and their freedom if they were to be found guilty of the crime. They hope they can secure an experienced criminal defense attorney to assist them throughout the process.…

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Can You Be Penalized for Missing Jury Duty?

judge gavel

As a citizen of the United States, it is your civic duty to serve on a jury when called to do so by the courts. While some people relish in the opportunity to participate on a jury and help uphold the rights given to citizens under the U. S. Constitution, others will try to avoid…

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