Do You Have To Let the Cops Into Your Home?
It’s 10:30 in the morning, and you hear an unexpected knock at your door. You peak through the window to see that it’s the San Diego police and they want to talk with you. Are you obligated by law to open the door to the police? Can you refuse to let them in? Will you…
3 Tips for Choosing the Right San Diego Criminal Defense 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…
What Happens During a California Arraignment?
Getting arrested is a harrowing experience for most people, especially for those who do not have much experience with the California legal system. You may feel that you are being treated as if you are guilty, even before you step into the courtroom to see the judge. You may feel confused, panicked and fearful about…
Are You a Victim of Entrapment in San Diego?
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…
When is Destroying Evidence a Crime?
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…
Will California Decriminalize 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…
What Does Intent Mean in a California Criminal Statute?
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…
First Time DUI? Why You Need a San Diego DUI Lawyer
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…
What Are Your Rights After an Arrest?
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.…
Can You Be Penalized for Missing Jury Duty?
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…