Child abuse charges are usually thought to involve sexual molestation. However, this is just one of many ways someone can be charged with child abuse. Of course, someone who is alleged to have sexually abused a child will be charged with a violation of Penal Code section 288(a) or other…
This question comes up a lot. Defendant A comes into my office and says, “I’m guilty. I did it. Do I really need a lawyer? Maybe I should just throw myself on the mercy of the court and get it over with.” The question then becomes, how does that usually…
If you are in trouble with the police you need to hire the best lawyer you can find. The State Bar of California has established a system that recognizes experts in the various fields of the law. If the police come knocking at your door, you had better have someone…
Often times I hear, “Well, if I hire a lawyer, won’t it look like I’m guilty?” The clear and simple answer is “No“. It’s just plain smart. Who is telling you that you don’t need a lawyer? It’s law enforcement. Who is telling you that, “I just want to hear…
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the genetic material found in nearly every cell in the human body. It is as unique to each person as a fingerprint, and can be used to exclude a suspect in a crime, or indicate that the person is guilty. DNA can be…
A good criminal defense attorney connects with his clients on more than one level. There is the objective analysis of the facts that must be done without regard to emotions. In order to evaluate a case properly, a good attorney needs to look dispassionately at all the facts and circumstances…
Drunk in Public is defined by California Penal Code Section 647(f). In general the definition is that a person is drunk in public if he is too intoxicated to care for his own safety or the safety of others. This is a very high standard. Many times the police use…
The basic rule of entrapment (California Penal Code 647a) is that to qualify as a defense, the police have to actually plant the idea of the crime in your head. They must do this by engaging in some type of enticement. One of the ways this is done is to…
Mrs. Jones calls the police and says Mr. Jones hit her. The police come and arrest him for domestic violence. Later Mrs. Jones changes her mind and says it didn’t happen and she won’t testify. What will happen? The prosecutor can still proceed with his case against Mr. Jones by…
Can looking at pornography in your own home on your computer lead to criminal charges? Like most aspects of law the answer is not so simple, but the short answer is YES. However, looking at adult pornography in your own home is not what can get you into trouble. It…