The success of a prosecutor's career depends largely on their conviction rate. They need to secure election and then re-election, which can be difficult to do without having data to confirm their job performance. The more times a prosecutor brings charges and then...
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Newport Beach Criminal Defense Blog
3 questions to ask if an eyewitness accuses you of a crime
Eyewitnesses play a valuable role in prosecuting people for crimes. Yet, they sometimes get things wrong, leading to innocent people being imprisoned. To the police and prosecution, it seems simple: Mr. X says they saw you at the scene of the crime at the time it took...
Does it matter how you dress for criminal court?
While it is common in California to see everyone from the CEO to the employees wearing jeans and a hoodie, even Mark Zuckerberg wears a suit when he goes to court. No rule dictates that you must dress or wear your hair a certain way when going to court. Yet the...
How serious is an extortion offense in California?
Extortion is the unlawful act of obtaining property (whether money, items, or favors) through threats or force. Since it can victimize ordinary U.S. citizens as well as public officials, most states take an aggressive stance against extortion. In California and other...
In California, an arson arrest can have serious consequences
If you have lived in California for a time, you know our state suffers from many out-of-control fires. Frequent drought conditions, soaring temperatures and dry plant life combine to make wildfires particularly destructive. All states take a harsh stance against arson...
Wanted for murder? Know what that means for you
Murder is a violent crime and one that is among the worst that a person can commit. When you are accused of such a serious act, you have to take your case seriously and do all you can to minimize the risk to your life and liberties. You could be accused of murder...
What does California law consider to be kidnapping?
Many people think of kidnapping as an elaborately planned and executed crime, involving taking someone by force or at gunpoint, hiding them and then demanding money from loved ones. Movie franchises and countless episodes of TV shows have been devoted to it. The crime...
Charged with a crime? Here are costly mistakes you need to avoid
Being accused of committing any crime can be devastating. With your reputation, freedom, career or even life on the line, it is perfectly normal to be worried about how things will turn out for you. However, it is important to understand that your words and actions...
Reasons to consider accepting a plea deal
When you are arrested for a crime, the prosecution’s job is to prove you are guilty. Even though this is the case, you may be retained and kept in custody during your trial process. There’s no question that being arrested and kept in jail can be a stressful and...
The difference between first-degree and second-degree murder
Actions that lead to or cause another person to die typically lead to felony charges in California. Depending on the details of the offense, a defendant could face one of two especially serious felony charges: first-degree or second-degree murder. Any murder charge is...
