A common perception among many parents is that if their teenager is accused of a crime, they will automatically be processed through the juvenile justice system. This is often true; California has already passed legislation that disallows the prosecution of teenagers...
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Newport Beach Criminal Defense Blog
Are your jailhouse calls actually recorded?
If you’re facing serious criminal charges and you’re sitting in jail, it’s only natural to reach out to your family and friends for a little moral support and any other assistance they may have to offer – but you need to watch what you say. Many jailhouse calls are...
3 reasons not to run from the police
You may be tempted to run if you hear a knock on your door and open the curtain to see police officers outside. A similar thing may occur if they try to arrest you when you are walking down the street. Or if they try to pull you over while you are driving. If you know...
The M’Naghten Rule: How mental health and criminal law intersect
There’s no question that mental health issues can impair someone’s judgment and cause them to behave in unexpected ways – but is the “insanity defense” really viable? Under California’s laws, you can’t be convicted of a crime if you were legally insane at the time of...
When is embezzlement a felony?
Embezzlement is wrongfully appropriating funds or property entrusted to one's care. In California, the severity of the charge — whether a misdemeanor or a felony — depends on several factors, like the value of the stolen property or the situation surrounding the...
Can a claim of duress help someone fight charges?
Most criminal defense strategies focus on raising questions about someone's participation in criminal activity. Efforts to exclude evidence or locate alternate suspects can potentially help a criminal defendant establish the reasonable doubt necessary to avoid a...
You can still break marijuana laws in California
California is well known for having less restrictive marijuana laws than other states. It was one of the first states to allow medical marijuana, and state law now allows for the use of recreational marijuana. This trend is spreading across the country. That being...
Have you been falsely accused of theft at work?
If your employer accuses you of stealing company funds or property, you may be concerned about the case's potential effects on your career and the legal problems you may face. How you act during such a time is crucial. You don't want to engage in actions that may...
4 tips for interacting with the police
When interacting with the police, perhaps during a traffic stop or after an arrest, you should be careful about your actions. You don’t want to make costly mistakes that can worsen the situation. Below are four tips for dealing with the police: Exercise your rights...
3 things that could help show you could not have committed a crime
If you are facing criminal charges for something you did not do, it is important to look for ways to prove your innocence. Otherwise, you could be punished and burdened with a criminal record for life. One of the clearest ways to show you did not commit a crime is to...