Arraignments are usually the first step in a criminal case. A defendant’s arraignment hearing, the judge will notify the defendant of their criminal charges and explain their statutory and constitutional rights. Subsequently, the defendant is offered the opportunity to enter their plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Pleading “No Contest” means that you […]
Read MoreAn Overview of California Domestic Violence Laws The Legal Definition of Domestic Violence in California According to California Penal Code 13700, “domestic violence” is defined as recklessly or intentionally using, or threatening to use, physical violence upon an intimate partner. Who is an “Intimate Partner,” According to California Law? California Domestic Violence Laws are intended […]
Read MoreCalifornia Domestic Violence Laws, Offenses, and Penalties California’s domestic violence laws begin at California Family Code Section 6203. These laws provide legal protections for domestic partners, children, elderly persons, and other vulnerable persons from mental and/or physical abuse. In the State of California, it is illegal to threaten or harm a child, spouse, partner, or relative. […]
Read MoreAre Domestic Violence Charges a Felony in the State of California? According to California Penal code 273.5, “Domestic violence” covers crimes such as child abuse, domestic battery, and the infliction of a corporal injury on a cohabitant or spouse. In the state of California, “domestic violence” is the phrase typically used to define a category […]
Read MoreCriminal Defense Law of Domestic Violence Charges in San Jose The California legislature enacted domestic violence laws in California to afford special protections to people who are or were in close, personal relationships. People in close relationships are particularly susceptible to abuse, retribution, manipulation, and bullying. The generic term domestic violence in California, therefore, refers […]
Read MoreInternet Sex Crimes in the State of California In the State of California, contacting minors online for sex, sending sexually explicit images to minors, engaging in sexual conversations with a minor, or the possession, sale, or the distribution of child pornographic images or depictions (including cartoons, deep fakes, and illustrations) are serious criminal offenses. Clients […]
Read MoreNew California Law Modifies California’s Juvenile Court Jurisdiction In September 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed California Senate Bill 439 into law. The act amends Sections 601 and adds Section 602.1 to California’s Welfare and Institutions Code as these sections relate to juveniles. Under the former law, juvenile courts had jurisdiction over cases involving a “minor” (persons […]
Read MoreProposition 21 – When a Child Can Be Tried as an Adult in the State of California In the State of California, Proposition 21 gives court judges the authority to determine whether a juvenile, of at least sixteen years of age, will be tried as an adult or as a juvenile. A juvenile between the ages […]
Read MoreLegal Defenses When Accused of Violating a Protective Order in California In the State of California, an individual or petitioner may ask the court to issue a “protective order” against an individual (“person to be restrained”) in order to protect the petitioner from: • harassment, • contact, • attacking, • destroying personal property, • stalking, […]
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between Restraining Orders and Protective Orders in California? California Domestic Violence Laws In the State of California, as in many other states, “Restraining Orders” and “Protective Orders” mean exactly the same thing. Restraining, Protective, or Stay Away Orders are court orders that are meant to provide protection from: stalking, harassment, threats, or […]
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