Law enforcement can only arrest you if they have probable cause to believe you’ve committed a crime. If you are questioned, detained, or arrested, you have the right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else) – and most lawyers will recommend that you don’t [...]
Knowledge is power, and when you know what to expect when involved in a legal dispute, you could have a better chance of getting a favorable outcome. Here is the general process a person would expect after an arrest. First, the police cite or arrest someone and write a report that summarizes the events leading [...]
What are police officers allowed to do (or not allowed to do) when conducting a search? It is important to note that all police searches require warrants unless one of the exceptions to the warrant requirement applies (e.g., consent, exigent circumstances, plain view). What they MAY do A police officer may perform a search without [...]
In the state of California, a DUI is usually charged as a misdemeanor. However, there are certain aggravating factors that could turn a DUI into a felony. Read on to learn about the possible penalties you could encounter if charged with one of the following: First DUI Without Injury Misdemeanor. $1690 in fines plus a [...]
In the age of social media and viral videos, it can be easy to find yourself in a messy situation after sharing information about an arrest or an incriminating event. Many social media users do not understand that content is not permanently deleted from their online history or on their social media profiles (even on [...]
Law enforcement can only arrest you if they have probable cause to believe you've committed a crime. Once the police have established probable cause, they can proceed as follows: They can make an arrest. Once you are in police custody, your initial arraignment generally must occur within 48 hours. The initial arraignment is your first [...]
This last year has brought changes to just about every industry – and the judicial system is no exception. Right around St. Patrick’s Day of 2020, all court rooms in Santa Barbara County closed their doors, except for two arraignment departments for in-custody arraignments only (one in South County and one in North County). The [...]
Identity theft occurs when a person uses another person’s identifying information in a fraudulent or unlawful manner. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. What is considered identifying information? Identifying information can include a wide range of information, including but not limited to: Names Addresses Telephone numbers Account numbers Driver’s License [...]
Assembly Bill (AB) 1950 became effective January 1, 2021. It limits probation sentences for most misdemeanor offenses (currently 3 years for most crimes), to one year, and two years for most felony offenses (currently between 3-5 years). What Violations Does AB 1950 Affect? The new law will reduce probation for most misdemeanors. However, not all [...]
Needing a lawyer is serious business, and selecting the right one – no matter which type – is a big decision that can seriously impact your case and your future. Whether you need a contract to protect your business, a family court order granting you custody of your children, or representation in a criminal matter, [...]
