Lindsay Lohan was recently sentenced to 90 days of county jail and 90 days of rehab for violating the terms of her probation related to her plea bargained conviction on two counts of DUI in 2007 (at that time, she also plead “no contest” to one count of reckless driving [...]
What Are Miranda Rights? – An Important Thing to Know
What are Miranda Rights? This article discusses some important aspects of a person’s Miranda Rights, — what Miranda Rights are, when Miranda Rights apply, when Miranda Rights do not apply, and the limits on how police and prosecutors can use a person’s statement made in violation of their Miranda Rights. [...]
The Right to a "Speedy Trial" – Criminal Law Information
A defendant’s right to a speedy trial is guaranteed by the United States and California Constitutions. A “speedy” trial means that a person has the right to go to trial within a reasonable time after being arrested and charged with a crime. What is a “reasonable time”? In California, “reasonable [...]
Plea Agreements, Plea Bargains & Open Pleas – California Criminal Law
Criminal charges are often resolved without going to trial by negotiating a deal with the prosecutor or the judge. If the deal is negotiated with the prosecutor, it is called a Plea Agreement or Plea Bargaining. If a case is resolved with the judge, it is called an Open Plea. [...]
Pleading "No Contest" In a Criminal Case – The Legal Process
When someone is charged with a crime they can enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. Often, a guilty or no contest plea is entered as a result of a plea agreement – a deal reached with the prosecutor where the defendant gives up their right to [...]
Battery on a Police Officer in California: Not a Good Idea
On Wednesday, August 11, 2010, police officers were searching for suspects involved in an officer shooting in South Los Angeles. Officers were responding to a call when someone fired at them. While none of the officers was seriously injured, if criminal charges are filed, the criminal complaint will almost certainly [...]
Los Angeles Marijuana Defense Attorneys – Things to Know
While Northern California is typically thought to be the “pot capital” of California, Southern California has become a leading spot for growing marijuana. In the Angeles National Forest, above the city of Glendora (about 20 minutes east of Downtown Los Angeles), the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has noted that 1000 [...]
California Police Officer Accused of Faking DUI Reports
In Sacramento, California a police officer — Brandon Mullock — is being investigated regarding his conduct, and last Friday at least 79 individuals were informed that the DUI they received from him will be thrown out due to officer error. It is believed that Officer Mullock falsified at least one [...]
Jersey Shore’s ‘Snooki’ Charged w/ Disorderly Conduct
“Snooki” from MTV’s hit show Jersey Shore, plead guilty to disturbing beachgoers during an incident in July on a New Jersey beach. Snooki, who was under the influence of alcohol, stumbled about beach, used profanity and disturbed other beachgoers. A judge sentenced Snooki to perform two days of community service [...]
U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Handgun Ban in Chicago
The City of Chicago’s 28-year ban on handguns has been struck down by the Supreme Court, which has caused widespread opposition throughout the city. Following New York City and Los Angeles, Chicago experiences the third highest crime rate in the United States, and the question is whether a handgun ban, [...]
How To: Finding The Best Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
It is not difficult to locate a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. A quick online search or peruse through the Yellow Pages will identify hundreds of attorneys practicing criminal law throughout Los Angeles. While it is not difficult to find a criminal defense attorney, it is difficult and critical to find [...]