San Diego Law Blog

What Is ‘Mayhem’ Legally and Why Was I Charged With It?

By San Diego Attorney on March 25, 2024

Close up of the definition of mayhem.

California’s “mayhem” law is a serious legal concept with substantial implications. Understanding what constitutes mayhem, why someone may be charged with it, the potential legal penalties, and the available defenses is crucial. Delving into the specifics of mayhem cases, including real-life examples, can shed light on the complexities of this criminal charge.

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Posted in: Violent Crimes

Drug Scheduling: How Controlled Substances Are Classified

By San Diego Attorney on March 15, 2024

A persons hands in handcuffs close to a plastic bag with drugs in it.

Understanding drug schedules is crucial for those grappling with drug-related accusations, as these categories influence legal consequences significantly. From Schedule I, synonymous with severe penalties for substances like heroin and LSD, to the less punitive Schedule V, each schedule embodies unique criteria and factors determining their classification. This guide is designed to provide valuable information and support to those in need.

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Posted in: Drug Possession

Criminal Defense Timeline: How Long Will My Case Take?

By San Diego Attorney on March 5, 2024

A meeting between a man and a lawyer. They shake hands over a desk with a scale of justice, paperwork, and a gavel.

The legal system is intricate, with its complexity extended to the differing timelines of criminal defense cases. Accused individuals are entitled to a speedy trial. But what does that really mean? The truth is that the length of a trial can vary wildly, but being prepared for the process as a whole could be one of your greatest weapons of defense in the courtroom.

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Posted in: Criminal Defense

Theft and Socioeconomic Factors: The Link to Poverty

By San Diego Attorney on February 25, 2024

A close up of a person stealing by putting goods into their backpack in a store.

Theft crimes range from basic shoplifting charges to white-collar crimes involving millions of dollars. In California, the monetary value involved has a lot to do with the penalties assigned if the person accused is convicted. While theft comes in all shapes and sizes, a quick review will show that some geographic regions are more prone to petty theft, shoplifting, and robberies than others. One thing these areas often have in common is poverty.

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Posted in: Theft Crimes

Societal Biases and Misconceptions in Sex Crime Allegations

By San Diego Attorney on February 20, 2024

A man sitting nervously in public. In the foreground blurry people are huddled together talking.

Just being accused of a sex crime can have devastating consequences for your life, work, and relationships. As society works to encourage victims of real sexual abuse to come forward, the ferocity with which it seeks to punish and ostracize those accused of any alleged abuse can be frightening. Anyone facing accusations of sexual crimes must battle not only the complicated legal process and potentially harsh punishments but also the emotions of fear, disgust, and moral outrage newly directed at them from former friends or associates.

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Posted in: Sex Crimes

Racial Profiling: Police Bias in Traffic Stops

By San Diego Attorney on February 15, 2024

A dark skinned man being handcuffed by a white officer.

Most Americans believe racial profiling is a real, widespread issue. For others, it is an old problem with a new name. Racial profiling is defined by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as “the discriminatory practice by law enforcement officials of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on the individual’s race, ethnicity, religion or national origin.” If you are a member of a racial minority group, this form of discrimination can increase the risk of bias exhibited toward you during a traffic stop.

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Posted in: Traffic Stops

If You Live with the Person Accusing You of Domestic Abuse

By San Diego Attorney on February 10, 2024

A black and white image of a women sitting holding her knees and resting her head in her arms.

Being accused of domestic abuse can be a shocking wake-up call. Whether the accusation was unexpected or something you should have seen coming, its effects on your life, work, and family can be far-reaching and hard to erase. This situation can be even more difficult if you live with the person accusing you of domestic abuse.

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Posted in: Domestic Abuse

California Is Combatting Mandatory Minimum Drug Sentences

By San Diego Attorney on February 5, 2024

Hands holding the bars of a jail cell.

A core tenet of the U.S. justice system is the concept that “the punishment should fit the crime.” When this is violated, we see what we commonly call “injustice.” The 8th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution followed the spirit of this principle when it established the need to abolish any “cruel and unusual punishments.” As the public struggle to achieve equitable justice continues, California is taking steps to combat mandatory minimum drug sentences. These reforms also take into consideration the creation of a safer society; justice must consider the rehabilitation of the alleged criminal if recidivism is ever to end.

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Posted in: Drug Possession

Alcohol Abuse and Using a DUI as a Wake-Up Call

By San Diego Attorney on February 1, 2024

A shadowy image of alcoholic drinks being poured.

DUI cases are unfortunately common in California. Between 125,000 to 200,000 California residents are arrested yearly on DUI charges, according to the DMV. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we know people charged with a DUI are likely to be experiencing a range of emotions, from shock and regret to anger and confusion about how this could have happened. While some difficult times are ahead, this could be an opportunity for positive change.

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Posted in: DUI

The Consequences of Fleeing the Scene of a Traffic Stop

By San Diego Attorney on January 25, 2024

A car pulled to the side with a cop car behind it.

Traffic stops are pivotal moments with legal implications that extend beyond the roadside encounter. Understanding the dynamics of traffic stops, your rights, and the potential consequence of fleeing is crucial for any driver. If facing fleeing charges, seeking legal representation is crucial. A San Diego traffic stop defense lawyer can ensure a comprehensive and strategic approach to address the complexities of your case.

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Posted in: Traffic Stops

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