Most Recent Posts

Fixing Relationships After a Domestic Violence Incident

By San Diego Attorney on June 20, 2023

Domestic violence is a sensitive topic, and after an incident, it might seem impossible to keep the relationship intact. Both parties may want to heal and reconcile, but the road toward rebuilding trust is a long one paved with the need for change. If you are trying to repair your relationship after a domestic violence incident, it is not impossible, but it will take a lot of work and require honest effort.

Why You Shouldn’t Talk to Police Without an Attorney Present

By San Diego Attorney on June 10, 2023

Being questioned by the police is incredibly intimidating, and you may feel obligated to answer any questions. You could end up saying something that is later used against you, landing you in some serious legal hot water. Instead of submitting to law enforcement’s questions, it is crucial to retain legal representation. Not only is this a wise step to take, but it is also your constitutional right. An experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney could advise you on navigating an interrogation, so you don’t become a victim of the justice system.

What Is an Extradition Hearing?

By San Diego Attorney on May 30, 2023

Extradition is surrendering an alleged criminal by one authority, such as a state or country, to another authority having jurisdiction to try the charge. Any person charged with a crime in one state (demanding state) and who goes to another state or country (asylum state) is subject to extradition, regardless of the reason for leaving and whether or not the person has actual knowledge of the charges.

Navigating Felony Plea Bargaining

By San Diego Attorney on May 20, 2023

If you are facing felony charges, depending on the circumstances, a plea bargain may be your best option. Essentially, a plea bargain is an arrangement between the defendant and the prosecution wherein the defendant pleads guilty or no contest to certain charges in exchange for certain concessions from the prosecutor. In felony plea bargaining, your San Diego criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to reach a plea agreement.

What Is a California Bench Warrant?

By San Diego Attorney on May 10, 2023

A bench warrant is a court order issued by a judge for failure to appear in court, pay a fine, or comply with another court order. Once a bench warrant is issued, police can treat it as an arrest warrant. They can search you out, take you into custody, and bring you into court. When a bench warrant has been issued on you, law enforcement can arrest you at any time.

Options if You’re Facing Charges with Mental Illness

By San Diego Attorney on April 20, 2023

If you are accused of a crime, your San Diego criminal defense attorney may ask you to get a psychiatric evaluation to determine your true frame of mind when the alleged act was committed. This could have a significant bearing on how your case will proceed.

Your attorney might choose to seek a pretrial diversion. This would allow you to complete a psychological treatment plan in lieu of criminal proceedings and jail time. When the terms of the plan are completed, the charges against you will be dismissed.

What is a Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)?

By San Diego Attorney on April 10, 2023

Deferred entry of judgment (DEJ) is a program where the defendant pleads guilty, but the charges will be dismissed if they fulfill a probationary agreement that includes a treatment program and other conditions.

If the defendant fails to complete the terms of the agreement, the charges will be reinstated. At this point, the defendant will not be able to challenge the charges, and the judge is allowed to apply the maximum sentence for the offense that was charged.

What Do Police Look for to Spot DUIs?

By San Diego Attorney on April 5, 2023

Any time a police officer pulls a driver over or responds to the scene of an accident, they’re conducting an investigation. One of the main things they’re looking for is signs of driver intoxication.

When you get pulled over, the officer is scrutinizing everything you say and do. You’ll always want to be polite when talking to an officer who pulls you over, but you don’t have to tell them anything that could incriminate you and you aren’t required to take a roadside sobriety test.

How California’s Sex Offender Registry Affects Those Listed

By San Diego Attorney on March 30, 2023

If you have been charged with a sex offense in California, you may be required to register as a sex offender if convicted. This is a penalty to be avoided if at all possible. Sex offender registration has far-reaching consequences that can impact every aspect of your life.

Domestic Violence Allegations During Divorce

By San Diego Attorney on March 20, 2023

Divorce can bring out the worst in the best of us. It is not uncommon for a spouse to make false allegations of domestic violence against the other spouse during a divorce. There may be several possible motivations for accusations of domestic abuse, including revenge, jealousy, the desire to gain an advantage in court, or to get the upper hand in a child custody dispute. Regardless of the motivation, if you are dealing with domestic violence allegations during a divorce, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced San Diego domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible.