Federal Crimes

Generally speaking, the principles of criminal defense are the same at the Federal level as they are at the state level. However, procedures and rules are quite different. It’s important to have an experienced attorney who has been admitted to practice in your federal district. Of all criminal charges, the most intimidating can be federal Read More …

Grand Theft

Grand Theft (PC 487): In California, the crime of theft is defined as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property. It is considered grand theft under Penal Code 487 if the property is valued over $950. If convicted of grand theft, you may face many repercussions to your professional and personal life. Examples of grand Read More …

Assault with Deadly Weapon

Assault with Deadly Weapon “ADW” (PC 245): The California crime of assault with a deadly weapon is defined under Penal Code 245 as an act committed with a so-called “deadly weapon,” or by means of force to produce great bodily injury.  Penalties (PC 245): This crime is considered a “wobbler,” meaning that the prosecutor may Read More …

Battery

Battery (PC 242): Battery is the actual use of force or violence on someone else. The legal definition is as follows: you touched someone else, willfully, in a harmful or offensive manner. If all three elements are not proven by the prosecutor, then you are not guilty of PC 242 battery. The second element, “willfully,” Read More …

Gang Related Crimes/Gang Enhancements

Gang-Related Violence/Gang Enhancements (PC 186.22): Penal Code 186.22(a) is the crime of participation in a gang and Penal Code 186.22(b) is defined as the gang sentencing enhancement. The second part (b) is an actual sentence enhancement (an addition to the penalty) for anyone who commits a felony for the benefit of the crew. The first Read More …

Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile Crimes Juvenile crimes are any crimes committed by a person under the age of 18 being handled in the Juvenile Court system. The Juvenile Court system seeks to rehabilitate young offenders rather than punish them so it offers a wide range of jail alternatives, including: Treatment programs School-based programs Social service programs Juvenile detention Read More …

Child Pornography

Child Pornography (PC 311.11): Child Pornography is a criminal defense that is defined as any visual depiction involving the use of a minor, or one appearing to be a minor, engaging in a sexually explicit conduct. Visual depictions include video, pictures, drawings, animations, film, photographs or computer-generated images or pictures. Child Pornography has become problematic Read More …

Lewd Acts with a Child/Child Molestation

Lewd Acts with a Child/Child Molestation (PC 288): Child Molestation is a serious charge that carries serious legal and social consequences. An accusation of this nature can ruin an innocent person’s life. While there are many types of child molestation, almost any conviction will result in having to register as a sex offender for life. Read More …

Lewd Conduct

Engaging in or Soliciting Lewd Conduct in Public (PC 647 (a)): Under Penal Code 647 (a), it is illegal to engage in lewd or dissolute conduct in any place, or to solicit someone else to do so. Lewd conduct is defined as touching your private parts (or another person’s private parts) with the intention of Read More …

Prostitution & Solicitation

Prostitution & Solicitation (PC 647 (b)): California prostitution law under Penal Code 647 (b) PC prohibits: engaging in the act of prostitution, and offering (also known as “solicitation) or agreeing to engage in the act of prostitution. Under this statute, police officers are allowed to arrest the prostitute, the customer, and the middleman (otherwise referred Read More …

Rape/Statutory Rape

Rape (PC 261): California’s rape statute defines the crime of “rape” as nonconsensual sexual intercourse through the use of threats, force, or fraud. The sexual intercourse needs to be either against that person’s will, or without that person’s consent (such as, having sex with a female who is passed out drunk). For the act to Read More …