False imprisonment is one of the more easily understood sections of the California penal code as it involves illegally detaining someone against their will. Though the offense, as defined under California Penal Code section 236 (PC), is relatively straightforward, things can get confusing when distinguishing between this charge and the similar crimes of domestic violence, kidnapping, human […]
Facing Conspiracy Charges in California? Call My Offices Today
When people hear the word “conspiracy,” they typically think of some crackpot theory you might read online. Under California Penal Code section 182 (PC) though, a conspiracy occurs when two or more people work together to plan or commit any crime. Conspiracy allegations are drastically different than most criminal charges, as a person accused of […]
Resisting an Executive Officer in the Performance of Their Duties
Resisting arrest is a crime under 148(a) (PC), but some people go beyond just struggling against an arresting officer and instead attempt to use threats or violence to avoid arrest. When this happens, it is a violation of California Penal Code section 69 (PC), which prohibits preventing an executive officer from the performance of their […]
Self-Defense in California: The Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Laws
In most cases, it is illegal to use unjustified force against others, but one of the strongest criminal defenses to these charges is arguing that you were acting in self-defense. California is known as a “stand your ground” state, which means you have the right to use force to defend yourself or another person without […]
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer in California
Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders are a protected group known as “peace officers” under California law. When someone knowingly commits assault or battery against one of these individuals, they can face additional penalties for these crimes under Penal Codes 241(c), 243(c), and 243(b) (PC). There are many ways to fight these charges, […]
Vista and San Diego Restraining Order Attorney: TRO & PRO
When someone you know, even love, accuses you of assault, harassment, stalking, or domestic violence, you may feel hurt and betrayed. You may not know what to do. But what you can’t afford to do is wait to hire a lawyer experienced at defending against restraining orders (sometimes called “protective orders” or “stay-away orders”). Attorney […]
The Story of Alec Baldwin’s Rust Trial
It was a true tragedy when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of Alec Baldwin’s Western film Rust. Whether or not it was a crime was not as immediately apparent. To determine if it was a crime, the incident was investigated by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department, New Mexico’s First Judicial District […]
What is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)?
Under both state and federal law, some offenses are considered “crimes of moral turpitude,” meaning they involve serious dishonesty, fraud, or something morally reprehensible. While the term may sound old-fashioned and outdated, it is still very relevant when it comes to the law, as it can result in additional post-conviction consequences. Unfortunately, what crimes fall […]
What You Should Know About Gun Storage Laws in CA
Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, there’s no denying that guns can and do kill people. To minimize the dangers of children and those prohibited from using firearms accessing these dangerous weapons, California has enacted many laws specifying how they should be stored and transported. The City of San Diego has even passed a […]
What is Aggravated Assault Under California Law?
Though assault and battery are frequently confused with one another, assault typically only involves the threat or attempt to use violence, not the actual use of force. When someone elevates this threat or attempts to use force, the assault is considered to be aggravated, making it a potential felony offense filed under California Penal Code section […]
