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Pre-trial diversion is a plea agreement between a prosecutor and criminal defendant that allows the defendant to maintain a clean record. When someone is facing a criminal charge, there are usually two main things that they are worried about: ending up with a criminal record and being sent to jail. In specific cases, pre-trial diversion… read more

A probable cause is a reasonable belief, based on specific facts, that someone has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. The term “probable cause” is often misunderstood. Police officers look for probable cause to make an arrest or conduct a search of someone engaged in illegal activity. A  police officer has… read more

The Castle Doctrine is a legal defense that can be used by defendants who have used deadly force against another individual. The doctrine allows defendants to claim their actions were necessary for self-defense against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping, or rape. To successfully assert the defense, the defendant must prove that the victim was either… read more

There are 5 criteria that make a criminal defense lawyer great: 1. Criminal Trial Experience 2. Passion for Criminal Defense Work 3. Strong Negotiation Skills 4. Resources and Time to Devote to You 5. Good Communication If you’ve recently been arrested in Los Angeles, you need a good criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and… read more

After being arrested, you should do two things: remain silent, and contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. There are few events in life that are as traumatic as being arrested for a crime. In a split moment, you go from being a free person to a prisoner in handcuffs and chains, taken away from your… read more

The burden of proof in criminal cases is the required level of evidence to win a case: beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases, more likely true than not in civil cases, and a high likelihood of truth in family and administrative cases. If you are facing a criminal charge, you probably have a lot… read more

What is Indictment? An indictment is a formal accusation that initiates a criminal case, charging an individual with committing a specific crime. This process is typically used in the context of serious crimes, especially at the federal level. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution dictates that major offenses – capital or otherwise infamous crimes… read more

The immigration consequences of a criminal conviction can lead to removal from the United States, prevent lawful readmission, and even result in the denial of permanent residency. For immigrants in the United States, a criminal conviction can have severe consequences beyond the penalties associated with the crime itself. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has… read more

To prepare for a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, you need to: Step 1: Gather all relevant documents, such as police reports and court summons, and write down your account of events with as much detail as possible. Step 2: Prepare Questions about potential outcomes, defense strategies, and the lawyer’s experience. Step 3: Be honest… read more

How Can My Criminal History Affect My Current Case?  A criminal history can worsen your current case by leading to harsher sentencing, stricter pretrial conditions, and reduced chances for plea deals. It may also affect your credibility in trial and result in probation or parole revocation. A criminal history can affect a current criminal case,… read more