State Criminal Defense

When many people think about assault charges, they assume there has been a physical altercation. Someone has been harmed by another person, and the individual who caused that harm could be charged with a crime. But under California law, assault is defined by the...

Embezzlement certainly is a type of theft. If someone is facing embezzlement charges, they are likely being accused of stealing financial assets from a business or corporation. That said, there are some key differences when it comes to embezzlement charges and more...

Background searches are an important component of the immigration process. Those applying for visas or green cards must undergo background checks. People hoping to become United States citizens also have to submit to a review of their criminal record.  In some cases,...

If someone is accused of a serious crime, such as murder, their initial defense may simply be to deny that they were involved. Maybe they have an alibi showing that they were somewhere else. Maybe they were present at the scene, but a different individual committed...

In many cases, when someone is accused of theft as a criminal offense, it means that they took something they were never supposed to possess in the first place. For instance, maybe someone entered a small business while the cash register was not being attended by the...

When law enforcement asks to search, it can feel like a tough choice. Many people wonder if refusing will prevent charges or even protect them in the long run. Understanding how search laws work in California helps clear up this important question. Your right to...

Credit card fraud is a serious charge that can have long-lasting effects on your life. If you’re facing accusations of committing credit card fraud, understanding the potential consequences is crucial. In California, these charges can lead to severe financial, legal,...

California's lawmakers are rolling out significant changes in 2025 to tackle crime and social media's impact. Starting December 18, 2024, Proposition 36 changes parts of Proposition 47 by making penalties more challenging for repeat theft and drug crimes, letting...

Misdemeanors are generally low-level crimes that often result in penalties less severe than felonies. Even so, the effects can be life-altering, especially if you are not a U.S. citizen.  For noncitizens charged with misdemeanors, the biggest concern is whether a...