Tag Archives: charged

What is a preliminary hearing?

November 12, 2008

If you are arrested for a felony in California, the question that is probably going through your head is, “Now what happens to me?”  Unless you make bail, you will remain in custody throughout your court case.  Your first court appearance is the arraignment.  (See this post for more information on the arraignment.)  After that, [...]

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Illegal searches - Search warrants

November 11, 2008

The Fourth Amendment is your Constitutional protection against illegal searches by the police.  It is based on the principle that you have a right to privacy and before the government (the police) can search, they must have legal justification.  You are not absolutely protected against all searches by the police.  The Fourth Amendment protects against [...]

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I have a court date for arraignment - now what?

October 28, 2008

I have discussed what happens at the first court appearance and what an arraignment is.  The question still remains - what do you do if you’re facing a criminal charge and about to be arraigned on the charges?
The criminal justice system is now in full effect.  Yes, you have the right to represent yourself, but [...]

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If you have been accused of a crime…

October 27, 2008

It could be anything from a misdemeanor to a felony - petty theft to homicide or anything in between.  Someone has accused you of a crime.  Whether or not the police were contacted at that time, the possibility of being charged with a crime exists.  What do you do?
My suggestion to you is this:  Don’t [...]

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10, 20, Life firearm allegations - Orange County weapons defense lawyer

October 20, 2008

In 1997, Penal Code section 12022.53 was enacted, drastically increasing the punishment for the use of a firearm during the commission of a crime.  Under the old law, the use of a firearm during a felony added several years.  After the “10-20-Life” section of 12022.53 came about, prison sentences grew.  But does this apply to [...]

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