What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a License in California?

Being pulled over is almost always a stressful situation. However, if you are caught behind the wheel without a valid driver’s license in California, the consequences can go well beyond a simple traffic citation. Depending on how the offense is charged, you could be looking at steep fines and jail time. California law treats licensing […]

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What Is a Hung Jury?

In California criminal trials, not every jury concludes with a simple guilty or not-guilty verdict. A hung jury, also known as a deadlocked jury, happens when all jurors have fully deliberated but cannot unanimously agree on a verdict.  In California criminal cases, the law requires that all 12 jurors agree on the final decision. If […]

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What Is a Civil Harassment Restraining Order in California?

A civil harassment restraining order is a court order designed to protect someone from stalking, threats, violence, or repeated unwanted conduct that meets California’s legal definition of harassment.  These orders generally apply to disputes involving people who are not close family members or intimate partners, unlike domestic violence restraining orders. Who Do Civil Harassment Restraining […]

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Who Investigates Sex Crimes in Oakland, and When Do You Need a Defense Attorney?

Sex crime allegations in Oakland are generally investigated by the Oakland Police Department (OPD), including its Special Victims Unit, while the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office handles criminal prosecution. OPD states that its Special Victims Unit investigates sexual assault and child abuse cases. If police or DA investigators contact you about a sex crime allegation, […]

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How Long Can You Be Held in Jail in California Before a Conviction?

There’s no single fixed maximum that applies to every California criminal case once someone is arrested. Someone who remains in custody before trial can potentially spend weeks or months in jail without ever being convicted of anything. In some situations, a person could even spend more than a year in custody. That surprises and frustrates […]

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What Makes a Strong Domestic Violence Defense in Oakland?

A strong domestic violence defense in Oakland addresses more than whether prosecutors can prove the criminal charge. The defense should also account for protective orders, possible family and custody proceedings, witness issues, and the specific procedures used in Alameda County courts. That broader approach matters because a domestic violence arrest can affect where you live, […]

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What Constitutes Domestic Violence in California? Our Experienced Oakland Domestic Violence Attorney Answers

If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence in California, it’s important to understand what this means. California Penal Code § 13700 defines domestic violence as abuse committed against someone with whom the accused has or had a qualifying intimate or family relationship.  “Abuse” includes intentionally or recklessly causing bodily injury, attempting to cause bodily injury, […]

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