Incarceration Trends in California According to the Prison Policy Initiative, as of 2018, 239,000 Californians are incarcerated in various kinds of facilities across the state. These include 131,000 in state prisons, 82,000 in local jails, 16,000 in federal prisons, 6700 in youth facilities, and 3600 on involuntary commitment. Each year, more than 368,000 people are […]
Crimes Without Statute of Limitations in California A statute of limitations (otherwise referred to as SOL) is the maximum amount of time for which a prosecutor can file criminal charges for a crime. Some crimes in the state of California have no limitations on filing. California’s Penal Code 799 PC says that for certain crimes, […]
Implied Consent Law in California When you choose to drive in the state of California, many laws automatically apply. If you are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence), California’s implied consent laws will come into play. Implied consent is a kind of legal consent which, although not expressed by a person, is inferred from […]
Domestic Violence in California – Misdemeanor or Felony? If you are charged with a domestic violence crime in California, it can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. Each case of suspected domestic violence is different and is treated as such. What determines whether the domestic violence crime you face is a felony or […]
Can a Defendant Talk to the District Attorney in California? Individuals facing criminal charges in California have a right to negotiate their case with the district attorney. The better question is, should you? The district attorney cannot speak with you alone if they know you have legal representation. In that case, you’ll need to make […]
What is an Arraignment Hearing in California Criminal Court? The first formal court proceeding in a criminal case in California is the arraignment. If you’re being charged with a felony, the arraignment must take place within 48 hours of your arrest if you’re in custody. When the defendant is not held in custody, the arraignment […]
Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury in California In California criminal cases, you can waive your right to a jury trial. The big question is, whether it’s a good idea or not. A jury trial has its benefits, but sometimes a bench trial where a judge decides the verdict is a better option for […]
What You Need to Know About Battery Charges in California Some Californians facing battery charges assume that they are no big deal because they can be a misdemeanor crime. However, depending on your criminal history and the facts in the case, battery can be a felony. Regardless of whether you’re facing felony or misdemeanor charges, […]