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Aggravating factors are things that increase the seriousness of a crime and merit enhanced penalties upon conviction. Punishments and penalties for a criminal offense are not only based on the crime itself. Other factors about the act or the defendant are also taken into consideration. What if the defendant is a career criminal? What if… read more

Collateral consequences are civil penalties that accompany criminal convictions, such as loss of employment, immigration issues, and voting rights, which can occur immediately or long after sentencing. Many times, these additional consequences are civil penalties outlined by state law and imposed in addition to the normal penalties of a criminal conviction (jail, probation, fines). Some… read more

A status conference in a California criminal case is a meeting to discuss the case’s progress, exchange information, and explore plea deals. It’s a key step in preparing for trial or resolving the case. Imagine prosecutors charged you with a crime in Los Angeles. Suddenly, you’re thrust into the criminal legal process, facing numerous hearings… read more

Unsupervised probation allows offenders to serve their sentence without regular check-ins with a probation officer. It’s typically given to low-risk or first-time offenders, but the individual must still follow court-ordered conditions. Violations can lead to jail time. When you are convicted of a crime in California, you could receive one or more penalties. Criminal penalties… read more

The California legislature moved from indeterminate sentencing to mandatory minimums in 1977, setting punishments based on the crime’s severity. Despite these mandatory guidelines, judges retain some flexibility in sentencing. Penalties for such crimes can include jail time and fines, making a robust defense essential. The legislature set punishments based on the crime. According to the… read more

Malicious prosecution involves being wrongfully targeted in a legal case with malicious intent. To win such a lawsuit in California, you must prove the original case lacked probable cause, was filed with intent to harm, ended in your favor, and caused you damage. This type of lawsuit is usually pursued after the criminal case ends…. read more

What is a Criminal Defense Attorney and When Do You Need One? A criminal defense attorney represents individuals charged with a crime, protecting their right, guiding them through the legal system, and ensuring a fair outcome and preventing wrongful convictions. A criminal defense attorney defends people charged with a crime. The defendant can hire one or the… read more

What is a Felony? Under California law, a felony is any crime punishable by one year or more in custody. If the maximum penalty is less than one year, the crime is classified as a misdemeanor. Felonies are the most severe type of crime. There are different levels of felonies, each carrying different prison terms. Regardless of… read more

A misdemeanor is a less severe crime than a felony, punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines, with potential long-term consequences like affecting employment and housing opportunities. Have you ever wondered about the differences between a misdemeanor and a felony? You’re not alone. The differences between these two crime classifications greatly… read more

A plea deal is an agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant to resolve a criminal case. In a plea deal, the defendant agrees to give up their right to a trial and accept responsibility for their charge by pleading guilty or no contest. In exchange, the prosecutor will dismiss certain charges, reduce certain charges, or agree… read more