Domestic violence can destroy families and rip apart the very social fabric of society. The law has been designed from the ground up to prevent and stop domestic violence, and suitably rehabilitate perpetrators. Domestic violence in California is defined as any criminal offense that involves committing a battery on one’s…
Southern California Criminal Lawyer Blog
Is California’s New Felony Murder Law Constitutional?
Senate Bill 1437 took effect in January of this year, yet many still challenge whether the new state law regarding felony murder is constitutional. The old felony murder doctrine left countless people locked up in prison, some for decades, for murders they didn’t commit. Essentially, anyone who was an accomplice…
Accused of Domestic Violence in LA or Surrounding Areas? Possible Defenses
Domestic violence, also referred to as domestic abuse, comes in many forms and may leave those accused facing criminal charges. Depending on how serious the incident was and other factors, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense. Misdemeanor charges are generally less serious than felony charges and…
How Serious are Possession, Sales or Other Drug Offenses in California? It All Depends
Just a couple of weeks ago, a U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer who was a 25-year veteran was sentenced to more than 12 years behind bars in a federal prison after he was found guilty on several drug-related charges by a federal jury. According to reports, 52-year-old Manuel…
What Does California’s SB 1437 Mean for Those Convicted of Felony Murder?
SB 1437 is a senate bill that has been signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown, a law that goes into effect on the first day of the new year. What does this mean for convicted felons who are behind bars for a murder that occurred during a burglary, robbery,…
McDaniels’ First-Degree Murder Conviction Upheld by San Francisco State Appeals Court, Firearm Enhancements Sentencing Remanded to Trial Court
In 2016 Alpacino McDaniels was found guilty of the July 2013 murder of 23-year-old Teric Traylor by an Alameda County Superior Court jury. McDaniels allegedly killed Traylor during a street fight in West Oakland, although McDaniels claimed that he was not the one who shot the victim. McDaniels had prior…
California’s Lemon Laws Apply to More Than Cars
Most people think of a lemon as something you eat, or a car that’s essentially a piece of junk. The truth is, there are lemon laws in California that are designed to protect consumers or provide remedies to those who buy or lease all types of consumer goods. From kitchen…
Is SB620 Retroactive?
Many people in California have wondered whether SB620 or Senate Bill 620 is retroactive. Ultimately, prior to the passage of this bill local judges did not have discretion when it came to dismissing sentencing enhancements decided by prosecutors in regards to felony cases involving the use of firearms. Since the…
LA County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged in Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Scheme
While recreational marijuana use may have recently been made legal in California, drug offenses are still a problem in Los Angeles and across the state. Recently it was reported that Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy Kenneth Collins was charged with operating a large-scale drug trafficking scheme along with three others…
Pimping, Pandering, and the Contrast Between Black & White in Los Angeles
Many people aren’t aware of criminal offenses that fall under the umbrella of “prostitution” such as pandering, a felony offense very similar to prostitution that can result in harsh punishment for those found guilty. Unfortunately, in Los Angeles it seems that when it comes to notoriety of victims getting the…