California Penal Code Section 1203.4 describes expungement as a post-conviction legal procedure that grants you the right to withdraw a guilty or no-contest plea and to get an official dismissal of your case. This mechanism is an important stepping...
When a minor is arrested for a violent crime in California, the legal process proceeds rapidly and can have life-altering consequences. The juvenile justice system is designed to promote rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, in serious or...
In California, eyewitness testimony can make or break a prosecution's case. Although forensic evidence, such as DNA or fingerprints, can be considered the gold standard, most cases, such as robbery or assault, are based on a witness's clear memory....
An arrest warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement to apprehend a suspect and present him or her to the court to respond to alleged criminal activity. It is a formal mechanism of coercive power in action against a particular individual...
California expungement is a post-conviction legal practice provided for by Penal Code Section 1203.4. The law permits the petitioner to withdraw a guilty or Nolo Contendere plea or to dismiss a guilty verdict and have the underlying charges against the...
If you're one of the roughly 1 in 3 people in California holding a criminal record, you might be concerned about how it could impact your job hunt. Many employers typically conduct criminal background checks for some roles. Employers often include...
You do not necessarily have to wait until the full term of probation is over in California. When you have fulfilled all the court conditions, including paying the fines, attending classes, and doing community service, you can request the court to end...
California law, including Penal Code 288.3 PC, provides strong protections against the exploitation of minors. This law criminalizes contacting or attempting to contact a person under 18 years of age with the intent to commit a particular felony that...
