What are Common California Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude?

Moral turpitude is a legal concept that refers to conduct that is considered morally reprehensible or fundamentally unacceptable in the eyes of society. In California, certain criminal offenses are considered to involve moral turpitude, and a conviction for one of these crimes can have serious consequences, including loss of professional licenses, immigration issues, and difficulty […]

Can You Be Convicted of Burglary If You Didn’t Take Anything? PC 459

Burglary under Penal Code 459 is defined as the unauthorized entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a theft or a felony. Under this definition, a defendant can still be convicted of burglary even if they did not actually take anything from the building or structure. The key element of […]

Asserting the “Alibi Defense” in a California Criminal Trial

An alibi defense is a legal defense that is used to establish that the accused was somewhere else at the time of the crime and therefore could not have committed the crime. In California criminal cases, a defendant may assert an alibi defense if they have evidence that they were elsewhere when the crime occurred. […]

Police Served You with an Emergency Protective Order After Your PC 243(e)(1) Arrest

An emergency protective order (EPO) is a legal order issued by a judge to protect an individual from domestic violence, stalking, or other forms of abuse. In California, officers often serve an EPO when someone is arrested for violating Penal Code 243(e)(1), which is the criminal charge for domestic battery. Domestic battery, also known as […]

Does a Violation of PC 242 Require the Alleged Victim to have Visible Injury?

When a person is charged with battery under California Penal Code 242, the prosecutor is required to prove certain elements of the crime in order to secure a conviction. One of the key elements that the prosecution must prove is that the defendant willfully and unlawfully used force or violence upon another person. One question […]

Does a Violation of PC 243(e)(1) Require the Alleged Victim to have Visible Injury?

California penal code 243(e)(1) pc defines the crime of domestic battery as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon an intimate partner. This statute applies to individuals who are or have been in a dating relationship, cohabitants, or individuals who have a child together. One of the key elements of this crime […]

What is a State Bar Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist?

A State Bar Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist attorney is a highly qualified and experienced attorney who has been recognized by their state bar association as an expert in the field of criminal law. Board certification is a rigorous process that requires attorneys to demonstrate their knowledge, experience, and skill in criminal law. This process is […]

Drug Offenders are a Significant Contributor to the California Prison System

Drug offenses are a significant contributor to the prison population in California, with many individuals serving time for drug-related crimes. However, the question of whether incarceration is an effective solution for drug offenders is a controversial one, with some arguing that it is a necessary deterrent while others argue that it is a costly and […]