Recent Blog Posts
Recidivism Worse in California Due to Professional Standards
As many individuals with a criminal record can attest, escaping a cycle of illegal behavior can be a serious challenge. Not only might persons with criminal records face pressure from friends and peers to continue living a life of crime, but they may also feel that, with a criminal record, there are few other… Read More »
Changes to Result from the Passage of Proposition 57
On November 8, 2016, California voters approved of the criminal justice reform ballot measure Proposition 57. This law will change the manner in which California prison inmates are released, and was written with the reduction of the state’s inmate population in mind. Learn more below about the changes that the law will bring to… Read More »
DUI and Child Endangerment
Convictions for driving under the influence already carry heavy penalties in California, with offenders facing serious professional, personal, and financial consequences. The consequences of a conviction become even more severe where the driver accused of a DUI had a child under 18 in the car, if that child is injured, or if it was… Read More »
Bill Could Make Ignition Interlock Devices Mandatory after First DUI in California
A new law would make the installation of ignition interlock devices mandatory for all those convicted of driving under the influence in California. The proposed law, described in Senate Bill 1046, was recently passed by both houses of the California Legislature, and now awaits Gov. Jerry Brown’s action, either by vetoing the bill or… Read More »
When Can You Claim Self-Defense to Battery?
Many individuals facing battery charges assert that they were acting in self-defense when they committed the act of physical violence that resulted in the charges, but the laws of California limit when this defense applies. Read on to learn about when acting violently might be legally permissible as self-defense. An individual charged with a… Read More »
Why should you consider hiring a private attorney for your DUI?
If you’ve recently been arrested for a DUI in California, you may be wondering whether or not you need to hire an attorney to defend you at your DUI trial. Perhaps you’re planning to apply for representation from a public defender instead of speaking with a private criminal defense attorney about your case. Whenever… Read More »
What Are the Consequences of A Probation Violation in California?
If you’ve been granted probation in lieu of serving a prison sentence, hopefully you’re doing everything you can to remain in compliance with the terms of your probation in order to stay out of jail. Depending on your individual terms, there can be almost countless ways that an officer can claim you’ve violated probation;… Read More »
A DUI for Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs?
You understand that you can be charged with a DUI for driving after drinking alcohol, and for driving after taking illegal drugs. But did you know that you can be charged for driving under the influence when you’ve only taken medicine that was prescribed to you by a doctor, or even purchased over the… Read More »
Is There Anything I Can Do to Avoid a Three Strikes Penalty?
Being charged with a crime is never a welcome occurrence, but when you have a criminal record in the state of California, an arrest can have very serious implications for you. While California’s notorious Three Strikes Law has been modified in recent years, it has not been eliminated. Being charged with a crime that… Read More »
Ways in Which a DUI Can Harm Your Career
Ventura criminal defense attorney Paul Tyler talks about how a DUI or DWI can hurt your career or professional license.