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Questions Answered by Mario Tafur
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Help needed for brother allegedly beaten by Gardena Police, now in ICU with restricted access.

I need urgent help. My brother has been in the ICU since last week, and we just received a call from the hospital. We believe the Gardena Police Department beat him up. The hospital staff initially contacted us but are now acting as if he is in custody and won't allow us to see him without... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 23, 2025

To address the alleged police misconduct, several legal actions are available. A civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 can be pursued against the Gardena Police Department for excessive force, violating your brother’s Fourth Amendment rights, provided the officers’ actions were objectively... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: What legal action to take for my brother's unexplained injuries in ICU under conflicting custody reports?

My brother, who suffers from epilepsy and lives at a sobriety program, is in the ICU with head injuries and bruising. Records show he was arrested on 4/15, supposed to have court on 4/17 in Inglewood, but was released on his own recognizance on 4/16. Conflicting reports say he was brought to the... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 23, 2025

First, you can investigate the hospital’s failure to notify you, as California law requires hospitals to make reasonable efforts to contact family members within 24 hours if a patient is incapacitated. If this obligation was not met, you may request documentation of their efforts, which must be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Arrested for shoplifting with prior petty theft charges, seeking advice on pretrial release hearing and potential legal options.

I've been arrested for shoplifting, and I have two bench warrants: one for misdemeanor HS 11364 and one for misdemeanor PC 459.5(a). My new charge is felony PC 666.1(a)(2)(a). I was released on my own recognizance and I'm due in court for a pretrial release hearing tomorrow. I don't... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 23, 2025

At the hearing, the court will assess whether you can remain released on your own recognizance by reviewing your compliance with probation (level 3 supervision), employment as a care provider (64 hours/month), past court appearances, and public safety risks. Your felony PC 666.1(a)(2)(a) charge, a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: How to expunge record after completing diversion in CA for possession and intoxication?

I've completed a diversion program in California in 2024 for charges of possession and public intoxication. How do I get my record expunged now?

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 22, 2025

In California, pursuant to Penal Code Section 1000.4, upon successful completion of a pretrial diversion program, your arrest is deemed to have never occurred. You may request the court to issue an order to seal the records related to your arrest, as outlined in Penal Code Section 851.92. Once... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for California on
Q: CPS took my son; I was arrested without abuse allegations. What can I do?

I was arrested by CPS and had my son removed from my home in Los Angeles County on March 20, 2025, with no allegations of abuse from my side, only my criminal record. My child's mother, who is currently incarcerated and has a history of substance addiction, had her other children removed from... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 21, 2025

Under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 300, CPS may remove a child only if there is clear evidence of substantial risk of harm. Removal based solely on your criminal record, without specific allegations of abuse or neglect, may not satisfy this standard unless CPS demonstrates a current... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for California on
Q: Can police charge me with battery/obstruction without clear warrant presentation?

I was charged with battery and obstruction after police officers entered my disabled mother's home to execute an arrest warrant for me, a guest there. I asked to see the warrant before opening the door, believing I had the right to do so. Without showing the warrant, they entered forcefully... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 21, 2025

Under California Penal Code § 844, officers executing an arrest warrant must comply with “knock-notice” requirements, which include announcing their presence, identifying themselves as police, and stating their purpose before entering a home. These requirements protect privacy, prevent... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Immigration Law for California on
Q: Can I reclaim jewelry and require financial support from my non-citizen spouse?

I got married in September 2024, and my husband is undocumented. We agreed that I would sponsor him for his green card, but after two months of our marriage, he stopped financial support. I am unable to work due to a mental disability, and I require financial assistance for my needs and... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 21, 2025

You may have a strong legal basis to recover the jewelry, valued at over 70 grams of 21k gold, taken by your spouse without permission. If the jewelry is your separate property (e.g., acquired before the marriage or as a gift), you retain exclusive ownership under California Family Code § 770. If... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Domestic Violence, Elder Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Advice on emotional distress and elder abuse lawsuit in California

I am seeking advice on filing a lawsuit in California for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress and Elder Abuse. The wrongful acts have been ongoing for over 15 years and have worsened. As a 77-year-old plaintiff, I have suffered extreme emotional distress due to this conduct and can... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 21, 2025

To pursue an IIED claim, you must demonstrate (1) extreme and outrageous conduct by the defendant, (2) intent or reckless disregard for causing emotional distress, (3) severe emotional suffering, and (4) a direct causal link between the defendant’s actions and your distress, as established in... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Health Care Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Adult son in accident, hospital says in custody, police don't have him booked, no info for a week. What to do?

My adult son was involved in a serious accident, and he was the only one injured. When I visited the hospital, I was told he was in custody and I couldn't see him or get updates. The police don't have him booked, and it's been a week without any information. The hospital said his... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 18, 2025

First, you should submit a formal written request to the hospital for information about your son’s condition and status. Under California Health and Safety Code § 4717, hospitals are obligated to attempt contact with a patient’s next of kin or designated representative within 24 hours if the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: Facing charges under Penal Code 532a in CA with inaccurate police report affecting case.

I am facing charges under Penal Code 532a in California, and I have discovered multiple inaccuracies in the police report provided by my public defender. These inaccuracies involve lies that could be crucial in deeming the case as fraud or criminal. I am seeking to have the charges dismissed due to... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 18, 2025

To effectively challenge the inaccuracies in the police report and strengthen your defense against charges under Penal Code Section 532a, which pertains to false financial statements, you should consider the following steps. First, collaborate closely with your public defender or a private attorney... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for California on
Q: How can I sue Riverside County Sheriff's Dept for harassment?

I am experiencing harassment from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and have nine open criminal matters, primarily involving drug possession. On March 18, while on my way to court, they prevented me from attending and entered a Failure to Appear in the system before I had missed the... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 18, 2025

To pursue a lawsuit against the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, you must first identify actionable claims. For harassment, you may have grounds for a civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, alleging violations of your constitutional rights, such as the Fourth Amendment’s... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Do I need to file for contempt to add my child to pending restraining order?

I am a self-represented single mother with a pending hearing for a personal restraining order. The restrained person showed physical aggression by closing a car door on my leg, and I immediately filed to add my child to the restraining order. However, it was denied. Given that the hearing was moved... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 17, 2025

To include your child as a protected party on the restraining order, you do not need to file for contempt. Instead, you should request a modification of the existing restraining order. California law allows for such modifications through the filing of a Request for Order (form FL-300) and a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: I told my public defender that I wanted to file a Marsden cause he was tryna make me take a deal. He not tryna fight 4me
Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 17, 2025

In California, a Marsden motion allows you to request the replacement of your court-appointed counsel if you can demonstrate inadequate representation or an irreconcilable conflict that undermines effective representation (People v. Armijo, 10 Cal. App. 5th 1171; People v. Johnson, 6 Cal. 5th 541).... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Could I pursue a claim for wrongful arrest after my girlfriend attacked me with a knife, and I was arrested without cause, losing my job?

I was involved in a situation where my girlfriend physically attacked me during an episode, and as I tried to leave our apartment, she threw a knife at me, causing a significant injury. Despite being the one injured, the police arrested me for domestic violence based on her claim that I initiated... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 15, 2025

Under California law, a claim for wrongful arrest requires demonstrating that the arrest lacked probable cause (Penal Code Section 836). In your case, the existence of video evidence from a neighbor’s security camera and witness statements corroborating that your girlfriend attacked you with a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for California on
Q: Charged for a gun found in shared house during police raid despite no fingerprints and other residents present.

I was asleep in my room when my house, which I share with other people on the lease, was raided by the police. A gun was found wrapped in a blanket in the living room where others were also sleeping. Despite no fingerprints linking me to the gun and other residents being present, I'm being... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 15, 2025

Under California law, specifically Penal Code Section 29800, a felon in possession of a firearm charge can be supported by the concept of constructive possession. This means the prosecution does not need to prove you physically held the firearm but rather that you had knowledge of its presence and... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: Arrested for 10851 VC; warrant issued without notice; purchased stolen car unknowingly; disabled/nursing patient.

I was arrested for violating 10851 VC in July 2020 after being flagged by a freeway license plate scanner for driving a stolen vehicle. At my court appearance that same year, no charges were filed. However, in November 2020, charges were filed and now there is a warrant for my arrest. I unknowingly... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 15, 2025

Your first step should be to contact the court where the charges were filed to confirm the warrant’s status and request a voluntary appearance. This proactive approach can demonstrate good faith and may prevent an unexpected arrest, especially given that you never received official notice of the... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Should I give up a possible mistrial or fight my DUI case?

I'm involved in a DUI case where my public defender believes there is evidence in my favor. My sister testified that she overheard me saying I wasn't driving before my arrest, and the public defender wants to put her on the stand, possibly against my wishes. The defense attorney, district... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 15, 2025

In California, a mistrial may be declared when a fair trial is compromised or legal necessity arises, such as a hung jury or significant procedural error (People v. Dunn, 205 Cal. App. 4th 1086; People v. Kocontes, 86 Cal. App. 5th 787). However, consenting to a continuance, as occurred in your... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Civil Litigation and Family Law for California on
Q: Seeking to sue ex for emotional distress after child abduction and custody battle.

I'm considering suing my ex for emotional damage and distress. He abducted our child from my care in 2020 when she was only 1 1/2 years old, and I've been fighting to regain custody since then. We repeatedly return to court every 3-6 months, with the next mediation scheduled for May 14th,... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 15, 2025

In California, a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) requires demonstrating that your ex-partner’s conduct was extreme and outrageous, intended to cause or recklessly disregarded the likelihood of causing emotional distress, and directly resulted in your severe emotional... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Warrant active since 2020 for unknowingly purchasing stolen car; steps to address?

In July 2020, I was arrested for unknowingly purchasing a stolen car (10851 VC). A warrant was issued in November 2020, but I never received any notice about it. When I went to court in July, no charges were filed against me. I have confirmed that the warrant is still active, but due to financial... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 15, 2025

First, I recommend contacting the court that issued the warrant or the relevant law enforcement agency to confirm its status and gather details about the process for resolution. This step is critical to prevent an unexpected arrest and to clarify why the warrant remains active, particularly since... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: Information on acquittals in California due to non-recovery of the body.

I'm seeking information on cases in California involving acquittal due to the non-recovery of the body. Specifically, I'm interested in understanding the legal theory behind such acquittals. Can you provide examples or insights on this matter?

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 15, 2025

In California, the absence of a victim’s body does not automatically result in an acquittal. The corpus delicti, which comprises the death of the alleged victim and a criminal agency as the cause, can be proven through circumstantial or inferential evidence, without requiring the physical... View More

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