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My situation was In California at 17 I got arrested and fingerprinted and got my mugshot taken for a mostly minor crime (a stolen car) and after all that I was released and I never had to go to court till this day (I’m 18 now) I haven’t got my juvenile record sealed yet but in the first... View More 
Are they mostly hidden ? I’m 18 now and only had an arrest at 17 but I never had to go to court + I haven’t took the steps to seal my record yet but I read online that they are mostly not visible to most employers and landlords execpt for law enforcement agencies or the FBI etc is this true ?
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answered on Dec 22, 2024
In California, juvenile records are generally confidential and not available to most employers or landlords. The law specifically protects these records to give young people the chance to move forward without past mistakes following them.
When you were arrested at 17 but didn't go to... View More
Car was impounded by police all my personal belongings got left in the car
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answered on Dec 22, 2024
I understand you're in a very difficult situation - being homeless and now having your belongings trapped in an impounded car makes things even harder. Let me help guide you through your options.
In California, you have the right to retrieve your personal belongings from an impounded... View More
Stress makes my mother much worse, and this probation is stressing her out bad. I’m 5/8ths through with no violations
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answered on Dec 21, 2024
Your concern for your mother's health and the impact of stress on her Parkinson's condition is completely understandable. Family medical situations can indeed be considered valid reasons to request early termination of probation, particularly when you've completed more than half your... View More
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answered on Dec 19, 2024
Yes, failing to appear (FTA) in court is a separate criminal offense from grand theft auto (GTA) in California. Even if your original GTA charge was dropped, prosecutors can still pursue the FTA charge because it's considered an independent violation of the law.
When you miss a court... View More
A police misinterpreted my visitation order. They asked me to return the child to Ex, but I argued I can't follow the police wronglful directive over the Court order. Despite my extensive explanation, they issued a ticket under Penal Code 285 with anger. I immediately prepared a 32-page... View More
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answered on Dec 18, 2024
If you received a misdemeanor citation, yes, the police must submit a report to the District Attorney's office for prosecution to proceed. Without this report, the DA cannot formally file charges or proceed with the case.
Your proactive approach in preparing documentation to prove your... View More
If you are facing a charge from confronting a stalker. Can you still sue them? Charge was brandishing. Have it documented and videos proving assault and battery, along with aggravated stalking committed by them. I’m guessing plaintiff attorney is who I need to hire. Have a Defense attorney... View More
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answered on Dec 18, 2024
Yes, you can pursue a civil case against your stalker even while facing criminal charges yourself. The civil and criminal cases are separate legal matters that can proceed independently of each other.
Your defense attorney is handling the brandishing charge, but you're right that... View More
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answered on Dec 18, 2024
A Marsden hearing (where you request to replace your court-appointed attorney) being interrupted by a medical emergency is a serious situation. When PC 1368 is issued, it means the court has doubts about your mental competency to stand trial.
This triggers a pause in your criminal... View More
Is that legal
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answered on Dec 18, 2024
This situation raises some serious legal concerns. If you received a formal plea offer from the prosecution, and they're now trying to retract it by claiming it was meant for someone else, this could be problematic - especially if you've already accepted the offer.
Much depends on... View More
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answered on Dec 18, 2024
In California criminal cases, you typically receive discovery materials after your arraignment, which usually occurs within 48 hours of arrest for those in custody, or within a few weeks for those out of custody.
Your defense attorney will request discovery from the prosecution, who must... View More
How do I help myself I just discovered on my social security account that someone stole my personal information and collected my tax return.
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answered on Dec 18, 2024
I'm very sorry you're going through this identity theft situation - it's incredibly stressful and violating when someone steals your personal information. Your immediate first step should be to contact the IRS Identity Protection Unit at 800-908-4490 and file Form 14039 (Identity... View More
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answered on Dec 17, 2024
You should avoid consuming any hemp products while on probation, even though hulled hemp seeds are generally legal in California. While hemp seeds contain only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), they could potentially trigger false positives on drug tests.
The risk isn't worth... View More
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answered on Dec 17, 2024
I need to be very clear that I cannot provide legal advice, especially regarding firearms and criminal charges, as this can have serious consequences. You should consult with a qualified defense attorney familiar with California law for specific guidance.
Generally speaking, in California,... View More
And was bail out on both cases does she get credit for orange county and riverside county for time spent in custody
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answered on Dec 17, 2024
When you are in custody for multiple cases across different counties in California, you may be eligible for custody credits in both jurisdictions under specific circumstances. This is known as "dual credit" and is governed by California Penal Code Section 2900.5.
In your... View More
I was 17 and got arrested for something minor, (Stolen car) and I got fingerprinted and my mugshot taken and went to jail for a few hours then sent home, I never had to go to court but now I’m 18 I’m wondering if that arrest is visible to most people , Employers, Landlords etc ? Or is it sealed... View More
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answered on Dec 16, 2024
In California, juvenile records don't automatically become sealed when you turn 18. Your arrest record from age 17 might still be visible to employers and landlords unless you take specific steps to seal it.
The good news is that you can petition the court to seal your juvenile records... View More
For not self surrender and she filed a 1381 to riverside and she finish her time in orange and riverside pick her up . They only gave her time when the da got the 1381 form not the date she's been in custody . Don't she entitled for all days spent in custody?
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answered on Dec 16, 2024
Your sister should be entitled to credit for all days spent in custody, including the time before Riverside received the 1381 demand. Under California Penal Code Section 2900.5, defendants must receive credit against their sentence for all days spent in custody, including time served in another... View More
Ice plant scales are a species of insect from South Africa. Can a citizen freely go around with a big thing of them in their truck and release them around California? There HAVE been some instances of them found back in the 80's, but they were mostly eradicated by Caltrans at that time. So... View More
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answered on Dec 15, 2024
No, deliberately releasing or introducing non-native species in California is illegal under both state and federal laws. This includes ice plant scales, regardless of whether they previously existed in the state.
The California Fish and Game Code (Section 2118) and the federal Lacey Act... View More
Defendant is arrested for murder . In custody for over a year. Defendant plead not guilty to murder charges so far. Now defendant is changing plea to self defense . Does the original plea affect the new plea? Making the new plea less believable /credible?
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answered on Dec 15, 2024
Changing your plea from "not guilty" to claiming self-defense is a legally valid strategy and doesn't automatically harm your credibility in court. Many defendants initially deny charges while under stress or before fully consulting with their legal team about the best defense... View More
My person has been in county jail for over a year (sept.28 2023) . A court appointed attorney has the case. A jury is about to be choose. , for the trial . The appointed attorney has suddenly decided to change his practice to civil matters only vs criminal matters. Resulting in a new attorney being... View More
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answered on Dec 15, 2024
This situation is quite concerning and unusual for an appointed criminal defense attorney to withdraw so close to trial, especially after having the case for over a year. While attorneys can change their practice areas, they typically have an ethical obligation to complete their existing cases or... View More
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answered on Dec 15, 2024
Your sister's situation sounds very difficult, and I understand you want to help during this challenging time.
There are several potential legal options to explore for temporary release. Your sister or her attorney can file an emergency motion for temporary release, often called a... View More
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