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I received a bench warrant for failing to appear at my remand date in Visalia, California because I had to work and didn't want to lose my job. I have not notified the court about my situation, but I would like to consult with a lawyer to understand my options. How can I resolve this issue... View More
I am facing a licensing suspension or revocation with the Department of Real Estate, even though my legal case is unrelated to real estate activity. My case involves money laundering charges related to buying and selling dollars at the border through exchanges, companies, individuals, and banks.... View More

answered on Apr 24, 2025
Under California law, the DRE may suspend or revoke a license if a licensee is convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a real estate professional. However, since your money laundering charges—stemming from buying and selling dollars at the... View More
How could AB625 affect a soon-to-be parolee who is currently on EOP status in a California prison, with parole scheduled for August 2025? I'm interested in understanding any potential changes to parole conditions or early release possibilities that this bill might bring.

answered on Apr 24, 2025
AB625, if enacted, could influence the parole process for an EOP status inmate, who, by virtue of their severe mental disorder, requires enhanced clinical interventions while incarcerated. Under existing law, parolees with such conditions typically must undergo inpatient treatment unless the State... View More
I am a local minister and recently served an elected official with a subpoena. Following this, I was accused of assault and harassment, including allegations that I threw an object and pushed someone. I need guidance on how to address these accusations and the next legal steps to take.

answered on Apr 24, 2025
Under California law, the DRE may suspend or revoke a license if a licensee is convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a real estate professional. However, since your money laundering charges—stemming from buying and selling dollars at the... View More
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

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
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

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
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

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
In California, a default judgment was entered against me in a case I was never aware of, in October 2024. I was never properly served. When I found out in January 2025 due to the bank levy, I filed a motion to vacate under CCP §473.5 and a claim of exemption because the funds levied were from a... View More

answered on Apr 22, 2025
Honestly, in the law there are many many many ways to respond/argue and lawyers are best at it. I'd talk to attorneys who specialize in this area of law AND to the attorneys who handled your PI claim. Good luck with it...
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?

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
If someone is underage and possesses a medical marijuana card in California, do they receive the same consideration as someone who is 21 years of age in terms of hiring and drug testing for a federal job?

answered on Apr 20, 2025
Under federal law, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance regardless of state-level legalization or an individual's age. As a federal employee, you are "required to remain drug-free and refrain from federally prohibited drug use whether on- or off-duty,... View More
I suspect I was subjected to sexual abuse by my supervising teacher when I was 8 years old, approximately 15 years ago. She used to help me undress after PE classes without my request, exposing me to my classmates. She would also adjust my pants by sliding her hands under them and touching my body... View More

answered on Apr 18, 2025
It might be that you have a case. Do you know if any other students reported this teacher? Do you know if the school administration had any knowledge of the type of things you claim she was doing? What are the consequences to you in your life today. Have you had to go through some counseling,... View More
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

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
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

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
I have documents and emails showing theft by the police department I used to work for. Additionally, camera footage shows that outside agencies, including police departments, fire departments, private security, and ambulance companies, are tracking and following me in retaliation. I am looking into... View More

answered on Apr 18, 2025
Your whistleblower concerns regarding theft by your former police department are protected under California law. California's whistleblower protection laws prohibit employers from taking retaliatory action against workers who report illegal activity to law enforcement officials, and also... View More
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

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

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
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

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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