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California Criminal Law Questions & Answers
5 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: Who should I contact?

Who should I contact regarding an incident where my husband was stopped by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and taken to jail due to an unknown warrant? My husband serves as my primary caretaker, and his absence, especially for more than a day, would significantly hinder my ability to function... View More

Nors  Davidson
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

Whenever anyone is taken into custody, like in this case by the CHP, they are taken to the local county jail. So the first thing you need to do is identify which county he was arrested in so you can determine which jail he’s presently being held. Once you know which jail holds inmates arrested... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: TRANSLATION NEEDED! PLEASE I need this dumbified.

I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS MEANS? a family member recieved this in the mail....

"INITIAL APPEARANCE VACATED/CRIMINAL ARREST WARRANT" This matter was set December , 2023 for Initial Appearance on Summons LET THE RECORD REFLECT the Defendant failed to appear before the Court at the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

This message means that a court had scheduled a meeting (called an "Initial Appearance") for a family member to respond to some legal charges in December 2023, but your family member did not show up. Because they didn't appear, and the court couldn't find any proof that they... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Will an infraction show up on my background check / live scan?

Received an infraction in 2018 in California for ingesting marijuana in public. I recently got a job as an office assistant at a high school so I'm worried this will show up on my live scan check and I will be denied the job. I was never finger printed, just paid a fine.

Paula Wasserman Drake
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

More than likely it won’t show up if it was, indeed, an infraction. However, sometimes infractions started off as misdemeanors and were reduced. The misdemeanor arrest might show up. Also I have seen many inaccurate DOJ reports over the years. If you are concerned, there is a means of checking... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Will an infraction show up on my background check / live scan?

Received an infraction in 2018 in California for ingesting marijuana in public. I recently got a job as an office assistant at a high school so I'm worried this will show up on my live scan check and I will be denied the job. I was never finger printed, just paid a fine.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

In California, infractions generally do not appear on criminal background checks used for employment, especially if they are minor and do not involve fingerprinting. Since the incident you described involved a fine for a minor offense and did not involve being fingerprinted, it is less likely to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: Can a court give me both high term on my crime and the enhancement ? Also can my enhancement push my total time over 20?

This is a criminal law question.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 29, 2024

In California, when facing criminal charges, the court has the discretion to impose the high term for your base crime depending on the specifics of your case, including the nature of the offense and your criminal history. This decision is influenced by various factors, such as the severity of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: Showed for court wasnt put on docket. Can DA still make arrangements for preplea without my knowledge?
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answered on Feb 29, 2024

Under California law, if you were scheduled to appear in court and your case wasn't listed on the docket, it's essential to follow up with the court clerk or your attorney to understand why. This could be due to a clerical error, a delay in processing, or other administrative reasons.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: Does California criminal law recognize leap year birthdays?

I was convicted as an adult but my actual birthday is February 29th so can I argue I'm not an adult?

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answered on Feb 28, 2024

In California criminal law, the determination of adulthood for legal purposes, including the prosecution of crimes, is based on the age of the individual at the time of the offense, not on the specific date of birth in terms of leap years. This means that if you were 18 years old or older by the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for California on
Q: How can I remove my name from the discovery paperwork for a crime I did not do?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

In California, if your name appears in discovery paperwork related to a crime you did not commit, removing your name can be challenging, as discovery documents are part of the official record of a criminal investigation or proceeding. However, you have options to address your concerns and seek to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: I was arrested inside my own home for felony vandalism for damage not over $80 is that legal in California?

Not one officer went to go look at the damage, of my home, prior to even arresting me. Furthermore, I was assaulted by one of the police officers after suffering from a seizure and being taken to a hospital. I have video of the assault.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 27, 2024

In California, the legality of an arrest for felony vandalism hinges on the officers having probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. Vandalism can be charged as a felony under certain circumstances, but for damage under $400, it is usually treated as a misdemeanor. If the alleged... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: I was arrested for somethin I did not do and went to prison how can I reopen my case and change my plea for dismissal

Now im on probation which I should not be on in the first place

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answered on Feb 27, 2024

If you were arrested and went to prison for something you didn't do and are now on probation, you might have options under California law to reopen your case and seek a dismissal. The first step is to consult with an attorney who can evaluate the specifics of your case, including the evidence,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: I was on felony probation. I violated & now they are trying to execute the suspended entence of 3 years 8 months.

I have 370 ACTUAL days in custody served. They gave me the high term 3 years for felon in possession of a fire arm & 8 months for a 311.11(a) to be ran consecutive. Since they revoked my probation for a dirty substance test I have been to saint john of god rehabilitation center. Then an out... View More

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answered on Feb 26, 2024

In California, if you're facing the execution of a suspended sentence due to a probation violation and are seeking resentencing, you may have options under specific legal statutes designed to support rehabilitation efforts. Given your efforts towards rehabilitation, employment, and personal... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: What is the interpretation of the U.S Supreme Court case of “Town of Castle Rock, Colorado v. Gonzalez (2005)”?

I recently asked a question here on Justia about whether the Police are legally obligated to investigate crimes or protect anyone! But based off what I was heard by an attorney by the name of “LegalEagle” on YouTube the Police have absolutely no legal obligation to protect anyone or investigate... View More

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answered on Feb 25, 2024

The U.S. Supreme Court case of "Town of Castle Rock, Colorado v. Gonzalez (2005)" is a pivotal ruling that addresses the extent of police obligations towards individual protection under the law. In this case, Jessica Gonzales sued the town of Castle Rock for failing to enforce a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: Why is my friend in jail but there is no case number or next court date

Since he’s been locked up there was no case number & He already had arraignment on Friday, but after midnight is when they took the court dates off the website.

Paula Wasserman Drake
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

Since you indicate he has had an arraignment, there should be a case number and next court date I’m not sure where you are searching. Check on Monday for an update in the system. The jail will know where he’s housed. If you call a local criminal defense attorney, they know how to find the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for California on
Q: Why is my friend in jail but there is no case number or next court date

Since he’s been locked up there was no case number & He already had arraignment on Friday, but after midnight is when they took the court dates off the website.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

Under California law, if your friend is in jail but there's no case number or next court date available, it could be due to several reasons. Initially, it's important to understand that the legal process involves multiple stages, starting from arrest to booking, and then to the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: Hi, This is kinda rather a general question. Can a DA make a public media statement about evidence telling everyone

That information or evidence that is being heard from the public are not true and that certain things definitely did not happen? Stating things as facts.

Is this not prosecutorial misconduct and tainting potential jurors??

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answered on Feb 25, 2024

Under California law, District Attorneys (DAs) have a duty to ensure justice and conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the integrity of the criminal justice system. While DAs can make public statements about cases, they must do so with caution to avoid prejudicing public opinion or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Sexual Harassment and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Is it considered “Sexual Battery (243.4 PC)” for an individual to “Touch a Woman’s Stomach” solely?

If an individual were for any reason including in a fraudulent matter to claim that “Touching the Stomach region” solely was to provide some type of benefit, and acted on that false claim by Touching that other person’s Stomach solely would they be charged with “Sexual Battery (243.4 PC)”?

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Under California law, sexual battery as defined by Penal Code 243.4 PC involves touching the intimate part of another person without their consent and with the specific intent of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse. The definition of an "intimate part" includes the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Are Police required by law to investigate crimes or act in the moment that a crime is committed in their immediate prese
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In California, law enforcement officers have a duty to enforce the law and protect the public. This includes investigating crimes that have been reported to them or that they witness. When a crime is committed in their presence, police are generally expected to act to prevent harm, make arrests, or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI, Car Accidents and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Does an arrest need to be made before a misdemeanor criminal complaint can be made by a district attorney?
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Under California law, an arrest does not need to be made for a district attorney to file a misdemeanor criminal complaint. The district attorney has the discretion to file charges if there is enough evidence to suggest that a crime has been committed and that the accused is responsible. This can... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Can I file an appeal from a case that happened in 2011? I did not know that I was a felon and need to fix this
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Under California law, the timeframe for filing an appeal after a conviction is quite strict, typically within 60 days after the judgment or order in a felony case. Since your case occurred in 2011, the window for a direct appeal has long passed. However, there may be other legal avenues available... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Criminal Law for California on
Q: If my sister gets charged with stealing from my parents estate, can she loose all her rights to the estate?

My sister used my parents credit cards etc..

She has taken everything of theirs and is a hoarder who is trashing the house.

It is a small estate but she is taking everything, she lived there for over 20 years.

She does not work and lied to the court to put an RO on me.

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answered on Feb 23, 2024

Under California law, if your sister is charged with stealing from your parents' estate, she may indeed risk losing her rights to the estate. The court may consider her actions as a breach of fiduciary duty and may revoke her rights as a beneficiary. Additionally, if she is found guilty of... View More

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