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While participating in a peaceful protest on a public sidewalk in my city against ICE agents at a local hotel, the police instructed us to stop making noise, which I complied with. However, I stayed in place holding a sign and was subsequently arrested for disturbing the peace under 415 PC, despite... View More

answered on Jun 30, 2025
Based on the details you shared: To request the dismissal of charges before your arraignment, your attorney can file a motion arguing that there was no probable cause for your arrest under Penal Code 415. Since you complied with the police by stopping noise and were simply standing peacefully with... View More
I left jewelry for repairs a year ago with no contract or written agreement, and I haven't received it back because the person responsible always comes up with excuses like being sick. If I send a demand letter by Certified Mail and get no response, can I file a police report for theft?

answered on Jun 30, 2025
Based on the detqails you prived:
Yes, you can file a police report in California if you believe your jewelry is being wrongfully withheld. Although there was no written contract, you may still have a valid claim under a verbal agreement and the legal principle of bailment, which applies... View More
I'm concerned about my 15-year-old daughter's legal situation. She was charged after an incident where a male student threatened her. The public defender advises against going to trial due to the seriousness of the charge under paragraph 1 245(a)(1) and suggests accepting a... View More

answered on Jun 28, 2025
Your question raises a number of issues. First, trust is central to the lawer-client relationship; when this is weak or absent, the client needs to find another lawyer. Second, a defendant will not get a reliable second-opinion without first dismissing her current attorney and then hiring a new... View More
I initially reported to the police that my fiancé was hitting me, resulting in him being charged with felony domestic violence. I admitted this while severely intoxicated, leading to my own charge of public intoxication. The incident involved a fight between my fiancé and another person who... View More

answered on Jun 16, 2025
Even with the recanted statement, the decision of whether to pursue the case will still rest with the prosecutor. With that said, if they have been informed of the desire to recant AND the issue of intoxication as you mentioned in your question, they have a duty to disclose that to the accused. A... View More
I have an ongoing workers' compensation case due to severe injuries, including ruptured ankle ligaments, nerve compression, and various injuries to my knee and foot. Although I provided accurate medical records through a copy service, the workers' comp company has submitted false records,... View More

answered on Jun 12, 2025
Dear injured worker,
Thank you for your inquiry. The information you provided would indicate that your dispute should be handled through the WCAB and by your attorney. The court takes fraud very seriously and can’t issue ruling as to the admissibility of any documentation that was... View More
During a preliminary hearing, the prosecutor casually placed a post-it note on the table that said, "When you're found guilty I'm going to double your time." The public defender was joking with the prosecutor and did not report this. I feel intimidated and concerned that their... View More

answered on Jun 9, 2025
A defendant represented by a court-appointed attorney has the right to ask the court to conduct a "Marsden Hearing" for purposes of appointing a different attorney. At the hearing, the court will ask the defendant to explain why he is making this request, and at that point a statement... View More
During a preliminary hearing, the prosecutor casually placed a post-it note on the table that said, "When you're found guilty I'm going to double your time." The public defender was joking with the prosecutor and did not report this. I feel intimidated and concerned that their... View More

answered on Jun 9, 2025
A prosecutor has no power to add to or subtract from time served. That is up to the judge who hears your case, and depends on whether you are convicted or not. This sounds like an intimidation tactic by the deputy DA, and you should feel perfectly comfortable with your appointed public defender to... View More
I want to find out the case charges against me. I've been officially notified of the charges but haven't received detailed information yet. The case is in Rancho Cucamonga Court, with a court date on 6/17/25. How can I get detailed information about the charges and case against me?

answered on Jun 6, 2025
When you go to court on 6/17 for your arraignment, you can get a copy from your court-appointed lawyer, who will be given copies of the complaint and police report at that time. A privately-hired attorney may be able to obtain those documents for you before the arraignment on 6/17. You can also... View More
I was assaulted by a Home Depot employee with a garden hoe, resulting in bleeding. There is a police report, a parking lot spotter, and multiple witnesses to the incident. I did not seek medical attention, but a police officer observed my injuries. I want guidance on pursuing legal action and... View More

answered on Jun 4, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about what happened. Based on the facts you shared—being assaulted by a Home Depot employee with a garden hoe, resulting in visible injury documented by police and witnesses—you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit.
In California, you can potentially pursue... View More
I left the scene of a 5-car accident over two months ago in California, where three people were injured. The car is registered and insured in my parents' name, who live out of state. My father, who is not familiar with California laws, informed the insurance agency that I was driving at the... View More

answered on Jun 3, 2025
Thanks for sharing those details—this is a serious situation with potential legal consequences, and I want to be clear and supportive here.
Since this happened in California, where we are licensed, I can tell you that leaving the scene of an accident—especially one involving... View More
I left the scene of a 5-car accident over two months ago in California, where three people were injured. The car is registered and insured in my parents' name, who live out of state. My father, who is not familiar with California laws, informed the insurance agency that I was driving at the... View More

answered on Jun 3, 2025
If you left the scene without giving your name, contact info, or insurance info to the other drivers, or if you didn't contact the police if you were unable to give your info to the drivers, you could be charged with the crime of leaving the scene of an accident under California Vehicle Code... View More
I left the scene of a 5-car accident over two months ago in California, where three people were injured. The car is registered and insured in my parents' name, who live out of state. My father, who is not familiar with California laws, informed the insurance agency that I was driving at the... View More

answered on Jun 3, 2025
1. Hire a criminal defense attorney. You have admitted to hit and run, which is potentially a felony. 2. Start cooperating with your insurance company. You and your father have a contractual obligation to do so. If you do not, your insurer can refuse to defend or indemnify you, leaving you... View More
I am experiencing ageism, favoritism, and manipulation, and I cannot seem to get justice on my behalf. Since April 2023, I have reported the situation to the police, but they claim they cannot do anything. I have evidence, including pictures and video recordings, of individuals supporting and... View More

answered on Jun 2, 2025
To address your legal concerns effectively, consider the following steps:
Extortion: Consult with an attorney to evaluate your evidence and determine whether to pursue criminal charges through law enforcement or civil remedies under California Civil Code §§ 1566–1570, which address... View More
I'm a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and I've been noticing that my facility has been allegedly committing insurance fraud for the past 10 months by accepting clients under fake names. I've also been asked to alter withdrawal scales and breathalyzer or drug screening results.... View More

answered on Jun 1, 2025
Unclear to whom you are reporting. 1. Work your way up the chain of command. 2. Contact the licensing agency for your facility. As a whistleblower, you should be protected from adverse employment actions, and if that is violated, you may have a lawsuit.
I was initially charged with burglary in the second degree, but when I went to court, the DA hadn't filed the charges. Now I've discovered there is a warrant for my arrest for burglary in the second degree and a petty theft misdemeanor, with a $20,000 bond. I'm not aware of any court... View More

answered on May 24, 2025
It is common for the OC District Attorney to act in this fashion. Someone gets arrested or cited and released with an appearance date for court. The person shows up and chargers are not yet filed. Either the police havent's submitted the file to the DA on time or the assigned DA has not gotten... View More
I am the victim in a home burglary case from three years ago. The suspect was charged with first-degree felony burglary, but now the prosecutor and the defendant’s public defender are negotiating to reduce the charge to second-degree burglary without my consent. They insist on a quick response,... View More

answered on May 18, 2025
I can't imagine what it must feel like to be a victim in these circumstances. Here are some things you should know.
1. The prosecutor represents the People and not you personally, and has many competing interests driving any decisions made in the defendant's case. Among these are... View More
I'm seeking legal guidance regarding my elderly parents' care and financial safety. My younger sister is attempting to take over their finances and put them in an elderly living facility, despite my parents being fully capable of making their own decisions. They are drafting Powers of... View More

answered on May 16, 2025
You’re right to be concerned. What you’ve described may constitute elder abuse and financial exploitation under California law. The behavior—coercion, verbal and physical abuse, false accusations, and fraudulent changes to financial accounts—raises serious red flags.
You should... View More
My 7th grade child was injured by a razor blade at school, brought by another student who was only suspended for a couple of days. Upon returning, the student continued to sit next to my child and made threatening remarks. When my child reported the threats to the vice principal, she was advised to... View More

answered on May 13, 2025
Per Education Code section 48915, a student that possess a dangerous object must be recommended for expulsion unless the school/district determines another means of correction is appropriate. The district holds the power to determine discipline and seems to have rejected exclusion at this time,... View More
Can I be evicted for an alleged incurable breach of covenant related to illegal drug activity, even if there is no proof? I have never been convicted of drug-related offenses and have received a 3-day notice to quit for the breach without any prior communication from my landlord.

answered on May 9, 2025
If there is absolutely no evidence, then you can not be evicted for violating your rental agreement. However, there is no requirement that the evidence includes a criminal conviction. If you contest the eviction in court, the landlord will have to prove that it is more likely than not that you... View More
If you invited your ex-boyfriend into your home but later revoked the invitation and asked him to leave, he refused and became aggressive, leading to a physical altercation where I used pepper spray in self-defense. Law enforcement responded to a 911 call and arrested me for domestic violence.... View More

answered on Apr 27, 2025
Yes. An ex-boyfriend's refusal to leave after invitation revocation can be trespassing. This doesn't mean you can just bear-mace him. You didn't mention why you asked him to leave. The police and prosecutor have determined you broke the law. You will need to convince the jury otherwise.
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