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Criminal convictions often carry unexpected or unforeseen consequences. While you might not have been able to timely file an appeal, you may not realize that post-conviction relief options are available in California. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process. This article will explain: What post-conviction relief is in California and how it differs from an appeal. The eligibility requirements for post-conviction relief in California. The evidence you may need to obtain post-conviction relief and how it could impact your future. What Is Post-Conviction Relief In California? Post-conviction relief is one of two primary methods of challenging a criminal conviction or sentence after it has been entered. The first…Read More
Getting convicted of any crime, even a low-level misdemeanor, can feel like your life is over as you know it. In California, the impact of a conviction can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Because of this, it’s often worth contesting certain convictions. This article provides essential insights into the appeals process for misdemeanors in California, including: The deadline for filing an appeal in California and why pleading guilty might limit your ability to appeal. A general overview of the appeals process from start to finish. Two examples of successful misdemeanor appeals from California cases. How Long Do I Have To File An Appeal For A Misdemeanor Conviction? In California, you typically…Read More
What To Look For In A DUI Defense Attorney When looking for a DUI defense attorney, consider these points to ensure you have competent and effective representation. Remember that you’re trusting this person with your life; you’re not merely hiring them to perform a service. Experience Look for an attorney with ample experience handling all aspects of DUI cases, including trial experience, motion practice, representation at the administrative license suspension hearing, filing appeals, and challenging DMV decisions. Trial Readiness Choose an attorney who is not afraid to take a case to trial when necessary and has a proven track record of successfully handling cases that have gone to trial. Current…Read More
Fines Associated With A DUI Conviction In California, the statutory fine for a DUI conviction ranges from $390 to $1,000. However, when additional fees and assessments are included, the total amount typically comes out to around $2,000. Options to manage these fines include: Serving Additional Time In Custody: Some courts allow you to serve extra time in custody instead of paying the fine, essentially working off your fine. Waiving Fines For Indigency: If you are indigent or have no reliable source of income, the court may waive most of the fines and fees, leaving you with either no fine or a significantly reduced amount. Determining Jail Time In California, determining…Read More
Unpacking Arraignments An arraignment marks the initial court hearing following the filing of criminal charges by the district attorney or local prosecutor. Typically, this is the first official proceeding in a DUI or criminal case. During the arraignment, the accused is informed of the charges against them and their legal rights. It’s at this stage that you’d enter a plea of not guilty or request to continue the case for further proceedings. In a DUI case, you have several options for entering a plea. At the arraignment, the most common plea is not guilty. However, if you decide to resolve the charges at a later stage, you can enter a…Read More
Atlanta YSL Trial Highlights The Legal Rights Of Anyone Accused Of A Crime In recent headlines, Young Thug has gained media attention as his involvement in the YSL RICO trial unfolds. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges are typically used to prosecute individuals involved in criminal enterprises. In celebrity trials such as this, it's important to remember that the rights afforded to celebrities, such as Young Thug, are those afforded to anyone accused of criminal charges, regardless of fame or notoriety. The YSL case offers a real-world example to examine the fairness and boundaries of RICO's application, shedding light on its impact beyond celebrity trials. In this article,…Read More
It appears rapper MC Hammer won't have to trade his parachute pants for an orange jumpsuit following his arrest at a Dublin shopping center two weeks ago. Charges for resisting an officer in Dublin have been dropped, the musician and dancer tweeted Friday evening. "Thank You to all my friends and supporters. All CHARGES DECLINED. Dropped," he wrote. "Have A great Weekend." For now, we'll have to take Hammer's word for it as Dublin police didn't immediately return calls to confirm the charges had been dropped. The 50-year-old recording artist, who lives in Tracy, was arrested on Feb. 21 in the Hacienda Crossings shopping center after a verbal altercation with…Read More
A federal appeals court reinstated the death sentence Thursday for a San Jose man who killed a teenage employee during a 1979 liquor store robbery, saying the verdict was not affected by shackling that forced defendant Marvin Walker to limp to and from the witness stand. U.S. District Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong had granted Walker a new trial in 2011, saying the jury may have been swayed by a plastic knee brace that sheriff's officers had fastened under one of Walker's pant legs. The trial judge never stated any reason for the shackling, and the jury deliberated at length on both Walker's guilt and his sentence, Armstrong noted. In overruling…Read More
The state Supreme Court overturned the murder conviction Thursday of a burglar who was driving down a freeway with his loot when a stolen stove fell off his pickup truck and caused a fatal crash. Cole Wilkins of Long Beach was convicted of first-degree murder on the grounds that he was still fleeing the scene of the burglary when the fatality occurred. He was sentenced to 26 years to life in prison. In granting Wilkins a new trial, the court ruled unanimously that the trial judge should have allowed the jury to decide whether Wilkins, who was 62 miles from the burglary scene, had reached a place of "temporary safety"…Read More
The bicyclist who struck and killed a pedestrian in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood last year must stand trial on felony vehicular manslaughter charges, a judge ruled Thursday. Chris Bucchere cried softly during the final argument of his preliminary hearing when his attorney described him as a good person and a family man who gives back to his community. Bucchere, a 36-year-old San Francisco resident, was riding his bicycle south on Castro Street during morning rush hour last March 29 when he collided with Sutchi Hui, 71, of San Francisco, who was crossing in the south crosswalk along Market Street with his wife. Hui died of his injuries four days later.…Read More
