In California, battery is defined as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence against someone else. Domestic battery is battery committed against someone you have a close personal or family relationship with. Under California Penal Code §243(e)(1), it is a crime to commit battery against a person with whom you have a qualifying […]
In California, an arrest or citation for solicitation of prostitution means that law enforcement believes you offered or agreed to exchange money or something of value for a sexual act and intended actually to carry it out. A solicitation charge can have far-reaching consequences for your reputation and future, even if you are never convicted. […]
Have you been arrested for indecent exposure in California? If so, you should know that this is a sex offense charge, and a conviction can result in mandatory sex offender registration in addition to jail time and fines. However, under California Penal Code § 314(1), prosecutors must prove several elements to secure a conviction, including […]
If you’re arrested in Van Nuys, you may soon go through the bail and bond process. But understanding the difference between bail and bond can be confusing. Here’s a summary from the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling. What Is Bail Under California Law? Bail is money paid to the court to release someone from […]
Your first date in criminal court can feel stressful, especially if you have never been inside a courtroom before. Here are some practical tips for your first court appearance from the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling. Knowing what to expect and how to respond can provide immense comfort on the day of your hearing. […]
Being pulled over by law enforcement in Van Nuys can be intimidating. In the United States, the Fourth Amendment provides essential protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, many people feel uncertain about how to respond in these situations or what their rights are during questioning or searches. Drivers should understand their traffic stop rights […]
Facing a murder charge in Los Angeles is as serious as it gets. Even small mistakes during the legal process can have major consequences on your future. Fighting a murder case often comes down to the evidence against you and whether you have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side. What Are the Most […]
Domestic violence charges carry harsh penalties in Los Angeles, but people sometimes underestimate the potential effects of an accusation of domestic violence on child custody rights. Any perceived threat to a child’s safety is a cause for concern in California courts. It’s quite possible that a domestic violence allegation could cost you your ability to […]
When people hear “murder,” they might assume every case carries the same legal weight. But under California homicide law, there are distinct degrees of murder, and the consequences for a conviction differ dramatically. Understanding first-degree murder vs. second-degree murder is crucial when you’re facing charges. Degrees of Murder Charges California recognizes two principal degrees […]
Convincing a prosecutor or judge to dismiss your Los Angeles criminal case is an optimal outcome that can give you a fresh start. However, not all dismissals are the same. Some cases get thrown out completely, while others are dismissed without prejudice. Understanding what it means to have a case dismissed without prejudice could have […]