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. […]
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 […]
The California Penal Code Section 529 PC makes it illegal to impersonate someone else to gain a benefit or cause harm. To secure a conviction on these charges, prosecutors must prove: You falsely impersonated someone in a private or public way. You intended to gain an advantage or harm the other person. The act succeeded […]
Los Angeles is no stranger to crime, and prosecutors crack down hard on offenders. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can dramatically impact the outcome of your case. Let’s examine some of the most common criminal charges in Los Angeles and how a conviction could impact your life. Common Criminal Charges in […]
California Penal Code Sections 243(b) and 243(c)(2) PC prohibit citizens from committing battery on a peace officer. If you’re facing battery charges against law enforcement in Los Angeles, you should know that a conviction carries serious penalties. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights as you move through the justice system. What […]
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 […]
If you’ve been accused of a crime, you may not know what to do next. The first thing you should do is hire a criminal defense attorney. But who should you hire? And how do you decide who’s right for you? It is crucial to understand why you need a criminal defense attorney and how […]
Privacy and safety are two of California’s most fundamental rights for residents and business owners. When people commit crimes that violate these rights, including burglary, the police and prosecutors respond with the full force of the law. A burglary conviction carries harsh penalties and can impact a person’s future for years. If you were arrested […]
False accusations are frightening, especially when those allegations result in a formal law enforcement investigation or criminal charges. Many people wrongly assume their innocence will be obvious and they will automatically prevail in court if charged with the crime. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many innocent people have been forced to deal with […]
Many people facing criminal prosecution wonder whether their spouse can choose or be forced to testify against them. If you find yourself in this situation, you should understand how spousal privilege (also called marital privilege) works in California. What is Spousal Privilege? Spousal privilege, outlined in California Evidence Code §970, 971, and 980, refers to the right of […]