Useful information

What is "Diversion" in Criminal Cases?Watch this video on YouTube “Diversion” refers to a host of programs that help divert a criminal case from the criminal justice system. An example is a state’s drug diversion program where a defendant is given the opportunity to complete substance abuse classes in lieu of being charged with a …

There is generally not a set or limited amount of time in which you can be held in custody if you are arrested or detained on a bench warrant. If you are awaiting trial, you could potentially be kept in jail until the trial is completed. If you are arrested for failure to appear or …

It can be illegal for two minors to have sex. In some states, having sexual intercourse with someone who is under the age of consent is always treated as statutory rape. In other states, however, there is an exemption to statutory rape for when two people who are close in age have consensual sex. Statutory …

Under the law in most states, misdemeanor manslaughter consists of killing someone in the commission of a non-felony offense, or in the commission of a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor manslaughter is sometimes referred to as “constructive manslaughter” or “unlawful act manslaughter.” The crime is a form of involuntary manslaughter, which is the offense whereby you cause the death …

If a personal injury case loses, the fee structure will determine how much, or even whether, the client will have to pay their lawyer. Many personal injury attorneys are paid a contingency fee. If the case loses, these lawyers get paid nothing. Some lawyers, however, charge upfront or an hourly rate. If the case loses, …

Between fines, court costs, DUI school, DMV fees, increased car insurance premiums, and attorney fees (if you hire a private attorney), a DUI in California can run you from $8000.00 to $25,000.00 out of pocket. However, the net cost will likely be much lower if you successfully fight the charge and avoid a conviction. In …

14 California’s minimum legal age to work is generally 14 years old. However, anyone under 18 must have a work permit, called a Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit. The minor’s school typically issues these permits. Most minors will need their parents’ permission to work. Many minors will still have …

You shoved someone after a heated exchange of words. The other person told a police officer, and you are now facing an assault charge. Can this really be true? It depends on the jurisdiction. Many states say that assault is an act just short of making actual physical contact with someone. You commit the crime …

The four main differences between simple battery and aggravated battery involve: the elements of the two crimes, the injuries they can inflict, the penalties, and the defenses you can raise to challenge them. You commit the crime of simple battery if you intentionally make physical contact with a person in an offensive manner, but cause …

Yes. Police can act on anonymous tips if they follow the rules, laws, and procedures that have been developed in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. Police contact with people usually occurs: on public streets, in motor vehicles, in homes or other buildings. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees: The right of the …

Political affiliation is not treated as a protected class in California. A bill that would have made it one failed to pass the state legislature in 2021. While political affiliation cannot be the grounds for employment discrimination or harassment, California labor law forbids employers from influencing employees’ voting, blocking them from running for office, or …

Without more, speeding is a citable infraction in California, not a crime. However, excessive speed can contribute to reckless driving or street racing charges. In these cases, it is only a felony if someone else gets seriously hurt. Otherwise, it is a misdemeanor. Speeding and driving recklessly while under the influence can also enhance the …

Workers who prevail in a wrongful termination claim often get awarded between $5,000 and $100,000 in compensation. However, each case is different. There is no single “average” wrongful termination. Numerous factors can change how much a particular case is worth. Especially important is the worker’s salary prior to termination. This drives many of the legal damages …

After a car accident, you are generally responsible for paying your medical bills. This is the case even if it is clear that the other driver was at fault for the crash. However, if the other party or parties is determined to be at fault, you can bring a claim against them (and/or their insurance …

Workers’ compensation insurance companies can offer a settlement at any point during the claims process. However, they often wait for maximum medical improvement (MMI) because that is when there is some certainty about your future needs. Depending on the injury, this can be around a year after the injured worker first filed their claim. How …