Most people have prank called at least a few phone numbers in their lifetimes. And realistically, there’s no real harm in asking someone if their refrigerator is running. But when prank phone calls get out of hand and start involving threats, obscenity or repeated calls to the same victim, they become a form of harassment […]
Is Bullying a Crime? It Depends on the Circumstances
There have been a lot of efforts to reduce bullying over the last few decades, with more teens facing serious consequences for doing what was once considered simply hazing or typical schoolhouse fun. But even today, most forms of bullying, while problematic, are still not a crime. That being said, there are many activities that […]
Is it a Crime to Drive When Hungover? In Some Cases
It’s common knowledge that driving under the influence is against the law, but most people assume that by the time they’re hungover they can drive without any risk of a DUI. Overall, they’re right, but there are some circumstances where driving hungover can be against the law. Juveniles Driving With a Hangover One of the […]
The Unlawful Taking of a Bicycle: California Penal Code Section 499b (PC)
Under California law, simply borrowing an item without asking isn’t a crime in most cases as long as the “borrower” intends to return the property. But the state handles the taking modes of transportation quite a bit more seriously than other types of property, which is why joyriding crimes do not require the prosecutor to […]
The Juvenile Record Expungement Process in California
Practically everyone does something they later regret in life when they are young. That’s because teens don’t have the necessary life experience to make the right choices when confronted with difficult decisions. This is why the juvenile court system is designed to reform more than it is to punish and this is also why it […]
What Happens to Juveniles Accused of Sex Crimes in San Diego?
Teens, just like adults, can commit sex crimes. Also like adults, those convicted may be forced to register as sex offenders, which can have devastating lifelong consequences. Fortunately, it is possible for juvenile defendants to fight these crimes and their inclusion on the sex offenders registry with the help of a top lawyer like Peter […]
How to Help a Teen Who Has Been Arrested in California
One of the most upsetting calls a parent can get is one notifying them that their child has been placed under arrest. If you receive such a call, how you react in the upcoming days can make a dramatic impact not only on the immediate outcome of your child’s case, but on their entire future […]
Determining the Value of Items in a Theft or Vandalism Case
In California, the severity of some crimes, particularly charges for theft and vandalism, are based on the value of property affected by the criminal act. In fact, if a theft involves property valued at over $950 it may be filed as a felony or misdemeanor, or if the property damage in a vandalism case is determined […]
Tampering With a Vehicle is a Crime in California
In California, it is illegal to tamper with another person’s vehicle, whether you mess with the car as a whole or just a part of the vehicle or the contents. The good news is that in many cases, this is a reduced charge used in some vehicle burglary cases and carries a much lighter sentence. […]
Know Your Rights at the San Diego Black Lives Matter Protests
California has officially entered its second week of Black Lives Matter protests related to the death of George Floyd. Unfortunately, a lot of protesters have been arrested -including many who did not break the law and were just in the wrong place when laws did start to get broken. If you’re planning to attend some […]
