If you are charged with a crime, you will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, you and your criminal defense attorney will need to present a defense to show the prosecutor does not have enough evidence to prove your guilt. To do this, you and your criminal lawyer […]
Sometimes Ignorance of the Law May be an Excuse
You’ve no doubt heard the expression that “ignorance of the law is no excuse,” and while that’s true in most cases, it’s not the full story. For one thing, there are a handful of laws that are only crimes if the defendant knew they were breaking the law -for example, it is illegal to bring […]
What Kind of Charges Could Skyler From Breaking Bad Face?
While we don’t know how the show will end yet, season five has made it clear that Breaking Bad’s Skyler White is willing to work with Walt -as long as it means keeping their kids safely away from the mess. She’s terrified of him and if she were arrested for her role in Walter’s business, […]
Sightseeing or Unauthorized Entry into an Emergency Area
When emergency personnel are called to handle a fire, hostage situation, car crash, or any other situation that threatens the public’s safety, they must be able to do their jobs without interference. It is for this very reason that California has instituted multiple laws to help protect first responders while they handle dangerous situations. These […]
Possession of Burglary Tools, California Penal Code Section 466 (PC)
The mere possession of a crowbar, or even a set of lockpicks, does not make someone a criminal. But if prosecutors can prove the person in possession of these items intended to use them to , then that person could be found guilty of violating California Penal Code Section 466 (PC), aka possession of burglary […]
Fighting Charges If You Were Forced to Commit a Crime
Many consider themselves to be reasonable people who would never break the law aside from maybe driving a little too fast on the freeway. But if someone coerces them to do a criminal act by threatening their life or the lives of their family members, they may be willing to do just about anything […]
Breaking and Entering Under California Law
Police officers in television shows are constantly arresting people for people for “breaking and entering,” which they often shorten to “B&E.” But in most states, including California, breaking and entering isn’t a real crime. It is still illegal to break into homes and businesses, but the actual charge you’ll face will usually be burglary or […]
If You Return Someone’s Property, Can You Avoid Criminal Charges?
As a child, everyone learns that borrowing without asking and borrowing without returning an item are both considered stealing the item from the owner. But from a legal perspective, things aren’t so clear cut. That’s because California’s theft laws require someone to intend to either permanently take an item or at least take it long […]
