Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentences | Everything You Need To Know
Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentences | Everything You Need To Know
Everything You Need To Know About Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentences Concurrent sentences are usually handed down when multiple criminal offenses are committed at once or when someone is charged for multiple counts of the same crime. In these cases, the sentences are "concurrent," meaning they overlap and are served simultaneously. This means that instead of serving multiple jail terms one after the other, the individual may only have to serve…
Read MoreTop 5 Most Common Crimes In Los Angeles
Top 5 Most Common Crimes in Los Angeles In recent years, Los Angeles has seen a rise in crimes all across the board including property crimes and violent crimes. Because of this upward trend, the Los Angeles Police Department has put more effort into making arrests for these crimes in an effort to curb the City’s crime rates. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it is…
Read MoreAppearing In Court? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Appearing in Court? Everything You Need To Know Appearing in court can seem like a burdensome and intimidating process, but knowing what to expect and do can help you tremendously. If you find yourself needing to appear in court in Irvine, California, it is important that you are informed about what to expect and how to prepare. By understanding the legal process and getting professional assistance from a defense attorney,…
Read MoreNijmeddin v. Superior Court: Court Erred in Denying Compassionate Release
In 2015, petitioner Adnan Judeh Nijmeddin was convicted of murder, attempted voluntary manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of narcotics. He was subsequently sentenced to an indeterminate life term. In February 2023, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation recommended that the trial court recall Nijmeddin’s sentence under the new compassionate release provisions. Assembly Bill 960 Under Assembly Bill 960, which became effective in 2023, Section 1172.2 was added…
Read MoreHOME Act Would Protect Immigrants Freed Under Criminal Justice Reforms
AB 1306, also known as the HOME Act, seeks to protect immigrants by preventing California prisons from handing them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon their release. Continue reading to learn how the HOME Act would change existing laws regarding immigrants in the criminal justice system. Existing Law’s Effects on Immigrants Under existing California law, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is required to cooperate with the…
Read MoreCan I Appeal a Conviction Due to Juror Bias in California?
Although juries are meant to be impartial, individuals often carry hidden biases or prejudices. This can make it difficult for some defendants to get a fair trial. If you feel like your conviction was a result of juror bias, contact our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich today to see how we can help with your appeal. How Does Jury Selection Work? First, you should be aware of your legal rights…
Read MoreCalifornia Seeking to Ban Criminal Background Checks for Private Employers
California’s Current Law on Employee Background Checks Existing California law regulates the use of criminal history information in hiring and personnel decisions. While such laws are meant to protect job applicants from discrimination based on their criminal history, applicants with convictions may still suffer prejudice in hiring. All employers reserve the right to run a criminal background check on you, meaning any convictions you have will probably show up even…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the Elder Abuse Act Expansion
In order to protect elderly persons and dependent adults, the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act was expanded at the beginning of this year. Specifically, the Act was broadened to reduce abuse in the form of isolation, which was made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Act allows petitioners to obtain an order enjoining a party from abusing an elder or dependent adult by isolating them. Below, our…
Read MoreFailed Bid to Recall LA District Attorney Is a Win for Criminal Justice Reform
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón took office in December of 2020. Since then, he has faced two recall bids, both of which have been unsuccessful at removing him from office. Recently, he defended his policies against critics who deem him to be too soft on crime and stated that he would continue working to reform the criminal justice system. Gascón’s Policies on Crime Gascón, who was formerly a top…
Read MoreLegally Recording a Police Officer in Southern California
Due to concerns over police brutality and misconduct in recent years, many civilians have taken to recording interactions with law enforcement. Although recording an officer can be illegal under certain circumstances, this can be helpful information in any subsequent investigation into the officer's conduct. For example, if you believe that you have been wrongly stopped or feel that your rights have been violated, or if you witness an officer using…
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