The Constitution rights to remain silent and to an attorney are critical tools in the defense against criminal charges. Every person accused of a crime has these rights, which means it is your right to only speak to your attorney and to have those conversations protected by attorney-client privilege. Recently, a company working with the …
Continue reading “Glitch Blamed for Illegal Recording of Attorney-Client Phone Calls”
When you ask a criminal defense lawyer what penalties you will face for a crime, the answer you will receive is often “it depends.” That is because sentencing depends on numerous factors, including the facts of the case, the judge and whether any number of exceptions applies. However, California lawmakers are currently considering a bill …
Continue reading “California Law Seeks to Cap Felony Prison Sentences”
In California, minors as young as 14 can be subjected to the adult criminal justice system if they are charged with certain crimes. That means a 14-year-old child could be sentenced to life in prison. However, a new proposed law would raise the minimum age for being tried as an adult. Raising the Age Limit …
Continue reading “Proposed Law Would Raise Age for Being Tried as an Adult in California”
There was a 17.4 percent increase in the number of hate crime events reported in 2017, according to a report recently released by the California Department of Justice. The number of hate crime events in California increased from 931 in 2016 to 1,093 in 2017. Since 2014, the number of reported hate crimes in California …
Continue reading “Hate Crimes Rise in California for the Third Year in a Row”
By: southernblog
Everyone knows that a criminal conviction comes with consequences that could include jail or prison time and expensive fines. What most people do not realize is that having a conviction on your criminal record could prevent you from getting a state professional license, which is required for jobs such as barbers, building contractors, paramedics and …
By: southernblog
Every year, millions of Californians break the law. Placing bets on March Madness brackets and office Super Bowl pools violates state laws prohibiting gambling on sports. However, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling could pave the way for legalized sports gambling in California and other states. Supreme Court Ruling Paves Way for Legal …
Continue reading “Place Your Bets: Supreme Court Opens the Door to Legalized Sports Gambling”
By: southernblog
When Donald Trump became president, his administration made it a priority to crack down on illegal immigration and detain undocumented immigrants currently in the country. In his first eight months in office, arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have increased by 40 percent, according to reports. Under the Trump Administration, ICE agents …
Continue reading “California Passes Law to Protect Undocumented Immigrants in Court”
By: southernblog
During various festivals in countries like China, Brazil and India, it is common to look up and see hundreds of glowing paper lanterns floating up into the night sky. These lanterns are like tiny hot air balloons that use a candle or fuel cell to heat the air inside the lantern, causing it to rise …
Continue reading “Are Sky Lanterns Legal in California? (HS 13001)”
By: southernblog
For many, Stephon Clark was the last straw. In March, police who were responding to a 911 call regarding a person breaking car windows fired 20 rounds at Clark because they believed he was holding a gun. According to reports, eight bullets hit Clark in the back and neck. As the facts would later show, …
Continue reading “California Lawmakers Seek to Limit When Police Can Use Deadly Force”
By: Wallin & Klarich
While President Donald Trump’s Administration has taken a hardline stance against illegal immigration, the state of California has passed laws that make it difficult for federal immigration agents to find and arrest undocumented immigrants within the state. One such law is the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54), which took effect this year. This “sanctuary …
By: Wallin & Klarich
Companies like Ring make doorbells that allow video and audio to be recorded when motion is detected near your front door. It is now easier than ever to install security cameras in different rooms of your house to keep an eye on your pets or property while you are away. This technology may help you …
Continue reading “Do Ring Doorbell Cameras Violate Wiretapping Laws? (PC 632)”
By: Wallin & Klarich
The recent school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida has sent shockwaves throughout the country and sparked a national debate about gun control. California already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but lawmakers are proposing 10 new gun laws in the wake of this school shooting. Expanding the Definition …
Continue reading “California Lawmakers Proposing 10 New Gun Laws”
By: Wallin & Klarich
Under California Penal Code Section 273.5, the crime of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse is defined as using physical force on a current or former spouse or significant other, mother or father of your child or cohabitant that results in that person suffering a traumatic condition. If you are convicted of inflicting corporal injury …
Continue reading “Can My Wife Drop Corporal Injury on a Spouse Charges? (PC 273.5)”
By: Wallin & Klarich
Federal immigration authorities recently issued a directive stating that they plan to enter federal, state and local courthouses to make arrests. In response, the California State Senate approved a bill that would keep ICE agents out of courthouses if it becomes law. Senate Bill 183 would prohibit federal immigration agents from entering state buildings to …
Wallin & Klarich was established in 1981. Over the past 32 years, our law firm has helped tens of thousands of families in their time of legal need. Regardless of whether our clients faced criminal or DUI charges, the loss of their driving privilege, or wanted to clean up their criminal record, we have been there to help them.
