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November

29

Operation Goldstar Set for Quarterly Activation in Fresno County

Criminal Defense

Fresno County law enforcement personnel have teamed up with several local and federal agencies such as Homeland Security to conduct a sweep of local towns in an effort to crackdown on crime and help citizens feel safer within their communities. The effort was coined "Operation Goldstar" and took 5 weeks' to plan and prepare for according to one undercover officer. The goal was to issue citations and tickets in addition to towing cars.

November

17

Driver Beware - New California DUI Laws on the Horizon

Criminal Defense

California's drunk driving laws have already undergone some changes this year, and more are expected. What are these laws, how might they affect your DUI case, and what can be done to mitigate the consequences? Continue reading to learn more.

November

03

Why Should You Be Honest with Your Criminal Defense Attorney?

Criminal Defense

When working with a criminal defense attorney it's very important to be completely honest with them. Even if you are guilty of the crime, it's best to tell your criminal attorney everything about it. This is because your attorney is bound by client confidentiality laws. They can't tell anyone what you've told them in confidence. And if the attorney understands everything about your case, they can come up with a better defense for you.

September

29

Fresno, California DUI Attorney

Criminal Defense

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1.8% of California drivers admit to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. While that percentage may seem small when you calculate the number of registered drivers, throughout the state, that 1.8% comes out to more than 450,000 people a year. Driving under the influence (DUI) is no joke and Fresno, California takes the offense very seriously.

September

29

Don't Say Anything Without Your Fresno Criminal Lawyer Present

Criminal Defense

When someone is arrested for a crime, they may not be able to think clearly in that moment. Most people are in a state of distress at this time. They're upset about being arrested and about the effect this is going to have on their lives and their loved ones. So, they may not necessarily remember that it's best to speak only in the presence of their lawyers. However, this is one thing that everyone should keep in mind when they are arrested for a crime.

September

15

Learn How A DUI Attorney Can Assist Your Legal Defense

Criminal Defense

Have you recently been charged with a DUI? Are you being charged with a second or Third DUI offense? A DUI offense is a serious charge that needs quality legal assistance to challenge the narrative of the arresting officer and fight for your rights at DMV and in the courts. Michael Mitchell is a criminal defense attorney, certified field sobriety practitioner and instructor, and has a ridiculously strong track record in the area of DUI defense. He can help you mount a strong legal defense against a DUI.

September

01

How to Avoid Getting Charged with a Hit and Run

Criminal Defense

One of the most frequent charges we see is hit and run driving. Vehicle Code section 20002 covers the situation where there was just property damage. This still falls under the umbrella of being a misdemeanor offense and can carry a stiff penalty of up to 180 days and jail. Read more for tips to avoid being charged with hit and run offenses.

July

30

California DUI DMV Hearings

Criminal Defense

Being without a license can have repercussions that affect nearly every aspect of your life - from being able to get back and forth to work and taking your kids to school, to other everyday activities like getting groceries and making it to the doctor's office. Under California law, you are entitled to a DMV hearing where you can contest or fight the suspension of your license But you have to act quickly - you must request your hearing within 10 days of your arrest.

July

30

Criminal Defense: What is Arson?

Criminal Defense

When most people think of arson, they think about someone burning down someone else’s property. However, there are a variety of arson offenses and, corresponding, penal codes.

June

29

California is Considering Later Hours for Bars and Nightclubs

Criminal Defense

California is best known for its tourist traps, sandy beaches, and vibrant night scene. Yet, tourists and locals alike have expressed irritation over the "early" closing hours of the state's bars and nightclubs. In response to their outcries, state legislators are once again considering a bill that would allow establishments to stay open until 4 AM.

June

29

Do You Have an Outstanding Warrant?

Criminal Defense

Officers are aggressively serving and arresting defendants for bench warrants and jail warrants (for not doing required community service). They can show up to your home or place of work. Sometimes its also at a very inconvenient time, like right before Thanksgiving or Christmas. Instead of cozying up next to the fireplace, you could be cozying up next to your new cellmate. So, how can outstanding warrants happen?

June

17

Consider the Evidence and Your History to Plan Your Fresno DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

If you're being tried in court for a DUI, you'll need to have a strategy. Working closely with your criminal defense lawyer can help you to come up with one. Your lawyer will be able to tell you what all your choices are and whether you should plead guilty or not guilty. Even if you do plead guilty, it may be possible for you to get a reduced sentence. Or it may be possible for you to make a deal with the prosecutor's office. There are many options open to you as the defendant.

June

02

Should I accept a Plea Deal?

Criminal Defense

Being charged with a crime is a very scary and confusing time. You may or may not be guilty of the alleged crime(s). The evidence may be shaky, hard to understand, or completely false. It is also not unheard of to have additional charges tacked on in an effort to give leverage to a prosecutors plea bargaining practices. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, chances are you've heard the words plea deal floated around a few times and you may be wondering if a plea deal is in your best interest.

April

29

New California DUI Laws in the News: Interlock Devices - Pros and Cons

Criminal Defense

As of 2019, there are new laws on the books for DUI offenders. Californians charged with DUIs will be required to install an interlock device in their vehicles. What does this mean for offenders convicted of a DUI?

April

29

Felony Arrests and Convictions

Criminal Defense

If you are in trouble with the law, you are probably confused. The legal system is quite complicated, especially because there are several different levels of offenses in California. While infractions are considered small, petty offenses (e.g. speeding tickets), misdemeanors are more serious charges. Even a small misdemeanor offense can lead to being placed on probation and a life long blemish on your record.

April

21

New California Criminal Laws for 2019

Criminal Defense

California has new criminal laws which took effect starting from January 2019. Whether these laws are designed to bring fairness to offenders or sanity in the state, it is essential to have a look at them.

April

07

New DUI Law Takes Effect in California

Criminal Defense

As of January 1st, 2019, a new law, Senate Bill 1046, signed by Governor Jerry Brown, took effect throughout the state of California. The pilot program, implemented only in the counties of Los Angeles, Sacramento, Tulare, and Alameda is now in position state-wide. Every person convicted of a DUI must have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in the steering column of their car that prevents it from starting if the driver fails the breathalyzer test attached. What does this mean?

February

27

Arrested for DUI? Your Drunk Driving Lawyer Can Save Your Life

Criminal Defense

The smartest way to deal with a DUI arrest is to engage a reputable law firm. Much like hiring a reputable accountant to handle your taxes, a knowledgeable DUI Defense Attorney is going to look for the loopholes and exceptions that could lead to a dismissal or reductions in charges, sentence, probation, fees, jail, community service, etc. Representing yourself can be difficult, and it could lead to an unjustified sentence.

February

27

Domestic Violence Offenses & the New CA Firearms Law

Criminal Defense

The start of 2019 ushered in several new gun laws here in California. One of the bills signed into law, Assembly Bill 3129, prohibits anyone convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense from owning a firearm for the rest of their life. The new law covers any domestic violence convictions that occur on or after January 1st, 2019. An existing state law already prohibited anyone with a felony conviction from owning firearms. Violating the new firearms law can result in jail or prison time and a fine.

February

17

A Fresno Criminal Attorney Explains How to Improve your Chances for a Good Plea Deal

Criminal Defense

Being charged with a crime is a serious matter because the outcome can possibly alter your life permanently. That is all the more reason you need an experienced attorney when you are guilty of the charges. There are things you can do to help yourself, and will give your attorney something to work with in court when your case is decided.

February

03

California Negligent Operator Suspension

Criminal Defense

One of the little known facts of the driving world is that you can lose your license if you're a bad driver. Shocking right!? Not really, it’s fairly common sense that if you’re a menace on the road, the DMV might punch your ticket. In California this process is known as a negligent operator suspension, or as DMV practitioner’s and DMV hearing officers commonly refer to it, a “Neg Op” suspension. A Neg Op suspension can occur due to excessive points on your record.

December

30

Types of Drug Crimes

Criminal Defense

Drug crimes come in all types. While most people think about possession and selling drugs, the truth is that there are many different categories, each with their own form of punishment. Here are some different types of drug crimes that you may be arrested for.

December

30

Why Drunk Driving Won't Be Your Worst Mistake

Criminal Defense

Getting caught Drunk Driving is one of the most common crimes committed in our society. As mistakes go, it can come with some steep consequences. Once you see the flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror, your mind might start racing as time seems to slow down. You might be thinking, "Why did they pull me over?" and "What am I going to say?" You might also wonder, "How many drinks did I have?" and "Am I going to jail?"

November

29

Fresno Criminal Defense: Three Strike Offense

Criminal Defense

In the State of California, we have a three strikes law. Every time that you are convicted of a serious or violent felony, it is considered a strike. This includes crimes like burglary, arson, mayhem, murder, and much more. Here are some things that you should know about the three strike law.

November

29

What is Domestic Violence?

Criminal Defense

If you got into a fight with your spouse and the cops were called, you might get arrested for domestic violence. The police may take you away from the home in order to protect your spouse and family. When most people think about domestic violence, they think about battered women getting beat by the men in their life. However, there are many different kinds of domestic violence.

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