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Recently, California courts extended, in certain cases, the time frame to hold preliminary hearings in March of 2020. However, preliminary hearing time frames were, often violated, due to unilateral extensions. A California Court of Appeal (First App. District, Division 5), ruled the “speedy” preliminary hearing right of a Defendant in a human trafficking case were violated when the Contra Cost County Court did not hear his preliminary hearing within the 10 day period as required by law. For those lawyers looking for the citation, the case is Dejuan Bullock v. Superior Court of Contra Costa County (2020) 51 Cal.App.5th 134.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives radically; business closures, social distancing, and public health measures have all created a new normal for society. At Mitchell Law Group, we understand that going through criminal prosecution is already difficult on its own, let alone during a global health crisis. We've adapted our approach to ensure you still get the defense you need while staying safe, and we've compiled a list of tips so you can do so as well.

Everyone argues. Tensions continue to rise when we cannot separate from each other to cool down and, sometimes, people continue to fight until the situation becomes volatile. It has become common knowledge that domestic assaults have increased in number due to current world events.

One of the most common questions I get, besides, they didn't read me my rights, is whether the police have to give you a phone call. The following is my public service announcement regarding this oft-requested information.

All nonessential businesses should be closed while banks and restaurants maintain their take-out and drive-thru operations. If you have been stopped and accused of nonessential travel when you had the right to be out of your home, a practiced and aggressive lawyer should be fighting by your side.

For most people getting arrested is not a common occurrence. What you've seen in the movies or television is likely all you have to base your expectations on. Rarely is Hollywood's portrayal of something a true-to-life depiction. So, what can you expect when you are arrested in the state of California?

Many US veterans have received unfair treatment by the California judicial system and found that the judge did not take into consideration their mental capacity during sentencing. As of January 1st, 2015, California judges are required to consider the trauma and mental health issues of US veterans while sentencing them. Those who did not receive fair and ethical treatment during their sentencing may qualify for resentencing under California Penal Code 1170.91. To be eligible, a qualified veteran must fit specific criteria.

Recently enacted, The Mental Health Diversion Law (PC 1001.36) allows for alternative sentencing and treatment under special circumstances. A written motion submitted by a well-qualified attorney is routinely opposed by the prosecution. Thus, when considering defense options in a misdemeanor or felony case, it is critical to use the expertise of a Lawyer.

The Mitchell Law Group handles all major areas of criminal defense, both at the State and Federal level, including the appellate level. If you're faced with a serious felony or misdemeanor charge, and you're concerned about the impact on your life and livelihood, our Fresno Criminal Defense Lawyers will provide the dedicated defense you need to see you through his difficult period in your life.

If you have been arrested for any type of crime in Fresno, you should know a little bit about the law so that you can put up a good defense. Of course, your Fresno criminal lawyer will be there to help you through the process. But it also helps if you know a few pertinent things that will help you. One very important thing you should keep in mind is whether you have been Mirandized or not. Did the police read you your Miranda rights?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you commit fraud, you are attempting to deceive someone, usually for money. You may also be providing false information to the public or the government. Since fraud is such a general term, there are many types of fraud that you can be accused of. If you have been accused of fraud in Fresno, you are going to need an experienced lawyer to help you through this difficult time. We would be glad to discuss your case with you, along with your options so that you can decide how you want to proceed. Contact us for a free consultation.

If you end up in legal trouble, you should meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. He or she will discuss your case and your defense. Your lawyer may also bring up a plea bargain or deal. Though you may have heard about them, you might not really know or understand what they are.

When you're searching for a criminal lawyer, the stakes are much higher compared to shopping for everyday products and services. On the other hand, at least one part of the process is similar. You're likely to go online to find out what their website has to say. Here are some of the most important features to look for to be sure you are getting a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who will stand up for your rights.

Bench Warrant? You might receive a bench warrant if you failed to show up for your day in court. You might also find yourself faced with a bench warrant if you didn't meet your probation conditions. You might have missed signing up for a class that you were required to take, or you might have missed your community service. What do you do?

If you have been charged with a crime, the time between your arrest and your court date should be taken seriously. Aspects of your day-to-day life can be fair game for judges and prosecutors to review. Police and investigators will often review your posts or updates on social media. Here are three criminal defense tips that can help you avoid posting the wrong things on social media while your case is pending.

Criminal records, like so many other pieces of paper that we need to establish ourselves in this modern world, are a matter of public record. Which means, of course, that anyone who wants to know about your criminal record can find out about it simply by running a search for it in the proper databases, or filling out the proper paperwork. Whether it's the manager at that new job you applied for, or a potential significant other who wants to know what she's getting into, your record is out there for them to find. Which is why it's a good idea for you to get a copy for yourself, so you know what it is other people are going to be seeing, and so you have it on hand for situations where it comes up.