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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 things that we’ve noticed materialize due the pandemic is an increase in DUI cases. That’s interesting, since for the last couple of months people were supposed to be staying at home. However, it also makes sense since ride share companies had, temporarily, discontinued services. If you are being charged with a DUI, you run the risk of severe penalties such as loss of license, hefty fines, and even jail time. It is paramount that you entrust a reputable attorney to defend your rights.

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?

If you live in California and own a gun, it is critical that you know CA Senate Bill 23, for both your safety and others. Effective since January 1, 2000, CA Senate Bill 23 established new criteria to define assault weapons. Penal Code Section 12276.1 defines an assault weapon as any weapon that exhibit any of following...

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.

When you are charged with a DUI, you will have to work closely with a lawyer to set up your DUI defense. It's very important to make a good impression in court if you want to be acquitted of the charges or get a reduced sentence. In order to do this, you'll have to make sure that you come across as a productive member of society in front of the judge who is making the decision. Here are a few tips to help you make a good impression in court.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?"