I just came from court in Burbank where I achieved a fantastic settlement for JC.  JC was pulled over and found to have several thousand dollars in cash and 26 baggies of cocaine in his car.  There were also four cellular phones with one wringing off the hook. Police convinced him to let them search his house where they found three pounds of cocaine, one pound of marijuana and two loaded handguns.  Did I mention that both of JC’s children (ages 1 and 3) were at home? Result?  Probation and 180 days in county jail.  Another good day, and another …

Another lawyer recently asked me to help out a friend of his on a DMV hearing. The hearing was set to start in about ten minutes and I had never seen the file. I told my friend I would do what I could. I soon found out the the cop was under subpoena and so was the blood alcohol expert for the DMV. I quickly reviewed the discovery and went to town. I immediately identified our issue: Drinking after the driving. I cross-examined the cop and their expert witness and and it went like better than I could have hoped. …

IC just got probation after being charged with insurance fraud stemming from four years of taking premiums and not paying for workers compensation coverage for his client. The prosecutor alleged losses to the victim totally about $200,000.00. The California Department of Insurance found IC’s acts sufficiently offenses to take away his insurance license. I was able to get IC probation and work release and, of course, we are contesting the alleged loss amount. Just another day at the office.

When I first meet with a client (AH) to discuss his case, I never know what the outcome of the case was going to be. I usually have an idea of a likely outcome, high hopes for a positive outcome and the client’s idea of a desired outcome. What I do know is that many criminal cases require investigation by the defense. This usually requires utilizing an experienced private investigator. One of the problems with hiring a good PI is that they are expensive. Client’s often often don’t have or don’t want to spend extra money to pay the PI, …

Recently a client (A.G.) came to me after he had been arrested and charged with possession narcotics. Normally, this is not a big deal for a criminal defense attorney. In A.G.’s case, he was not a United States citizen. He couldn’t plead guilty to a felony and do a drug program. His immigration lawyer told him this would have devastating effects on his immigration status. We decided to set the case for trial. The prosecutor and the judge were very upset that AG didn’t want to plead guilty and they were likewise upset that I didn’t want to try and …

TO EXPUNGE OR NOT TO EXPUNGE? THAT IS THE QUESTION. The answer is yes. But, why? You have put your small lapse in judgment behind you. Yes, you were convicted of a crime. It might have been a misdemeanor or felony, and you successfully completed the entire period of probation. You have heard people talk about expunging your record. Maybe your lawyer mentioned it. Maybe someone else said something about erasing or sealing your criminal history. Here in California, we can only seal arrest records for juveniles after they turn eighteen and are crime free. As for adults, there is no …

The dreaded event occurs…you or someone you love is arrested. Police take him to the station ask him a few identifying questions and take his picture and fingerprints. One of two things will normally happen next. Police can either give him a ticket and tell him when to show up for court or they can set bail and let him sit in jail until bail gets “posted”. For minor violations like a DUI, or where the bail amount is low, an arrestee may just get released after signing a promise to return to court when told. However, if your loved …