California Criminal Law

Chatsworth Traffic Court

Chatsworth trafffic court used to be the model for how a Los Angeles County traffic court should operate.  For years I have sung the praises of Chatsworth traffic court.  Free parking, efficient and professional clerk’s, heck even the bathrooms are nice.  But oh the times they are changing.   With the recent closure of many traffic…

California Criminal Law

Public Defenders VS Criminal Defense Services in California

Have you been arrested in the state of California and are need of legal representation? ——————————————————– If so, there are many criminal defense services in California to take advantage of. For those that qualify, every US citizen is entitled to have an attorney provided to them should they not be able to afford legal representation…

California Criminal Law | Celebrities and the Law | Constitutional Rights

Court TV Jodi Arias Trial

Court Watching, gaining popularity and the networks have discovered the riveting world of the courtroom, the sociopath, the good guys and the bad guys, the compelling and uncompelling witnesses— the unparalelled drama that is to be found at the point where a citizen, free yesterday, may be put to death by the government tomorrow.     I am…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law

Legal Exceptions to Having an Attorney Appear at Arraignment

An accused in a criminal case who is charged with a misdemeanor need not personally appear at the arraignment hearing, but may appear through an attorney.  A written waiver of the defendant’s personal appearance is not required. Defense counsel’s verbal representations that counsel is authorized to appear on the defendant’s behalf are sufficient to establish…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Traffic Tickets

Understanding Bail in a Criminal Case

It is extremely important to understand the factors in deciding bail prior to your court date.  Bail is governed by the Bail Schedule for the respective county in which the crime is alleged to have occurred.  Factors in the setting of bail are controlled by the California Penal Code Section 1275. Factors in reducing, increasing…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Traffic Tickets

Airport Courthouse Criminal Defense Strategies

The Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles prosecutes felonies and misdemeanor cases in the surrounding community.  There are several prosecuting agencies that prosecute out of the Airport Courthouse.  The Santa Monica City Attorney and Los Angeles City Attorney prosecute misdemeanor cases in their respective courtrooms.  If you are arrested for any misdemeanor in Santa Monica, you…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Traffic Tickets

My Fine is How Much! What is a Penalty Assessment, and how is it Calculated?

Penalty Assessment is an evil word in traffic court.   Imagine that you are driving down the street and suddenly you notice the red and blue lights of a police cruiser in your rearview mirror. Thinking you have done nothing wrong, you slow down and pull over to allow the officer to pass when you…