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…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Restraining Orders | California Traffic Tickets

How to Reduce Your Bail in a Criminal Case

There are a number of ways to get your bail reduced in a criminal case.  Often times the arresting agency will arrest a suspect for a felony.  Bailing out on felony charges can be extremely expensive.  I have often witnessed individuals arrested on felony cases with felony bail set by the arresting agency, only to…