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…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Restraining Orders

Bail Guidelines in Southern California

Bail guidelines in California are very, very important to understand.  One of the first things a criminal defendant is faced with after being arrested is the issue of bail.  When a suspect is arrested for a criminal offense, the arresting agency will refer to the local bail schedule to set bail.  If you are arrested…