California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Traffic Tickets

Representing Yourself in Criminal Court

Many people choose to represent themselves in criminal courts due to a lack of money.  Often times these “Pro Per” litigants will convince themselves that they are just as good and just as competent as any criminal lawyer.   I have seen Pro Per criminal defendants time and time again all the while cringing at their blatant lack of…

California Criminal Law | California Family Law | California Restraining Orders

Protecting Yourself Against False Charges of Domestic Violence

Being charged with Domestic Violence can have devastating consequences on you and your family.  False allegations of domestic violence usually arise when a couple is going through a bitter divorce or contested child custody proceeding.  In California, family law courts will consider domestic violence convictions in determining which parent receives primary custody.  More importantly, a domestic violence restraining order (CLETS)…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Restraining Orders

Los Angeles Criminal Courts …..Simplified

Criminal courts can be intimidating and unfamiliar to many people.  In fact, the closest many people have gotten to a criminal courtroom is through television. In criminal courts each side is generally represented by a lawyer.  The prosecutor is usually a City Attorney or District Attorney.  The criminal defendant is usually represented by a lawyer from…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Traffic Tickets

14601.2 Driving on a Suspended License in California after a DUI

California Vehicle Code Section 14601.2 is the charge for driving on a suspended license in California when the suspension was the result of a prior DUI conviction.   Unlike driving without a license under VC 12500 and even driving on a suspended license in California under VC 14601.1(a) or VC 14601.5(a), 14601.2(a) is a charge…

California Criminal Law

Prostitution Defenses- Don’t Plead Guilty

Most defendants make the mistake of pleading guilty to a first time prostitution charge at arraignment because the sanctions are generally not severe without considering the defenses to the charge.  There are numerous defenses to a prostitution charge. The sanctions/punishment will include probation, HIV/AIDS Testing, and other prostitution related terms. Reviewing your case with an…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Traffic Tickets

Clearing Your Record by Attorney Errol Cook

Getting a job is difficult in the current economy.  Employment searches are made even more difficult if you have a criminal record.  This problem can be easily remedied by filing for an expungment (clearing your public criminal record).  Many people erroneously believe that once an expungment is granted that your record is cleared.  The truth…

California Criminal Law

Getting a Theft Case Reduced or Dismissed by Errol Cook, Esq.

Being charged with a theft-related offense can be devastating to one’s career and future employment opportunities.  Theft convictions can also result in deportation, exclusion, denial of naturalization and other serious immigration consequences.  Usually defendants without attorneys take the first offer (plea bargain) on the table from the prosecution or judge.  Since the neither the prosecutor…