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 DUI law | California Traffic Tickets

Should I do my California DMV hearing for my DUI case in person or over the telephone?

As a California DUI lawyer I often get questions from potential clients about the California DMV hearing.    The potential client has usually been researching the law about APS or “admin per se” California DMV hearings after an arrest for DUI in California.    After the initial research it is time to set the hearing and…

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 | California Traffic Tickets

Got an old California traffic ticket in collections? Don’t pay it!

If you have an old California traffic ticket in collections in the California Court system, you probably think it’s a money problem.   You want to pay off the ticket, but you just don’t have the cash.   GC Services, Alliance One, or any other 3rd party collection agency contracted by the courts tend to demand about…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Traffic Tickets | Constitutional Rights

Is it ever legal to break traffic laws?

The Necessity Defense.  Is it ever legal to break traffic laws? As a California criminal defense lawyer, I hear this question all the time from potential clients.    I usually get a call on the 800 line at 800-797-8406 that starts with “I got a ticket but it’s a bullshit ticket…….”.  And then the good…

California Criminal Law | California Traffic Tickets | Celebrities and the Law

Matt Barnes fails traffic ticket 101-If you ignore a ticket, it just gets worse

Former Los Angeles Laker power forward Matt Barnes got hooked up yesterday by the Manhattan Beach Police Department.  Barnes has posted $51,000 in bail (that’s likely about $5k to a bail bond company for those of you keeping score at home) and he is now a free man again.   Barnes is also currently a…

California Criminal Law | California Traffic Tickets

California Suspended License Driving in violation of Vehicle Code Section 14601

California Suspended License Help.  California Vehicle Code Section 14601 sets forth the rules and penalties for driving on a suspended license.   The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office estimates that more than 15% of all criminal cases filed in the Los Angeles County Court system are based on charges of driving without a license…

California Criminal Law | California DUI law | California Traffic Tickets

What happens if I refuse to take the test when stopped for DUI in California?

It’s amazing how much confusion there is around what you should do if you get pulled over after having had something to drink.  Whether it is from family, friends, or even clients who are facing multiple DUI convictions, I often hear “so if I get pulled over, I should refuse the chemical test, right?” It…