San Diego Criminal Defense Blog

An accusation turns your world upside down. One moment you are planning a trip to Balboa Park, and the next you are facing a serious allegation. Being accused of burglary or robbery is a frightening experience that demands a calm and measured response.  While people often use these terms interchangeably, they are distinct crimes in […]

A common belief is that if an alleged victim returns home safely, any potential kidnapping charges will simply disappear. This is a dangerous misconception.  In California, the crime of kidnapping is completed the moment a person is moved a substantial distance through the use of force or fear. The subsequent actions of the alleged victim, […]

Facing a homicide allegation is a dire situation, and a San Diego murder and manslaughter defense attorney is often the first line of defense in protecting a person’s rights and future.  In popular culture, the words “murder” and “manslaughter” are thrown around as if they mean the same thing. In the California legal system, however, […]

A lot of people think reckless driving only means speeding or cutting someone off in traffic. However, the legal definition is more specific, and the consequences are much more serious than a regular ticket. If you drive in San Diego, it’s important to know what the law considers to be reckless driving and what can […]

Burglary has a long history as a crime. It was one of the original felonies under English common law before the U.S. was even founded. Since the nation’s birth, burglary charges have carried severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment. Originally, burglary only occurred when someone entered a dwelling. This definition has expanded to include entering vehicles, […]

One of the most common complaints about prostitution crimes is that prostitution and solicitation charges are often associated with different punishments. California Penal Code 647(b) determines much jail time for prostitution in California. Under this law, customers and prostitutes face the same punishments for solicitation or prostitution convictions. This means that sex workers and those […]

After getting involved in a car accident in California, it’s vital to ensure you stop at the accident scene. If you fail to do so, prosecutors may be able to pursue criminal charges against you. A conviction for a hit and run accident can result in harsh penalties, including jail time, fines, and driver’s license […]

Unfortunately, conflicts with an intimate partner can sometimes turn ugly. If an intimate relationship results in allegations of domestic abuse or physical injury, you could find yourself in a difficult legal battle. Before you can begin building legal defenses to counter these allegations, though, you must first understand the type of charges you are facing. […]

A first-degree burglary conviction in California can have devastating consequences and impact your life in numerous ways.  This type of crime is a felony offense in the state, and it can leave you facing a prison sentence and serious fines. You may also face the possibility of having a criminal record for the rest of […]

The penalty for assault and battery in San Diego can be very harsh. California penal code section 242 outlines what this criminal offense is and what you could face if you’re convicted, including prison time, steep fines, and ending up with a criminal record for the rest of your life. If you’ve been charged with […]

Sending our children out into the world on their own can be both an exciting and terrifying time for a parent. This is a time for your child to learn and grow independently, and that means you will not have the same level of oversight and control over their activities. During this stage of development, […]

California is renowned for its stringent approach to Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and a fourth offense is considered a serious legal infringement. A fourth DUI within ten years significantly elevates the stakes, bringing forth severe penalties, extensive incarceration, and potentially life-altering consequences. In this article, we’ll unravel the intricacies and ramifications of encountering a […]