Blog Posts in 2018
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Want to Save Your License? Immediate Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
After a DUI arrest, most people are rightfully concerned about losing their license. Police officers will confiscate your license when arresting you for a DUI, which sets in the realization that, in just a few weeks , you’ll no longer be able to drive. But before you give up hope and start planning your Uber commute, take these steps first. Request an Administrative Hearing Many people don’t ...
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Can You Avoid Deportation When Facing DV Charges?
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
The Aftermath of Domestic Violence A domestic violence (DV) conviction can hit anyone hard. With fines, protection orders , and incarceration on the list of potential penalties, anyone convicted of domestic violence can expect a significant life change. But non-citizens face an even greater potential penalty: deportation. When it’s your very home and livelihood on the line, jail and fines are the ...
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Cleaning Your Record in the Ban the Box Era
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
Ban the Box Protections In the Ban the Box Era, more Californians with criminal records are being treated fairly than ever before. With new laws to protect those at a disadvantage in place, people are being judged on their own merits first and their criminal histories last. This represents a shift in the right direction. But few comprehensively understand the Ban the Box law and what protections ...
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What Self-Driving Cars Could Mean for California DUI Laws
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
How Self-Driving Cars Will Change Driving There are over 35 million registered cars in California today. That number has almost caught up to the population of California , which is over 39 million to date. With nearly as many cars as people in the Golden State, it’s easy to see why DUI laws are so harsh. Considering one in three fatal car accidents involves alcohol, the risks of drunk driving are ...
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3 Ways to Move on From a Criminal Conviction
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
Being convicted of a crime is something most people want to move on from, and fast. But doing so can prove difficult if you don’t know where to start. Moving on from a criminal conviction happens in steps, some small and some large, so here are three effective ways to move on from your criminal conviction . 1. Finish All Requirements of Your Sentence If you’ve been ordered to pay fines, take ...
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Could the California Sex Offender Registration Law Change for the Better?
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
Sex Offender Registration Laws Public debate surrounding sex offender registration laws keep this topic alive and well and the laws ever changing. Whenever the media covers a “loophole” in sex offender registration policies (e.g. an offender reoffends or fails to register), people argue the laws need to be stricter and broader. At the same time, those required to register as sex offenders face ...
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10 Steps in a California DUI Arrest
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
Learning About California DUI Arrests Maybe you’ve never been arrested but want to be prepared. Maybe a friend or family member was arrested for a DUI, and you want to help him or her navigate the process. Or perhaps you’ve been arrested before and want to know how to handle the situation better if you’re arrested again. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn about the steps in a California DUI ...
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Top Tips for Making a Good Impression in Court
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
Your Day in Court You’ve been arrested and are facing criminal charges. You have at least one court appearance ahead of you before you can resolve your case and move on with your life. Unfortunately, first impressions are everything. You want the judge to go easy on you, which means you need to get on his or her good side. Appearing in court for criminal charges is a high-stakes event for these ...
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What Red Flag Laws Mean for California Gun Owners
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
Raising the Flag Red flag laws enable law enforcement to remove firearms from people whom the court has deemed a threat. Few states enforce these laws, but in the wake of the recent Parkland tragedy, that may change. California is among the few states that have red flag laws , including Connecticut, Washington, Indiana, and Oregon. These laws essentially allow for an expedited process when a ...
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California May Dismiss Thousands of Marijuana Convictions; Is Yours One?
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
A Shifting Legal Landscape As State lawmakers continue to redefine the legality of marijuana, those with prior marijuana-related convictions may see the light. A conviction for possession of a controlled substance is a serious matter. And many Californians now have a conviction for possession of a drug that is now entirely legal in the state. To make amends, California is dismissing thousands of ...
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8 Things to Know Before You Represent Yourself in Court
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
Facing criminal charges is something you should never do alone. But unless you know what you’re up against, it can be easy to make the decision to forgo an attorney to save some money, especially if you’re facing potentially steep fines . If you are considering representing yourself in court , consider these eight fundamentals of criminal defense first. 1. Say Goodbye to Your Free Time Defending ...
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3 Common Myths About Jail Sentences
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
The number one fear of many people seeking criminal defense help is jail time. Our office fields calls daily from people who will do anything to avoid jail. We can thank the media for some of this fear. But, in reality, most people have never seen the inside of a jail cell or know what exactly life in jail is like. So, while many people fear jail when facing criminal charges, few know what to ...
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3 Things to Avoid When Accused of Domestic Violence
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, you could face criminal prosecution and a lifetime of consequences from a criminal conviction . But whether you are guilty or not, it’s important to understand that what you do and say during this time can affect the outcome of your case . You should be proactive by talking to an attorney and discussing your case. And you should avoid—as best you ...
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5 Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Case
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
Influencing the Outcome Too many defendants think they can represent themselves when facing criminal charges. If they can’t afford an attorney, they may reason that they can do as good a job as a public defender and try to fight their charges alone. Even if they can afford an attorney, many opt for self-representation because they don’t fully grasp the importance of skilled legal counsel. ...
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How Domestic Violence Offenders are Affected By Politics
Posted By Christopher MartensContinue Reading
A Look at a Controversial Offense Domestic violence is a politically charged category of offenses. State laws vary greatly in their treatment and definitions of domestic violence offenses, which means there is relatively little consensus on what constitutes domestic violence and how domestic violence offenders should be punished. Where there is little consensus, there is room for political ...
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