Criminal Defense Process

DUI lawyer explaining third DUI penalties in California courtroom

Understanding Plea Bargains in California’s Criminal Justice System

Criminal Defense Process /

Navigating the criminal justice system in California, particularly for first-time defendants, can be daunting. A key component of this system is the plea bargain, a tool used in the vast majority of criminal cases. This article provides a clear, professional insight into the role of plea bargains in California, offering valuable information for anyone involved

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The Criminal Process

Criminal Defense Process /

How Does the Criminal Process Work in California? When I was younger I loved law shows on TV, in particular ones that had to do with crimes, such as the Law & Order franchise. I used to watch them passionately studying the tactics, the procedures and dialogue the lawyers in the shows used. However, after

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The Heat Of The Moment

Criminal Defense Process /

A sudden passion can separate murder from manslaughter, in a legal sense — but, where is that line drawn? On June 3, 2013, the California Supreme Court delivered People vs. Beltran, (124 Cal.App.3d 335). Mr. Beltran shared a residence with Claire Joyce Tempongko and Ms. Tempongko’s son. While the son called Mr. Beltran “Dad,” Mr.

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Discovery In Criminal Cases

Criminal Defense Process /

Traditionally, discovery in criminal cases was a one-way proposition: the prosecutor had a duty to disclose evidence to the defense, but the defense had no duty to reciprocate. That dynamic changed with Proposition 115. Proposition 115, narrowly approved by voters on June 5, 1990, made reciprocal discovery the rule in California criminal cases. While the

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Taking & Storing DNA Evidence During The Booking Process in California

Criminal Defense Process /

On March 20, 2014, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that California’s taking and storing DNA profiles from anyone arrested on suspicion of a felony is Constitutional. This caused a bit of controversy throughout the State, because some argue that this practice should not be legal. The state of Maryland practices the same

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