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San Diego County Criminal Defense Legal Blog

More Than Half of Women Killed in San Diego are Victims of Domestic Violence

San Diego is known as a friendly California beach town that has wonderful weather year-round. Several tourist attractions draw visitors from all over the country, and its proximity to Mexico and national parks makes it a prime destination for travelers. It has also been ranked as one of the safest cities in America for its low rate of violent crime. What many people may not know, however, is that San Diego is a hotspot for domestic violence. According to a report by The Washington Post, 51% of women killed in San Diego in the past decade were killed by a violent partner. This is the highest of any city they researched. Some other facts that people may not know about…


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When Would a Prosecutor Drop Domestic Violence Charges in California?

Prosecutors represent the State of California in all criminal matters, and they influence nearly all decisions the State makes regarding the legal course of every criminal case. Prosecutors investigate crimes, pursue charges, appear in court, handle post-conviction appeals, and above all, seek justice. Your San Diego criminal defense lawyer, on the other hand, is in charge of protecting your interests when challenging the prosecution’s arguments. If you face a domestic violence charge, Attorney Dod of Dod Law can help you save your reputation and secure your future. A prosecutor must decide how to proceed with criminal cases based on the evidence available about each case. Generally, prosecutors may avoid pursuing charges when they believe they lack sufficient evidence to succeed…


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Coronavirus Impacts San Diego Courts

The coronavirus pandemic has affected nearly all aspects of life, including how we access public services like those provided by San Diego’s courts. Hearings in criminal cases were stalled for weeks when California shut down to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As of May 2020, hearings have restarted in San Diego Superior Courts, but the public may not enter the courtroom. If you’re facing criminal charges during these uncertain times, speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer to understand what your next steps should be. Attorney Dod of Dod Law can help you navigate the criminal justice system during coronavirus.  How are Courts Operating During Coronavirus in San Diego? Courtrooms have not given up on keeping public hearings “public.” Instead,…


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Important Facts About a Marijuana DUI in California

Several states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, including all states on the West Coast. While police won’t apprehend you in San Diego for having a personal amount of marijuana on you, operating a vehicle while under its influence is illegal in all 50 states. If you’re caught, you could be charged with DUI of marijuana, a criminal offense that may lead to the same penalties as a standard DUI if you’re convicted. Marijuana users should be extra careful about driving after they have inhaled or ingested weed. Users of all tolerance levels may experience a reduction of their mental faculties, which can put their lives — and those of fellow drivers and passengers — at risk when driving…


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Domestic Violence and Child Abuse May Rise During COVID-19

Stay at Home orders intended to stop the spread of COVID-19 are triggering more domestic violence cases. Abuse victims confined to their homes with their abusers are at increased risk of more frequent and more severe acts of violence, and have reduced ability to call for help. Stress and isolation, among other factors, are exacerbating violence in the home.  According to the CDC, one in three women and one in four men have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. For those who experience violence regularly, home is not a safe place during times of crisis. With families in lockdown worldwide, the United Nations Population Fund estimates that three months of quarantine will result in a 20% rise in intimate partner…


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When a DUI Accident May Result in a Second-Degree Murder Charge

Learning that you have caused an accident and killed another person can be devastating. The shock of the accident and the knowledge that a life was taken can wreak havoc on your emotional and mental state. When an accident like this occurs because a driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol in California, the driver may face one of three felony charges. One of these is a second-degree murder charge, which is also known as a “Watson murder.” This charge carries the harshest possible penalties of all felony DUI charges in the state and is best handled by a felony DUI defense attorney.  People v. Watson Establishes DUI Suspects May be Charged with Murder A murder charge is…


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What are the Consequences of Stealing Mail in San Diego?

While the country is in lockdown, many states are reporting a rise in mail theft. As more people stay at home and shop online (and wait for their stimulus checks), thieves are targeting packages and mail from the government. Porch pirates, in particular, are a common problem in San Diego and the state of California. In fact, The Mercury News reported that the Golden State is in the top 3 states for “most packages stolen from homes.” Porch pirating is a specific type of mail theft in which offenders follow Amazon, UPS, USPS, and FedEx trucks around town to steal packages left at people’s doorsteps or on their porches. San Diego legislators are attempting to fight porch pirating by pressing…


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California Releases 3,500 Inmates Early Due to Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has swept the nation and has had a devastating impact on prisons and jails. As the virus spread through the California state prison system, the state government decided to grant early release to 3,500 inmates to reduce crowding and limit the spread of the virus.  Lawyers for Gov. Gavin Newsom assured federal judges that the state is taking “extraordinary and unprecedented protective measures” to limit the virus’s reach and keep the thousands of people who are incarcerated or employed in prisons safe. However, some lawyers representing California prisoners have requested more protective measures, particularly for prisoners who face a higher risk of death if they contract the virus, like older prisoners and those who are medically compromised. …


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What is a Federal DUI in California?

Being pulled over and investigated for DUI is a frightening experience that can lead to stiff consequences. A DUI charge can have many lasting effects and impacts your life immediately. There are several types of DUI charges you may face in California depending on the circumstances, but one of the most severe is a federal DUI charge. When you’re arrested for DUI in California you can face mandatory penalties, including the loss of your driving privileges. There are harsh penalties for DUI, but a DUI which occurs on federal property may incur federal charges, which may lead to more serious penalties. Getting a DUI on Federal Property in California In most DUI cases, defendants face state law prosecution and penalties….


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What You Need to Know About Possible Changes to Bail in California

The cash bail system in most of the United States has been heavily criticized as being unfair to those who do not have the financial means to get out of jail.  In San Diego, criminal defendants must pay a fee to get out of jail until the date of their trial. If they don’t have enough money, they can be stuck in jail until that day. Over time, many people realized that this system rewards those who can afford bail and punishes those who can’t. In some cases, people charged with serious offenses go free almost immediately, while others stay in jail awaiting trial for a year or longer simply because they can’t afford to post bail.  Cash bail allows…


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