Criminal Defense Archives

If you’ve ever been in a heated situation, you probably know how quickly tension can evolve into arguing, yelling, or even becoming violent. Maybe you’ve found yourself in a situation like this after someone cut in front of you in line or after you had a disagreement with a friend about when they’re going to pay back the money you lent them. Regardless of what caused the dispute, things can easily get out of hand. It’s natural for emotions to run high in tense situations, but assault is a serious charge, and if you find yourself facing assault charges even though you didn’t hurt anyone, you might be wondering how that could be possible. You never put your hands on…

Criminal defense in California is a complex area of law, and there are many misconceptions about the legal process. Most people’s knowledge of the judicial system relies on what they’ve seen on television or in movies. One of the most common myths is what happens if police officers fail to read a suspect their Miranda Rights. A Miranda Rights violation might benefit your case, but you’ll need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney Dod of Dod Law is a top source of legal representation in California. He will guide you through the legal process after officers fail to read your rights. What Are Miranda Rights? The Miranda warning comes from the 1966 United States Supreme Court Case…

Under California Vehicle Code 20002, any driver who hits another vehicle must stop immediately. If the owner is not around, they must make every reasonable effort to find and notify them. However, if they cannot locate the person, the driver may leave a note with their full contact information. If the other driver is around, you must stay at the accident scene until police arrive. If someone accuses you of leaving the scene of an accident, you must obtain a lawyer immediately. This is a severe charge and can lead to harsh penalties, even for first-time offenders. In California, Dod Law is a top source of legal representation and can defend you against a hit-and-run accusation. What Are the Penalties…

When people hear the phrase “domestic violence,” they usually think of physical or emotional abuse. However, financial abuse is often the first sign of domestic violence in a relationship. Knowing what financial abuse is and how it can impact victims is vital if you’re involved in a situation like this with an intimate partner. If you’re facing the severe charge of domestic violence, you should reach out to a California criminal defense attorney. They can thoroughly investigate the claim and represent you throughout the case. What Is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse involves a person controlling their partner’s ability to earn, use, and maintain their own finances. Rarely do victims have access to monetary funds, and when they do have money,…

As of July 2020, there are almost 100,000 people incarcerated in California. With overcrowded jails and prisons on top of the rising cost to incarcerate criminals, it’s no surprise that criminal courts are looking for creative ways to sentence convicted criminals. A common alternative to jail time is electronic monitoring through ankle devices. To better understand this type of sentencing and how to obtain it, you should seek competent legal counsel. Attorney Dod with Dod Law can answer your questions about the possibility of avoiding incarceration through electronic monitoring. How Does Electronic Monitoring Work? Electronic monitoring is a form of surveillance of a specific person. Courts use it as intensive supervision that verifies offenders are at a designated location during…

As a convicted sex offender, you may face more serious consequences after serving your sentence than had you been convicted of most other crimes. Society ostracizes sex offenders without even knowing what crimes they committed. Part of this is because many sex offenders must register as such by law. Being on the sex offender registry can make it extremely challenging to move on from a mistake for which you’ve paid your dues. In California, the actions that constitute a sex crime vary drastically. There are dozens of sex crime charges you may face, and many of these require sex offender registration upon a conviction. If you face charges for a sex crime in San Diego, Attorney Dod of Dod Law…

Receiving a call that someone you care about has been arrested can be shocking. Suddenly, in that moment, dozens of questions run through your mind, and all you can think about is what you can possibly do to help. If you’ve never been in this situation before, you might not be sure what steps to take next. You might not know whether your loved one has legal representation or why they were arrested in the first place.  Getting that call is an unforgettable experience, and the actions you take as the person your loved one will depend on to get out of jail may influence their case. The most important thing you can do for them is remain calm and…

Individuals in California can seek restraining orders from the courts for a variety of reasons, and judges may issue them for civil or criminal matters. Among the most common reasons a person may seek a restraining order is to guard herself against domestic abuse. Yet, people and businesses may also seek protection from physical abuse, threats, stalking, and harassment.  The Difference Between a Restraining Order and Protective Order in California While the terms “restraining order” and “protective order” are often used interchangeably, they mean different things legally. A civil restraining order may be granted by a family law or civil judge to protect individuals who had a close relationship with an alleged offender. These orders protect them from physical harm…

Criminal judges in San Diego can decide whether to place individuals convicted of crimes on probation, depending on the nature of their offense and their criminal history. Generally, probation is reserved for nonviolent offenders and serves to free up space in the county’s jails. Probation also provides for rehabilitation, giving defendants a chance to reenter society under supervision.  Many defendants find relief in being sentenced to probation rather than jail time; however, probation is hard work, and can sometimes feel like walking on eggshells. There are strict rules and guidelines you must follow when you’re on probation, and San Diego probation officers may find nearly any reason to accuse you of violating the terms of your probation. If you’re accused…